Is the Ideal Classic HE boiler any good?

[coldandstinky]

Hello,
We have been without heat and hot water for several weeks now and it is getting quite boring. We have a useless Potterton Suprima 40L with what seems to be a common fault, a dodgy circuit board resulting in failure to ignite. We are thinking of replacing it completely as we seem to be constantly throwing money at it (we have tried a reconditioned circuit board and replacing valves). The only option left would be to try replacing the PCB completely, but nobody seems particularly keen to take this on and I am also not convinced that this will be the end of it.
Our plumber wants to install an Ideal Classic HE condensing boiler. I can't find too much about it online, I found quite a few positive comments made in forums around 2005, but nothing more recently. Could someone please reassure me that this is a good little boiler? We live in a small brick built, poorly insulated victorian semi, 2 bedrooms, central heating, hot and cold water tanks. I am also wondering if we should consider upgrading to a combi-boiler, if in fact it would be an upgrade? Or could this create even more problems? I'm just looking for an easy life (with heat and hot water) with no further need to call out plumbers on a depressingly regular basis...
Any thoughts, particularly on the reliability of the Ideal Classic?
Thank-you!

 

[BingoBongo]

stand well back

here it comes

 

[landyandy]

It's fair to say that Ideal have a poor reputation with their boilers.

Personally I would choose again.

Andy

 

[coldandstinky]

Forgot to add that British Gas have also been round to quote and they want to fit a Baxi Solo 15HE. This (unsurprisingly) will cost us more, but I'm beginning to think it will be worth it if it is reliability I'm paying for. Is the Baxi any good?

Landyandy, thanks for your reply, I had a suspicion that people might not rate the Ideal Classic. I realise it's a big ask and I should probably just take out a subscription to Which magazine, but can you or anyone else out there suggest a good, reliable little boiler? I'm keen to avoid Potterton for obvious reasons..!

 

[The Baker]

Why don't you go for a boiler that has a five year parts and labour warranty and is compaterble with an out side sensor which will enable the weather compensation within the electronics of the appliance and save on your gas bills.

Tim

 

[landyandy]

No need to take out the Which subscription.

Choose a well recommended installer, and he will be the best to advise you.

Do a search on various boilers on this forum and you will get a feel of which one to go for.

Andy

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

British gas can be a lottery as to what you get for your money, Ive seen the quality of workmanship in my parents house, some leaves a lot to be desired. Also you will pay a premium over a decent independant installer, with no guarantee of a better job.

Combi's have their place, however bear in mind if they do break down you've no heating or hot water, personally I prefer a cylinder, as then at least you have backup from an immersion for HW.

Which? listed Vaillant as a good buy, and I see no reason to doubt that, however their customer support seems to have taken a nosedive of late. Broag and Viessman seem to be the better end of the range I believe, like with everything you get what you pay for. Also it is essential any new boiler is fitted to a clean system, so bear this in mind when looking at costs.

 

[gas4you]

I've fitted a few of these, albeit under the guise of the Plumb Center Optia.

Never missed a beat to date, any of them.

They are just an improved 'B' rated classic.

If money is tight then go for it.

Go for the Optia though, it's a lot cheaper for the same boiler.

 

[namsag]

Ill informed comments about classic from a couple on here
Yes ideal boilers have been bad for a number of years But the classic is a different kettle of fish .
It is probably the most reliable boiler out there and proven over the past twenty years.
As gas4you says get the guy o go for the plumbcentre Optia its the same boiler just a different badge and a bit cheaper.
Even if you wanted the baxi solo 15HE ask same guy to price it up for you its about the same price as a classic. And is quite a good boiler to

 

[coldandstinky]

Thanks for all your replies. All input gratefully received...

I though I had it sorted in my mind having done a bit more research, but now I'm confused again as from most recent posts it looks as if maybe I should stick with my plumbers original suggestion?

I have had a bit of a look around this forum, online manufacturers sites and I've paid my £1 for a trial Which subscription, so I was planning to call my plumber tonight and ask him what he thought about fitting either a Valliant Ecotec plus 418, a Buderus 600, maybe a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 12 or 15Ri and the best buy according to Which? a Glow-worm Ultracom 15hxi.
If anyone has the time I would really appreciate your thoughts on whether any of these will be significantly better than the Ideal Classic he originally recommended. I don't mind paying a little bit more for a good, reliable boiler.

Thanks again...

 

[sooey]

I have had a bit of a look around this forum, online manufacturers sites and I've paid my £1 for a trial Which subscription, so I was planning to call my plumber tonight and ask him what he thought about fitting either a Valliant Ecotec plus 418, a Buderus 600, maybe a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 12 or 15Ri and the best buy according to Which? a Glow-worm Ultracom 15hxi.

That sounds like a great way to 'do his head in'

 

[coldandstinky]

That wasn't exactly what I had in mind! He is a nice guy! Maybe I'll try a bit harder not to sound like a bunny-boiling madwoman!

 

[bengasman]

With the reputation Ideal have built up, I most certainly will not install one in the coming decade.

The best thing to do if you are not in an enormous hurry:
Ask everybody you know locally for recommendations, until you have found a top notch insaller.
Then follow his advice.

 

[petit_pablo]

Or just fit a new PCB and not a recon unit?

 

[gas4you]

I think you are looking into this too deeply now and worrying unduely.

The optia/classic HE is the only Ideal I will still fit.