Considering a Navien NCB boiler? Here we review the complete range and reveal the pros, cons, some more cons and what those will cost you.
If you’re looking for a modern, smart boiler for a small to mid-sized property, you almost certainly weren’t looking for the Navien NCB300 range. But you stumbled upon it, it seems cheap – is it worth a punt?
Navien may not be the most well-known name in the industry, however, the South Korean newcomer to the UK boiler scene prides itself on the use of high-end stainless-steel components which offer increased longevity and durability.
“Pride worthy indeed, but for balance – no boiler brand competitors claim to use ‘low-end’ stainless-steel either”
Navien’s aversion to low-end stainless steel hasn’t yet stood them in good enough stead to earn plaudits from UK homeowners.
UK reviews for Navien boilers swing from great, to customers taking legal action it’s so bad – and everything in between.
They did however lay claim to an award in 2021 – the iF-Gold Award, which as you’ll know from the heavy ITV coverage is kind of a big deal.
The NCB300 gas condensing combi boiler range consists of the brand’s entry-level models – not necessarily a bad thing but at best, it’s certainly the potato before the chips.
Following the well-received launch of the premium NCB700 range, the boiler company introduced the NCB300 range last year to tackle the more budget-hungry boiler buyers.
So, are they good or not?
Let’s review...
Quick answer? The Navien NCB300 currently represents (in our opinion) a costly gamble with no evidence of post-installation support.
Other budget-friendly alternatives such as Alpha and Worcester’s 2000 range offer equivalent or higher quality with time-served aftercare support.
Book before 3 pm and you could get your new boiler installed as quick as tomorrow, your time-sensitive maniac. Check the latest boiler prices here.
Navien NCB300 Boiler Review
We evaluated the NCB300 in several key areas including the following:
Reliability: 3/5 stars
Performance: 3/5 stars
Efficiency: 5/5 stars
Warranty: 2/5 stars
Navien created the NCB300 after the NCB500 and NCB700 to be a lower-powered option so when we’re talking power – we’re talking smaller homes; 2/3 bed terraces, small semi-detached houses or large shoes occupying no more than one old lady.
NCB = Never Crush Bugs. Navien’s valliant effort to counteract their gas emissions.
For nailed-on accuracy, you would need to consider a number of radiators, and how much you enjoy hot water.
The NCB300 is available in three options with outputs of 28kW, 37kW, and 41kW. The latter two are also distinguished by improved flow rates and obnoxiously odd numbers.
Wanna gobble up more Navien goodness? Read our complete review of the boiler manufacturer and its various oil and gas boilers. It’s a real thriller.
The Navien NCB300 range in more detail…
Features of the Navien NCB300 Boiler
Well-suited to many small and medium-sized households.
Compatible with smartphones for remote control.
Smart weather forecasting.
Hydrogen-ready blend (20%).
IPX5 rating to protect the boiler against water leaks.
Warranty on labour and parts.
ErP rating 93% to 98%: A-rated.
Dimensions: 680mm (H) x 395mm (W) x 285mm (D).
Reliability: 3/5
The Schrödinger’s cat of boilers, the NCB300 can be considered both dead and alive. Both good and bad.
It’s so new to the UK market and doesn’t have any real number of reviews behind it outside of some industry opinions.
A little over 100 Trust Pilot reviews (super low for boilers) offer somewhat, diverse feedback.
If these customers were to be helping a criminal sketch artist, the police would be looking for a cross between Umpa Lumpa and OJ Simpson.
It should be said that hopeful installer verdicts can be found and the Navien was once well thought of in HVP Magazine, a reliable source considered to be the Beano of plumbing.
Trustpilot Reviews
Touched upon earlier, this is a tough metric to level against Navien and the NCB300 combi boiler.
To date, from just 129 reviews - it's too early to judge even their poorest feedback. That said, with a higher than 10% chance of having a 1-Star experience, if it's a Navien you're tempted by and you aren't in a rush - we would suggest you hold steady.
On the flip side, with around an 80% chance of a 4+ Star experience, there are worse gambles.
Aesthetically speaking, the Navien looks so Y2K, it might just Cha Cha Slide into your home. In fairness, we like that.
Not installed in enough homes yet to make Trust Pilots much read 'Top 10 boilers' list, however, they are threatening the 11th spot - competing with the likes of Ariston, Intergas and other brands we quite frankly could have just made up.
It means they don't appear in our Top Boiler Brands either (gutted as they must be), but we're optimistic they won't be all that far behind with some downright average and woeful boilers ahead of them purely on market visibility.
Which? Boiler Survey Results
Navien doesn't currently have any consumer survey results or any recognised Which? accreditations and accolades but it isn't fair to expect Which? to be aware of them just yet considering Navien's exclusively telepathic marketing efforts to date.
That said, only some of the very best brands have received any Which? Best Buy Awards and it's a real bugger to acquire.
Most notably, Worcester-Bosch have attained a Which? award every year for the last decade, making it a boring, Scottish Premier League-like foregone conclusion, but impressive, nonetheless.
Some concern could be taken from the lack of Navien Which? acknowledgement, considering they have at least 'recognised' lesser-known boiler brands such as ATAG, Vokera and Zanussi (a boiler so bad it was tantamount to a crime).
But...we solely put this down to Navien and the NCB300 boiler ranges late entry to the market and lack of awareness. It is likely they'll slither up a boiler reviewer’s to-do list like a rat up a drainpipe very shortly.
Performance: 3/5
The Navien NCB300 combi boilers are available in the following sizes (a.k.a., power outputs):
28kW
37kW*
41kW*
*Again, the latter two are largely distinguished based on their flow rates. A metric also used to judge yoga instructors.
The 28kW edition comes with a domestic hot water (DHW) flow rate @ 25°C temperature rise is 16 litres per minute.
