So how about a good old fashioned range oven to warm your toes by?

For me, there is nothing more comforting than a cosy kitchen warmed by the range oven.  In years gone by, cast iron stoves would have been the only means of heat in the whole of the house, except for maybe a small coal fire in the back room.   So with today's technology and modern appliances, why is the demand for them still so great? 

No doubt, their charm and rusticity play a big part but more probable is the ever increasing cost of fuel.  The range with it's multi purpose use for warmth, cooking, heating water and drying laundry, makes it a huge hit.  I am told, having never owned one myself, that cooking on a range takes a bit of getting use to but most of the main brands offer cookery lessons.

Aga, Everhot, Rayburn and Redfyre are all popular makes and all offer a variety of sizes and colours - the one show here is a wood fuelled Esse in cream.

Interesting read: Stoves through the ages!