HOUSEHOLD TIPS NOT FOUND IN WOMAN'S WEEKLY

[Tizer]

Same as us Kev, our ideal boiler has been on the `Eco' heating setting since we got it. We adjusted the HW to our needs. Likewise, a combined, wireless, programmer/thermostat.

[Stanley]

Mine was OK on the manufacturer's 'eco' setting until the full service when it seemed to go onto a higher setting. I have manually restricted it further and it's OK now.

[Big Kev]

Mine was OK on the manufacturer's 'eco' setting until the full service when it seemed to go onto a higher setting. I have manually restricted it further and it's OK now.

If that's the case it sounds as though the engineer has either broken it or put the control knob back in the wrong position. Was it a BG engineer?

[Stanley]

No private Kev and I do not hold him responsible. The boiler is working perfectly.....

[Wendyf]

Can anyone recommend a gas engineer to service Craig's boiler in Colne? The chap who has done it before isn't responding to messages.

[Stanley]

Give this lad a call Wendy. If he can't do it I'll bet he will recommend someone. He did mine and he is very thorough.
Jonathan Greenbank, 07792 710892.

[plaques]

Jonathan Greenbank, 07792 710892.
If its the same Jonathan that installed our boiler some years back he's very good. Very quiet man and gets on with it.

[Wendyf]

Thanks all!

[Big Kev]

No private Kev and I do not hold him responsible. The boiler is working perfectly.....

Ah righto. I presume it wasn't working to specification prior to the service then.

[Stanley]

You would presume wrong Kev, it was simply due for a service and I had realised that BG were not servicing the boiler, just certifying it. Jonathan said he had to strip it down to clean out all the combustion spaces. It has functioned differently since then, much quieter and firing far less.
My point about the economy settings is that many people evidently don't know about them. You can tell by the ones that are evidently on high flame when firing, you can see the high volumes of exhaust. My boiler used to go on high flame previously for hot water, it doesn't now and I suspect that's because heat transfer is so much more efficient now the flues are clean.... That's a good example of how thorough Jonathan is, it took him more than an hour to do the service....

[Big Kev]

I think you missed my presumed point. If BG weren't servicing it and it's now working as it should it wouldn't have been working to specification. Good news that it is.
With regard to 'more than an hour' to service, you're probably used to a BG service. My boiler service usually takes around an hour including the flue gas analysis.

[Stanley]

Main thing is the boiler is doing its job. I shall leave it alone to do just that.

[Stanley]

If you oversleep, don't rush to try to catch up! Accept the fact that you obviously needed more sleep and be tranquil. That way you won't make any mistakes.

[Big Kev]

I am going to buy an air fryer. I have spoken with a few friends who have one and, if there are only one or two of you to cook for, they work out considerably cheaper to run than the 'big' oven. This BBC item explains how they can save money https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63317138
The model I'm looking at is available for around £50.

[Tripps]

I have a Halogen Oven which is the predecessor to the Air Fryer. In fact I'm on my third one, as the heating elements don't last for ever, and my only attempt to change it was a failure.

They are more expensive now - up from £30'ish to £40'ish. They do a good job, and roast a whole chicken very well.

I've tried to find out what the heating element in an air fryer is, but failed. I would want to know how long they are likely to last before buying one. The Bald Foody Guy speaks of them quite often, and seems pleased with his.

[PanBiker]

I am going to buy an air fryer. I have spoken with a few friends who have one and, if there are only one or two of you to cook for, they work out considerably cheaper to run than the 'big' oven. This BBC item explains how they can save money https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-63317138
The model I'm looking at is available for around £50.

Which one are you looking at Kev?

[Big Kev]

Which one are you looking at Kev?

This one in B&M Ian

https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/tow ... ver-390600

There is a smaller one for the same price
https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/tow ... -2l-331994

[plaques]

This one in B&M Ian

Shouldn't say this but we bought one from B&M which had a german name. Lasted two weeks and the heater failed. Took it back and got a refund.
Checkout assistant. No problem we are getting a lot of these back.
Onto Argos, a bit more expensive but slightly larger. Works a treat BUT. It really only has room in it for one item ie: your chips or your fish assuming you like man size portions. So how do you keep the cooked half warm Yes you put it in the oven.

[Wendyf]

We have a Tower one but it has a drop down door, three shelves and a rotisserie which makes it very useful and just like a mini oven. Colin assures me that it cost around £70 when he bought it 18 months ago but it was on special offer. I see they are much more expensive now. You can cook a whole chicken and on Sunday he cooked a small lamb leg joint perfectly.

[Big Kev]

This one in B&M Ian

Shouldn't say this but we bought one from B&M which had a german name. Lasted two weeks and the heater failed. Took it back and got a refund.
Checkout assistant. No problem we are getting a lot of these back.

The model we're looking at, in B&M, is branded Tower. Not sure where they're manufactured but the company is registered in Staffordshire.

[plaques]

The model we're looking at, in B&M, is branded Tower. Not sure where they're manufactured but the company is registered in Staffordshire.

The one we got was also a 'Tower'. but petty sure from Argos (Sainburys)
1500W
Model T17021RG
Made in China
Wholesaler in Ireland.
Used it twice a week for about nine months.

[Whyperion]

The model we're looking at, in B&M, is branded Tower. Not sure where they're manufactured but the company is registered in Staffordshire.

The one we got was also a 'Tower'. but petty sure from Argos (Sainburys)
1500W
Model T17021RG
Made in China
Wholesaler in Ireland.
Used it twice a week for about nine months.

Sounds like on of the great names of the past now owned by brand management companies basically badge engineering orders from one main manufacture where the base item is a generic. seems to be the same for most brown or white goods these days

[Big Kev]

It would appear there are very few air fryers not made in China.

[Big Kev]

Onto Argos, a bit more expensive but slightly larger. Works a treat BUT. It really only has room in it for one item ie: your chips or your fish assuming you like man size portions. So how do you keep the cooked half warm Yes you put it in the oven.

One of the considerations in the BBC article. If you can't cook what you need in one go it's cheaper to do it in the regular oven.
The Tower T17021RG is the 4 litre 'family' model we're looking at, should be about the right size for two of us. A work colleague has the same one he uses for two of them.
Latest update is one of our offspring are buying us one for Christmas, we're in no rush

[Stanley]

Like the unreconstructed dinosaur you all know me to be, I shall be putting my chicken and accompaniments in the small oven for at least 4 Hours this morning.....