Mid-Level Induction Range Cookers: Why The Bertazzoni Master Reigns Supreme
Among the over 300 range cookers we have available, mid-priced induction ranges stand out as efficient and environmentally-conscious appliances that cater to your cooking needs for a smaller chunk of your budget.
Nestled snugly between the entry level models (ranging from a DeLonghi at £1,285 to a Belling at £1,735), and their high-end counterparts (ranging from an ILVE Majestic at £6695 to a Lacanche Vezelay at £17,400), there are many to choose from when it comes to a mid-range induction range cooker.
In this blog post we will take a look at models from British brands, Rangemaster and Stoves, and ultimately explore why the Italian-made Bertazzoni Master might just edge ahead of the rest in your search...
A Master Masterpiece
The Bertazzoni Master series brings all the authentic features of a Bertazzoni range cooker but with that more affordable price, with their induction models sitting anywhere between £2,395 and £3,750.
Offering a sophisticated look, this range comes in the more industrially styled matt black, stainless steel or white finishes. The matt finish is tougher and more durable than conventional paints, and is said to be more stain and scratch resistant.
(Dual fuel model shown)
Designed to recall the style of commercial kitchens, the large round metal control knobs are intuitive to use and have come a long way from the matt black plastic controls this collection once saw. This shows Bertazzoni's commitment to the design, making it of a higher quality and each oven function and hob setting clear to use. The ergonomic shape of the handles sits comfortably in the hand, supporting the opening and closing of the oven doors and the adjustable rack placement options within the ovens also offer conventional baking with more precision, adding to the versatility of this impressive cooker.
· Robust and solid with intuitive, real metal controls that are designed like those of a more commercial kitchen
· Coordinated design with a sophisticated colour palette of black, white and stainless steel with a matt finish
· Comes in a choice of sizes 90cm, 100cm and 110cm, with single and twin models plus the impressive XG model available with a separate grill
· Available for delivery within 7-10 days from stock and special orders taking only 4-6 weeks - a lower lead time than many other brands, including Rangemaster
· Sturdy drop down doors and removable glass in the oven windows to make for easy-cleaning
· Not one but TWO bridging zones on both the left and the right of the induction hobs, creating even more space for cooking with larger pans or griddles
Fast and efficient, Bertazzoni induction range cookers offer a simple way to cook. The technology used allows the cooker to heat up quickly for precise cooking, whilst offering safety systems such as child lock and overheating and overspill protection. The black tempered glass surface fits comfortably into modern kitchen styles, whilst creating a refined and elegant look.
Being a prestigious Italian brand, and Italy being infamous for its impressive design, six generations of the Bertazzoni family have worked towards creating these products we see today, with both passion and expertise designing some impressive products.
This series is not limited only to range cookers. You will also find a matching Master series refrigerator and hood to pull your kitchen together as a smart and cohesive space.
(Dual fuel model shown)
Rangemaster's Professional Range
The Professional Deluxe collection is also a great choice for a contemporary styled kitchen, offering modern lines and combining a bold use of chrome with some appealing facia graphics.
Although the visual appearance of the controls of the Professional Deluxe don’t contrast too much with those of the Bertazzoni Master, they are standard plastic controls rather than the robust metal you get with a Bertazzoni. Similarly, the storage drawer you will find on the larger 110 models shows the difference in detail, with the Bertazzoni Master offering a soft close function for the protection of the contents inside.
· Separate grill on the 110cm model
· Programmable timer for those who like to time their cooking to perfection
· Rangemaster's unique Handyrack featured in the multifunction ovens, allowing meat to be transferred in and out of the oven with ease
· Five induction zones with power boost settings (does not include a bridging feature)
· Bread proving drawer on the 110cm models
· Hinged doors opening to the left or the right rather than drop down
· 1-2 week lead times for in stock models, 5 weeks for other models (currently 10 weeks for all gas models)
Inside the ovens, Rangemaster doesn’t necessarily disappoint with the offering of Rapid Response, which preheats the oven 30% faster than a normal fan oven, and the eight oven functions to choose from. However, the Bertazzoni Master offers you a fantastic 11 different functions, and if you are a pizza lover you will enjoy having the pizza setting – perfect for multi-level baking, roasting, bread and pizza.
(Dual fuel model shown)
The Professional Deluxe does bring some stylish shades to choose from, including Cranberry, Cream and Slate (above), and offers practical tools for your cooking such as the hot hob indicators and an easy clean surface on the energy efficient induction model. However, this induction fuel type is only available in the 90cm and 110cm models, leading those looking for a 100cm range nicely to the Bertazzoni Master.
Stoves Sterling Effort
The Stoves Sterling collection brings sleek steel-clad doors and a straightforward design that appears robust.
The Sterling is available in 90cm, 100cm and 110cm models, with both dual fuel and induction available. The mirrored doors conveniently allow sight of the food inside when the oven is in use, aesthetically complemented by the crisp, brushed steel door handles and satin look plastic control knobs.
The multifunction ovens within the Bertazzoni Master and Stoves Sterling are similar, both offering multiple functions including base heat only, fanned grilling and the high temperature pizza mode.
In terms of design, the Sterling again offers chunky controls that appear very similar in design to the Bertazzoni Master, but much like the Rangemaster are moulded in heat resistant plastic. Alongside this, however, is the touch screen control on the induction models which allows you to have more precise control over your cooking. The choice of colours is restricted to just black and stainless steel, so if it is white you are looking for then the Bertazzoni Master still edges forward.
· Zoneless induction model, with space for larger pots and pans
· Quad oven layout - slow cook oven in the fourth cavity rather than a storage drawer
· Touch screen controls operating the induction hotplate to complement the rotary controls below
· Light translucent mirror effect on the doors that disappears when the oven is on
· Delivery in 7-10 days from stock, out of stock models with 4-6 weeks
· Choice of 90cm, 100cm and 110cm sizes and both dual fuel and induction
When it comes to induction, Stoves have recently taken a huge leap with their technology. Their zoneless induction hotplate has been a range cooking first – the typical induction zones have been removed to offer a full surface cooking area that can accommodate up to 6 pans of any shape or size, intelligently remembering the heat settings of any pan should it need to be moved to another position.
This advance in technology of course comes at a cost, with the Sterling 110cm zoneless induction model being priced higher than any of Stoves other induction models at £4,175. It is also priced higher in comparison to the Bertazzoni Master at £3,750, emphasising the quality you get for an affordable price with Bertazzoni.
In conclusion, for the specialist team here, it is the Bertazzoni Master that stands out as the premier mid-range induction range cooker. It distinguishes itself from its Rangemaster and Stoves competitors through its blend of meticulous craftsmanship, renowned Italian heritage and superior performance. With versatile features, ample capacity and high-integrity design elements such as the metal controls, the Bertazzoni Master is the perfect choice for those who value both style and substance in their culinary appliances. We heartily recommend it.
If you have any questions about any of the brands or products mentioned or simply want to find out more, call our team on 01244 402 975, reach out on social media or visit our website through the link below.
*Prices correct as of 7th March 2024
