Will Scholfield, Engineer
20 Jun : Updated 19 Mar ● 10 min read
Vaillant vs. Worcester Bosch boilers - An updated review and comparison for 2024
If your boiler is struggling to perform and you find yourself constantly forking out for repairs to keep it running, it might be time for a new boiler.
While replacing and upgrading your boiler might be a high upfront cost, it can save you money in the long run, not only in your energy bills but on repairs, too. You may also want to consider taking out boiler cover for peace of mind that you’re covered should you have any unexpected issues with your boiler and that your annual boiler service will be taken care of.
There are some important decisions you need to make when selecting a new boiler - do you need a combi boiler, standard boiler or a system boiler, and what about the make and model? Thankfully, our team of experts are on hand to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Take a look at some of our other boiler guides to help you find and install the perfect boiler for your home.
Who are Vaillant and Worcester Bosch?
Choosing a new boiler isn't easy, but buying from large and popular boiler manufacturers offers peace of mind. Vaillant and Worcester Bosch are two of the largest manufacturers on the market. They offer an extensive range of boiler types and sizes to suit all homes.
Introduction to Vaillant boilers
Vaillant is a German, family-owned business that dates back to 1874. The company is headquartered in Remscheid and has been active in the UK boiler market since the 1970s.
The brand has sites across the UK and is known for its heating and cooling products, including an extensive boiler range. Their strong reputation was bolstered in 2020 after being awarded "Best Buy" status by Which?
They have a strong Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on almost 19,000 reviews.
Introduction to Worcester Bosch boilers
In 1962, the UK-based Worcester brand merged with the Germany-based Bosch group to form Worcester Bosch. Since then, Worcester Bosch has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and trusted boiler manufacturers in the UK.
Worcester Bosch currently offers a range of products, including gas and oil boilers as well as hot water cylinders. They also have a great selection of renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar water heating systems.
The King’s Sandringham Estate has granted Worcester Bosch a warrant to supply boilers. This shows that their products and services have earned the Royal seal of approval!
Worcester Bosch has an impressive Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 from over 35,000 reviews. They were even named the 2020 Home and Gardens Awards' best domestic boiler manufacturer.
As you can see, both brands are well-trusted names that could be excellent for your next boiler
Vaillant vs. Worcester Bosch: Boiler technology
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Worcester Bosch's smart home boilers feature digital controls, 7-day scheduling abilities, and mechanical controls that enable 24-hour programming. Additionally, Bosch EasyControl, the brand's smart thermostat, can be linked to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for seamless integration. |
Many Vaillant boilers use stainless steel heat exchangers. This improves efficiency and can offer a longer life than the aluminium heat exchanger found in Worcester Bosch models. The Vaillant vSMART app uses state-of-the-art technology to offer remote and easy control of their latest boilers. You will be able to enjoy a wireless connection to efficiently run your central heating. It's available for iOS and Android users and even works with your Amazon Echo. Vaillant boilers also offer precision heating and are smart thermostat compatible. |
Vaillant vs. Worcester Bosch: Boiler price
When considering a boiler for your home, the price will be a significant deciding factor for most. Boilers are expensive pieces of equipment, so it's crucial to invest in the best possible model.
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Worcester Bosch is renowned for its premium quality, which is reflected in its prices. In fact, its boilers are multi-award-winning and have proven to be more than capable of meeting high usage levels, making them a worthwhile investment. Worcester Bosch boilers range in price from £700 for a compact model to £2500 for a top-of-the-range option. |
Vaillant is considered a premium boiler brand. This means you can expect to pay a little more. But for your extra money, you will enjoy great efficiency and reliability. On average, you can expect to pay between £2,500 and £3,000 for Vaillant boilers and installation. |
When you buy a boiler from BOXT, the price quoted includes installation and set-up fees, so you can avoid any surprises.
Vaillant vs. Worcester Bosch: Boiler features
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Some of the best Worcester Bosch features include:
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Some of the best Vaillant features include:
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Worcester Bosch vs Vaillant: Boiler guarantees and aftercare
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When you choose a Worcester Bosch boiler direct from the manufacturer, you have the option of a 5, 10, or 12-year guarantee, depending on the model and installation method you select. |
Extended guarantees are possible by using a Vaillant advance installer to install your boiler. They must be registered within 30 days of the installation. The information required for registration includes:
Guarantees for a Vaillant combi boiler will typically run for between 2 and 7 years when purchased directly from the manufacturer. The Vaillant labour warranty also protects homeowners for 90 days. |
Worcester Bosch vs Vaillant: Boiler efficiency
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Worcester Bosch has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the most efficient boilers in the market. Its Greenstar range is no exception. One of its standout models is the Greenstar 28CDi Compact, which boasts an impressive A-rating and an efficiency level of 94%. With the addition of a smart controller, the efficiency level of the Greenstar 28CDi Compact can be further increased to an impressive 98%. This makes it one of the most efficient boilers on the market. |
The most popular Vaillant boilers have an average efficiency rating of 94%. Its vSMART app improves efficiency, as it allows greater control over your boiler. Vaillant's built-in precision heating is another great feature. It maximises efficiency and helps to lower fuel bills. |
Worcester Bosch vs. Vaillant: Boiler size and power output
The power output of a new boiler is essential to performance. It has to be big enough to meet the hot water requirements of bathrooms, kitchens, and the central heating system.
An oversized boiler can be an equally poor choice. It can lead to poor energy efficiency and energy wastage.
