Rayburns are all about choice and some models offer the option of producing domestic hot water.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers.

Does the hot-water come for free?
No, but nothing ever did! On single burner models or solid-fuel stoves the residue heat from the firebox is used to heat the boiler, giving a continuous and economic output.

How much hot water does a Rayburn produce?
It varies from model to model. Most of the traditional, continuously burning models are typically designed to produce approximately 100 gallons (450 litres) over a 24 hour period. The more cooking that's carried out, thus requiring the firing rate to be increased, the more hot water will be generated. With central heating, twin burner models, you can choose how much hot water is produced.

Can I control the amount of hot-water
Models that have a separate boiler burner can be set or programmed to meet your Hot Water requirements, particularly if used in conjunction with external system controls. It is not possible to restrict the boiler output on other models, but the hot water can often be usefully diverted to a heat-leak radiator or towel-rail.

What if there is too much?
Unlikely to occur with normal usage/ household demands, but unwanted domestic hot water can be diverted to a towel-rail or radiator.

Can I boost the amount from elsewhere?
Most Rayburn's can be connected to a hot water cylinder incorporating an immersion heater, or in some cases the cylinder may be fed by another heat source, using a twin coil.

Do I need a storage tank?
Yes. The hot water produced has to be stored in a conventional copper cylinder. The type and size has to be matched to the model of Rayburn.

Can the Rayburn supply a shower?
Yes, through the storage cylinder.

Can I have 'mains pressure' hot water from my Rayburn?
Yes. Some models of Rayburn, e.g. 400 * 800 series, can be connected to a mains flow cylinder with appropriate controls.

Does the cooking performance suffer if I use lots of hot-water?
No, cooking performance is not affected. With traditional models, the hot water output actually increases when cooking is carried out.