Over 200,000 Irish homes now have a product from the Waterford-based company, with the traditional cast-iron cooker enjoying something of a fashion revival . . .

particularly as it now comes in black.

Stanley cookers comprise a range of both classic and modern styles to fit in with every kind of fitted kitchen. The appeal of the cast-iron model is that it can run on gas or oil . . . unlike the old days when these sturdy ranges were run on solid fuel and required constant attention.

Apart from its obvious role as a cooker, the Stanley also takes care of the home's central heating and hot water requirements . . . something worth considering as this makes for sensible energy efficiency. If all that tradition sounds too twee for the ultra-modern kitchen, there is a range of professional-style stainless steel cookers, made from 3mm of steel, and available in a choice of widths and fuel options.

Aside from cookers, for heat with old-fashioned style, a cast-iron stove is an alternative to an open fire by providing a real flame while heating a room three times more efficiently. These function via oil and natural gas, but solid fuel remains the most popular method.

According to Waterford Stanley, the company sells more cast-iron stoves than any other manufacturer in the country. With the winter we've just had, and notoriously chilly summers a regular feature, it could be worth checking out the cosy options at www. waterfordstanley. com.