Range Cookers

When selecting a range cooker, you're choosing a large, versatile kitchen appliance that combines multiple ovens, a spacious hob, and often additional features such as grills or warming drawers. Range cookers are ideal for those who love to cook or have large families, providing ample space and flexibility to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.

Start by considering the size of the range cooker. They typically come in widths ranging from 90 cm to 110 cm, but can be as wide as 150 cm for larger models. If you have a large kitchen and frequently cook big meals or entertain guests, a wider range cooker with multiple ovens and hob zones may be perfect. For smaller kitchens, narrower options are available that still offer the benefits of a range cooker in a more compact form.

Fuel types are an important consideration, with options including:

• Dual fuel range cookers, which combine gas hobs for responsive, precise heat and electric ovens for even and consistent cooking results.
• All-electric range cookers, featuring induction or ceramic hobs and electric ovens, offering energy-efficient, fast, and safe cooking.
• All-gas range cookers, with both gas hobs and ovens, providing a traditional, moist heat for roasting and baking.

Oven capacity is a major advantage of range cookers, as they often feature multiple ovens, giving you the flexibility to cook at different temperatures at the same time. Common configurations include:

• Fan-assisted ovens, which ensure even heat distribution and faster cooking times.
• Conventional ovens, ideal for traditional cooking where the heat varies inside the oven.
• Grill compartments, often included, providing versatility for grilling, toasting, and crisping.

The hob on a range cooker offers significant cooking space, with a variety of burner or zone types:

• Gas burners are popular for instant, controllable heat.
• Induction hobs offer energy efficiency and fast heating with easy temperature control.
• Many models feature five or more burners, including wok burners for high-heat cooking and simmer burners for delicate dishes.

Energy efficiency is an important factor, particularly with larger appliances like range cookers. Electric ovens are often more efficient for baking and roasting, while induction hobs use less energy due to their direct heat transfer to the pan. For environmentally conscious consumers, look for models with high energy efficiency ratings.