Hitachi vs Ideal Heating - Which Heat Pump Is Better for UK Homes?

Independent head-to-head comparison. Updated April 2026.

Hi
Hitachi
Japanese quality, wide output range for UK homes
8/10
Overall winner
IH
Ideal Heating
UK's home-grown heating brand going heat pump
7.6/10

Score breakdown

8.5
Efficiency (SCOP)
7.5
8.3
Reliability
7.8
8
Installation
9
7.5
After-sales support
8.8
8
Value for money
8.5
2
categories won by Hitachi
vs
3
categories won by Ideal Heating
Hitachi - installed price (post-grant)
£4,000 - £8,500
After £7,500 BUS grant. Includes installation.
BUS Grant: £7,500
Ideal Heating - installed price (post-grant)
£3,500 - £7,000
After £7,500 BUS grant. Among the lowest installed cost.
BUS Grant: £7,500

Which wins for...

Maximum efficiency
Hi
Hitachi
Higher SCOP rating (8.5/10)
Best value for money
IH
Ideal Heating
Better value score (8.5/10) and typically lower installed cost
Long-term reliability
Hi
Hitachi
Higher reliability score (8.3/10)
Easiest installation
IH
Ideal Heating
Better installer compatibility score (9/10)
After-sales support
IH
Ideal Heating
Stronger UK support network (8.8/10)
Hi
Our verdict

Hitachi wins overall

Hitachi scores 8/10 overall - higher than Ideal Heating (7.6/10). However, the best choice depends on your specific priorities. Ideal Heating may be a better fit if you prioritise value for money.

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Important disclaimer

www.heatpumpcompared.co.uk is editorially independent and not affiliated with any heat pump manufacturer or installer. We do not provide heating advice. Prices, specifications, SCOP ratings and grant amounts are correct as of April 2026 but are subject to change. Always commission a professional heat loss survey before purchasing a heat pump system.