Main boiler reviews: Costs, Pros & Cons

This comprehensive Main boiler reviews guide delivers everything UK homeowners and landlords need to know about Main Heating boilers, including honest costs, pros and cons, popular models, efficiency ratings, warranties and real-user performance to support informed decisions on your next boiler replacement or central heating upgrade.

Main Boiler Reviews: Quick Overview

Main boilers deliver dependable, budget-friendly heating solutions that suit many UK homes, especially where cost-effective combi or system boilers are needed without sacrificing core reliability and efficiency. These A-rated condensing boilers from the Baxi family offer straightforward installation and servicing, making them a practical choice for energy-efficient home heating.

Aspect	Details
Founded	Over 75 years of manufacturing experience (part of Baxi since integration)
Origin	British brand, manufactured under Baxi in the UK
Awards & Recognition	Praised for value and affordability; backed by Baxi’s industry reputation
Efficiency	ErP A-rated, typically 91-93% seasonal efficiency
Boiler Types	Combi (on-demand hot water), System (with cylinder)
Estimated Prices (installed)	£1,400–£2,500 UK-wide depending on model and property
Warranty	5 years parts and labour (with registration and annual servicing)
Pros	Excellent value, compact design, easy to service, reliable for price
Cons	Shorter warranty than premium brands, mixed customer satisfaction scores
Maintenance & Servicing	Annual Gas Safe service required to maintain warranty; widely available parts via Baxi network
Other	Ideal for smaller to medium homes and rental properties; compatible with basic smart controls

Who Are Main?

Main Heating is a well-established British boiler brand known for producing affordable, no-nonsense gas boilers. As part of the Baxi family within the BDR Thermea Group, Main focuses on reliable condensing technology that delivers strong performance at competitive prices, making it popular among cost-conscious homeowners and landlords across the UK.

Why You Should Consider Main Boilers?

Customers often appreciate the brand’s strong emphasis on value, compact designs and straightforward reliability when upgrading older, inefficient central heating systems. Main boilers are known for their balance of performance and affordability in boiler replacement projects..

Pros and Cons of Main Boilers

Pros:

• Outstanding value for money with lower upfront costs compared to premium brands
• Compact, lightweight and cupboard-friendly designs perfect for space-limited UK properties
• High ErP A ratings (up to 93% efficiency) that help lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions
• Easy to service and repair with affordable, widely available parts thanks to Baxi backing
• Positive installer feedback for straightforward installation and maintenance
• Suitable for smaller to medium households and rental properties

Cons:

• Only 5-year standard warranty (shorter than many premium options)
• Which? customer satisfaction scores are below average (2 stars, 72% satisfied)
• Fewer advanced smart features or ultra-quiet operation compared to top-tier models
• Hot water flow rates may be limited for larger families with high simultaneous demand
• Some reports of mixed long-term reliability feedback in online discussions

Main Boiler Range

Main specialises in practical, high-efficiency condensing boilers designed for everyday UK homes, focusing primarily on combi and system models that meet modern energy performance standards.

Combi Boilers

The Eco Compact Combi range (25kW and 30kW) provides on-demand hot water without a separate cylinder. These compact units suit flats, 1-3 bedroom houses and properties where space is at a premium.

System Boilers

The Eco Compact System range (typically 15-18kW) works with a hot water cylinder and is ideal for homes with higher hot water demands or multiple bathrooms.

Conventional (Heat Only) Boilers

Options are more limited in the current lineup, but Main offers heat-only models for older properties that retain traditional cold water tanks and cylinders.

Most Popular Main Boiler Models

The Eco Compact series stands out for its combination of affordability, compact size and reliable performance, making these models frequent choices for both homeowners and landlords seeking cost-effective central heating upgrades.

Model	Type	kW Options	Est. Installed Price (UK)	Warranty
Eco Compact Combi	Combi	25kW, 30kW	£1,400 – £2,100	5 years
Eco Compact System	System	15-18kW	£1,500 – £2,200	5 years

Main Boiler Pricing

Main boilers stand out for their competitive pricing, appealing to budget-aware homeowners and landlords who want reliable gas boiler performance without premium mark-ups. Installed costs vary by property type, existing system condition and any required upgrades such as new flues or pipework.

Range / Model	Type	Boiler Only (approx.)	Full Installed Cost (UK est.)
Eco Compact Combi	Combi	£620 – £710	£1,400 – £2,100
Eco Compact System	System	£610 – £675	£1,500 – £2,200

Main Boilers: Accolades for Value and Reliability

While Main does not collect the same volume of high-profile industry awards as premium brands, the range earns consistent recognition for delivering excellent affordability and practical performance. Installers frequently praise the brand’s ease of servicing and value, and the backing of Baxi provides access to strong technical support and parts availability across the UK.

Main Boiler Warranty: What You Can Expect

Main boilers typically come with a 5-year parts and labour warranty on models such as the Eco Compact range. To qualify for the full term, the boiler must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, registered promptly with the manufacturer and serviced annually by an approved professional. This provides solid peace of mind for standard UK installations, though extending coverage beyond the initial period is not usually offered.

Are Main Boilers Worth It?

Choose Main boilers if you need a cost-effective, compact and reliable option for smaller to medium-sized homes or rental properties, want straightforward servicing and value-focused performance, and are working within a tighter budget for your boiler replacement.

Don’t choose Main boilers if you require the longest possible warranties, advanced smart controls, ultra-quiet operation or have a large household with very high hot water demand where premium brands may offer perceived greater long-term durability.

Need a New Boiler Quote?

If you’re ready to upgrade your central heating system, contact Boilers 2 Go today for a no-obligation, fixed-price new boiler quote. We will provide you with competitive pricing and nationwide coverage to help you achieve reliable, cost-effective home heating.

FAQs

How does Main compare to its parent brand Baxi in terms of features and support?

Main models share many internal components with Baxi equivalents but come with a shorter standard warranty and simpler feature set, while still benefiting from the same nationwide Baxi service and parts network.

Are Main boilers a good option for buy-to-let properties?

Yes, their low purchase and installation costs combined with straightforward maintenance make them popular with landlords seeking compliant, energy-efficient heating solutions that help control expenses.

What hot water flow rates can I expect from a Main Eco Compact combi boiler?

The 25kW model typically delivers around 10 litres per minute, while the 30kW version offers about 12 litres per minute, suitable for most 1-3 bedroom homes but potentially limiting for larger simultaneous use.

Do Main boilers work well with renewable technologies like solar thermal?

They can be integrated with solar thermal systems for pre-heating, although professional design is recommended to ensure compatibility and optimal efficiency gains.

What should I budget for beyond the boiler price during installation?

Additional costs often include system flushing, condensate pipe upgrades, new thermostats or controls, and any radiator or pipework modifications needed for optimal performance and Building Regulations compliance.