The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler has a slim, compact design to fit neatly into your home. (Image credit: Ideal Heating)
The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler won the Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended status in 2013 and 2017. It’s made in the UK from high-quality components, and the manufacturer backs it with an eight-year standard warranty. This can be extended to a 10-year parts and labour warranty if installed with an Ideal System Filter.
It’s a wall-mounted, high-performance gas condensing boiler that comes with a reasonable price tag. As an A-rated boiler with outputs ranging from 26kW to 40kW, it’s suitable for most homes with one bathroom and three to four bedrooms. (It’s also available as a system boiler if you do have multiple bathrooms.)
Ideal has made it easy to monitor and manage the performance of your boiler. It has a clear, backlit LCD that provides a full history log and help text you can consult if you think the boiler isn’t performing as it should. You also have the option of integrating your Vogue Combi boiler with a Weather Compensation Kit or smart controls which make for an even more user-friendly and energy-efficient system.
The flow rate from this boiler (if you opt for the 40kW model) is as high as 16.4 litres per minute, which means you can fill a bath in a matter of minutes. It can also run safely on a 20% hydrogen blend, with no technical adjustments required.
Technical information
The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler is a wall-mounted combination boiler, available in 26kW, 32kW or 40kW power outputs that are suitable for a range of properties. The boiler uses premium, British-made components, including a cutting-edge stainless steel heat exchanger designed to reduce breakdowns and keep boiler maintenance to a minimum. Like most Ideal combi boilers, the Vogue is cold-weather safe. It has a modulation ratio of 7:1 to protect itself against overwork.
- Guarantee options: Eight-year standard warranty for parts and labour; 10-year warranty when installed with an Ideal System Filter
- Price range: £1,804–2,304 (with accessories and installation)
- Efficiency rating: A-rated
- Output rating: 26kW, 32kW, 40kW
Key features
Highlights: Frost protection, high-quality system filter, simple maintenance and installation.
Key benefit: Maximum 10-year warranty for parts and labour when installed with an Ideal System Filter that’s registered within 30 days and serviced annually.
Fuel: Gas, hydrogen-ready (20% hydrogen blend).
Flow rate: Up to 16.4 litres (40kW model).
The Ideal Vogue combi boiler is A-rated for efficiency. (Image credit: Ideal Heating)
Pros and cons
While we’ve seen and read many positive reviews for the Ideal Vogue boiler, positive feedback from other customers doesn’t automatically mean that the boiler can satisfy your every need. It’s a good idea to evaluate the pros and cons before making a decision.
The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler has the following advantages:
- Easy to install, use and service: Like most combi boilers, the Ideal Vogue has very few external parts, making it easy to install. A large LCD display will help you keep an eye on your boiler’s performance and spot any issues that may crop up before they become a major problem.
- Frost protection: If your boiler is located in your garage or basement, you may be in danger of the pipes freezing in cold weather. Fortunately, the Ideal Vogue boiler comes with built-in frost protection.
- Service timer: A service timer will remind you when your boiler is due for a service. You need to service your boiler annually to keep your warranty valid.
- Compact: There is no need for a hot water cylinder or storage tank. Your boiler can be wall-mounted or hidden in a cupboard to save space in your home.
- High-quality Ideal System Filter: Installing Ideal’s System Filter will improve efficiency and extend your boiler’s warranty.
- Compatible with Touch Connect: Your Ideal Vogue boiler is compatible with the Touch Connect app-based thermostat, an Alexa-compatible device that enables you to manage your boiler from your smartphone. Note that this does come at an extra cost.
- 10-year warranty: You can enjoy a 10-year guarantee if you install your boiler with the Ideal System Filter and service it annually.
There are some disadvantages to choosing the Ideal Vogue Combi, including:
- No immersion pump: Unlike a system boiler, there is no immersion pump in the Ideal Vogue boiler, meaning you have no backup if your boiler breaks down.
Water usage: You should only use one hot water outlet at a time, which may make this model less suitable for homes with more than one bathroom.
How does the Ideal Vogue Combi boiler work?
A combi boiler provides hot water and heating to your home in one single, compact unit. Unlike a system boiler, there is no need for a separate water cylinder or tank. This makes a combi boiler more efficient and affordable. Water is heated on demand whenever you need it, instead of being stored in a water cylinder as you would with a system boiler.
System boilers are filled via your mains cold water connection with an internal pump that circulates hot water to your radiators. They require more plumbing and more space than a combi boiler, but they are better suited to larger homes with more than one bathroom.
The Ideal Vogue has very few external parts, making installation much easier. (Image credit: Ideal Heating)
How does the Ideal Vogue Combi boiler compare to other combi boilers?
There are a few boilers that closely compare to the Ideal Vogue Combi. The Worcester Bosch Greenstar CDi Classic Combi is a good option. It also has large outputs of up to 42kW, is A-rated and comes with a 10-year warranty. A modulating pump along with optional smart controls will let you manage your boiler and make it even more efficient during times of low demand. The price tag is around £800 to £1,240.
