Cooking FAQS
Can I paint the enamel on my cooker?
If your cooker has an enamel finish it would not be possible to paint it a different colour. To change colours of your cooker you would need to change the relevant castings. If you have small marks on the enamel these can be touched up using the relevant colour of touch up paint which would be available through any of the local stockists. It is only advised to use touch up on very small marks.
How do I clean an enamel surface?
The enamel finish should only be cleaned when cool and to keep the enamel in the best condition observe the following tips:
- Wipe over daily with a soapy damp cloth, followed by a polish with a clean dry duster.
- For stubborn deposits a soap impregnated pad can be carefully used on the vitreous enamel.
- Use only products recommended by the Vitreous Enamel Association. See our cookware site for enamel cleaner suitable for all our cast iron cookers. https://www.agacookware.ie/collections/cleaning-products
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE PADS OR OVEN CLEANSERS CONTAINING CITRIC
What do I need to change the colour of my cooker?
If your cooker has an enamel finish it would not be possible to paint it a different colour. To change colours of your cooker you would need to change the relevant castings. If you have small marks on the enamel these can be touched up using the relevant colour of touch up paint which would be available through any of the local stockists. It is only advised to use touch up on very small marks.
How do I repair enamel damage on my cooker?
Small impact marks on the enamel finish can be repaired using an appropriate enamel touch up (same can be purchased through your local Stanley dealer) but it should not be used to cover marks greater than Ø10mm or multiple marks on the same casting/area. Unfortunately, a replacement casting would need to be fitted if the touch-up paint is unsuitable.
What causes rust & how to treat rust on a cast iron surface?
Rust build-up on castings is caused by exposure to excessive moisture and it can occur in cast iron ovens over a number of years if it is not treated prior to usage (i.e. applying a light coat of cooking oil).
Rust can be removed using a wire brush/fine steel wool pad. Once the surface rust is removed, dry off with a lint free cloth and apply a light coat of cooking oil to preserve the finish to help prevent future rust build-up. Allow the oil to soak into the casting overnight and it may be necessary to ventilate the room when the oven is operated for the first time after applying the oil.
Can I convert a non condensing cooker to a condensing model?
Owing to the fundamental differences between condensing and non-condensing models, unfortunately it is not possible to upgrade a non-condensing model to a condensing version.
Can I run my central heating cooker without water?
It would not be safe to use your range cooker without connecting it to the central heating system.
The boiler shell will overheat due to the absence of water. This will cause potential distortion and fracture of the boiler casing resulting in fume leakage from the appliance into the room. We would never recommend this.
What are the possible causes of oven not reaching temperature?
As the burner is controlled by both the boiler thermostat and oven thermostat, if it is not maintaining the preset oven temperature, either of these stats could be cutting power to the burner before the desired temperature is reached. The two main causes of oven temperature not being reached are as follows:
- During cooking operation, heat is produced to the boiler which must be vented to the heating circuit to prevent the burner from shutting down. - The cooker must be able to automatically vent hot water to the heat system.
- Oven thermostat is out of calibration - Operational temperature settings of the oven stat should be checked, and the stat replaced if required. As the burner is controlled by both the boiler thermostat and oven thermostat, if it is not maintaining the preset oven temperature, either of these stats could be cutting power to the burner before the desired temperature is reached. The two main causes of oven temperature not being reached are as follows:
Where can I get spare parts?
At Waterford Stanley we stock spare parts on all cookers we sell today and hold spares parts on stoves and cookers discontinued up to 10 years.
Your local stockist will be pleased to supply spare parts and to provide any other information you require. For further information on your cooker and exploded views, go to the Technical Manuals section or to find your nearest Stockist.
What are the causes of condensation in my cooker or stove?
Dampness/water in the firebox of a cooker is caused by condensation (i.e. the flue gases cooling to the point where the gases turn to liquid). This can be caused by the following:
- Poor or low flue draught - The chimney system to which the unit is connected does not allow for an adequate flow of air through it to allow the fire in the unit to reach its optimal operating temperature.
