Like the sound of an unvented cylinder, but aren’t sure which one to pick?
There are so many great benefits of fitting a system boiler with an unvented cylinder, such as fantastic water pressure, greater energy efficiency, and all the heating and hot water your large property will ever need.
If like many of my customers, you’re attracted by many of the benefits above, then an unvented cylinder is probably the best solution for you, although it can be a pricey investment.
Below, I’m going to give you a run-down of three of the best unvented cylinders on the market, to help make your choice a little easier.
Superwarm’s Top Unvented Cylinder Picks
Before I get started, it’s important to note that apart from the price, there’s not really any major drawbacks to any of these options – an unvented cylinder is essentially a big insulated steel tank that does what it says on the tin. There’s not really many components that can possibly go wrong, so it really just falls down to brand and how much you are prepared to spend.
Most popular unvented cylinder brand: Megaflo
Megaflo is probably the biggest household name when it comes to unvented cylinders. The website states that these particular cylinders are constructed from duplex stainless steel, and because of this they offer a “superior resistance to corrosion”.
Every unit goes through a very thorough testing process in the factory, where the pressure is increased to 15 bars – five times the usual operating pressure for these cylinders.
Price: £1100 (Supplied and fitted)
Best new player to the market: Worcester Bosch
You should know by now how I feel about Worcester Bosch; it is a premium brand company offering premium brand products, with superior, no-quibble guarantees and dedicated engineers. However, Worcester Bosch ‘Greenstore’ cylinders are a tad on the pricey side, so I’d only recommend opting for one of these at the moment if your boiler and controls are also from the Worcester Bosch brand. Which means Worcester give a great brand package guarantee.If not, I’d save your money and go for one of the better value cylinders.
Price: £1400 (Supplied and fitted)
Longest unvented cylinder guarantee: Santon
The main reason Santon is on this list is because of the extra-long 30-year guarantee – compared to the 25-year-guarantee you’ll get with the others. There are two unvented cylinders in the range: the PremierPlus and the PremierPlus SystemFit. Because they are manufactured to very stringent standards, these units are also resistant to corrosion and have a long life expectancy – something that Santon has backed up with its particularly good guarantee.
Price: £1100 (Supplied and fitted)
Best overall value unvented cylinder: GledHill
My top pick for the best overall value unvented cylinder is without a doubt, Gledhill. They’re manufactured in The UK which is a huge plus as I can always get hold of them when needed, and they also have a great guarantee.
Their range of unvented cylinders are all manufactured using only the highest grade of stainless steel, making for strong and durable containers you can rely on.
Price: £1040 (Supplied and fitted)
Conclusion
There are so many reasons to choose an unvented cylinder for your large property, such as the fantastic water pressure, greater energy efficiency, and all the heating and hot water you’ll ever need. And the good thing about unvented cylinders is that not much can go wrong with them – it all comes down to which brand you prefer and the price you’re willing to pay.
Choose from popular brands such as Megaflo, premium brands like Worcester Bosch, or great value brands like Gledhill. You could even get a 30-year-guarantee if you decide to opt for Santon.
Which unvented cylinder will you choose?
info on unvented systems very interesting. you do not mention system boilers to go with them. I also note two top brands do not get a mention OSO and Viessemann?
I have recently had an Ariston classico 210 unvented direct immersion heater installed. I am currently only able to draw 150ltr of hot water from my 210Ltr tank every day, morning or night. Ariston say this is to be expected, since cold water coming in from the bottom will reduce the amount of hotwater I can receive. Surely, if the tank is advertised as 210Ltr, then that is what I should expect – or something close. How much hotwater should a 210Ltr unvented heater provide please?
Your right you should expect 210ltr of hot water!
My plumbers have just installed a 210 litre Main unvented cylinder. Is the quality of this product considered to be good?
No mentioning of the comparative energy efficiency rating or the warranty cover for the outer casing.
Some cylinders lose a great deal of KWh per day while just storing hot water. A later generation cylinders should aim to achieve ‘A’ rating which means heat loss closer to nil KWh per day.
I don’t know how many do compete at this level of efficiency at economic price but I heard that the OSO Delta cylinders are in this category.
Also all warranties are limited to the inner tanks while the outer casing made of mild steel will start rusting long before the mid life of the warranty.
I now find it difficult to select a cylinder to replace my 10 years old which has developed unsightly rust at the bottom of the outer casing. It will be helpful if we have independent studies of the combative economics while allowing for thermal efficiency and life of the outer casing on which manufacturers do not say much?