Are you looking to directly replace the old, regular boiler in your 4-5 bedroom home?

Perhaps an engineer has already recommended a 30kw boiler, but you’re not sure of the difference between the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30cdi and 30ri.

I really don’t blame you for feeling confused, as on paper they sound almost identical. However, there ARE a couple of differences.

Over the years, many of my customers have asked me for advice when their old regular boilers have packed up, and I’ve used both of these boilers depending on the situation – that’s why I thought there was a real call for this comparison review.

Introduction

The brand Worcester Bosch has a reputation that’s second-to-none when providing the best quality boilers, having won Which’s ‘Best Buy’ four years running – so both the 30ri and 30cdi seem like a very sensible choice.

Both of these boilers can make for a quick fix if you’re looking for a direct replacement for your old, regular boiler, and can easily be installed in just 4-5 hours with very minimal upheaval. Obviously there will be extra time to flush system, patch up holes etc. Basically, all of your radiators, pipework and tank can be left where they are, the boiler replaced and the system quickly flushed out.

I know what you’re thinking… ‘So, what’s the difference?’

I’ve found that the only real difference that really matters with these boilers, is the physical size. Although, it’s wise to mention that the 30cdi is also a slightly newer model, so also has a better range rating. The 30cdi can’t be used with Worcester controls where as the 30ri can if fitted with a Worcester Greenstar wiring centre. Only other difference is the 30cdi has a lift weight of 37.5kg where as the 30ri is a lot lighter at 22.6kg.

Output and flow rate

With an output of 30kw to the heating, both of these boilers are best suited to a large 4 – 5 bedroom home with 12 – 14 radiators, and a 200-litre hot water tank – there’s really very minimal difference between them.

As they are both regular boilers, they can be fitted with your existing expansion tank and connected to your existing external pump and motorised valves. Ultimately, this can cut down the cost and labour of your installation.

However, when connecting to older systems, your chosen engineer must check there are separate cold feed and expansion pipes – these boilers can not be connected to a combined feed and expansion. They are also not compatible with gravity hot water.

I also would not recommend connecting to old galvanised steel expansion tank as this will draw dirt, silt and rust into the system. In this case, it’s better to upgrade the expansion tank.

Size and special features

The 30ri is a more compact model than the 30cdi, and you’ll find it will quite comfortably fit in a kitchen cupboard without any problems. The 30cdi, being a larger boiler, would have to be fitted in a larger storage cupboard.

So, if your current regular boiler is stored in in a kitchen wall cupboard, the difference in size may swing it for you, as the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30ri would make for the least upheaval.

However, if size and location don’t matter, you may wish to opt for the 30cdi, which is the slightly upgraded model and has a better range rating, more settings, and can be fitted with an integral diverter valve.

Guarantee

The good news is that both the 30ri and 30cdi come with Worcester Bosch’s brilliant no quibble 8-year boiler guarantee. The company also has its own dedicated engineers to attend to call-outs, so you know your new boiler is in the best possible hands.

Worcester Bosch currently has the best boiler guarantee on the market (in my humble opinion), which is why I recommend them to all my customers.

It’s a definite fact that there are longer guarantees out there from other boiler companies, but often you’ll find a catch in the small print, or extra credit card charges before they’ll even agree to a call-out (Vaillant is one exception to this).

At a glance

Below, you’ll find a brief summary of the tech specs for both boilers:

Tech specs for 30ri

• Boiler output: 30kw to heating and hot water tank
• Ideal for: A 4-5 bedroom home with 12-14 radiators and a 200-litre hot water tank.
• ERP rating: A
• Guarantee: 8 years*

Tech specs for 30cdi

• Boiler output: 30kw to heating and hot water tank
• Ideal for: A 4-5 bedroom home with 12-14 radiators and a 200-litre hot water tank.
• ERP rating: A
• Guarantee: 8 years*

Conclusion

If you need a 30kw direct replacement to your tired old regular boiler, the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30ri and 30cdi may already be on your radar. But which one is best? Actually, the only real difference that matters when it comes to these boilers, is the physical size and weight

Both will happily heat a 4-5 bedroom home with 12-14 radiators and a 200-litre hot water tank, but the 30cdi is too big to fit in a kitchen cupboard. So, if your existing regular boiler is stored in your kitchen wall cupboard, you may prefer the 30ri for minimal upheaval.

You can also enjoy an 8-year* no quibble guarantee with both of these boilers, and dedicated engineers mean you’ll be covered in all eventualities.

*8-year guarantee is subject to being serviced annually by Gas Safe registered engineer

Have you decided which boiler you need yet?