Boilers are something you’ll be using for the better part of your year. Among all the options for a good one, things pretty much boil down (pun intended) to Williamson and Weil McLain boilers.
Both are pretty good. But their materials, price, and configuration make them different.
No one wants to end up freezing on winter days. So yes, what boiler you get definitely matters. If you’re stuck between picking Williamson or Weil-McLain, here’s a comparison between them to make your decision easier.
A Quick Summary of Comparison
| Feature | Williamson | Weil-McLain |
| Efficiency range | Up to 95% AFUE | Up to 97% AFUE |
| Warranty | 10 years on heat exchanger, 5 years parts | 10-12 years on heat exchanger, 5-10 years parts |
| Price range | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$$ |
| Product line diversity | 3 series, ~10 models | 4 series, ~20 models |
| Smart technology | Limited options | Advanced options |
| Brand reputation | Good | Excellent |
Have time to dig in? Good, let’s get to the details then.
Key Differences Between Williamson And Weil-McLain Boilers
Both Williamson and Weil-McLain have a solid reputation going on for them. And as they say for business, if someone has a good reputation then at least some of that has to be good. The same goes for these two brands.
Williamson and Weil-McLain both have high-quality and durable products. With them being so close head-to-head, differentiating can get a little tough.
Material, price, and configuration are some of the major differences you’ll see between them.
Let’s take a better look.
- Material
Sure, both boilers are cast iron but that’s not where the difference is.
The difference between them is in their strength of it.
Williamson still has a long way to go before it reaches Weil-McLain’s material strength.
When it comes to material, Williamson and Weil-McLain are very close.
They’re so close that people believe in theories like Weil-McLain being the manufacturers of both brands.
That might not be true but you can guess how close they are in quality from this.
Williamson has your basic cast iron material going on for their boilers. The cast iron layer they use only has one layer and it is pretty uniform.
Weil-McLain on the other hand has a stronger structure going on for their boilers. The cast iron layer in their boilers is double-layered in the “sensitive” places.
So the twists and turns (and everything in between) have a stronger layer protecting them from outside factors.
Plus the Weil-McLain cast iron quality seems overall better than the Williamson. Not by a large margin, of course, the difference is a slim one.
- Efficiency Ratings
When shopping for a new boiler, one of the most important considerations is energy efficiency. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating indicates what percentage of fuel is converted into usable heat energy. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the boiler.
Williamson boilers have AFUE ratings ranging from 83% up to 95% efficient on their top models. This covers the full spectrum from basic efficiency boilers to higher tier condensing boilers.
Weil-McLain boilers range from 85% AFUE on basic models up to 97% AFUE on their most advanced condensing boiler lines. This includes ultra high-efficiency options beyond what Williamson offers.
So when it comes to efficiency, Weil-McLain edges out Williamson with a wider range of AFUE ratings and higher potential maximum efficiency. Choosing a boiler with a higher AFUE can lead to lower monthly heating bills through fuel savings.
- Cost
This is probably the most significant difference between Williamson and Weil-McLain. Williamson is officially cheaper than Weil-McLain and that seems to be the major reason why people choose them.
Installing a boiler is a pretty big hit for your bank account, and that’s understandable. This is why Williamson wins this race.
With installation and all, the boiler costs about $200 less than the Weil-McLain ones. It may not look much but well, it adds up.
Weil-McLain boilers are the opposite. Their boilers are some of the top three most expensive ones in the market and sometimes they’re the most expensive ones.
Sure, good things are usually pricier. But that kind of slips away when you’re trying to penny-pinch your way through.
- Configuration
Not much of a difference here but still noteworthy. With all the good qualities and better pricing, Williamson boilers mostly have a basic build. Weil-McLain ones have a pretty extensive build.
The difference becomes clearer when you put the boilers side-by-side. You’ll see Williamson boilers have fewer knobs and whistles.
The missing knobs and whistles are all important. So if you want to be on the safe side, Weil-McLain is the safest bet.
- Product Line Diversity
Williamson and Weil-McLain both offer a range of boiler models to suit different needs. Williamson has 3 main boiler series with around 10 total models. Their models include both non-condensing and condensing options, mostly for residential use.
Weil-McLain has 4 distinct boiler series with over 20 total models. Their extensive product line includes basic, mid-range, and premium condensing boilers for both residential and commercial applications.
