Combi Boiler sizing and shower recommendation

[Albannach]

Can anyone recommend a good combi. boiler that will run 5 medium sized (500 x 600) radiators, but more importantly, power a proper deluge type shower with ease?

Also, what's a good, high flow, deluge shower?

[tavvi]

Worcester-Bosch boiler.

I'd just pick the one that has a capacity one level up from that which appears to be a best fit for your requirements, to give a wee bit extra oomph. That's all I did and the shower flow is probably the best part of the whole system.

The sealed central heating system is great as well - in 15 years I think I've had to bleed my radiators twice. No sign of any corrosion or blockage and that's with microbore pipes.

I've got a Grohe shower which works fine but I'm sure there are loads of others just as good.

[tintin]

I'd have to agree with Tavvi, a Worcester boiler with Grohe shower and fittings.
Certainly not the cheapest options Andy, but probably the best generally.
Be aware tho, worcester boilers need to be installed by an approved installer to qualify for their extended warranty (many of the range currently offer 7 yrs)

Alan

[Bogus]

Another worcester bosch supporter here. You need to get it properly sized and check the hot water flow rate for the chosen boiler.

For your puprpose q WB greenstar 24i would do the job: Ive just had one installed in a 1 bedroom 1 boxroom flat: Shower ( hot water ) flow is qround 10litrs per min

[Wolfracer]

Worcester. ours is now nearly 20 yo and still running 82 pc efficiency. and is powering12 rads easily. shower flow is good and heat consistant. Your pipework will play a part in flow rates though. short run or 22mm best, but not essential.

[StevenN]

Worcester are good but I wouldn't jump straight in with a combi without asking a few questions.

Firstly I sell boilers, don't install and don't want the sale.
I do want you to get the best deal for you though!

Before you go down the combo route any good installer will check your cold water flow and pressure.
If these are poor then a combi ain't for you.

The type of shower you want will require a lot of water so if your main cold water can't handle it you will need a tank and pump set up.
You can pump from a tank but you can't pump from the mains.
Also worth considering are unvented cylinders and system boilers but you still need a good cold supply

That said if the cold water is good then a boiler over 32kw will give the hot water you need.

What's your budget?
Worcetser are popular at the moment but others can offer similar quality and warranties at lower prices.

With the shower Grohe do some nice large shower heads.
Again its down to price.

You may know all this already.

If you would like me to look at things and give an opinion please pm me.
I am busy but will find time to offer my best advice

Steve

[Wolfracer]

Flats generally don't have an attic for header tanks do they?

[StevenN]

True

But it may also be the case that a high flat and a shared supply will give a low water pressure.
No good having a high powered boiler and not enough water to heat.

We need more info

Steve

[hilly64]

most combis will deal with the heat load of most houses. It is hot water flow rate where size matters - the bigger the boiler the higher the flow rate however you can be paying £200-£300 to gain 2litres/min which you may notice on a shower but a bath does take a wghile with a combi however you will get used to it and it is hot water on demand time after time.

As previously pointed out make sure pressure good and ample flow - can be measured easily

also make sure your cold feed to the boiler is adequately sized and if possible the first connection off the incoming main....this will reduce the impact opening other taps and flushing toilets has on the hot water delivery.

worcester great, well engineered etc but you must have boiler mate, scale reducer and treatment to get benchmark cert and guarantee

heard favourable reports about Ariston who tend to be an OEM parts supplier to other manufacturers

cant beet grohe (thats why upmarket hotels use, look good and reliable), horne and gummers also well made

[kamaangir]

What about Vaillant combis? Are they any good?

[StevenN]

Vaillant are good boilers.
Prices tend to be higher than Worcester and they are also playing catchup on the warranty stakes

[KERRSURF]

I have a Valiant condensing boiler, quiet, efficient and not broken down after 4 years.

[Albannach]

Thanks for the advice chaps, Worcester and Grohe it is