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What is the best magnetic filter available on the UK market? Asked nobody, ever.
One major issue that can arise in radiators over time is the build-up of sludge, which is where a high-quality magnetic filter can help.
This sludge is the result of the collection of rust and debris. Among the problems associated with sludge accumulation is that it can disrupt water circulation, leading to cold spots in radiators and reduced heat output.
Sludge in your central heating system can decrease the efficiency of your system, increase heating bills and make a breakdown more likely.
While sludge build-up would probably necessitate a power flush, magnetic filters can help prevent this in the first place.
P.S Heatable includes a chemical flush and Adey magnetic filter with all new installs as standard, but you can upgrade to a ProFlush (magnacleanse) if you want an extra deep clean.
What is a Magnetic Filter?
A magnetic filter is a boiler device designed to gather magnetic debris inside a heating system.
Eventually, heating pipes will develop rust and corrosion. This can merge with other debris and result in a sludge accumulating.
With a magnetic filter, though, magnetic debris can be captured before it even has a chance to form sludge.
Magnetic filters were uncommon just several years ago but in 2022, homeowners across the UK are using this technology to improve the longevity and resilience of their heating system.
It costs approximately £200 to £250 to have a magnetic filter installed between the labour cost and supply costs.
Notably, magnetic filters are generally cleaned as part of boiler servicing.
The value of this would be that it can help prolong their lifespan. With that said, what magnetic filters are top of the market?
Best Magnetic Filters
Finding the ideal magnetic filter for you will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget.
Our favourite products include those from brands like Adey, Spirotech and Grant.
Adey Pro3 Sense
Adey is the UK market leader when it comes to domestic magnetic filters and the Professional 3 or Pro3 Sense is their latest and greatest model. That's exactly why we offer it as an add-on when you purchase your new boiler via our website.
The Pro3 Sense costs between £150 and £200 and is included with all of our boilers installs (except Worcester Bosch models).
The Adey Magnaclean Pro 3 Sense Wi-Fi Enabled Magnetic Filter is currently the only smart filter available, meaning you can monitor and control it via the accompanying smartphone app.
From the Pro 3 Sense app, you can gain valuable insights about your heating systems status, including the filter status and maintenance requirements.
The filter is not only designed to prevent blockages and improve the efficiency of your system but it is also designed with the intention of preventing problems before they result in blockages and breakdowns.
Key features of the Adey Pro 3 Sense:
Efficiency savings mean homeowners can save up to 7% on their heating bills.
Keeps your heating water free from debris, helping to prevent sludge and blockages, and offering homeowners peace of mind.
System alerts are sent to Adey automatically, helping them to work proactively to deal with issues for ultimate convenience.
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Altecnic Dirtmag IQ
The Dirtmag IQ is highly efficient when it comes to separating dirt and air for your central heating system.
Not only that but this Altecnic magnetic filter doesn’t need to be isolated for your annual boiler service.
It works with a temperature range of zero to ninety degrees celsius, has a max working pressure of 3bar and a minimum particle capture size of 5µm.
The technology used is above that of a standard filter. The Altecnic Dirtmag IQ costs around £70 to £100. Unfortunately, its warranty is just one year which isn’t great for a high-end magnetic filter.
Sentinel Vortex 300
The Vortex 300 is one of the most popular magnetic filters on the UK market.
Like the Dirtmag IQ, it uses technology that goes beyond a standard filter.
In the case of the Vortex 300, it uses a screw (i.e., Vortex) to slow water down. This in turn will enhance retention.
Among the core advantages of Sentinel’s Vortex 300 are its high-end brass valves, mighty 9000 Gauss Magnet Assembly, and a lengthy ten-year warranty. It’s priced at around £80 to £110.
Cleaning this magnetic filter is fast and easy. The installation process is also straightforward. Added to that, the Vortex 300 has five-star ratings across a range of websites including eBay and Amazon. It has a 4.9-star rating on Screwfix.
Fernox TF1
While the Fernox TF1 is a standard filter, it is one of the most popular magnetic filters on the market among professional reviews and customers alike. You can purchase the TF1 for about £80 to £100.
Among the advantages of the TF1 is that it does not restrict or block the flow, it’s suitable for vertical and horizontal pipework alike and comes with a 97% first past efficiency.
However, its guarantee lasts just one year. For a higher-end version, check out the Fernox TF1 Omega, which comes with a ten-year guarantee.
Adey MagnaClean Pro 2
Adey is a leading producer of top-notch magnetic filters in the UK.
An array of review sites gives it a five-star rating, including ToolTalk which has given Adey’s filter 5/5-star ratings on a range of areas such as build quality, ease of use and value for money.
Speaking of value for money, the Pro 2 costs about £80 to £100, on average. Considering it has a ten-year warranty and some great features, this is pretty good bang for your buck.
As for those features, the Pro 2 comes with 360-degree rotational valves enabling a whole host of options for instalment, an extremely thin sheath to ensure enhanced magnetic capture and twin reverse flow, which is key to maximising how well it can capture magnetic debris.
Further benefits of this Adey magnetic filter are that on average, it reduces your home’s heating bills by 6% each year, it offers ongoing protection for your heating system, and it can lower carbon emissions.
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Grant Vortex
While being a standard filter, the Grant Vortex is nonetheless a highly effective triple-action filter. It can collect all forms of magnetite and non-ferrous debris.
It can be added to a newly installed boiler or retrofitted to an older existing boiler. Pricewise, you can expect to pay between £70 and £90 for the Grant Vortex. It also comes with a respectable two-year warranty.
Some of the features and benefits of the Grant Vortex include that it has a maximum working temperature of 120°C, 6bar max working pressure, a hose adaptor if remote draining appeals to you and a 360° installation.
Not only that but the Grant Vortex is compatible with any glycol solution solutions and system inhibitor.
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Filter
While there are more suitable brands to go with for magnetic filters in general, the Greenstar Filter would be a sensible purchase to go with a Worcester Bosch boiler.
In addition, if you opt for the Greenstar Filter, Worcester Bosch will expand your boiler guarantee by a year. The filter itself features a ten-year warranty.
The Greenstar Filter comes with an over-tightening prevention feature, a multitude of installation options, bi-directional flow, isolation valve indicators and a detachable body that would be handy for boiler servicing and/or power flushing.
The Greenstar Filter is more on the expensive side, however, costing about £110 to £140 in most cases.
Is a Magnetic Filter Necessary?
You don’t need to have a magnetic filter installed but we prescribe to the belief that homeowners really should.
A high-quality magnetic filter could add years to the lifespan of your radiators and boiler alike.
A good magnetic filter will also make plenty of difference when it comes to the functionality of your heating system and whether or not a power flush will be needed.
Ultimately, a magnetic filter can prevent hassle and save you money.
After all, an effective magnetic filter can prolong the time before you’d need to spend about £1,500 to £3,000 on a boiler replacement or even the £300 to £500 or so you’d be charged for a power flush.
Of course, the type of magnetic filter needed for any given heating system can vary. For that reason, always make certain you’re purchasing the right type. If you’re unsure, get in touch with us for further advice.
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Maintaining a Magnetic Filter
As part of your next boiler service (and further boiler servicing in the future), you should ask the heating engineer to perform maintenance of your magnetic filter as part of the work.
While an annual boiler service is not always required (legally speaking), it is certainly recommended for safety and practical reasons alike. Boiler servicing is often needed to keep a boiler warranty valid too.
You can read more about keeping your system clean in our complete guide to cleaning your central heating system.
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