What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Industrial Boilers?

Here we help to answer the question "whats the difference between commercial and industrial boilers?" and the advantages of each when deciding to hire a specific type of boiler for your needs.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Industrial Boilers?

While temporary boiler hire is associated with a boiler breakdown, multiple situations would benefit from emergency boiler rental. Whether you’re hosting an event, looking for a backup heating source, or planning around your annual scheduled boiler maintenance, renting a temporary boiler offers flexibility and convenience in all kinds of situations.

Any industry can benefit from the use of a hired heater, but finding the right one can save you valuable money and ensure you’re getting the power you need.

When you’re looking to hire a boiler, whether it’s for an event or emergency use getting the right type is paramount. While commercial and industrial boilers might sound similar (and both are used in businesses), there are some key differences, and it pays to know them if you’re on the hunt for the right boiler for you.

Who Uses Commercial Boilers?

While both commercial and industrial boilers are for business rather than personal use, commercial boilers are typically found in spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and offices. A commercial boiler provides heat to non-domestic buildings by burning fuel, turning it into hot water, and using it to heat spaces and water.

Who Uses Industrial Boilers?

Industrial boilers are also used by businesses, but typically on a larger scale. The clue’s in the name – you’ll find an industrial boiler in spaces where large operations are taking place and lots of fuel is required to provide heat. You’ll often find industrial boilers used in spaces such as, warehouses, the pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage industries, and factories.

Size of Commercial and Industrial Boilers

One of the key differences is the size of each type of boiler. Commercial boilers are typically stored in smaller places, such as cupboards or utility rooms, so the boilers themselves are smaller. Generally in the hire industry, commercial boilers are built into compact frames which are easily transported and located in smaller outside spaces.

Industrial boilers are found in large spaces and tend to be homed in boiler rooms, meaning the boilers are larger. While you can’t always distinguish a type of boiler by size alone, assessing the size of the space you have available can help you choose the right type of boiler.

Fuel Type of Commercial and Industrial Boilers

On the whole, industrial boilers use a wider range of fuel, so you can be more flexible in your large-scale operation. Commercial boilers typically function with either natural gas, oil, or propane, which are the more standard fuel sources.

Industrial boilers typically run on natural gas and oil, but many work with alternative sources such as biomass, coal, and waste materials – none of which will hinder efficiency, however, these are not generally offered as fuel options in the hire industry.

Capability of Commercial and Industrial Boilers

Industrial boilers are made to heat huge spaces quickly, so they tend to be more efficient than commercial boilers, although this increased efficiency comes with a higher price tag. Commercial boilers are still efficient and typically perform consistently and reliably.

If your operations are heavy-duty and continuous, an industrial boiler will be up to the job, but don’t pay extra for this efficiency if it’s not a must.

Do You Need to Rent a Commercial Boiler or Industrial Boiler?

Using the clues above, you can establish whether a commercial boiler or industrial boiler is right for your needs.

Spaces like offices, hotels, and retail spaces typically use commercial boilers – they’re for small commercial spaces and are typically hired on a short to medium-term basis. For large, industrial sites running large-scale operations, you’ll need an industrial boiler.

A commercial boiler:

  • Can be suitable for long-term rentals, but is typically hired for short/medium-term periods.
  • Tends to be similar to the size of a domestic boiler and will fit into smaller outside spaces.
  • Is suitable for commercial spaces, such as a hotel, retail store, or restaurant.
  • Typically burns natural gas, oil, or propane.
  • Costs less than an industrial boiler.

An industrial boiler:

  • Is suitable for long-term rentals.
  • Tends to be larger than an average boiler and may be too large for the average utility room.
  • Is suitable for industrial operations, such as factories.
  • Has the capacity to burn a wide variety of fuels.
  • Costs more than a commercial boiler.
  • Works extremely efficiently.

While both commercial and industrial boilers can be hired last minute, a pre-planned rental might work better if you require a large fleet. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, chat with our expert team for advice.

Whatever type of boiler you need, renting from a reputable boiler rental company is a must. Look for easy-to-contact support, a large fleet of both industrial and commercial boilers, as well as a team that’s well-equipped to provide honest advice.

With an unrivalled fleet of boilers for industrial boiler hire and rental boiler hire, as well as fast delivery and installation, we’ve got everything you need for your upcoming project at Rapid Boiler Hire.

Tap into our team’s expertise and benefit from our range of all types of boilers with reliable hire and 24/7 support.Explore our services for both emergency and planned boiler hire.

Packaged Boiler Hire
An industrial duel fuel boiler packaged in a temporary plant room skid. Units like these are easily delivered and installed and include all the components for stand alone operation.

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