The physical size of the boiler is also important. This will dictate where the boiler can be installed. If it is to be fitted in a cupboard or cabinet, it must be able to fit comfortably and allow space for maintenance.
| Worcester Bosch | Vaillant |
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Worcester Bosch has a great selection of options depending on the power output you require. Models are available in kW outputs ranging from 25kW right up to 50kW. This means that if you have a larger home with increased heating and hot water requirements, a Worcester Bosch boiler could be perfect for you. The Worcester Bosch Greenstar Ri standard boiler measures 390 mm x 600 mm x 270 mm (W, H, D). This makes it suitable for a range of spaces. |
Vaillant boilers offer outputs to suit most properties. This includes the ecoTEC pro combi that comes with outputs of 24kW, 28kW and 30kW. The ecoTEC plus combi by Vaillant packs a bit more punch. This is available with 48kW and 64kW outputs. Properties that require a compact model will benefit from the ecoFIT pure combi boiler that measures just 700 mm x 390 mm x 295 mm. |
Check out our other boiler comparison guides
Still deciding on a new boiler brand?
Why not check out our Ideal vs. Baxi boilers comparison guide to help inform your decision
Ideal vs. Baxi boilersVaillant boiler models
With a great selection of combi and system boilers, Vaillant's boiler systems could be perfect for your home. Below are some of the most popular models from its extensive range.
| Boiler name | Fuel type | Available in | Efficiency | Hot water flow rate | Warranty |
| ecoTEC exclusive with Green iQ combi | Gas & LPG | 35kW & 43kW | 89.7% (35kW) & 89.6% (43kW) | 14.5 l/min (35kW) 17.8 l/min (43kW) | Up to 10-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer |
| ecoTEC plus combi | Gas | 25kW, 32kW, 35kW, 38kW | 89.3% | 10.5 l/min (25kW) 13 l/min (32kW) 14.3 l/min (35kW) 15.9 l/min (38kW) | Up to 10-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer |
| ecoTEC plus combination store | Gas | 38kW | 89.3% | 15.9 l/min (38kW) | Up to 10-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer |
| ecoTEC pro combi | Gas | 24kW, 28kW, 30kW | 89.3% | 9.6 l/min (24kW) 11.1 l/min (28kW) 12.3 l/min (30kW) | Up to 7-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer |
| ecoFIT pure combi | Gas | 25kW, 30kW, 35kW | 89% (25kW & 30kW) 89.4% (35kW) | 10.4 l/min (25kW) 12.2 l/min (30kW) 14.1 l/min (35kW) | Up to 10-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer |
| ecoTEC exclusive with Green iQ system boilers | Gas & LPG | 27kW | 89.6% | Up to 10-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer | |
| ecoTEC plus system boilers | Gas & LPG | 12kW, 15kW, 18kW, 24kW, 30kW, 37kw | 89.3%, 89.2%, 89.6%, 89.6%, 89.7%, 89.5% | Up to 10-year guarantee with Vaillant Advance Installer | |
| ecoTEC plus 48 and 64kW | Gas & LPG | 48kW, 64kW | ErP rating A+ | 5-year guarantee |
Worcester Bosch boiler models
Worcester Bosch combi boilers are known for their quality. The Worcester Bosch boiler range includes many oil and gas boilers, including the popular models listed below.
| Boiler name | Fuel type | Available in | Efficiency | Hot water flow rate | Warranty |
| Greenstar 8000 Combi Boilers | Gas | 30 kW, 40 kW, 45kW and 50kW | 94% | 12.3 l/min (30kW), 16.4 l/min (40kW), 18.3 l/min (45kW) 20.3 l/min (50kW) | Up to 12 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar Si Compact Combi Boilers | Gas | 25kW, 30kW | 94% | 8.9l/min (25kW), 10.7l (30kW) | Up to 10 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar CDi Compact Combi Boilers | Gas | 28kW, 32kW, 36kW | 94% | 10 l/min (28kW), 11.5 l/min (32kW), 12.9 l/min (36kW) | Up to 10 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar CDi Highflow Combi Boilers | Gas | 29kW, 30kW | 92% | 20 l/min (29kW), 25 l/min (30kW) | Up to 10 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar Heatslave II Combi Boilers | Oil | 18kW, 25kW, 32kW | 90% | 15 l/min (18kW), 18 l/min (25kW), 22 l/min (32kW) | Up to 5 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar 2000 Combi Boiler | Gas | 25kW, 30kW | 93% | 9 l/min (25kW), 10.8l/min (30kW) | Up to 6 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar 8000 Life Combi Boiler | Gas | 30kW, 35kW | 94% | 12.3 l/min (30kW), 14.3 l/min (35kW) | Up to 12 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar 8000 Style Combi Boiler | Gas | 30kW, 35kW, 40kW, 45kW, 50kW | 94% | 12.3 l/min (30kW), 14.3 l/min (35kW), 16.4 l/min (40kW), 18.3 l/min (45kW) 20.3 l/min (50kW) | Up to 12 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
| Greenstar i System Boiler | Gas | 9kW, 12kW, 15kW, 18kW, 21kW, 24kW | 94% | Up to 10 years when installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer |
Vaillant and Worcester Bosch Boilers from BOXT
Both Worcester Bosch and Vaillant offer excellent options, making it difficult to choose between the two when deciding on a new boiler.
When it comes to cost, there isn't a huge amount of difference. Vaillant might come out as a bit more expensive, but they do offer other benefits, as their customer service and repair options edge them slightly ahead. Vaillant uses a stainless steel heat exchanger as opposed to Worcester Bosch, which uses aluminium heat exchangers.
Overall, they are both great options and choosing which one is right for you will vary depending on what your requirements are.
If you're still deciding which boiler brand is best for your home, check out our other comparison guides, like Baxi vs. Worcester Bosch boilers.
