Why the best eggs won’t be made of chocolate this Easter

With the days growing longer and the weather improving, it’s the perfect time to let the Spring inspire you to take your cooking outside.

The Big Green Egg has revolutionised how we cook outdoors here in the UK, and at Stamford Stoves we are proud to be the leading stockist in your area. We supply the full range of Big Green Egg products and offer same-day collection and delivery options to suit you. 

What size is right for you?

The Big Green egg comes in three different sizes:

  • The Minimax is perfect for those on the go - it’s ideal for camping trips, staycations, or a day on the beach.

  • The Large is our best seller due to its versatile, iconic design and patented technology, which allow you to produce restaurant-quality food in your back garden.

  • The XL is great for big families or those entertaining large gatherings (especially if they want to impress their guests!)

Create your perfect outdoor kitchen

By choosing Stamford Stoves, not only are you guaranteeing the best service from our knowledgeable showroom team, you are also helping support a local, independent business. 

As a thank you for your support, we currently have exclusive package deals and offers to help you create the perfect outdoor setup with the full range of Big Green Eggs and must-have accessories available to view in our showroom.

How the egg was hatched 50 years ago

Big Green Egg is more than just a manufacturer of premium ceramic grills—it's a pioneer in outdoor cooking innovation and craftsmanship. The company has spent decades perfecting its signature design and engineering, resulting in a product that is unrivalled in performance and quality.

Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, Big Green Egg has grown into a global phenomenon, with a dedicated community of enthusiasts spanning the globe. The company is committed to sustainability, using natural materials and environmentally friendly practices in its manufacturing process.

Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice outdoor cook, Big Green Egg provides the tools and inspiration you need to elevate your culinary adventures to new heights. With its commitment to quality, innovation, and community, Big Green Egg is more than just a grill—it's a lifestyle.


Serves: 5

Ingredients: 

4 tins of good quality chopped tomatoes

100ml olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

10 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 red peppers, diced

1 chilli pepper, finely chopped

3 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp sumac

1 tsp chilli powder

5 eggs

1 bunch coriander, finely chopped

2 tbsp za’atar

Recipe of the Month: Shakshuka

A beautifully simple dish that's perfect if you have friends coming round for brunch. Once you know how to make this one-pan wonder, you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Add chorizo, ramp up the heat with extra chilli, or scatter some feta on top before serving.

EGG set up: Direct

Recommended charcoal: Oak & Hickory

EGG target temperature: 180˚C then 140˚C

Cooking time: 1 hour

Method:

  1. Set up your EGG for direct cooking, with the Stainless Steel Grid. Your target temperature is initially 180˚C.

  2. Add the olive oil, onion, red peppers and chilli pepper to the Big Green Egg Paella Pan. Burp your EGG, open the dome and place on the Stainless Steel Grid. Cook, stirring regularly, for 15 minutes. Add the garlic and spices (except the za’atar) and cook, continuing to stir, for a further 10 minutes.

  3. Add the tomatoes, turn your EGG down to 140˚C and cook for 30 minutes. Make small wells in the mixture and crack in your eggs. Cook for a further 6-7 minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Scatter over the za’atar and coriander and serve with some fresh flatbreads.

Warm your heart (and your home) with Stamford Stoves this Valentine’s Day

Going out for Valentine’s Day is overrated; who needs busy restaurants when you can create the perfect date night from the comfort of your own home? With the help of Everhot and Charnwood Stoves, we’ve created the perfect Valentine’s set-up for a night-in with your favourite someone.

Create a delicious grazeboard

Start your evening by creating a tasty grazeboard together. Gather an assortment of your favourite snacks, arranging them carefully on a wooden board - sweets, fruits, nuts, crisps and even cheese make a great choice. 

Ever tried melting chocolate using your Everhot Range Cooker? The ‘keep warm’ setting on the induction hob allows you to gently heat the chocolate in a pan until smooth. No more gritty chocolate sauce!

Toasted treats

After you’re finished in the kitchen, set up a cosy spot by your fireplace. We recommend toasting marshmallows and crumpets using the Charnwood Toasting Fork; skewer and roast in front of the stove until they’re ready for dipping in the melted chocolate, or topping with treats from your grazeboard.

If you’re looking for a new stove, the Charnwood C-Five Blu featured here is a great option; available as a wood or multi-fuel stove, in a choice of 8 colours.

Enjoy!

Finish off the evening with a glass of prosecco or two - there’s something very romantic about watching the flickering glow of the fire with your favourite person.

Looking for a little extra? Try out this month’s featured recipe below - Everhot’s Blueberry Pancakes.

More about Charnwood Stoves

A J Wells & Sons Ltd, manufacturers of Charnwood Stoves, was founded in 1972 when Alfred Wells and two of his sons started a small engineering business in Niton on the Isle of Wight. Over the last forty years they have grown from their original small factory of around 1500 sq. ft to their current site of over 50,000sq. Ft.

