The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler is wi-fi compatible and hydrogen-ready. (Credit: Viessmann)
The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W gas combi boiler is available in 29kW and 30kW power outputs. It comes from the established and highly-rated Viessmann brand. It’s very compact, measuring just 707mm in height. This means it can be easily installed in properties with small spaces.
A standout feature of this boiler is its heat exchanger. Viessmann’s patented high-quality stainless steel Inox-Radial heat exchanger is far superior to aluminium equivalents. This exchanger makes your Viessmann boiler more durable as it’s corrosion-resistant and is covered by a 10-year guarantee. It also means that the boiler consumes minimal gas.
The Vitodens 050-W has been rated A for energy efficiency. It produces low CO2 emissions and can be controlled remotely to optimise its performance and boost efficiency. This combi boiler has an ErP rating of 92%. Its heat exchanger, MatriX-Plus burner with Lambda Pro combustion control system and effective pump are features that contribute to this model’s high efficiency. It also works with an integrated weather compensation mode and frost stat to maintain optimal performance.
The Vitodens 050-W can be connected to wi-fi which enables the use of wireless thermostat controls and other smart technologies like Nest and Hive (although these need to be purchased separately). You can install Viessmann’s ViCare app and thermostat to take control of your boiler remotely. These add-ons can even enable a remote engineer to monitor and control your boiler.
Technical information
The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler is a low-cost gas-condensing boiler. It comes with a high-quality stainless steel Inox-Radial heat exchanger, which is guaranteed for 10 years. The boiler is wi-fi-ready and compatible with several Viessmann accessories.
It offers a domestic hot water (DHW) output rating of 3.2kW to 30kW, weather compensation and an optional outside temperature sensor as an accessory. With a height of only 707mm, this boiler is very compact. It comes in two available outputs (29kW and 35kW) and has an Energy-related Products (ErP) rating of 92%.
- Guarantee options: A standard three-year comprehensive warranty and an extended warranty of up to seven years (10 years in total) when fitted by a Viessmann-trained installer. The heat exchanger is guaranteed for 10 years.
- Price range: From £1,690 to £2,190
- Efficiency rating: A
- Output: 29kW and 35kW
Key features
Highlights: Warranties of up to 10 years for parts and labour and the heat exchanger, compact size and clever functionality through wi-fi connectivity.
Key benefit: Fitted with Viessmann’s patented Inox-Radial stainless steel heat exchanger, the Vitodens 050-W combi boiler is less prone to corrosion at a wide range of pH levels and does not require extra maintenance fluids.
Fuel: Gas, 20% hydrogen blend
Flow rate: 12–13.4 l/min
Pros and cons
Boilers are a significant investment for most homeowners. Always weigh up the pros and cons before making a final decision.
The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W offers the following benefits:
- Wi-fi connectivity: The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler comes with a wi-fi interface as standard. The system can be remotely controlled and monitored by a heating engineer via the ViCare app. You can also add the ViCare Thermostat for even more control.
- Quiet: The Vitodens 050-W comes with a built-in shock arrestor that prevents pipes from rattling when taps are opened and can prevent pipe collapse issues that are often associated with boilers that use water hammers.
- Compact size: With a height of just 707mm, the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W is compact enough for small kitchens.
- LCD display: A clear LCD digital display makes the boiler easy to control and monitor.
- Low gas consumption: This boiler produces low CO2 emissions. Together, the Inox-Radial heat exchanger and cylinder burner consume very little gas and operate very efficiently.
However, there are some drawbacks to the Vitodens 050-W, including:
- Doesn’t work well in low-pressure areas: Like most combi boilers, you ideally need to live in a high water pressure zone for this boiler to work efficiently. Otherwise, you may need to purchase additional booster pumps.
- Can’t run too many hot water outlets at once: The Viessmann Vitodens is best suited to homes with one bathroom; running too many hot water faucets at once will affect the flow rate.
The compact Viessman Vitodens 050-W combi boiler can fit into a small kitchen seamlessly. (Credit: Viessmann)
How does the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler work?
The Viessmann Vitodens is a combi boiler. Unlike system boilers that heat hot water before storing it in a separate hot water cylinder, the 050-W heats water on demand. This makes it a more energy-efficient system. What’s more, its compact size means that it’s easier to install and takes up less space in your home.
How does the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W compare to other combi boilers?
There are a few compact combi boilers on the market that compare favourably to the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W.
The Ideal Logic+ combi is a good alternative. Firstly, it comes with more output options (24kW, 30kW and 35kW), so it suits a greater variety of homes. It’s an energy-efficient, well-priced and attractive combi. All in all, with standard installation and sundries included, you will probably pay £1,679–£2,311 for this boiler, so it’s in the same price range as the Vitodens 050-W.
