MAIN ECO COMPACT vs BAXI 600 vs BAXI 800 - Combi Boiler Review 

Thank you for posting. Really helpful comparison video. Have a Baxi 800 in my house but opted for a Main for a rental property based on your video.

Great video Allen, I appreciate all that you do. You've given me more knowledge than any other channel. You're a top bloke pal! 👍😊

Thank you Allen. Another extremely informative video. Based on your video I will opt for either the main or Baxi 600 series.

Very useful video. We need a new boiler and after watching your videos I was going to go for the baxi 800 but now after seeing the Main is pretty much the same as the baxi and almost half the price I'm tempted by the Main. Keep up the good work. Your advice is second to none. It helped me a lot and hopefully it helps others too.

I think you are great, honest in your reviews. I'm looking to replace my rented property standard boiler for combi so will now chose the baxi 825 for the warranty.

Can’t beat the Main Eco Compact for me, A competitive price to guarantee as well.

Thank you for making this video, Very helpful in deciding on a new boiler

Excellent video, thanks. Helped me to decide between the options. At £500 cheaper than the fitted cost of the Worcester 30si, the Main is a no-brainer

Just fitted my first Main today ... really like it 👌🏻

Another quality video Alan! Thankyou.

Love your videos im a new home owner with little money So I'm learning all the time and enjoying it aswel Thanks so much x And lv the man cave another idea I might get round to next year x

Good point. How long you intend to live in a house determines the length of warranty you will need.

Hi Allen great video mate as always!! The other difference is the baxi has the quick fill as well . the main comes with a different filling setup 👍

Hey Allen.. I was on verge of buying a worcester or Valiant.. but then watched your wonderful videos changed my mind to Baxi...🤣.. Made in 🇬🇧.. love it

On the Baxi course it was 'mentioned in jest' that you could cut the bar off of top of the Main and run the pipes up the back without comprising the rigidity/integrity of the boiler 😉

I am a Bangladeshi regularly watching your videos সুন্দর ভিডিও আপনাকে ধন্যবাদ

Great video. Clear and v instructive. We're having a new boiler fitted tomorrow- a Baxi 636. I was very confused with the different models but you've clarified that. My only concern is whether the 636 will fit our needs. We have a large detached 4 bedroomed house with 15 radiators and underfloor heating in the kitchen/dining area. We have two showers that we currently can't use simultaneously- not great with four females in the house. I'm still not sure that the waterflow will be sufficient - not just by the boiler (15 l/min) due to the pipework in the house (1930s). I'm not sure what boiler would be best. It seems a toss up between 838, 636, Valiant and Worcester.

I’ve installed a main eco compact 30 in my own house, brilliant boiler for the price. (It’s a baxi 600 in disguise). Thanks for the videos. 👍

very informative video. Many thanks Allan

Hi Allen, thanks for posting this video it was really good. My interest is as a customer who has had the Main recommended as an alternative to the 850. One question I have is could you use a holesaw to put the pipework holes in the top bracket to avoid the stand off plate. I would really appreciate your thoughts on this.

Loving your videos as always, can I fit an omega filter and a magnacleanse to my system. Or would you say it’s only worth fitting one? If so which one? It’s a main eco compact boiler.

Hi Alan the last couple of videos I have watched you are debating wether a 6 litre expansion vessel was in fact big enough so I did check back on the instructions for a Vokera 12/16/20e systems boiler,now I know this is an older boiler but I chose it because I was very familiar with it . In its largest size is 20e This had a 6litre expansion vessel in fact all the models have the same ,The instructions state this can accommodate a system with a capacity of 63 liters and a maximum heat output of 19.8 KW .We looked after 100's of these and only in one type of bigger older house with quite a few larger radiators was this a problem which could see the pressure in the system rise above 2.5 bar when hot and this was a tank fed hot water system as well so more volume in the flow and return pipes to the cylinder.Modern radiators today have far less water in them so I cannot see this being a problem unless there are unusual circumstances in the property .Just used to set these houses at 1.2 bar instead of 1.5 and that sorted it . Cast Iron for the heat exchanger by the way. Ha ha .or is that giving my age away.

