Which Boiler–Vaillant, Glow-Worm, Worcester? Fit Magnaclean?

[hughs]

I am replacing a very old boiler for a new one. This is for a 4 bedroomed house with two showers. It can be a system boiler or an open vent boiler.

I have been recommended Vaillant Ecotec Plus 630, Glow-Worm Ultracom 30 SXI and Worcester Greenstar 30Cdi. Other brands that have been mentioned are Keston, Potterton and Baxi. I am quite confused as to which to choose. Reliability and efficiency are most important. Which one should I go for?

Most of my radiators are 15 years old. Will these radiators cope with a sealed system, or should I go for the open vent (expansion tank) system?

Separately, should I also fit Magnaclean Professional – is this effective and worth it for the cost involved? If you recommend it, should I get a 22mm version or the 28mm version? I appreciate that if one has it installed, the best time for me is now, as the system will be power flushed to fit the new boiler.

Many thanks for your help.

[Dan of the North]

Magnaclean do have a merit, however if your system has been cleaned and then suitably inhibited then you wont have the need for one, I will however say that its a belt and braces procedure I have taken to doing myself and cant knock the kit apart from the occasional leaky valve.

I fit the twin tech variety myself as it catches not only magnetic stuff but anything else that may be floating around. Apparently Fernox are bringing out a TF1 which i going to do the same so Ill give you some feedback once I get my hands on one.