We also like the Worcester Bosch Greenstar 2000 combi boiler. Its quick tap feature makes this boiler stand out. This is a function that allows you to open the tap, close it immediately and trigger hot water. Normally, you would need to open the tap and leave it open, but this clever feature helps you save time and water.
You can pay about £1,690–£2,190 for the Greenstar 2000 with installation and extras, which is a very good price for the brand. Unfortunately, this boiler comes with a relatively short warranty compared to the Vitodens: five years as standard and six years when installed with the Greenstar System Filter.
You could also take a look at the Alpha E-tec. Available in 28kW or 33kW, this boiler has an A rating for energy efficiency, a flow rate of 12.1 l/minute and a price tag of just £1,545–£2,045 with installation and sundries included.
How much does a Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler cost?
Pricing tends to vary between suppliers, as do installation costs. However, you can expect to pay the following for your Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler:
| Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler cost | |
|---|---|
| Boiler unit | From £890 |
| Installation (including VAT) | From £500 to £1,000 |
| Sundries (filter, flue) | From £300 |
| Total cost | From £1,690 to £2,190 |
Maintaining the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler
Viessmann recommends having a boiler service carried out by a Gas Safe-registered engineer at least once a year. The engineer will remove the casing and check the heat exchanger, controls and connections. They will also check your seals and pipework to ensure your boiler is functioning at the correct pressure. Damaged and worn parts will be replaced.
If your boiler isn’t working correctly, or if you notice increased condensation, black stains around the boiler or the flame changing from blue to yellow, you should book a service immediately.
Final recommendation
The high-performance Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler is innovative and highly durable. Its compact size, low weight and quiet operation make it perfect for most small homes and apartments.
The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W features high-quality stainless steel burners and an Inox-Radial heat exchanger that guarantees good performance and long service life. It comes at a low price point but doesn’t compromise on quality, and you can enjoy peace of mind with a 10-year guarantee when fitted by a qualified installer.
This combi boiler has an A rating and operates at 92% efficiency. You can connect it to a number of Viessmann accessories to improve performance and energy efficiency, such as the ViCare Thermostat.
The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler is a good replacement for outdated boilers. If you don’t have a lot of space (or a lot of cash to spend on a boiler), the Viessmann Vitodens 050-W is worth a look.
What the professionals say
“The Viessmann Vitodens 050-W is one of the best gas models available and comes at a competitive price. Viessmann is one of the best names in the business, and it is likely that you have already experienced their high quality of products and efficiency. . . . The Viessmann Vitodens 050 W boiler comes at an unbeatable price of around £2,000 for the boiler, installation, and extras, making it suitable for most budgets.”
“The new Vitodens 050-W combi boiler blends seamlessly into any modern living space with its plain matt surface and modern, functional design. Even the highest heating and hot water demands are met with the intelligent energy centre that is both simple to use and intuitive. The Vitodens 050-W also features an integrated wi-fi interface and stainless steel heat exchanger with an impressive 10-year manufacturer warranty.”
“At this price point, the Vitodens 050-W is our number one recommendation. For a cost of £2,100, you will be purchasing a boiler complete with Viessmann innovation, futureproof technology, Gas Safe installation, a 10-year warranty and efficiency-enhancing features such as weather compensation.”
Customer reviews
“I finally made up my mind to upgrade my 15-year-old boiler, and [the] Viessmann Vitodens 050 was just what I needed. The boiler was installed with no issues, and I got a 10 years guarantee! A gas safety certificate and guarantee confirmation was provided via email a couple of days after installation day.”
- Andres, Trustpilot
“Great boiler (Vitoden 050-W), and very quiet compared to a Vailliant we installed a couple of years ago. I love that it modulated down so low, allowing us to gently heat our house.”
- Roland, Trustpilot
“Had a Viessmann Vitodens 050-W Boiler, which lasted five years. I’ve had repeat problems with the heat exchanger with Viessmann customer service telling me it’s not a boiler fault but a water quality problem. I did two power flushes and had various engineers visit, telling me that the problem was within the boiler, but Viessmann won’t admit the fault. Switched to a Baxi now as I wouldn’t touch or advise anyone to buy these boilers.”
Christopher, Trustpilot
Methodology
In order to compile this Viessmann Vitodens 050-W combi boiler review, we read hundreds of customer reviews from sites like Trustpilot and analysed technical documentation and professional write-ups, as well as brochures and media sites. We then rated this boiler against the following criteria for a total score of 100 points:
- 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.