Just fitted 2 baxi 800 before lock down. They great boilers

Great video Alan, how would you compare the main/baxi to the Intergas Rapid 30? I’m unsure which way to go and why

Previously fitted two Vaillants which started to play up Now replacing two Baxi 105e which were brill lasting 10 years each with Baxi 636 Hopefully all goes well However with the Vaillants you can get a wall space saver kit which is brilliant for hiding pipes going up and down . I use talon clips. The space behind the baxi is shallow we and if you use talon clips you have to put a link in them to avoid the casing. Baxi needs to improve their mounting options me thinks.. That's why they provide that grey pipe clip at the back as the pipe access at the back is too narrow for normal pipe clips Otherwise good boilers so far

Hi Alan great videos sir... I'm about to replace a Saunier Duvall f30e, which was the cheaper version of it's Gloworm equivalent (in pretty much the same respect as the Main is to the Baxi). Would you know how compatible the spares are between the Main and the Baxi, ie will the same PCB's diverter valves etc fit both models

Great video as always, much appreciated. I am about to have a Baxi fitted, but I would like to know if I have a 10Litres/min boiler as opposed to say a 14 Litres/min, will the shower have any difference in pressure? My cold water comes in at 10 Litres/min if that's of any help.

Hi Allen enjoy your videos as there are really informative, regarding combi programmers would be grateful if you could do a video comparing the programmers which ones are easiest to use especially for the elderly, such as ESI ESRTP4RF or EPH Combi pack 4 or may be Salus Quantum .Thanks

Hi Allen. Great videos and insight as always. I have an old baxi eco tec 24 that has never skipped a beat in 13 years. We are having a refurb of the garage it is located in so I thought I may as well upgrade it now rather than later. My question is, is there any difference between the old duo tec and 600 series? I can still get a duo tec or a 600. are they both just as efficient? or the 600 brings more modern features and efficiency to the table. i basically dont know whether to go like for like (flue and pipework will all match and had no problems) or go for the newer one now. Thanks for any advice.

Great Video and very informative.

Hi Allen, just come accross your channel, good to watch. Could i just ask, i have a baxi, does the green light on the receiver need to be on or off. Thanks

Thanks Alan good video we’ll explained

Allen, watch all your videos and think they are great. I have a 19 year old baxi 105e instant that needs replaced. Would the main eco 30 be a good replacement or the larger baxi 636 be a better choice. 3 bed semi, 1 bathroom, 1 separate thermo mixer shower. 8 rads at approx 50k btu / 15kw output . I like the dhw flow rate from the current 105e. Or do I go duo tec 33kw ??

Another Question 2. Can the baxi Main be linked up to my existing Moes combined timer/thermostat (live, switched live, neutral - 240Volt) as I notice in the installation manual that it says “M2 External Low Voltage Control Connection” - Item H on page 18 of the installation manual. So is there another set of terminals for 240 volt external timer/thermostat

I have been researching boilers and was set on buying the Main but when it came to getting quotes some enginners also recommended a Glow Worm boiler. How does a Glow Worm compact 24kw compare to the Main Eco Compact 25kw? They work out about the same price since you can get the flue and Magnetic Filter with the Glow Worm included. Which do think is better overall? Many thanks

Thanks for the video found it helpful. I'm considering a Baxi for my new house. Apart from different warranties do they have different features? I’ve notice some have smart features on their product description.

The Potterton Asure is also the same boiler as the Baxi 600, different shape fascia to make it look a bit more unique but apart from that it’s identical. The Potterton Assures are aimed at the social housing market.

Getting the eco compact fitted, can you recommend a thermostat to go with? Need something simple as I’m just used to going to the boiler (very old main) to switch the heating on and off

I had a vaillant exotic pro28 in 2o12 it breaks down with f75 every year 5 times this year with water leaks and it was serviced every year

Hi Allen. How much should I expect to pay for an 830 fitting with a chemical flush (to replace a Platinum 28HE). Thanks!

