The Esse Catalytic Flueless Range Cooker
Q 1. Can I install a CAT cooker on an inside wall?
Yes you can, in fact the only requirements when planning the location of a Cat cooker are proximity to a gas supply and a floor that can safely take its weight.
Q 2. Does the cooker create any 'gassy' odours?
No. The Catalytic process is completely odourless.
Q 3. Is there anywhere I shouldn’t locate a CAT cooker?
Not really but you must ensure that there is adequate ventilation, particularly in small kitchens. No different from any other gas appliance.
Q 4. Are there any compromises on cooking capability?
None whatsoever. The CAT is a true ESSE range cooker in every sense. In fact the temperature gradients on the cast iron hotplate have been improved to provide better boil/slow boil/simmer zones.
The ovens provide incredibly even temperatures. Using no fewer that eighteen thermacouple heat sensors, our tests showed that the temperature remains even across the width and depth with only a nominal variance top to bottom. Like all ESSE cookers the oven temperatures can be easily adjusted giving you more cooking flexibility.
Q 5. What happens if the Catalyser fails?
It won’t. We use only the highest quality catalysers that have been thoroughly proven in rigorous testing designed to simulate years of heavy use. Even when subjecting them to conditions they will never encounter in a domestic kitchen there have been no failures or loss of performance. The Catalyser in our CAT cookers come with a lifetime warranty.*
*Subject only to proper commissioning and regular annual servicing of the cooker in accordance with our standard warranty conditions.
Q 6. Do I have to leave it on all the time?
No the CAT can be turned off and on as required but we would recommend that it is left on in tick over mode when not in use. This way the cooker retains a small amount of warmth and will not produce any condensation, which could be the case when turned on from cold. Left in this mode the cooker will radiate just 0.5kW of heat into the kitchen using only a nominal amount of fuel. So even on warm summer days your kitchen will not be overwhelmed, but the cooker will remain ‘just warm’ to the touch. It will also heat up to cooking temperature in just 15mins when left in this mode.
Q 7. Can it be partnered with a Plus2 module?
Yes. Just like any other ESSE model.
Q 8. Can I fit an extractor hood?
Yes an extractor hood can be fitted with a CAT cooker as long as the room is adequately ventilated.
Q 9. How much does it cost to install?
That will depend on your specific circumstances. Compared to a conventionally flued model it will be significantly cheaper as there is no flue to be accommodated. And because you are not restricted to an outside wall this also means you have more options when choosing it’s location.
Q 10. Is it expensive to run and maintain?
One of the benefits of a CAT cooker is improved efficiency. It is in fact 100% efficient as all the heat it generates is used for cooking or is radiated into your kitchen. No heat is lost up a flue. Improved insulation and heat retaining properties combined with the ability to turn the cooker up and down as required make it very cost effective to run. Like all ESSE gas models the recommended service intervals are every 12 months. This compares very favourably with the 6 month intervals required by the equivalent AGA models.