As the oldest British manufacturer of wood burning stoves, run by second and third generations of the family, they are dedicated to providing products of enduring design and of the highest quality.

They have always been keen to provide local employment on the Isle of Wight and have seen the number of employees rise from the original 3 to well over 150. They are very proud of their workforce who have rewarded them by staying loyal to the company, with many staff having worked with Charnwood for over 25 years.

Charnwood Stoves also have a firm focus on protecting the environment and ensuring their operations are sustainable and responsible.

They operate a policy of caring for the environment in all aspects of the business; from the products they design, the way they package them, the way they transport them, the way they deal with disposal of waste products, the vehicles they use, their choice of raw materials and where they choose to buy them.

Equally, wood is one of the few renewable fuels. Growing trees for fuel is a viable and sensible option. Using wood means we are preserving our valuable fossil fuel reserves for future generations. From design right through to delivery, Charnwood go above and beyond to ensure that they embrace efficient, environmentally friendly methods and processes that will help protect our planet and its resources.


Click here to see our full range of Charnwood Stoves


Recipe of the month: Valentine’s pancakes

With Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day falling so close together this year, why not try a recipe that combines the two? This super simple recipe for blueberry pancakes is taken from the Everhot cookbook (available to buy for £19.99). All that’s left to do is choose your favourite toppings!

Serves: 6 - 8

Ingredients: 

115g self raising flour 

30g caster sugar 

1 whole egg 

150ml milk 

50g blueberries 

Method:

Place the blueberries to one side and add the remaining ingredients to a mixing bowl. Blend together to form a smooth batter.  

Save a few blueberries to garnish then add the remaining blueberries to the batter, gently folding them into the mixture. 

Using the simmer plate, rub a little oil onto the plate and place a ladle's worth of batter directly on to the plate. You can use BakeOGlide on the simmer plate or a frying pan on the hot plate if you prefer. 

Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the pancake has risen and bubbles are coming through the mixture. Now turn the pancake over, you are looking for a golden-brown colour on each side, the pancakes should be light and fluffy. 

To serve, garnish with the remaining fresh blueberries and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.


If you're interested in seeing our Everhot range cookers in action, sign up for our Sales Demonstration on:

Thursday 21st March

Purchase a cooker on the day and you will receive free delivery and installation worth up to £450!

Healthy eating in January? Set yourself up for success with an Everhot Range Cooker

Whether you’re committed to transforming your diet, having a go at Veganuary, or simply want to upgrade your kitchen in 2024, our Everhot range could be the perfect motivation you need to stay on track.

As we welcome in the new year, many of us embark on a journey to embrace healthier lifestyles. One key aspect of this plan is our dietary choices, and what better way to kickstart a year of nutritious eating than by embracing the power of Everhot ovens? These versatile appliances not only make cooking a breeze but also help to create wholesome, delicious meals. (And with 20 colours to choose from, they look great too!)

Less Oils and Fats

When the temperature drops, the pull of hearty, comforting meals often overshadows our commitment to healthy eating. However, with Everhot ovens, you can strike the perfect balance between flavour, nutrition and convenience. These ovens are designed to retain moisture and preserve the natural flavours of ingredients, allowing you to create succulent dishes without excessive use of oils or fats. They also feature a full grill, so you can achieve the perfect crisp or melt without making food greasy.

Seasonal Produce

January is the ideal time to embrace seasonal produce, and Everhot ovens can elevate these ingredients to new heights. Roasting winter vegetables like squash, brussels sprouts, and carrots brings out their inherent sweetness, making them an appetising addition to your plate. The consistent and even heat distribution in Everhot ovens ensures that your veggies are perfectly cooked, preserving their nutritional value and taste.

Energy Efficient

One of the standout features of Everhot ovens is their energy efficiency. As we focus on sustainability and mindful living, these ovens align seamlessly with our goals. Cooking with Everhot means using less energy compared to traditional ovens, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy bills. An Everhot also has ‘ECO’ mode and oven delay feature which further increase its efficiency and compatibility with renewables and they can even be powered by your home solar panels. This aligns perfectly with the holistic approach many of us take towards our well-being, as health is not just about the food we eat but also the impact we have on the environment.

Locked-In Nutrients

For those committed to a January detox, Everhot ovens are your secret weapon. From vibrant, nutrient-packed salads to lean proteins and whole grains, these cookers cater to a wide array of healthy recipes through a variety of heating methods, such as a hot plate, simmer plate, roasting/baking oven and simmer oven. The ability to control cooking temperatures precisely ensures that you can prepare meals without compromising on nutritional content. Say goodbye to the temptation of fast food or overly processed meals and welcome the joy of crafting wholesome, homemade dishes. 

