Complete Range Cooker Buying Guide

Expert guidance to help you choose the perfect range cooker for your kitchen and lifestyle.

Choosing a range cooker is one of the most significant kitchen decisions you'll make. This comprehensive guide walks you through the key decisions, helping you navigate the options with confidence.

Assessing Your Needs

Cooking Style

How do you cook? Consider your typical week - do you batch cook, entertain frequently, bake regularly, or prefer quick weeknight meals? Your answers shape which cooker type and configuration best serves your lifestyle.

Kitchen Layout

Measure your available space precisely, allowing for necessary clearances. Standard range cooker widths (90cm, 100cm, 110cm, 120cm+) suit different kitchen configurations.

Choosing Fuel Type

Gas

Gas cooking offers instant heat response, visible flame for intuitive control, and typically lower running costs than electricity.

Electric

Electric ovens provide even, consistent heat ideal for baking. Induction hobs offer exceptional responsiveness and efficiency.

Dual Fuel

Dual fuel cookers combine gas hobs with electric ovens, offering many cooks the ideal compromise.

Heat Storage

Cast iron heat storage cookers represent a fundamentally different approach, maintaining stored heat for always-ready cooking.

Key Features to Consider

Oven Configuration

  • Main Oven Capacity - Measured in litres; consider your largest roasting pans
  • Secondary Ovens - Smaller ovens offer flexibility
  • Grill - Integrated grills vary in size and position
  • Warming Drawers - Useful for resting meat and warming plates

Budget Considerations

Range cooker prices span a substantial range from entry level (GBP1,000-2,500) to luxury (GBP10,000+). Installation costs add to the purchase price.

Making Your Decision

Taking time to consider all factors leads to satisfaction with your choice for years ahead. Visiting a showroom to see cookers in person provides invaluable perspective.

Independent consumer guidance can help compare features across different manufacturers.

Visit Our Showroom

Decision Checklist

  • Measure your space
  • Check fuel availability
  • Define cooking needs
  • Set your budget
  • Visit showroom