Good evening Alan ,may I ask, on the mains 30kw combi boiler ,is it possible to cut the top plate on boiler to enable pipe routing up back of boiler ? If so would this invalidate the warranty? It looks to me as though it shouldn't be a issue ,but you know best .cheers

Good information with details

Hi Allen do all the baxi and Main have built in filling loops

With the Main boiler do you also have to have it serviced every year for the 5 year warranty to be valid. Just like with the Baxi

On the main compact is the glass fuses in the wiring connector block or are they located in another place many thanks

My new Baxi 830 boiler was fitted, but the boiler mains cable to spur socket runs behind very hot pipe's and leans against them, will the cable melt through time?

hey allen would you be able to do a video on some of the electrics side of plumbing like earthing ect when you get time. Great videos by the way keep up the hard work

Hi Allen, would you still recommend the main eco in 2022 for a tight-arse customer?

Thanks! How about BAXI 800 vs Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000?

Hi what's the difference between Main 800 and Main Eco Compact, is it just the price? What would you recommend as Eco coming in on quotes for about £200 less. Thanks

Alan help, the fitter has recommended a baxi 800 main I think I might want a baxi 830. What is the best.

Hi, Thinking of purchasing a Main Eco Compact 30. Can I connect my Hive Heating Thermostat to this (is it compatible)?

Hi Allen, What are the main differences between the baxi 600 30W and 800 30W please? The 600 is online for £889 on sale but 800 is £1520. Unsure if there is a big difference between the both. Thanks

Hi Allen brilliant video cheers, There is is a comment from Ian Thatcher stating you can remove the rear bracket from the main eco compact to make it possible to pipe up the back. Can you confirm if this is possible and would you feel it feasible to do ?

All of them have ACC (active combustion control)?

Is the baxi 600 not controllable from your phone through an app though, and the main not?

Allen have you installed the Potterton Assures? They're exactly the same boiler aswell. And you can run the pipe from behind aswell like the Baxi 600/800. Only difference is it's 2 year warranty. And they don't supply with filling loop or tails.

Hi Allen you say the 600 and 800 have small expansion vessels.. How come you fit a 636 in your house and not the bigger baxi platinum.... I have just had a baxi 630 fitted and love it

Another interesting video Alan . I’ve Got a question just a few days ago had a new boiler installed he was a gas safe heating engineer. the old boiler was a potterton performer and was replaced with a new baxi 830. I’ve noticed that he didn’t put back the earth bonding straps which were on the previous boiler pipes but now there missing . Surely they should have been put back or is there a reason he’s left these out. Thanks.

Baxi must have renamed the main eco boiler now in 2023 with their own name have they? We just got one fitted in a new built house it's exactly the same front as that eco main compact with a gas saver box at the top of it! But have the Baxi name on front same as the other pair. It has got these digital thermostats in the rooms to control it all we can't figure the things out! It's on a timer just now we can't switch off so need to turn the temp down on the boiler to knock it off just now, I can't find how these room controls work with the system i haven't come across a single video on how they work as yet. Any help on these things would be great

Hi , what about the baxi assure combi 36w? Thanks

Hi Allen, can you help me with this query,Please?. I am researching your RU-vid 'blogs'( i think they are called blogs) as to which boiler I should Choose/buy next(if i need To). My current boiler is an Ideal Mini C 28. This boiler as I understand is pre-condensate unit, therefore i have not got a condensate pipe installed. The combi currently resides in the old airing/hot water tank cupboard in the centre of the house and is flued vertically to the roof. Installing a condensate pipe to a drain, would involve taking up the floorboards and a host of other stuff to be installed, which is a lot of hastle. Which bring me to ask, when doing my what combi next research and watching your vids, I seem to recall (not 100% positive though) you stating in your Baxi 600/800 Vs Main vid, that all of them have a feature ( a plastic channel arrangement) around the flue inside the boiler, which drain condensate from a vertical flue back into a catch tank within the combi. I this correct, or am I way off in my thinking?. Also if it is correct, does it mean that these boiler don't need a condensate pipe installing, as they have an in-built system to deal with condensate?. Lastly, If not the Baxi or main brand, is there a combi system out there that does have a condensate pipe free feature, without costing Mega Bucks and still gets the A H's stamp of approval for reliability, ease of servicing and parts availability, Please? RSVP, Please?.