Prioritise Your Health

The start of the year is an opportune time to prioritise your health and well-being. Everhot ovens provide the perfect ally on your journey towards healthier eating habits. With their ability to enhance natural flavours, support sustainable living, and offer precise temperature control, these cookers empower you to make nutritious choices without sacrificing taste. So, dust off your recipe books, explore new culinary horizons, and let Everhot ovens be the catalyst for a year filled with delicious, nourishing meals.


Photo credit: Photopia Photography​

Recipe of the month: Vegan focaccia

This delicious bread recipe is taken from the Everhot cookbook (available to buy for £19.99) - perfect for Veganuary and beyond.

Prep Time: 120 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 8

Pre-heat: Top oven, 230 degrees

Ingredients:

510g Strong white flour 

1 tsp Salt 

7g Sachet dried yeast 

4 tbsp Olive oil 

350ml Water  

2 tbsp Olive oil 

200g Cherry Tomatoes halved 

Chopped rosemary 

Method:

  • In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients together, adding the water a little at a time to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead well for 8-10 minutes. 

  • Transfer to a bowl and cover. Leave to double in size for approximately one hour.  

  • Once risen, re-knead the dough for two minutes then allow to rest for a further 5 minutes.

  • Roll the dough to a 12-14in oblong to fit your Everhot roasting tray. 

  • Slide onto greaseproof paper and using your fingers make holes over the top of the surface of the dough. Top with the chopped rosemary and tomatoes. 

  • Drizzle with olive oil and leave to prove for approximately half an hour until doubled in size. 

  • Bake on the bottom shelf in the top oven for around 25 mins until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.  

  • Once cooked, remove from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt and place on a wire rack to cool. 


If you're interested in seeing our Everhot range cookers in action, sign up for our Sales Demonstration on:

Thursday 21st March


Rais Stoves

In August, this month is all about Rais, a brand from Denmark who export all around the world but you can find them right here in Barnack just four miles from Stamford. With our showroom being accessible from Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland and Northamptonshire, we can show you how these are the aspirational wood burner or gas fire for your home.

The Art of Fire

Rais develop, design and manufacture stoves, insertsaccessories and outdoor stoves to the highest quality. They focus on creating solutions that give you warmth, cosiness and exceptional quality of life in your home – tailored to precisely your style, taste and wishes. RAIS offer a whole series of exclusive and eye-catching solutions and from their production facilities in Frederikshavn, Denmark, they all work to create the very best product – every time. That is why you can be sure that when you choose a product from RAIS through Stamford Stoves, you get Danish design that never compromises on quality. They call it ”The Art of Fire”.

Dazzling flames and easy operation from a gas fire

If you are looking for a heat that is easy and convenient to use, then a gas stove from RAIS could be just what you are looking for! By using the remote control or app to light a cosy fire in the fireplace you can turn the heat down or up as needed, you can choose between a built in gas fireplace or something a little more modern and contemporary that is free-standing. All of the gas fireplaces from RAIS operate on bottled or mains gas.

You don't need to waste time chopping wood, kindling the fire or cleaning the wood-burning stove and it is ready with a single press, and makes no mess. Once the fireplace is installed and mounted in your home, it acts as a closed circuit with flue and oxygen supply and requires no cleaning or maintenance. It is always ready for use, and in just a few seconds, there are beautiful flames in front of you, creating a cosy atmosphere throughout the house.

The benefits of a gas fireplace

The benefits are user-friendliness and comfort. Regardless of whether you use natural gas or bottled gas, it is incredibly user-friendly. If the gas fireplace is connected to natural gas, all settings and functions can be managed using the app or a remote control. It requires no replacements, and the entire system works automatically and to perfection. If the gas fireplace runs on bottled gas, the bottle will need to be replaced occasionally. However, this is also a quick and easy task that takes just a couple of minutes. For every gas stove installation we work with our sister company, Stamford Plumbing, to ensure your stove is fitted by a Gas Safe engineer.

The Q-Tee Range

Functional, small and simple with Cubist appearance, the Q-Tee II is suitable for lower heat requirement in those smaller spaces. This cute stove gives your room a focal point and has an air-cooled handle and a Single air control for ease of use. It also has a Cast iron grate and ash tray. You can choose the basic model and put it on the floor or on a plate, or highlight the stove by placing it on a bench or, for example, on a concrete base. The Q-Tee is available in three heights: 57 cm, 65 cm and 85 cm. Available with an all-glass door or with a steel frame. The stove is available with top or rear outlet. For models with the full glass door, there are currently some very tempting offers available so speak to us at Stamford Stoves to find out more.

Even better, come and see the Q-Tee live in our snug area, take a seat and watch it glow amidst the contemporary framed design of this neatly engineered wood burning stove.

