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Last updated: 4th April, 2024

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A History of Ideal Boilers

A History of Ideal Boilers

Here we will take a look at some of the key moments in Ideal's inertia, development and how Ideal continues challenging technological boundaries with premium products.

With over a century of being at the forefront of the heating industry, Ideal heating has helped revolutionise the UK market through design and innovation. Here we will take a look at some of the key moments in the brands inertia, development and how Ideal continues challenging technological boundaries with premium products.

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The Origin of Ideal Boilers

Following its initial incarnation in London 1985, the American Radiator Co transformed into The National Radiator Company (later Ideal), founded in 1905, Hull.

Brand Development & Key Moments

1920 - The first company sales triumph, the revolutionary Ideal Cookanheat is released. A free-standing stove that combines an open fire, central heating boiler, cooking oven and hot cupboard all in one unit.

1926 - The Prince of Wales, along with other dignitaries including the Sheriff of Hull visit the company foundry for a site tour.

1930 - Following consistent product popularity, showrooms were opened in London, Birmingham and Brighton with warehousing developed across England and Scotland.

1934 - The Company changes its name to Ideal Boilers & Radiator Co.

1948 - HRH the Duke of Edinburgh toured the Ideal factory.

1953 - The company changes its name to Ideal Standard.

1960s - Larger domestic boilers for bigger homes are developed at European partner sites, with the aim to introduce them to the UK market.

1970 - Ideal launches best seller, the Concorde, winning awards due to its high efficiency and elegant design.

1980 - A £6 million pound equity investment means that Ideal can upgrade the company facilities in order to remain a leader in the commercial heating markets.

1986 -  Ideal launch the Turbo 12 Gas fired Condensing boiler, with an incredible 94% efficiency rate in condensing mode.

1991- Ideal launched the Classic Combi 80 boiler, the first UK cast iron combination boiler.

1994 - Ideal achieved Investors in People Standard and World Class in manufacturing status.

2005 - The company’s millionth boiler is manufactured, a testament to Ideal’s founding principles of quality innovation and exceptional value.

2009 - Ideal launched the Logic range, this helps Ideal become a huge figure in the UK market.

2013 - Ideal is granted the prestigious accolade, the Queens Award for its efforts in enterprise and innovation. Noted popular publication, Good Housekeeping accredited Ideal with Reader Recommended status.

Today Ideal continues to reach new standards of excellence with the latest versions of the Logic and Vogue range, continuing the brand ethos of forward thinking.

Ideal Boilers at Home

Ideal Boiler Quality

As a market leader, the Ideal brand boasts an ‘Excellent’ 4.8/5 star rating on Trustpilot, having been reviewed over 20’000 times! The constant recognition as evidenced by awards and endorsement from both consumers and industry sources, only confirms the success of the Ideal brand and its product range.

Key Ideal Boiler Models

  • 1920s - CookanHeat

  • 1920s/1930s - ‘O Series’

  • 1940s - No.3 Domestic Gas

  • 1950s - Autocraft

  • 1960s - Elite

  • 1970s - Concord

  • 1980s - Sprint

  • 1990s/2000s - Classic/Classic SE

  • 2009 - Logic +

  • 2017- Vogue Gen2

  • Present Logic Max/Vogue Max

Which Rated Ideal Boilers

New Ideal Boilers

Here at iHeat we want our customers to receive the highest quality products, that's why we stock a wide range of Ideal boilers. With next day Gas Safe installation available, up to 10 year warranty, and a price match guarantee, get a free instant quote on our website today!

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Article by
Stephen Day | Co-founder
Gas Safe registered and FGAS certified engineer with over 20 years experience in the heating and cooling industry.