Baxi 800/Platinum Combi Review
When you’re shopping for a new boiler, it’s like picking the right partner for your home. It needs to keep you warm, be reliable, and not annoy you with too much noise. So today, let’s have a chat about the Baxi 800/Platinum Combi boiler. I’ll take you through the good, the bad, and the in-between, all in plain, simple language. We’ll laugh, we’ll learn, and we’ll come out warmer on the other side. Let’s dive in.
First Impressions: The Looks
Okay, I’ll be honest. The Baxi 800 isn’t going to win any beauty contests. It’s like the sensible shoes of boilers – functional, but not exactly stylish. It’s a white box, with no frills or fancy designs. If you’re into clean and simple, you’ll be happy. But if you’re dreaming of a boiler that’s Instagram-worthy, this one’s not for you. It’s getting a solid 6 out of 10 in the looks department. Functional, yes. Fabulous, no.
The Size: Small but Mighty
Now, here’s where the Baxi 800 shines. It’s compact. At just 700mm high, 390mm wide, and 285mm deep, this little beauty can squeeze into tight spaces. Got a cupboard? It’ll fit. Got a kitchen with awkward corners? No problem. It’s like the TARDIS of boilers – small on the outside, powerful on the inside. It scores a glowing 9 out of 10 for size.
Reliability: The Trust Factor
If there’s one thing you want from a boiler, it’s reliability. The Baxi 800 is like that friend who’s always on time, rain or shine. It comes with a 10-year warranty, which speaks volumes about its build quality. Inside, it’s got brass fittings that are tough and long-lasting. Brass is the Hulk of boiler materials – strong, durable, and unlikely to let you down. Plus, Baxi is known for their solid engineering. So, on reliability, it’s a perfect 10 out of 10.
Quiet as a Whisper
Have you ever had a boiler that sounds like a jet engine taking off? Not fun. The Baxi 800 is different. It’s super quiet, so you can put it near a bedroom and still sleep like a baby. This is a big win, especially if you live in a smaller home where noise travels. For peace and quiet, it’s another 10 out of 10.
Aftercare: Baxi’s Got Your Back
Here’s something I love about Baxi: they’re there for you after the installation. Their customer service is top-notch, and their engineers know their stuff. Plus, with that 10-year warranty, you’re covered for a long time. If anything goes wrong, you’re not left in the cold – literally. Once again, it’s a full 10 out of 10.
The Tech Stuff: What Makes It Tick
The Baxi 800/Platinum Combi is a condensing boiler, which means it’s energy efficient. It captures and reuses heat that would otherwise go up the flue. This makes it kinder to the planet and your wallet. It’s ErP A-rated for heating and hot water efficiency, so you’re getting top-tier performance.
Inside, there’s an Adey Magnaclean Micro2 filter, which keeps your system free of sludge and debris. Think of it like a Hoover for your pipes – it keeps things clean and running smoothly. There’s also a modulating pump, which adjusts power based on demand. This means it’s not wasting energy when you don’t need full power.
The Baxi 800 is compatible with smart controls, too. If you’ve got a smartphone, you can adjust the temperature from your couch or even your bed. Lazy Sunday mornings just got better.
The Downsides: Let’s Be Honest
No boiler is perfect, and the Baxi 800 has its quirks. First, let’s talk about the looks again. I know, I know, I’ve already mentioned it. But it’s worth repeating: it’s not the prettiest boiler on the block.
Second, while it’s compact, it’s still a combi boiler, which means it’s best for smaller to medium-sized homes. If you’ve got a big house with multiple bathrooms, it might struggle to keep up with hot water demand. It’s like trying to feed a family of five with a single pizza – it’ll work, but not everyone will be happy.
Lastly, while Baxi’s aftercare is great, their boilers can sometimes be a bit pricey upfront. It’s an investment, but for some people, it might feel like a big chunk of change.
A Bit About Baxi: The Company Behind the Boiler
Baxi has been around since 1866, so they know their stuff. They’re based in the UK, which means their boilers are designed with our unpredictable weather in mind. They’re committed to sustainability, too, working on greener heating solutions for the future. And let’s not forget their customer service – it’s one of the best in the business.
Final Score: 45/50
So, how does the Baxi 800/Platinum Combi stack up overall? Here’s the breakdown:
- Looks: 6/10 – It’s not winning any beauty awards, but it gets the job done.
- Size: 9/10 – Compact and fits almost anywhere.
- Reliability: 10/10 – Solid as a rock.
- Noise: 10/10 – Quiet as a mouse.
- Aftercare: 10/10 – You’re in good hands with Baxi.
If you’re after a reliable, energy-efficient boiler that won’t keep you up at night, the Baxi 800 is a fantastic choice. Just don’t expect it to dazzle you with its looks. It’s the practical choice, like wearing a warm coat on a cold day. It’s not flashy, but it’ll keep you comfortable – and that’s what matters most.
About me
Hi, Im Gary Bates the owner ands Lead Gas Technician at GGB Heating Solutions Limited. I’ve been installing, servicing and repairing Baxi boilers for over 25 years, in-fact the first combi boiler I installed back in 2000 was a Baxi 105 combi boiler, the cream of the crop back then, and the 800/ platinum remind me very much of them boilers now.