Charnwood Stoves

Every month at Stamford Stoves we are introducing one of our showroom brands. This showcases that we work with high quality stove manufacturers who can offer a wide selection of stoves to customers of all budgets. It’s important that each customer who comes through our door can find a stove that they aspire to have in their home. For July we are introducing Charnwood.

Where it all began

Created from an engineering business on the Isle of Wight in 1972, Alfred Wells and two of his sons grew the company from within a small factory of 1500 sq ft to their current site of 50,000 sq ft. Providing each customer with the ritual of loading a stove that gives a great deal of achievement and satisfaction, but also providing a warmth to their home which no other energy source can equal. There is nothing quite the same as heating your home with a real Charnwood fire.

Highly efficient designs

Charnwood operate a policy of caring for the environment in all aspects of their business; from the products they design, to the way they package them, to the way they transport them, to the way they deal with disposal of waste products, to the vehicles they use, to their choice of raw materials and where they choose to buy them right through to the design itself.

At the heart of every design they create is the attempt to achieve high efficiencies, so that when heating your home, their stoves will consume less of the earth’s resources. For example, their woodburning stoves use one of the few fuels that are renewable within our own lifespan; wood, thus conserving other fuels that are diminishing over the years.

From the chic and unique C-Four to the magnificent and powerful Country 12 there is a selection of stoves giving you heat outputs from 2kw through to 12kw and differing heat outputs in between, but if you don’t know where to start then ask one of our experts to advise you and discuss the requirements of the room you are looking to improve.

Rooms within rooms

As you enter our showroom, you will be immediately greeted with hints of Charnwood; from the logo neatly painted on the wall and chimney breast, the deep green paint colour that compliments the branding to the array of stoves within recessed fireplaces and placed on standalone featured areas; there is a style and size for everyone. Five of the 11 on display are part of our featured live stoves and can be demonstrated at short notice, if they are not already burning beautifully as you arrival!. From contemporary to traditional, you can sit awhile in our special snug area and choose which is the right one for you.

Throughout July we are running a special promotion on Charnwood Stoves so give us a call on 01780 769274 or pop down to our showroom to find out more! You won’t want to miss out!

 

Why Stamford Stoves?

Why Stamford Stoves?

If you are in the market for buying a wood burning stove, then what would your criteria be? Do you want a local dealer who represents several exceptional brands? Do you want to find a showroom that is open six days a week? Would you like fitters who are incredibly knowledgeable, know exactly what they’re doing and will go the extra mile? If the answer is ‘yes’ to these questions, then a visit to Stamford Stoves should be next on your agenda.

The History of our sister company - Stamford Plumbing

Stamford Plumbing is celebrating 20 years of business and we’re looking back over the past couple of decades at how Ant’s ‘handy number’ advert in the Stamford Mercury in 1998 turned into the local plumbing empire it is today…

After a hugely successful career travelling the world to compete jet ski racing, Ant - who was 26 at the time - retired from the water sports and board shorts lifestyle after receiving his World Championship status, also closing his local jet ski hire business at Tallington Lakes after admitting it was time to find a “real job”.

Stamford Plumbing began as a small advert in the handy number section of the Stamford Mercury and Ant would spend his days playing on his PlayStation waiting for the phone to ring, before heading off to provide Stamford with his plumbing, heating and gas services.

After 15 years of that advert appearing in the local newspaper, today Ant now relies on Google searches, returning customers and recommendations for business from a fantastic reputation of renowned plumbing services in and around Stamford.

These days, the team at Stamford Plumbing don’t have time to wait for the phone to ring and play PlayStation! In fact, they have 4 incoming phone lines that never stop ringing and have a fleet of ten vans you’ll see around and about the town, there really is no time to sit still!

Ant says: “The 20 years have flown by and I would personally like to thank all our clients that have helped us reach this landmark. I for one am proud to work in and around Stamford and count myself fortunate to call this area home and look forward to the next 20 and all it throws at us!”

We would like to say a huge congratulations to our sister brand for 20 impressive years and would like to invite all customers - new and old - to join us to celebrate in style on 28th September to our joint open day of festivities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Stamford Plumbing.

We’ve lots going on including Prosecco from The Tipsy Flute, the Worcester Bosch show van on site, LIVE fire performances from Helios - God of Fire, new brands and stoves on display with reps at hand to answer all of your questions, a BIG celebration cake, an Everhot demonstration (between 10:00 - 1:00pm), exclusive offers and discounts for one day only and much, much more!

Find out more here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/20th-anniversary-open-day-tickets-71662758239

Open day success!

Open day success!

On Saturday 23rd March, after months of preparation and organising, our big open day was finally here! It began at 11:00 am with an influx of early bird visitors each greeted by the Stamford Stoves team and our industry-leading brand representatives, whilst enjoying a glass of Prosecco on arrival.