Gledhill Platinum vs Megaflo
Gledhill Platinum vs Megaflo: Which Unvented Cylinder Offers Better Value?
When choosing a new unvented hot water cylinder, two names often appear: Gledhill Platinum and Megaflo. Both ranges provide mains-pressure hot water, strong performance and durable stainless steel construction. However, their prices can differ considerably.
Megaflo has built a strong reputation in the UK and remains a premium choice. Nevertheless, the Gledhill Stainless Platinum unvented cylinder provides many of the same practical benefits at a much more competitive price. Therefore, it can offer better overall value for many households and installers.
What Is an Unvented Hot Water Cylinder?
An unvented cylinder takes its cold water supply directly from the incoming mains. Unlike a traditional vented cylinder, it does not require a cold-water storage tank in the loft.
When the property has suitable mains pressure and flow, an unvented cylinder can deliver:
- Strong hot water pressure at taps and showers
- Fast-filling baths
- Hot water to several outlets
- A quieter and more compact plumbing system
- No need for a separate shower pump in most installations
Both Gledhill Platinum and Megaflo cylinders work on this principle. The main differences lie in their model choices, dimensions, performance figures, warranty terms and purchase price.
Gledhill Platinum vs Megaflo at a Glance
| Feature | Gledhill Stainless Platinum | Megaflo Eco |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder material | Duplex stainless steel | Duplex stainless steel |
| Hot water supply | Mains-pressure hot water | Mains-pressure hot water |
| Expansion system | Internal expansion | Internal expansion with floating baffle |
| Direct models | 120, 150, 180 and 210 litres | Several capacity options available |
| Indirect models | 120 to 300 litres | Several capacity options available |
| Cylinder warranty | Up to 25 years, subject to terms | Up to 30 years on the inner cylinder, subject to terms |
| Components warranty | Typically 2 years, subject to terms | Typically 2 years, subject to terms |
| Price position | Competitively priced premium cylinder | Premium-priced, highly recognised brand |
Always compare equivalent cylinder types and usable capacities. Specifications and warranty conditions can vary between individual models.
Why Is the Gledhill Platinum Better Value for Money?
1. Premium construction without the premium brand price
Gledhill manufactures the Stainless Platinum cylinder using high-specification duplex stainless steel. This provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance while keeping the cylinder relatively lightweight.
Megaflo cylinders also use high-quality duplex stainless steel. However, buyers often pay more for the long-established Megaflo brand name. The Gledhill Platinum delivers premium construction at a price that may leave more room in the overall installation budget.
2. Space-saving internal expansion
The Gledhill Platinum incorporates an internal expansion space. Therefore, most standard installations do not require a separate external expansion vessel.
This design creates a neater cylinder cupboard and can make installation easier where space is limited. Megaflo Eco cylinders also use internal expansion technology, so both products provide this valuable space-saving benefit.
The important difference is that Gledhill offers the same practical advantage without necessarily carrying the same premium purchase price.
3. Strong warranty protection
The Gledhill Platinum range comes with an impressive 25-year cylinder warranty, subject to registration, correct installation, servicing and the manufacturer’s full conditions.
Megaflo currently promotes a 30-year warranty on the inner cylinder, with two years on other components. Although this gives Megaflo an additional five years on the vessel, both manufacturers generally limit standard component cover to two years.
For many buyers, the Gledhill’s 25-year cylinder cover provides excellent long-term reassurance. The potential saving at the time of purchase may also outweigh the extra five years offered on the Megaflo inner vessel.
4. Excellent indirect-cylinder performance
Gledhill Platinum indirect cylinders include a high-efficiency corrugated coil. The increased surface area encourages efficient heat transfer from the boiler to the stored water, helping the cylinder achieve fast recovery times.
This makes the indirect range suitable for homes that need a reliable supply of hot water for baths, showers and multiple outlets.
5. Direct and indirect options
Both Gledhill and Megaflo offer direct and indirect cylinders.
- Direct cylinders heat the water with electric immersion heaters and suit properties without a suitable boiler connection.
- Indirect cylinders use a heating coil connected to a boiler, with an immersion heater normally included as a backup.
The Gledhill Stainless Platinum range includes direct models from 120 to 210 litres and indirect models from 120 to 300 litres. This provides options for flats, family homes and properties with several bathrooms.
Is Megaflo Still a Good Cylinder?
Yes. Megaflo remains a high-quality unvented cylinder with excellent hot water performance, durable construction and strong manufacturer support. It also has one of the most recognised names in the UK cylinder market.
However, brand recognition does not automatically mean it is the best-value option for every installation. If a homeowner can obtain the required capacity, recovery performance and warranty protection from a Gledhill Platinum for less money, paying more for a Megaflo may provide limited practical benefit.
Which Cylinder Should You Choose?
A Megaflo may appeal to buyers who specifically want the Megaflo name, require a particular model or place extra value on its longer inner-cylinder warranty.
In contrast, the Gledhill Stainless Platinum is an excellent choice for buyers who want premium stainless steel construction, internal expansion, strong hot water performance and long warranty protection at a competitive price.
Our verdict: Megaflo remains a respected premium product, but the Gledhill Platinum provides many comparable features for considerably less in many like-for-like purchases. For this reason, we believe the Gledhill Platinum offers better overall value for money for many UK homes.
Choose Your Gledhill Platinum Cylinder
SNH Tradecentre supplies a wide selection of Gledhill Stainless Platinum direct and indirect unvented cylinders. Our team can help you identify the correct cylinder type and capacity before ordering.
- Competitive online prices
- Direct and indirect models available
- Sizes for small properties and larger family homes
- Established plumbing and heating merchant
- Helpful product advice before purchase
- Secure online ordering
Important: An unvented cylinder must be installed and commissioned by a suitably qualified engineer with the correct G3 qualification. The property must also have adequate incoming mains water pressure and flow.