Are you looking a reliable combi boiler that’s just the right output for your family-sized home?
Perhaps you’ve already looked at the Worcester Bosch 34cdi classic combi, but like the idea of getting slightly more value for money with the Ideal Logic+ C35.
Sometimes it’s not always obvious just from the name alone what you’re actually getting. And while both of these boilers sound similar, they’re actually quite different.
That’s why I’m going to do my best to help you out by using my experience as a heating engineer to review both in full.
So, let’s get started, shall we?
Introduction
Both the Worcester Bosch and Ideal brands are doing well on the market right now. On one hand, Worcester Bosch is the market leader with the Which ‘Best Buy’ stamp of approval and a proven track record of lasting 18 – 20 years.
On the other hand, Ideal are back on fighting form and are now offering slightly better value for money with their latest range of boilers. Not only is their pricing competitive, but their guarantees are enough to sway many of my customers. However, these boilers are yet to prove they can truly last the distance – only time will tell.
Saying that, the Ideal Logic+ C35 is an award-winning combi boiler, and with the right accredited installer, you can get the same 10-year guarantee as Worcester Bosch but WITHOUT having to fork out extra for the brand’s own controls.
However, is a Logic+ C35 or 34cdi classic really what you need? Keep reading to find out!
Output and flow rates
The Ideal Logic+ C35 gives a 24.2kW output to your central heating, which is perfect for a standard three to four-bedroom home. However, if you have 12+ radiators in your home, you should discuss your options with a heating engineer, as you may find you’ll be better off with an output to the heating circuit (radiators) of around 30kW – which is what the Worcester Bosch 34cdi offers.
Furthermore, if you have large rooms with high ceilings and stone walls, you’ll find you need a boiler that’s really up to the job. Look no further than the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 34cdi classic! Its high central heating output means it can supply 12+ radiators for optimal comfort in your home. Alternatively, Ideal have a range called the Vogue, which might be a good alternative.
Both of these boilers offer a great flow rate to your home. The Ideal Logic+ C35 can deliver 14.5 litres per minute to your taps, which will easily run a deep bath or tackle a high pressure shower. The Worcester Bosch 34cdi classic is much the same, at 14.7 litres per minute. It’s not a huge difference.
Size and special features
Measuring in at 395mm x 700mmx 278mm, the Ideal is a compact boiler which will fit in a kitchen wall cabinet. The Worcester Bosch 34cdi, on the other hand, is slightly bulkier at 440mm x 750mm x 360mm. This means it’s a wall-mounted boiler, and can’t be tucked away as easily, but it wont fit into a standard kitchen wall cupboard.
However, size shouldn’t be the biggest issue when deciding between these two boilers, as the heating output is really quite different.
Guarantee
The Ideal Logic+ C35 and the Worcester Bosch 34cdi classic both offer up to 10-year guarantees. However, in order to get the 10-year guarantee on the already pricier Worcester Bosch, you have to fit the brand’s own filter and controls. When it comes to the Ideal Logic+ C35, you have no such restraints, which makes it a tempting offer.
The only caveat here is that you’ll need to find an accredited installer who can definitely offer you that deal.
With the Ideal Logic+ C35, you can receive up to a 10-year guarantee – that’s if you find the right accredited installer who can offer you this deal. And that deal comes with no strings attached. In other words, you don’t have to fit a brand-specific filter and controls to get that deal.
TIP: Your guarantee will only stay valid if you get your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer!
It’s also worth mentioning that these are no-quibble guarantees that will have you covered in the event that anything goes wrong. You won’t be charged extra to your credit card for call-outs!
At a glance
Head spinning? Here’s a quick look at everything we’ve learned so far.
Let’s start with the Ideal Logic+ C35:
- Heating output: 24.2kW
- Hot water output: 35kW, 14.5 litres per minute at 35 degrees Celsius
- Ideal for: A three to four-bedroom home with 6-10 radiators and a deep bath or high pressure shower
- Guarantee: Up to 10 years with some accredited installers*
- Size: 395mm x 700mmx 278mm
- ERP rating: A
*Always check with your chosen accredited installer about whether they’ll be able to offer this deal.
Now, here’s what to expect from the Worcester Bosch 34cdi classic:
- Heating output: 30kw
- Hot water output: 34kw (14.7 litres per minute)
- Ideal for: A large home with 12+ radiators and a deep bath or high pressure shower
- Guarantee: 10 years (when fitted with Worcester Bosch’s own filter and controls)
- Size: 440mm x 750mm x 360mm
- ERP rating: A
Advice from an experienced heating engineer
On the face of it, these boilers may look and sound very similar, but in fact they’re really quite different. That’s what it’s always best to talk to a qualified engineer before making your final decision.
I’ve personally visited customers with a small one-bedroom flat telling me they wish for a Worcester Bosch 34cdi as it has a good flow rate. However, the heating output is too big for their home, in which case I’d recommend the Worcester Bosch 36cdi compact.
The other case is that I see customers asking for an Ideal Logic+ C35, but they have a five-bedroom house. Again, this is the wrong boiler as the heat output to the radiators isn’t enough. In which case I’d recommend the Ideal Vogue 32kW or 40kW combis.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has helped to highlight the considerable differences between the the Ideal Logic+ C35 and the Worcester Bosch 34cdi classic. The main difference here is the heating output, but if you like the idea of an Ideal boiler, or a Worcester Bosch, both of these brands have suitable alternatives for your size of home.
Do you have a question about either of these boilers? Just let me know in the comments’ section! I’m always happy to hear from you.
