If you’re shopping for a new boiler, you’ve probably noticed there’s no shortage of brands out there. Weil-McLain, Burnham, Peerless, Buderus, Lochinvar—all of them have their loyal fans and strong reputations.
👉 So how do you choose?
I’m Tony, and when it came time to replace my old boiler, I compared them all. After weeks of research and getting multiple contractor quotes, I ended up with a Weil-McLain cast iron boiler. And I can honestly say, it’s a decision I haven’t regretted once.
This guide will break down how Weil-McLain stacks up against other major boiler brands—and why I ultimately trusted it for my home.
🏭 A Quick Look at Major Boiler Brands
Let’s start with the big players:
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Weil-McLain – American-made cast iron boilers with a reputation for durability and wide service availability.
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Burnham (U.S. Boiler Company) – Known for both cast iron and high-efficiency condensing boilers.
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Peerless Boilers – Family-owned brand, strong in residential cast iron units.
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Buderus (Bosch Group) – German-engineered, sleek high-efficiency boilers popular in upscale homes.
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Lochinvar – U.S.-based, strong in commercial and condensing boiler markets.
📖 Reference: Consumer Reports – Boiler Buying Guide
👉 All of these brands make solid products, but when you’re investing thousands of dollars, the details matter.
🧱 Durability & Build Quality
Durability is the first thing I looked at.
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Weil-McLain: Heavy cast iron sections, proven to last 30–50 years with proper maintenance.
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Burnham: Also offers cast iron, but some models use steel that can corrode faster.
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Peerless: Similar durability to Weil-McLain, but parts availability can be more limited.
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Buderus: Excellent engineering, but more complex systems = more things to go wrong.
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Lochinvar: Known for commercial toughness, but residential models rely more on electronics and stainless steel.
👉 My old cast iron boiler (not a Weil-McLain) lasted 34 years. That convinced me that cast iron = long life. Weil-McLain’s build gave me confidence it would outlast steel alternatives.
📖 Reference: HeatingHelp – Cast Iron vs. Steel Boilers
⚡ Efficiency & Performance
Boilers are rated by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).
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Cast Iron Boilers (Weil-McLain, Peerless, Burnham): 80–86% AFUE
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Condensing Boilers (Buderus, Lochinvar, high-end Burnham): 90–98% AFUE
👉 But efficiency on paper isn’t always the same as efficiency in the real world.
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High-efficiency condensing boilers save more fuel—but they require perfect installation, water chemistry, and maintenance.
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Standard cast iron boilers aren’t as flashy but are more forgiving and deliver steady, dependable performance.
For my moderately insulated 1960s home, the jump from 82% AFUE to 95% wouldn’t have paid back for decades. That’s why I leaned toward cast iron.
📖 Reference: ENERGY STAR – Boiler Standards
💸 Cost & Value
Cost was another big factor for me.
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Weil-McLain (cast iron): $3,500–$6,000 (equipment) / $9,000–$12,000 installed.
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Burnham/Peerless: Similar pricing, sometimes slightly cheaper upfront.
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Buderus/Lochinvar: Often $2,000–$4,000 more for condensing models.
👉 My quotes for Buderus were nearly $15,000 installed. The Weil-McLain came in just under $11,000. For me, the payback math didn’t justify the premium.
📖 Reference: Boiler Installation Costs
🔧 Parts & Service Availability
Here’s a detail many homeowners overlook: service networks.
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Weil-McLain: One of the most widely distributed boiler brands in the U.S. → easy access to parts and trained contractors.
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Burnham & Peerless: Fairly strong networks, but more regional.
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Buderus: Parts often need to be special-ordered.
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Lochinvar: Strong in commercial but fewer residential service contractors.
👉 A neighbor with a Buderus waited two weeks for a replacement part last winter. Meanwhile, my Weil-McLain circulator part was available same-day from my local supplier.
📖 Reference: Weil-McLain Distributor Network
📜 Warranty & Support
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Weil-McLain: Typically 10–20 years on cast iron sections, 1–10 years on parts.
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Burnham & Peerless: Similar warranties, but sometimes shorter on electronics.
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Buderus & Lochinvar: Strong warranties but require strict maintenance records to stay valid.
👉 What I liked about Weil-McLain: my contractor told me warranty claims were straightforward and hassle-free.
📖 Reference: Weil-McLain Warranty Info
👷 Tony’s Decision Process
Here’s how it went down for me:
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Looked at Buderus: Beautiful, efficient, but pricey and complex.
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Considered Peerless: Solid, but fewer contractors in my area recommended it.
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Priced out Burnham: Similar to Weil-McLain but not as many service options nearby.
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Chose Weil-McLain: Balanced cost, reliability, service availability, and cast iron durability.
👉 My installer summed it up perfectly: “If you want something that will last you 30 years, go with Weil-McLain.”
📊 Quick Brand Comparison
| Brand | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weil-McLain | Cast iron durability, wide service network, strong warranty | Not the highest AFUE | Long-term homeowners |
| Burnham | Good efficiency options, U.S.-made | Regional support varies | Standard residential |
| Peerless | Solid cast iron reliability | Limited contractor base | Older homes in Northeast |
| Buderus | High efficiency, German engineering | Expensive, complex maintenance | High-end, well-insulated homes |
| Lochinvar | Excellent commercial performance | Residential support limited | Large commercial spaces |
✅ Tony’s Final Word
At the end of the day, all these brands make good boilers. But for me:
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Weil-McLain offered the right mix of price, durability, and support.
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I wanted a system that would last decades, not just hit a high AFUE number.
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My installer trusted the brand—and that trust meant something.
"Other brands make good boilers, but for me, Weil-McLain was the perfect mix of reliability, efficiency, and support. It’s a decision I haven’t regretted once."
In the next topic we will know more about: Gas Line & Venting Requirements: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Installing