Overall, Weil-McLain offers superior diversity with more series options and total unique models. Their wide product selection ensures you can find an optimal Weil-McLain boiler for your specific requirements. Williamson still covers the key bases but doesn’t have the same extensive model portfolio.
- Smart Technology Integration
In recent years, smart technology integration has become an increasingly popular feature in modern high-efficiency boilers. This includes capabilities like WiFi connectivity, remote monitoring, and voice control compatibility.
Williamson boilers are quite limited on the smart technology front. Most models lack any kind of smart features, with just one or two higher-end options offering basic WiFi connectivity.
Weil-McLain has embraced smart technology across their boiler lineup. Many models feature WiFi connectivity, voice control compatibility, advanced touchscreen displays, and integration with control platforms like Ecobee. This allows for features like remote temperature adjustment and boiler monitoring.
If you’re looking for cutting-edge smart functionality, Weil-McLain is undoubtedly the leader compared to Williamson’s minimal smart boiler options.
- Brand Reputation
When making any major home purchase decision, the brand’s reputation is sure to weigh into your choice. Both Williamson and Weil-McLain have been around for decades, but there are some differences in how the brands are perceived.
Williamson is seen as a budget-friendly boiler brand that offers basic dependable performance. They have a decent reputation but lack the prestige and legacy of some competitors.
Weil-McLain is known as a premium, industry-leading boiler brand. They have an excellent reputation built on their high-quality products and reliable performance. Weil-McLain is seen as an innovator and leader particularly in high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Overall, Weil-McLain’s stellar reputation gives them an edge over Williamson’s good but average brand standing. Going with a trusted premium brand like Weil-McLain provides peace of mind.
Which Boiler Should You Choose?
Unfortunately, this is a question you won’t get any simple or straight answers for.
As you can see from the comparison, both boilers are very similar and have excellent reps going to back them up.
The head-to-head comparison is so close you’ll pretty much have to do a trade-off when you’re picking one of them.
The first thing you should do is figure out what is more important to you.
If you clearly know what you want, picking one will be a lot easier.
If you don’t have a problem paying a little more and want to be on the safe side, go with the Weil-McLain boilers. They’re made of sturdier material and have a better warning and extensive configuration.
Most mechanics will also recommend Weil-McLain boilers. And frankly speaking, spending a little more is much better than worrying about replacements two years down the line.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option but want something pretty sturdy, Williamson is your buddy. Williamson boilers come with pretty much everything Weil-McLain boilers do.
Williamson boilers are also the no. 1 alternative for Weil-McLain ones. The only problem is, their warranty is slightly less than Weil-McLain and the cast iron isn’t double-layer. If you’re okay with that, feel free to give Williamson a shot.
Overall, the Weil-McLain boiler is the better choice here. You’ll be spending a little more but you’ll have a better-built boiler in your home. Plus the warranty coverage is better than Williamson.
So unless you’re specifically looking to save a few hundred bucks, go with Weil-McLain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions people usually ask about both manufacturers and boilers in general.
No, they’re both different but there’s a twist. The Thermoflo Company bought the Williamson name, but later Weil-McLain bought the joint venture. So Williamson is different but it works under the Weil-McLain parent branch.
Yes, they’re one of the most reliable manufacturers of boilers. Williamson might be comparatively new, but their product quality makes up for the lost years.
Williamson-Thermoflo is an independent operating unit. So they manufacture and assemble their products under their own operation unit. The whole unit is tied to the parent branch Marley-Wylain Company.
Yes, Weil-McLain is probably the best option when it comes to boilers. They have a solid build, are efficient and the warranty coverage is amazing. They have a good reputation for manufacturing reliable and long-lasting boilers.
The average life expectancy of a Weil-McLain boiler is 15-30 years, sometimes longer. High-quality construction, efficient burner design, and robust heat exchangers allow Weil-McLain boilers to operate for decades when properly maintained. Their 10-12 year warranties also demonstrate the long lifespan of these products.
Plumbers most often recommend boilers from brand names like Weil-McLain, Lennox, Burnham, Triangle Tube, and Lochinvar. Weil-McLain is a trusted brand known for performance and reliability. Plumbers also recommend looking for features like high AFUE ratings, strong warranties, and good contractor support from brands.
Final Verdict
The comparison between Williamson and Weil-McLain boilers is almost never-ending, but the winner will always depend on the user. Your personal preference is what matters so go with the one you feel good with.
But if you have to pick one, the Weil-McLain boilers are the better (and the more well-rounded) choice.
