A Rangecookers Buyers Guide
Range cookers are larger than a standard oven, offering two or even three ovens and a selection of hob burners, additional hob elements and even the choice of ceramic or induction cooking.
Whether you are looking to replace your existing cooker or you have had built in and wanted to upgrade to a range cooker for a long time, it can be a very daunting process. Many people vision a huge cast iron appliance that not only takes up a lot of your kitchen but also costs a lot of money. This is not always the case, with many contemporary designs making the most of the space you have and offering energy efficient ways of cooking.
Read on for our Rangecookers Buyers Guide, helping you to find the right range cooker for you…
Fuel Type
One of the greatest things about a range cooker is the power and flexibility they have to offer. Choosing the right fuel type is one of, if not the most, important decision when buying a range cooker. There are three fuel types to choose from: Gas, Electric and Dual Fuel. The choice is personal, and each fuel type has its own benefits.
Gas range cookers are a traditional choice in the homes of many. Mains gas is accessible for most people, apart from some of the more rural areas. There are two gas fuel types available – natural gas and LPG. LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is bottled in cylinders, making it a good choice if you want the benefits of a gas cooker but aren’t within reach of mains gas. Although your range cooker will usually arrive configured for mains gas they can often be converted for use with LPG using a conversion kit.
Electric range cookers offer a more modern alternative that can provide you with a flexible cooking experience. Ideally designed for those who don’t have access to a gas supply, electric range cookers are a favourite with those who like a simple-to-clean cooker. You should check your electric supply when buying a range cooker as induction and ceramic may need different supplies. In most cases this will mean a 10mm heat resistant cable into a 45Amp fused circuit via an easily accessible double-pole switch, but the rating could be as high as 60Amp so it is always worth consulting a qualified electrician if in any doubt.
Dual fuel uses both gas and electricity, so you will need a mains or LPG gas supply in place as well as an electrical supply sufficient for your chosen model. Dual fuel is by far the most popular choice of range cooker as it offers the best of both worlds, combining the ease and responsiveness of a gas hob with the speed and efficiency of electric ovens.
Size
The collections we offer here at Rangecookers.co.uk come in a variety of sizes. We offer range cookers from 60cm right up to 220cm. If you have a smaller space then the standard 60cm is perfect, however if you are starting again and can make the room, there is a larger range cooker out there for you.
You should consider things like how many burners or zones do I need? Or, do I need one large oven or maybe two or three? It also depends on what you have surrounding your cooker, such as your cupboards or worktops. The larger you go, the more cooking space you have both on top and inside.
If you are unsure whether you will use a larger amount of cooking space, it might be better to go for a more modest size. A 90cm range cooker will still give you copious amounts of cooking capacity in terms of ovens and the hob. Plus, there can often be quite a jump in the price for that extra 10 or 20cm.
If you are able to stretch the budget, our selection of 120cm to 150cm range cookers are extremely impressive. With the choice of optional hob elements on top and different configurations to choose from for inside the ovens, you really are getting what you pay for by making the cooker just what you need for your cooking requirements.
Features
Once you know the type and size you want your range cooker to be, there are many different features and functions that can come with it to suit your cooking needs. Here are just some of the features we get asked about most:
Timer
A timer can be a useful part of a range cooker, but with advanced technology such as smart phones and helpful kitchen friends such as Alexa it is not always a necessity. Traditional models such as Lacanche don’t include a timer, and with the AGA Masterchef Deluxe there is a meat probe included in the main oven to allow you to cook meat and poultry by target temperature rather than time. In other models such as the ILVE range cookers, the timer is still very much an important feature.
Storage Drawer
The majority of the range cookers we sell offer a handy storage compartment below. This could be the full length of the cooker, perfect for storing pots and pans with a drop down door or simply just smaller drawer that is ideal for storing plates and smaller cookware.
Bridging Zone
On an induction hob, a bridging function, or zone-link as it is sometimes called, is featured to allow you to use the two cooking zones on the right and left as one single cooking zone. This is particularly handy when cooking one bigger dish or for an induction safe griddle.
Plate Warming
Some range cookers, such as the DeLonghi Vintage models, include a purpose built plate warming rack/shelf. The Rangemaster Classic 90 FX, on the other hand, uses an Energy Saving Panel that splits the oven in half and therefore creates a great space on the left hand side for plate warming.
Colour
Choosing a colour for your cooker can be difficult as it is going to be the centrepiece within your kitchen. There is a colour to suit almost any kitchen, and reflecting the personality of the space with your chosen cooker is so important. From reds to greens to pastel pink, don’t be afraid to go bold when making your choice!
To help with your decision, we offer some very handy colour swatches for Rangemaster, Lacanche, Falcon, Mercury and AGA. These will help you to see the colour in person and how it is reflected in different lights. It will also help you to match with the rest of your kitchen, whether it is your cabinetry and worktops, the colour of your walls or your other appliances.
Extras…
To complete the presence of your brand new range cooker, you can get even more to go in your kitchen:
Cooker hoods are a long term investment piece that need to be the best in both visual appeal and the job it does. Depending on where your cooker is going to be placed will determine what happens to all of the moisture, grease and aromas from your cooking.
When you choose your hood, you will have the choice between two different processes: extracting or recirculating. An extraction hood simply sends the air outside through an external wall. Extraction requires access to an external wall in order to place the vent. A recirculation hood pushes the air up through filters inside, which then remove any moisture and smells before the air is then reintroduced into your kitchen. Most recirculation hoods also feature a grease filter as well as a charcoal filter, which both work together to remove the food smells and any smoke from the air. A charcoal filter is required if you want to neutralise the odours whilst you're cooking.
With different elements that can be matched with your cooking requirements, some cooker hoods are designed to be perfectly integrated into your kitchen’s design and your daily life.
Many manufacturers offer a few extra additions to match their range cookers and make the cooking experience even better. Whether your accessory is for the hob, the hood or the oven, these items can give you added versatility to your cooking.
When choosing your cookware, you should consider both the price and the durability. An accessory for your cooker could be a good investment piece if taken care of and used in the correct way. Adding a utensil rail to your splashback, or underside of one of your cupboard units, can provide a very useful way of holding your cooker utensils and your small pans. A wok ring would also be very handy, as they provide a stable and secure platform for your wok. There are plenty to choose from, all with different and exciting benefits.
Splashbacks are not only extremely useful for protecting the wall behind your cooker, but they can also be a lovely decorative piece within your kitchen. Available in a range of materials such as glass, acrylic, tiles and stone.
There are also things to think about such as cleaning, efficiency and installation. Our team our always happy to help you with any questions you may have, just give them a call on 01244 402 975 or visit our website here.
