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RANGE COOKER BUYING GUIDE

buying guide

If cooking is your thing or you're simply dreaming of more cooking space to cater to family and friends then a range cooker could be the answer to your cooking needs. They're no longer only found in large country style kitchens - there's now a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from, to suit every kitchen. As it's such a large investment for the home we've put together a guide to help you consider what features are important to you and what to look out for while shopping.

HOB TYPES

Induction Hob

These hobs are electric and use magnetic technology to directly heat the pan rather than the hob surface, making them more energy-efficient as no heat is lost, and also safer as the hob surface will never become hot enough to burn. They heat up the fastest, after gas hobs. With a smooth surface, they're easy to wipe clean. However, not all pans are compatible - they must be magnetised.

Ceramic Hob

These electric hobs bring a modern look to the kitchen with their smooth and sleek surfaces which also makes cleaning up a breeze. They are slower to heat up compared with induction hobs, however, unlike induction hobs most pans can be used with ceramic hobs. Aim for good quality pans with thick bases and be careful with enamel and iron pans as they could scratch the surface.

Gas

Many people prefer cooking with gas as you get instant heat, you're able to control temperature precisely and any type of pots and pans can be used. With a visible flame, you'll always be able to see when the hob is switched on, and the burners will have flame failure devices to cut off the gas supply if the flame were to go out.

WIDTHS

Range cookers are larger than your standard cooker, so it’s important to consider your space carefully. There are a variety of standard width sizes to choose from enabling you to find one that’ll perfectly fit your kitchen. Smaller range cookers tend to have five to six hob cooking zones and one to two ovens. The larger the range cooker the more cooking space and functionality you tend to get.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Cleaning
CLEANING

There are a few different methods when it comes to cleaning your range cooker. Some will have pyrolytic cleaning which burns off grease and grime at really high temperatures of 500°C. Others may have catalytic liners that absorb spillages and dirt which are burnt off when cooking over 200°C. There’s also smooth enamel liners which makes manually wiping away grease much easier.

Functions
FUNCTIONS

Range cookers with electric ovens tend to come with a fan in at least one of the ovens. This distributes heat evenly, speeds up heating times and shortens cooking duration. The other ovens will usually cook conventionally with a top and bottom heating source.
Many range cookers can come with multi-function ovens. This gives you a variety of heat sources which can be used independently or in combination such as grill and fan together.
There are also more specific functions you might want to look out for - like rotisserie cooking, which is perfect for succulent joints of meat.

Shop range cookers with defrost functions
Shop range cookers with slow cooking functions
Grilling
GRILLING

A grill comes in really handy for quick snacks like cheese on toast and crumpets. They’re also ideal for giving an oven cooked dish a crispy or golden finish such as a shepherd's pie or lasagne. So with some cookers offering a dedicated grill and others not, you'll need to think carefully if this is an important feature for you.

Shop Range Cookers with Grills
Installation
INSTALLATION

Range cookers are freestanding, which makes them easier to fit into your kitchen, usually between your kitchen cabinets. You’ll need to measure your space accurately to ensure you shop the correct width for your kitchen. Also consider your space carefully; nothing should be placed above the hob unless it is heat resistant. This includes plug sockets, shelves, cabinets and even wallpaper.

If you go for a gas or dual fuel range cooker you’ll need to have it installed by a gas safe registered engineer, you cannot install these by yourself due to legal reasons. We offer an installation service to make things simpler.

Take a look here »
Lids
LIDS

Some cookers come with a lid, these tend to be those with a gas hob. The lid can come in really handy to protect the hob and enable you to utilise the surface space as a worktop. When they're up whilst you’re cooking they also come in ideal as a splashback.

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LPG Convertible
LPG Convertible

Many of our range cookers can be converted to work with bottled LPG gas. This comes in great for those wanting the precision of gas but who don't have access to a mains gas supply. Some range cookers will include everything you need to convert them others may not, it's best to check the range cooker’s instruction manual to make sure.

Shop LPG Convertible Range Cookers
Style
STYLE

There's now a vast variety of styles and colours to choose from when picking out your dream range cooker. If you've got a country style kitchen, there are plenty of classic designs and pastel tones to browse. If you've got a modern kitchen check out our contemporary styled stainless steel and black options. If you're feeling brave there's also range cookers available in bold colours like jalapeno red, wild berry purple and hot pink, great for adding a splash of colour to the kitchen.

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FAQs


Can I convert my range cooker to LPG Gas?

Many of our range cookers can be converted to be used with bottled LPG gas, which is great for those who want the power of gas but who don’t have access to a mains gas supply. Most range cookers will have a kit included to make the switch, however with a couple you may need to order the kit separately from the manufacturer.
Shop LPG convertible range cookers »

What's the difference between ceramic and induction hobs?

Both are electric and bring a modern look to your kitchen. They are easy to wipe clean thanks to their sleek and smooth surfaces. An induction hob heats up faster and it directly heats the pan using magnetic technology, not the hob surface. Whereas a ceramic hob heats the surface which then transfers heat to the pan.
Inductions hobs are more energy efficient as no energy is lost through heating the surface and it makes it a safer choice as the surface will only get warm from the pan, it will not get hot enough to cause burns. A ceramic hob will not be safe to the touch.

Will you remove and recycle my old range cooker?

You can stack a range dryer on top of a washing machine, the dryer must always go on top. And you mustYou can have your old cooker or range cooker taken away for recycling as we deliver your new one. You can choose to add this optional service as you add your range cooker to the basket. Take a look at the details for removal and recycling here.

What the best way to clean my range cooker?

The oven cavities will have different linings such as enamel or catalytic liners or a pyrolytic function to aid in cleaning. The hob will need to be manually cleaned. Ceramic and induction hobs are super easy to wipe clean with a warm damp cloth, whereas gas hobs may need a little more elbow grease with a warm damp sponge.

What pans can I use on my induction hob?

Induction hobs will only work with magnetised pans. Iron, cast iron and black metal pans will work, also stainless steel pans with a magnetic grade of steel will work. You can easily check to see if your pans will work by testing them with a fridge magnetic, if it sticks you’re good to go.

How much do range cookers cost to run on average?

All-gas range cookers tend to be the cheapest to run, this is due to energy costs as gas is cheaper than electricity. On average a gas range cooker will cost around £22 per year to run, whereas a dual fuel range cooker will cost £35 and an electric range cooker will cost £51 per year.

Will you delivery my range cooker into my house?

Your range cooker can be delivered to the room of your choice on the ground floor. You will need to measure your space carefully as well as the path for delivery, ensuring our delivery team will be able to fit it through any hallways and door frames.

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