Midea Review UK (2026)
Quick Answer
Large Chinese manufacturer that builds heat pumps for many other brands, sold directly as M-Thermal.
Data verified April 2026. UK installed pricing varies with installer, site and package.
At a Glance
| Origin | China (Midea, a major global OEM for heating and cooling) |
| UK support | Growing UK distribution; Midea also manufactures units badged by other brands |
| Capacity / sizing | 4 kW – 16 kW (M-Thermal Arctic / R290 range) |
| SCOP | 4.3+ at 35°C flow (M-Thermal R290, A7/W35) |
| Warranty | 5 years standard; extendable via accredited installers |
| Indicative UK price | £7,500–£12,000 installed before BUS grant |
Strengths
- Among the most affordable mainstream units installed
- R290 models with high flow temperatures for older homes
- Huge global manufacturing scale and engineering experience
- M-Thermal Arctic range holds output in cold weather
Weaknesses
- Less brand recognition with UK homeowners than the Japanese or European names
- Smaller dedicated installer network, shop around
- Smart controls less polished than Daikin or Samsung
Who Midea Suits Best
Budget-focused homeowners who want a capable R290 unit and do not mind a less familiar brand name.
When to Avoid
Brand recognition and the largest local installer network matter most to you.
Popular Models
- M-Thermal R290 Monobloc (high temp)
- M-Thermal Arctic (cold climate)
- M-Thermal Split
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Midea heat pump cost in the UK?
Midea M-Thermal installations typically cost £7,500–£12,000 before the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, bringing the net cost to roughly £0–£4,500, often among the cheapest mainstream options.
Is Midea a good heat pump brand?
Yes, on value. Midea is a major global manufacturer that also builds units badged by other brands. The M-Thermal R290 range offers high flow temperatures and competitive pricing, though brand recognition and installer numbers are lower than the leaders.
Does Midea make heat pumps for other brands?
Yes. Midea is a large original-equipment manufacturer, so some heat pumps sold under other brand names are built by Midea, which reflects its manufacturing scale.
Is Midea eligible for the BUS grant?
Yes. Midea M-Thermal heat pumps qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant when installed by an MCS-certified installer in England and Wales.
Compare with Other Heat Pump Brands
| Brand | UK support | Warranty | Indicative price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaillant | Strong, large UK installer and service network, significant G.A.S. partnership | 5 years standard; up to 10 years via accredited installer (G.A.S.) | £9,000–£14,000 installed before BUS grant (-£7,500) | View → |
| Daikin | Very strong, large UK office, Daikin Sustainable Home Centre, extensive installer network | 3 years standard; extendable to 7 years via accredited installer | £9,500–£14,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Mitsubishi Ecodan | Very strong, largest installer base of any ASHP brand in the UK | 7 years standard on accredited installs (Mitsubishi Electric Hybrid+ programme) | £9,000–£13,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| NIBE | Strong, UK office plus VIP+ installer network (extended warranty programme) | 5 years standard; up to 10 years via VIP+ accredited installer | £10,000–£15,000 installed before BUS grant (air source); significantly more for ground source with boreholes | View → |
| Grant Aerona | Strong in rural UK and off-gas areas, established oil-boiler heritage and installer base | 7 years on the Aerona R290 with registration | £8,500–£13,500 installed before BUS grant (-£7,500) | View → |
| Viessmann Vitocal | Established UK office and trained installer network, strong technical support | 5 years standard; extendable via accredited installers | £9,500–£14,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Panasonic Aquarea | Good UK distribution and installer network, established air conditioning heritage | 5 years standard; up to 7 via accredited installers | £8,500–£13,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Samsung EHS | Growing UK installer network, established air conditioning presence | 5 years standard; up to 7 via accredited installers | £8,000–£12,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| LG Therma V | Growing UK network, established HVAC and air conditioning presence | 5 years standard; up to 7 via accredited installers | £8,500–£13,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Aira | Direct Aira-employed installers and aftercare, not a traditional dealer network | Long warranty and performance guarantee as part of the Aira package | Upfront from around £6,500 net after grant, or a monthly subscription | View → |
| Bosch Compress | Strong, leans on the large Worcester Bosch heating installer base in the UK | Up to 7 years via accredited installers | £9,000–£14,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Ideal Heating | Strong UK manufacturing base and a large existing boiler installer network | Up to 7 years via accredited installers | £8,500–£13,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
Get a Quote Including Midea
Most MCS-certified installers carry multiple heat pump brands — ask for a quote specifying Midea if you want a heat pump from this brand. Use the form below to reach local installers.
Sources
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.