If you're thinking about investing in a range cooker, you probably have a lot of questions - and rightly so. 

A range cooker isn't just another appliance - it is the heart of your kitchen, a style statement and (if chosen correctly) a piece of equipment that will last for a long time.

At Rangecookers.co.uk, we've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect range cooker, so we've heard every question you can imagine.

Here is our ultimate FAQ guide to help you shop with confidence...

 

Choosing a Range Cooker

 

What fuel types are available?

Electric: even oven temperatures and modern hob technology (ceramic or induction).

Dual Fuel: gas hob for control and electric ovens for consistency - a popular best-of-both-worlds option.

Gas: only two models now available on our website in natural gas, as we are seeing this fuel type being phased out for more environmentally friendly options.

LPG: conversion kits are available for homes without mains gas.

 

What is induction?

Induction refers to the heat transfer when cooking. They may look similar to an electric ceramic hob but work in a slightly different way. Beneath the hob's ceramic plate, induction coils made from copper create a magnetic field as electricity is passed through. 

If a pan made of a ferromagnetic material is placed on the hob, the magnetic field causes it to directly heat up. The benefit of this is the hob stays cool, with only a little residual heat from the pan and because of this heat transferral method, there is a limited amount of residual heat on the hob's surface.

 

So do I need to replace all of my pans for induction?

The only specific requirement for induction friendly pans is a magnetic, or ferrous, base. One way you can test this on your own is to take a magnet and if it sticks to the base of the pan, it is suitable to use. Some manufacturers also include a symbol on the bottom of their cookware to make it easier to tell. 

 

Which fuel type is the most environmentally friendly?

We consider induction to be the 'greenest' fuel type, due to the combination of its efficiency, plus the increasing use of renewable methods to generate electricity for powering homes. 

Most modern range cookers are designed with eco modes, rapid heat-up and insulated oven doors to minimise heat loss, which all helps the efficiency of your model. 

 

How much space do I need for a range cooker?

Measure carefully! Allow for:

• Appliance width (60cm-220cm)
• Ventilation space around the unit
• Enough clearance for oven doors to open fully
• Space for heat-safe splashbacks behind

The only gap required either side of the cooker is to facilitate ease of positioning, so typically 2-5mm. 

Do they come with self-cleaning features?

Many electric ovens have pyrolytic cleaning (super-heating to turn residue to ash) or catalytic liners (absorbing grease during cooking).

 

Which is the best range cooker brand?

This is a question we find difficult to answer! It depends on how you will be using your range cooker, the features you value most and your budget. 

You can buy an excellent range cooker from brands such as Creda, Belling or Leisure that will offer you fantastic value for money. Mid-level you have well-known brands like Rangemaster and Stoves, whose products offer high end cooking features for a slightly more affordable price.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are manufacturers such as Lacanche, ILVE and Bertazzoni that offer premium models that will last many years and be a great investment. 

 

Delivery and Installation

 

How much is delivery?

Delivery is free to UK mainland addresses.

 

How long will my cooker take to arrive?

General brand lead times are displayed on each product page. These are a typical guide, that are updated regularly, but we advise you to check with our team if you want to make sure. Some special order models take longer, whereas some models are available from stock.

Will the delivery team install my cooker?

Delivery is typically by a two-person team who will bring the cooker into the house and into any ground floor room. The only exception to this is Leisure who offer a single person, kerbside delivery.

We offer installation services with the following brands that can be done at the time of delivery - AGA, Bertazzoni, Falcon, ILVE, Mercury, Rangemaster and Rayburn. You can add this service at the point of order, but connection is subject to the existing connection points meeting current regulations.

Installation often comes at an extra cost, though we do run regular promotions offering free installation with a number of brands so it is always best to check.

 

Will the team also remove my old cooker?

The brands mentioned above can also remove your cooker for you, also adding this service at the point of order.

 

Can I install my cooker myself?

Professional installation is strongly recommended - especially for gas or dual fuel models. This ensures safe connections, compliance with regulations and preservation of your warranty.

If unsure about installation specific issues in your kitchen, we recommend consulting a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. 

 

What gas and electric connections do I need?

This depends on the fuel type you go for:

Dual Fuel: typically require a bayonet fitting gas connection and a 32amp electrical connection.

Induction: typically require a 45amp fused electrical connection for best performance (although Rangemaster, Stoves and Belling will run off 32amp). 

 

Ordering and Payment

 

How can I order?

You can order securely on our website, contact us by telephone or visit our showroom to place the order in person. 

How can I pay?

We accept credit or debit cards securely on our website, over the telephone and in the showroom, or direct banking payments by arrangement. We don't accept cash when visiting the showroom unfortunately.

 

Do you offer a finance option?

We don't offer a finance package currently.

 

Additional Items

 

Who holds the warranty of my new range cooker?

All warranties are carried out by the manufacturer. Should you have any issues you can still contact us, where we will then put you in contact with the manufacturer.

 

Does my warranty cover commercial use?

All of the cookers we sell on our website are designed specifically for domestic use. While some may be of commercial standard, the manufacturer's warranty won't cover any usage in commercial premises.

 

Do I need a cooker hood?

While not necessarily a requirement, a cooker hood is recommended to remove any grease, odours and steam from the air. 

Should I extract or recirculate with my cooker hood?

We always suggest extraction through a vent or an external wall if this is possible, as it allows the hood to be at its most efficient. If that isn't possible, recirculation through carbon filters inside the hood will provide almost as good a performance.

 

How do I know which colour will be right for my kitchen?

We offer enamelled colour swatches for a number of brands such as Rangemaster and Lacanche, to help make your decision easier. Each colour sample costs £5, and is a small steel plate enamelled in the true finish alongside actual cooker parts.

You can redeem the fee when you come to order your range cooker - simply add a note to the online form or place your order by phone and we will take care of it.

Or you can pop into our showroom and take a look at our lovely colour swatch display board!

 

Do you just sell range cookers?

No, we also have a number of other appliances on our website. This includes hoods, wine coolers, refrigerators, small appliances, splashbacks and built in ovens and hobs. 

We truly have everything you need for your kitchen here at Rangecookers.co.uk!

 

 

For all this information and more, visit our FAQ's page on our website or if you have any questions that we haven't answered, you can call our team on 01244 402 975.