Get to grips with 170 years of heritage and test drive a range cooker at ESSE’s Barnoldswick base
On the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, by the side of the scenic Leeds-Liverpool canal, a team of experts still build ESSE range cookers and stoves by hand, using time-honoured techniques, skills, and knowledge built up since 1854.
This foundry-turned-factory in the charming market town of Barnoldswick produces ESSE’s full range of modern clean-burning stoves and energy-efficient range cookers, all featuring the iconic script branding that represents the company’s rich history.
The company was founded following a shipwreck with a dramatic survival story, and ESSE cookers have been relied upon for food and warmth in Florence Nightingale’s hospital and in Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition hut. They were at the heart of historic homes and the epicentre of commercial kitchens like The Savoy. There is a modest museum close to the ESSE factory that explores the company’s development over the years.
Today, ESSEs are still relied upon at River Cottage, in Royal households, and in homes across the world.
Showcasing why ESSEs continue to have such unwavering appeal for modern homeowners, there is a welcoming on-site showroom where visitors can book an appointment to explore and examine products in more detail. There are nine beautiful range cookers on display, including wood-fired models and energy-efficient electric, with a live Ironheart providing welcome warmth whatever the weather.
Marketing Manager Alix Eltringham says, ‘We take great pride in producing beautifully informative range cooker brochures, but nothing compares to coming and seeing them for yourself. Visitors to the showroom can ask questions, compare colours, visualise the size and oven capacity, discuss moisture control ovens or heat surround technology, and experience the many little details that make ESSE range cookers so special, right down to the nudge-shut handles.
‘If you’d like to ‘try before you buy’ there is also the option to book onto a cookery or baking course with renowned local chef Dominique Ashford.’
Dominique has worked in some of the UK’s premier kitchens. Having trained under Michelin-starred chefs, she went on to spend 13 years as Head Pastry Chef at the Houses of Parliament.
Her food focuses on comfort and quality, with a seasonal approach to ingredients, and places on her cookery courses and renowned bread-making experiences are snapped up quickly.
Dominique works with ESSE as a product tester, putting range cookers thoroughly through their paces and advising on anything that could be improved to ensure ESSE continues to evolve, even after 170 years. She is now hosting her coveted cookery classes on an electric ESSE within the well-equipped ESSE showroom.
Dominique also uses an ESSE 1000 X at home, featuring a three-zone induction hob for instant efficient heat, combined with a more traditional cast iron hotplate which can be used for searing, chargrilling or toasting directly on the plate. Large rectangular lids double as an effective splashback.
The capacious ovens of this electric range cooker use ESSE’s unique ‘power share’ engineering, to direct energy where it’s needed so all cooking zones heat quickly, with lower running costs. Ovens have a deep insulated design which retains heat for even temperatures and succulent flavours.
Dominique says: ‘I need a cooker that’s easy to use and easy to clean. To ‘earn its keep’ it must offer swift and responsive heat up times. I make all my bread at home and the 1000 X is like using a professional bread oven. I love the versatility of the solid cast iron top; it’s perfect for simmering a stew, making pancakes, or even searing meat or vegetables.
‘With my cookery sessions at ESSE, I’m looking forward to teaching people new skills and also sharing the benefits of these range cookers with potential new ESSE owners. Personally, I find the quality of these cookers and stoves second to none, which is reflective of ESSE being a local, family-run firm with a commitment to quality that stretches all the way back to the 1800s.’
Dominique will be offering small group cookery courses designed to inspire and empower food lovers of all skill levels. With a maximum of six participants, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, hands-on experience in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Private courses are also available for those seeking a more bespoke culinary adventure.
Classes include ‘Cooking with Wild and Foraged Ingredients’, ‘Sourdough and Slow-Prove Breads’, ‘Artisan Bread’, and ‘Afternoon Tea Making.’
Book an ESSE showroom appointment Or, Book a place on one of Dominique’s cookery classes