- Cold Chimney - Condensation develops on start-up of the fire and until the necessary heat is transferred to the chimney system to establish the required draught.
- Circulating Pump running constantly - The pump should be controlled by a pipe stat attached to the flow (or return) pipe to the cylinder. If the pump runs continuous, the boiler will not heat up causing the fire to be cooler and the flue gases from same to be lower.
- Damp Fuel - Poor quality or damp fuel will affect the heat generated by the fire and the flue gases from same will be cooler.
Do Waterford Stanley support reconditioned or refurbished cast iron cookers?
No. A reconditioned, or refurbished cast iron cooker means the major strip down and rebuild of an appliance. A reconditioned cooker may already be over 30 years old and made up of parts from different Stanley cookers.
In addition, each fuel requires significant variations in cast iron internal components as well as the burner area and controls. It is not possible therefore to merely exchange a burner type to use a different fuel. Can you be assured that a conversion is successful and safe?
How often does my cooker need to be serviced?
Waterford Stanley recommend that you service your oil or gas cast iron cookers yearly to ensure its running safely and efficiently.
Some of the AGA electric models, Rangemaster cookers, Stanley Supreme and La Cornure do not require regular servicing unless you have any issues.
Waterford Stanley has a list of authorised service engineers for Stanley, Rayburn, AGA and Rangemaster. Note Rangemaster Engineers will also service Waterford Appliances and Falcon.
How are cast iron ovens different to steel ovens?
Cast-iron, which is used to make the ovens of AGA, Stanley and Rayburn cookers, is acclaimed for cooking because it retains, evenly distributes and radiates gentle heat, preserving the moisture, flavour and goodness of the food. Within the ovens, heat is radiated from all surfaces simultaneously to ensure a gentle cooking process without the fierce direct heat found in conventional cookers.
What cookware should I use on my range cooker?
AGA produce a wide range of cookware designed specifically for use on an cast iron cookers cooker. To get the most from your cooker, we recommend using AGA cookware which features stackable lids, thick bases and detachable handles, to optimise space and cooking results.
You can purchase AGA and Rangemaster cookware from agacookware.ie
Can I cook in my Stanley or Rayburn cooker without running the central heating?
Yes. All twin-burner models have separate burners for cooking and heating. Certain models are also available with an electronic programmer so you can set the heating and cooker to come on independently in anticipation of your return home. This applies to Stanley and Rayburn cast iron cookers
What is the boiler efficiency of a central heating cooker?
With regards to energy efficient heating and hot water, central heating cooker minimises effort and energy as all your cooking, heating and hot water needs are met in one neat package.
Stanley and Rayburn offers a range of cast- iron heating models, including oil and gas central heating appliances, which are typically in the range of 86 – 87% efficient, and some models, including the 680KCD and 480KCD for Rayburn or Brandon Condensing for Stanley, incorporate A-rated condensing boilers and achieve efficiencies of over 92% and are capable of heating up to 20 radiators while providing lashings of hot water too.
The Stanley oil and Rayburn oil and gas central heating cookers are also fully programmable so they can be turned on and off to suit your needs. The flexibility to decide when and how to use your appliance will give you control over your fuel consumption and household heating bills.
Can i convert an solid fuel cooker for use with oil?
Unfortunately, as the design of the oil and solid fuel cookers are very different, it is not possible to convert an oil cooker to solid fuel or vice versa.
Do I have a choice of the number of ovens and their sizes?
Stanley and Rayburn cast iron cookers have 2 ovens: main oven and simmering oven. Rangemaster have models with 2 ovens and a separate grill and 2 ovens, warming oven and separate grill.
If you want more than 2/3 ovens AGA has models up to 210cm wide which offer 5 ovens.
Will my cast iron cooker have a grill?
Yes, the top panel of the main oven can be used for grilling purposes and the shelf is adjustable for grilling needs.
Can I use and extractor with my range cooker?
