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The Ultimate Cooker Buying Guide

What are the Main Things to Consider Before I Buy a Cooker?

Size

Cookers are freestanding appliances and are usually placed in a space within your existing kitchen worktop. Be sure to measure the available space before you look at purchasing a new appliance. If you already have a cooker, look for the product code and brand. The manual or manufacturer will be able to give you the dimensions of your old unit and this will assist you in picking the correct size when you start shopping.

Capacity

What capacity you need will depend on your style of cooking. Some homes use the grill function and hob far more than the oven. If you do a lot of baking and roasting, then you should consider a larger oven cavity. Chat to our team about your needs before you make your final decision.

Fuel Type

You can opt for electric, gas or dual fuel cookers. A dual fuel model gives the efficiency of a gas hob and the consistency of an electric oven. Be sure to check with the team if you are unsure about the fuel type you require or the options you may have to change your current setup.

Please note: If you have a gas or dual fuel model you will need to have this installed by a registered gas installer.


What Features Should I Consider When Buying a Cooker?

Cleaning

Depending on your budget, you can choose from a varied range of cleaning features in your new cooker. Induction hobs with touchscreen panels are very easy to keep clean. Some models will offer easy-clean enamel or catalytic liners in the oven cavity. These reduce to amount of elbow grease required to clean your cooker! If you have it in your budget, you can go for a pyroclean model. This is a fully self-cleaning oven and grill section. While they can be more expensive, they remove all the hassle of keeping the inside of your unit clean.

Control Types

Most cookers use either touch control or knobs. The touch control can be easier to keep clean but some people prefer the look of the knob option. This comes down to personal preference but should be considered when you are looking for your new cooker.

Hob

You should consider what style of hob you would prefer before you start shopping. You can choose between a gas, ceramic, or induction hob. Induction and gas offer very controlled levels of heat, allowing for very specific cooking. If you choose an induction hob, be sure to check if your pots and pans are compatible. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your pan, then it will work on an induction hob. You should check this before purchasing as this could cause an extra expense if you need to replace any of your old pots and pans.

If you choose a gas hob you will need a registered gas installer to install your appliance.


What are the Benefits of a Range Cooker?

Flexibility

Depending on the model you choose, there is lots of flexibility with a range cooker. The larger models typically have 5-8 hob zones. You’ll also get a grill cavity, one to two ovens, and a warming drawer. Be sure to check the internal layout of each model before you purchase. Check the sizes of each cavity and the number of shelves. This will ensure that you get a model that best suits your style of cooking.

We particularly love the warming drawer flexibility. You can take the chill off plates before serving your meal, keep dinners warm for any late-comers and you can even use it for proving dough!

Design

The design of a range cooker means it can be a real feature piece in your kitchen. They come in a variety of colours, giving you the option of adding a pop of colour to any style of kitchen. You can get a variety of sizes, be sure to measure your available space before you purchase!


How to Maintain Your Cooker

Check your cooker manual for cleaning instructions. Some models come with easy-clean enamel surfaces, catalytic liners or pyrocleaning (self-cleaning) options. These features help you to keep your cooker clean and functioning correctly. You should always consult your manual before using acidic or abrasive cleaners as this could damage the ovens liners or the surface of your hob.

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