Are you trying to find a good, compact boiler to fit into a slim cupboard of an average-sized family home?
If so, you may already have looked at a market leader like the Worcester Bosch 30si, and want to see how the Ideal Logic+ C30 compares.
After all, both boilers come from great manufacturers with long guarantees and similar outputs. But what’s the real deciding factor here?
If you’re left scratching your head, then this blog is for you. As an experienced engineer, I can tell you there’s not much in it, but there ARE a couple of things to consider.
So, let’s take a closer look at both of these boilers below.
Introduction
The Ideal Logic+ C30 is an award-winning combi boiler. Ideal have fully committed to providing great value and outstanding customer service, and they’ve recently gained quite an impressive market share. To be honest, I can see why, as much like Baxi, they seem to be offering more bang for your buck right now. It’s certainly making a lot of people think twice, especially as they are coming in at a better value deal than Worcester Bosch (typically around £240 – £300 cheaper, in fact!).
On the other hand, we have the undisputed Which ‘Best Buy’ that is the Worcester Bosch 30si. These boilers are amazing value, and are truly proven to last the distance. You can usually get around 18 – 20 years out of these babies, and they’re considered top of their game right now. It can also be paired with Worcester Bosch’s own smart control system, the Wave.
Hmmm, it’s a toughie. Time to get down to business!
Output and flow rates
In terms of output to the heating circuit (radiators) the Ideal Logic+ C30 delivers the same 24kW as the Worcester Bosch 30si, so we’re talking identical outputs here. Both are perfect for heating an average 3-bedroom family home, or a 2-bedroom apartment with high ceilings. Both can typically take on around 8 – 10 radiators (12 as the absolute max).
As for water output, it’s also very, very close. With an output of 30kW to the hot water, the Ideal Logic+ C30 offers just that slight bit more, at 12.4 litres per minute, compared to the Worcester’s 12.3. It’s too close to really let that be the deciding factor, as you won’t actually notice the difference.
Size and special features
Good news! Both of these boilers measure in at the same compact size of 700mm x 395mm x 280mm (well, 278mm for the Ideal), This means they’ll easily fit into a standard sized kitchen cupboard, or Edinburgh press. So, if space is of the utmost importance… again, it’s a tie.
Not making this an easy decision, am I?
Guarantee
Okay, we finally have a bit of a difference! With the right accredited installer (and please check), you can get up to a 10-year guarantee on the Ideal Logic+ C30. That’s on the condition you fit an Ideal magnetic central heating filter.
The Worcester Bosch, on the other hand, can offer up to a 9-year guarantee – ah, but there’s a catch! In order to get 9 years, you have to also fit the brand’s own filters and Worcester controls, which brings the price difference up even more.
TIP: Your guarantee will only stay valid if you get your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer!
So, if value for money is a deal-breaker, it could be the Ideal Logic+ C30 has the edge here! It’s also worth mentioning that both of these brands also have their own dedicated engineers for call-outs, and won’t charge your credit card. They really take care of their customers, which is essential.
At a glance
Right, time to really break it down here, with an ‘at a glance’ summary.
Let’s start with the Ideal Logic+ C30:
- Heating output: 24.2kW
- Hot water output: 30kW, 12.4 litres per minute at 35 degrees Celsius
- Ideal for: Average 3-bedroom home (or 2-bedroom flat with high ceilings)
- Guarantee: 7 years (or 10 years with some accredited installers*)
- Size: 700mm x 395mm x 278mm
- ERP rating: A
*Always check with your chosen accredited installer about whether they’ll be able to offer this deal.
Now, here’s a brief summary of the technical specifications you can enjoy with a Worcester Bosch 30si:
- Heating output: 24kw
- Hot water output: 30kw (12.3 litres per minute)
- Ideal for: A 3-bedroom home with 8-10 radiators, high pressure shower and a bath
- Guarantee: 9 years when fitted by an accredited installer, with Worcester Bosch’s own filter and controls
- Size: 700mm x 395mm x 278mm
- ERP rating: A
Advice from an experienced heating engineer
I’ve written another blog recently comparing the Ideal Logic+ C30 to the Worcester Bosch 30i, and to be honest this is another of those tricky comparisons. It’s really difficult for me to say which I’d recommend, as I’ve always been biased towards Worcester Bosch.
However, hopefully a few years down the line, when Ideal’s really proven these boilers last the distance (and aren’t failing after say, 10 years compared to Worcester’s 18 – 20 years), it’ll be a different story. Right now, these boilers have the guarantee, they just don’t yet have the time behind them.
I’ve priced quite a few jobs recently where cost and value was a big factor. Clients have asked for a quote on a Worcester Bosch, and a quote on an alternative. On receiving the quotes, I’ve found when quoting for these two boilers that 50% of customers will opt for the Ideal.
After all, you’ll have the extra dosh to spend on things like smart controls! And with such a great guarantee, there’s no reason not to go for it.
However, if you’re looking for a premium brand boiler that has the Which ‘Best Buy’ stamp of approval, and is proven to last 18 – 20 years, the Worcester Bosch 30si could still be your best bet.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful when comparing the Ideal Logic+ C30 to the Worcester Bosch 30si. Both of these are fantastic boilers, and it’s a bit of a photo finish in terms of which deal comes out better. However, Ideal are offering fantastic value for money right now, just saying!
Got any more questions about these two boilers? Feel free to leave me a question in the comments – I’ll get back to you ASAP!