Yes. Any standard type extractor hood can be used, but require a minimum clearance of 660mm from the hob top. AGA and Rangemaster have an extensive selection of hoods for their range cookers.
Which cookers are suitable for underfloor heating?
Our Stanley and Rayburn twin burner cookers in oil and gas are suitable for use with underfloor heating and zoned control. It has a separate boiler unit as underfloor heating can demand heat at any time day or night.
Can you explain how induction works?
The electricity supply generates a magnetic field. By placing a pan onto the induction zone you complete the circuit, the pan becomes hot and in turn heats the contents of the pan.
Induction cooking is 90% efficient, fast, powerful, controllable and safe.
Induction pans need to be ferrous based, which means that a magnet should stick to the base. Stainless steel or cast iron cooking vessels are ideal. You can find a selection of induction friendly cookware at www.agacookware.ie
What warranty policy do I get with my range cooker?
Waterford Stanley will replace, free of charge, any working part that fails (under normal operating conditions) within 12 months of purchase. Waterford Stanley recommend cookers are serviced every 12 months. For more details on warranty on all brands.
AGA appliances (excluding refrigeration) benefit from a one year labour and five year parts warranty. Rayburn appliances benefit from a one-year labour and thee-year parts warranty.
Rayburn range cooker warranty - Rayburn appliances benefit from a one-year labour and thee-year parts warranty.
Rangemaster cooking appliances, hoods, refrigerators and dishwashers benefit from a full two-year warranty upon registration within 30 days of delivery. For your peace of mind, the Rangemaster warranty covers all parts and labour on cookers, hoods, refrigerators and dishwashers.
How do I clean a cast iron oven?
The following is the recommended procedure for cleaning cast iron ovens:
- Use a wire brush/fine steel wool pad for cleaning the hotplate to remove rust or burnt on spills.
- Dry off with a lint free cloth and apply a light coat of cooking oil to preserve the finish.
- In the main oven spills and fat splashes are carbonised at high temperatures, occasionally brush out with a wire brush/fine steel wool pad.
- The lower ovens should also be brushed or wiped out occasionally.
How do I clean the hotplate?
Use a wire brush/fine steel wool pad for cleaning the hotplate to remove rust or burnt on spills. Dry off with a lint free cloth and apply a light coat of cooking oil to preserve the finish.
What causes smoke in an oven?
All solid fuel cookers contain a steam escape (usually a hole in the casting on the top of the oven) which transfers the excess moisture from the oven into the flue pathways of the cooker.
In order for the cooker to work correctly, the chimney system to which it is connected must generate a negative draught to remove all smoke/fumes from the cooker. This negative draught is also used to create a suction in the oven which allows the steam escape to remove any excess moisture into the flue pathways and in turn into the chimney system.
Usually when a customer is experiencing smoke in an oven it is caused by a lack of draught in the chimney system resulting in the steam escape working in reverse (i.e. smoke being sucked into the oven rather than steam vented out). It would be best to get an engineer to inspect the unit for you and he will also be able to measure the draught generated by the chimney system with a view to identifying the root cause of the smoking issue.
What is the best fuel to use in solid fuel cooker?
All our solid fuel cookers are designed to burn anthracite, coal, turf, timber or briquettes. Due to the damp climate prevalent in Ireland, if burning turf, timber or briquettes it is essential that they are stored in a dry environment as they tend to absorb moisture which will affect the heat output they generate. For that reason, from our experience, coal or anthracite tend to be the best fuels to use as they do not require specific storage facilities and produce the highest heat output per kg. Smokeless fuel is also preferred.
What is the most efficient way to operate an oil cooker?
How to operate the unit will largely depend on the heat duration requirements i.e. if the house is vacant for periods during the day, it would be best to have the unit timed to come on for a period in the morning and then in the evening prior to the house being occupied.
If heat is required throughout the day it is best to have the ambient temperature set by room stats which bring on the heating as required to maintain the desired temperature. In this case it is best to have the unit available to come on as the stats require as more energy is usually consumed bringing a heating system up to temperature than used when maintaining it at a desired temperature