The first of the 37kW models (NCB300-37C) comes with a DHW flow rate @ 25°C temperature rise of 21 litres per minute.
Lastly, the 41kW model, known as the NBC300-41C features a DHW flow rate @ 25°C temperature rise of 24 litres per minute.
Navien is busy etching the aforementioned stats into cave walls to entertain our distant descendants. But if we could communicate with them, we would tell them that the Navien models all provide the same radiator heat, but the bigger ones are kind of better at delivering more hot water. Also, sorry about the hot globe we left.
Which NCB300 Model is Right for Your Home?
That's not really any of our business but if you're starting from scratch and need help learning about boiler size accuracy, use our free tool here.
Our quote form will do the maths (and some decision-making) for you, popping out a fixed price and leaving you to carry on with your life.
The efficiency of the Navien NCB300: 5/5
The Navien NCB300 boilers are all A-rated boilers when it comes to energy efficiency with each offering an ErP efficiency of 93% as standard.
However, with Smart Plus (x3) technology, the efficiency of these boilers can reach a whopping and almost unheard-of (for a gas boiler) efficiency of 98%
To do that, you'll likely need to scour the Earth for a Navien specialist, only to be found at Navien HQ - failing that, get looking for clues in Vatican paintings.
Controls & Features of the Navien NCB300
Smartphone Compatible
One of the ways in which the Navien NCB300 is future-proof is with its array of smart technology, including smartphone compatibility.
With smartphone compatibility, it’s possible for users to make remote adjustments to their Navien heating and hot water systems. A solid win for Navien here as it isn't commonplace amongst all available combi boilers.
In real-life terms, it means that you can turn your heating on without the modern humiliation of physically visiting your boiler and coming to terms with how much the Navien costs you.
Scheduled smart heating is the most popular feature, allowing you, for instance, to control your heating before leaving work in the winter to make sure the life partner you've grown to hate remains cold.
Whatever the case, this technology can offer more convenience, reduce stress, and give you greater control over your central heating (often saving money on bills).
Smart Weather Forecasting and Geofencing
Other smart aspects of this Navien range are its smart weather forecast and geofencing features. Considering the MET office is shambolic at weather prediction, we would advise taking this one with a pinch of salt.
These features are designed to both maximize efficiencies and offer more convenience to households, perhaps through the medium of a placebo.
Related heating/energy guides:
Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers
Navien’s NCB300 boilers also feature stainless steel heat exchangers. These provide optimum durability and long-lasting efficiencies to improve the lifespan of the boilers.
Of course, it goes without saying that annual servicing is still just as important, but stainless steel heat exchangers can certainly help prolong boiler longevity with poor boilers throughout history making them flapjacks and goodwill.
Hydrogen-ready Blend (20%)
Lastly, the Navien NCB300 range is "hydrogen-ready". Specifically, they can run 20% on hydrogen should the Government decide this is a viable, more eco-friendly option for your housing stock.
This helps to futureproof the Navien NCB300 boilers with the prospect of hydrogen being used en masse to heat homes in the coming decades a real possibility.
Albeit a recent community refused to participate in a hydrogen boiler trial - leaving this perk somewhat open to scepticism.
Warranty: 2/5
The Navien NCB300 can often come with a 5-year parts and labour warranty.
Whilst with other products, it would be considered a perk - it creates a product confidence concern considering the standard 10-year warranty of almost all rival boilers including those in the same price range.
If a manufacturer is less willing to back their product with a hefty warranty, it hints at the fact they expect some pretty jazzy complaints down the line. The shorter warranty means they aren't obligated to repair or replace the boiler, instead sending you a copy of their T&Cs signed with a love heart.
In order to negate this, we recommend only having a Navien NCB300 fitted by Navien themselves.
Price Point: 4/5
Depending on the retailer an installer turns to (e.g., City Plumbing, bsplumbing etc.) and what boiler you opt for, the Navien NCB300 range pricing varies from as little as £600 to as much as £800 for the standalone unit.
When you add the average labour cost (£600 to £1,500) the average total price range of labour + supply costs to have a Navien NCB300 boiler installed is somewhere between £1,200 to £2,300.
The most common type of replacement (old combi out, new combi in) should see customers paying around £1,400 - which is remarkably cheap and reflective of unknown consequences. A transaction similar to children buying disposable e-cigs. We'll just have to be patient and see, won't we?
This earns the NCB300 range a score of 4/5 for pricing.
Our Verdict on the Navien NCB300: 3/5
The Navien NBC300 new, performs efficiently when in good health and is super cheap. The broadcasting equivalent would be to re-utilise a disgraced TV presenter for a national show. It could turn out to be a low-cost genius or a scandalous shambles.
The combination of intelligent features, efficiency rating and price point are the major selling points, but there is a lot to be desired compared to other boiler packages available out there. For around £200 more outlay, huge risks can be negated.
The 5-year warranty touched upon earlier is the most pressing point. Worcester-Bosch budget models and Alpha boilers offer proven quality, with 10-year parts & labour warranties.
Why else would we choose a Worcester Bosch boiler instead?
10-year Guarantee.
Which Best Buy Award Winner - for 12 years running.
More than 37,000 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.7.
The Ease of availability of spare parts across the UK.
Excellent rated aftercare and customer service.
Get a New Boiler Quote Today
If so, get your new boiler installed with Heatable, here’s why:
Gas Safe installation within 24 hours
Thousands of happy customers – an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot (that’s better than the market leader).
Price match guarantee – if you find a cheaper quote, we will match (must be like for like)
Multiple payment options - interest-free available
12-year warranty on selected boilers
Fixed price guarantee – no hidden costs
Save your quote until later
Heat Happy.