Thanks Allen.

thanks Allen.

Great informative video from knowledgeable straight forward talking guy, potty not more like toy around.

Allen why do new Baxi heat-only boilers have aluminium heat exchangers but system and combi have stainlless steel, any idea? thanks

Been looking forward to this video! I thought you installed an ideal Vouge in your house?

Thank you for the videos, it would be great if YOU were our heating eng .

Same boiler bar the rear piping and warranties simples

Allen, good videos, what is the recommended temp setting to achieve the maximum condensing efficiency on these boilers? Thanks

Hi there I just got installed Baxi 800 , can you please let me know what should be the temperature on radiators set up Thanks

Nice explanation

I had a vaillant pro 28 fitted in 2012 it brakes down every year common faults water sensor diverter valve expansion tank and water leaks from o rings

Can you use a nest learning thermostat with the Main Eco Compact and is it the equivalent of the 800 or the 600?

What’s the benefit of the filter with the baxi

So what is the difference between the baxi 800 and baxi 830

What do you think about no preheat? Not good if you're on a water meter, or are short on time! I'm getting used to washing in cold water!

Johnny C. Thanks Allen for your excellent video. Which Baxi combi boiler would you recommend for my 4 bedroom detached house with good insulation and one bathroom.? Will the Main 30 be big enough for budget reason and what other extra parts like filter etc, I have to pay on top? Thanks.

Hi Allen just looking to buy the main compact eco 25 . I was looking to see if i needed to replace the diverter if i could buy just the cartridge on its own but cant find anyone that sells it. Do you know if you can buy just the diverter valve cartridge or had any experience with it? Or know if the duo tec are the same? Thanks

Hi Allen how would i ensure that the vessel is the right size for the system

I am looking to replace a Baxi 105E with a Baxi 630. Will the pipe inlets be in the same place? Cheers , Paul

Is there a mounting bracket on the Main?I think I will give one of these a go as they look a good boiler.

Good video

Only fitted the main ,massive improvement on the old one,quality seems great, my only niggle is gets a bit tight underneath, essentially with the prv,this puts me off it as i fit a lot of logics and vougues which has lots of room ,one of them small personal things i guess

Can the blanking plate be removed from the Main to allow rear piping, or would it invalidate the Warranty? Great video's by the Way Allen :)

We had the Eco Compact installed. It’s been a day and it’s using up the gas (meter) without having the heating and hot water turned on from the boiler. Is this normal?

Sorry Allen in advance for using your platform, hope you don’t mind that I am reaching out to installers/companies in midlands who might be prepared to take on a trainee (me), ex forces just completing level 2 plumbing and booked on to do a gas course this autumn. Happy to pass on CV. Thanks in advance everyone. Oh and as usual great videos Allen 👍

My main eco elite is great👍

Allen can be please recommend a decent magnetic filter that you personally would use.

Its all about the extra Warranty. If the customer, whats to spend the extra cash. And get a longer Warranty. So be it. I always give them the heads up, on this. Installers in the Baxi Works scheme. Get more points with the Baxi brand.

What about the potterton assure aswell my mate Allen

Does a 30kw baxi or main need 22mm or 28mm from meter?

Hi Allen.Does the main combi 30 have a preheat function?

I thought the 600 and 800 have brass internals and not plastic .

Good boilers but there is no electrical cable outlet for a condensing waste pump. People take out the rubber drain outlet for this which defeats the purpose of the designed drain.

Stainless for me too.

Roughly what’s the price difference between Main and baxi 800 for the same KW ?

Baxi 800 or ideal vogue gen 2 40kw?

💞💞💞

Can't you get a stand off for the main?