You could also take a look at the Vitodens 050-W Combi, a low-gas combi boiler with a 25kW or 30kW output. It’s hydrogen-ready, with built-in wi-fi connectivity and an A rating for efficiency. You can expect to pay £720 and upwards for this boiler, making it another affordable option.
If you want to stay in the Ideal family, you should consider the Ideal Logic+ Combi boiler. This condensing combi boiler has an impressive efficiency rating of 94%, a 9.9 litre per minute flow rate, and many interesting features, including an LCD screen, modulating pump, preheat function and frost protection. A potential drawback is that the most powerful version of this model is 35kW, while the Vogue is available as a 40kW unit. Prices start at about £847 (excluding installation) for the Logic+, which is slightly less than the Vogue.
How much does an Ideal Vogue Combi boiler cost?
The final cost of your boiler will depend on the installer and the output you choose, as well as any accessories you may add. However, a 32kW Vogue boiler will likely cost the following:
| Ideal Vogue Combi boiler cost | |
|---|---|
| Boiler unit only (including VAT) | From £1,004 |
| Average installation cost (including VAT) | From £500 to £1,000 |
| Sundries (filters, flues) | From £300 |
| Total cost | From £1,804 to £2,304 |
Maintaining your Ideal Vogue Combi boiler
Most boilers experience problems from time to time, especially as they age. With the Ideal Vogue boiler, you can consult a series of error codes to identify the cause of the problem.
If you suddenly find yourself without hot water, start by checking your gas supply (by turning on the hob and seeing if it works, for example). Make sure your boiler is plugged in and that everything is working as it should. If all is in order, you may have a faulty or blocked part inside the boiler and you’ll need to call an engineer.
A drop in pressure may be a sign of a leak. You can repressurise your boiler by turning off the tap when the pressure bar reaches one and then hitting restart. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you will need professional support.
Always ensure that you service your boiler annually to keep it in top condition. This is also required to keep the boiler’s warranty valid.
What the professionals say
“Ideal boilers went back to the drawing board and came up with a completely fresh boiler range and they have not disappointed. The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler is the highest quality offering in their range and they boast that this boiler is made from only the best quality reliable British parts. Ideal has now won several awards for efficiency and reliability and they deserve the reputation they have gained. It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to purchase and appreciate British quality and workmanship at its finest.”
“On the whole, I would score the Ideal Vogue 9.5 out of ten. And the only reason it’s not a 10 is that they haven’t released a Smart Control for it yet. This is a boiler that I would definitely have in my own home. Well done, Ideal, you broke the mould when making the Vogue.”
“The Ideal Vogue 40kW Combi gas boiler produces both the heating and hot water for your home in one appliance without the need to store water in a cylinder or storage tank. Combi boilers are well-suited for households with limited space, where there is little room for water storage. As they only heat the water you use, they are also economical to run, and you could also save money on your gas bill.”
Customer reviews
“We have had an Ideal Vogue 40 installed about eight years back, before that had another brand which was constantly giving us problems within four years of its purchase. Ideal came with 10 years of warranty, the boiler is super efficient, and with yearly service no problems ever, and the service of the company is professional and they look after their customers. I will recommend Ideal to anyone without any hesitation at all!”
“The Vogue, is the best on the market, right components, fantastic warranties, and high efficiencies. I have also the service package from Ideal and the engineer that came out was excellent, he knew the boiler, had the right equipment to service and was conscious.”
- Julie S, Trustpilot
“Excellent service. We have had an Ideal Vogue for six years. Repair did under the guarantee of super professional service.”
- George K, Trustpilot
Final recommendation
The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler can supply both central heating and instant hot water to your home while saving you money on your fuel bills. This compact, A-rated boiler comes with a 10-year warranty covering parts and labour if you install it with the Ideal System Filter, which will also boost your boiler’s performance and lifespan.
The Ideal Vogue Combi boiler is synonymous with value. Its features and quality are comparable to many premium brands on the market, including its simple full-colour LCD display, slimline and lightweight design, stainless steel heat exchanger, easy-to-read pressure gauge and solid, no-quibble warranty.
If you own a small or mid-sized home and are looking for a quality boiler that won’t break the bank, the Ideal Vogue Combi is a good choice. It can meet your heating and hot water needs and reduce your fuel bills without costing an arm and a leg.
Our methodology
To compile this Ideal Vogue Combi boiler review, we read and analysed hundreds of customer reviews, as well as technical documentation, independent reviews by installers and the media, brochures and other sources. We then assessed the Vogue against our 100-point scoring system.
- The warranty period offered by the brand, for a total of 10 points;
- The overall reputation of the brand based on online reviews, for a total of 15 points;
- Trustpilot reviews, for a total of five points;
- Awards and accolades (eg, Which? Best Buy Awards), for a total of five points;
- Customer service performance, for a total of 10 points;
- The price range, for a total of 15 points;
- Efficiency ratings, for a total of 15 points;
- Installation and maintenance network and reviews, for a total of 15 points; and
- Overall performance (temperature, maximum flow), for a total of 10 points.