Buying Rayburn solid fuel cookers online for the Ebay effect!

Rayburn solid fuel cookers cost a king’s ransom, right? Wrong. They’re excellent value for money when new because they last a lifetime… or more. But if you have a go at buying a second hand or vintage Rayburn stove online on Ebay, you might just find you get the kitchen bargain of the century. So what’s the best way to proceed?

Rayburn stoves can cost as little as £3,500 or as much as £7,000 new. But go the second hand route and you can cut thousands off the price tag. As long as you know what you’re doing, that is. There’s not much point buying one second hand if you don’t get all the bits you need, some of the parts are broken or the enamel is seriously damaged.

Your best bet is to do some serious research first. Make sure you know what parts should be included so you can tell what’s missing. Make yourself aware of the cost of reconditioning, repairing and re-enamelling second hand Rayburn stoves before you decide to buy. How much does it cost to deliver a range cooker to your door via Ebay? That’s a difficult question – they tend to be pick-up only, so you also need to be aware of the cost of collecting such a heavy piece of kit. As well as the logistical challenges involved in getting it into your house, in position and fitted by an expert.

A quick scan of Ebay shows a pretty cream Rayburn Royal with a starting bid of £300 and 3 days to go. A Supreme Solid Fuel model including the boiler for a Buy it Now price of £1,045. A navy blue cooking-only model starting at £750 and a 212S solid fuel version for a £400 minimum bid. Plus a completely knackered Rayburn, rusty but stripped down and checked for leaks, perfect for spares, restoration or as a workaday workshop heater. How much? A starting bid of £40 which is, apparently, just about what it’s worth for scrap.

The best thing to do is find one locally, then take a look at it in real life before putting in a bid if you can. It’s too important a purchase to get it wrong and, while the bargains available on Ebay are often eye-wateringly good at first glance, the cost and hassle involved in getting it in peak condition can soon eat up the money you saved in the first place!