Steel Oxford 100

As you would expect from a manufacturer of this calibre, the Steel Oxford series is something a little special. Its retro look manages to fall nicely between heritage and modern by cleverly balancing the same solid metal control knobs and door handle used on the more characterful Ascot series with a cleaner, contemporary look and an eye-catching two tone colour scheme. Add to this a circular analogue clock/timer, the chunky recess provided by the facia frame and some rather nice door enhancements and the effect is a very successful re-invention of a traditional range for a modern lifestyle. Some clever cost savings bring the Oxford within closer reach of those who aspire to this premium brand’s world renowned reputation for quality, and this is achieved by using a more conventional hotplate construction, double-glazed doors rather than triple-glazed, one wok burner rather than two, and a storage compartment with flap door rather than a drawer. All the rest is as you would expect, with the same multifunction ovens, rotisserie feature, overall quality and manufacturing integrity as the flagship Genesi and Ascot models.

This Steel X10FF-6 dual cavity model gives you six gas burners above a generous 70 litre oven with nine functions, plus a 39 litre second oven with five conventional functions, including a second grill. Both ovens are A-rated for energy efficiency and give you two standard shelves plus a full-width enamelled tray and trivet. To suit your needs you can enhance the spec with telescopic runners for the tray, a very handy pizza stone, taller feet with a higher plinth kit, and a choice of flat or ribbed griddle plates. The rear up-stand is removable should you prefer a cleaner look, but whichever colour you choose this will be a truly stunning addition to any home, and a firm friend to anyone who takes cooking seriously.

Steel Cucine is a highly regarded and long established family-based manufacturer in the Emilio Romana region of Italy, and area renowned as much for its food culture as it is for the many world-class manufacturers who operate there. This blend of top-class engineering and love of food gives the Po family all the right credentials to keep producing a superb range of cookers, hoods, refrigeration and modular kitchen furniture products for a discerning global market. Well established in the UK but still little-known, Steel products are expertly supported by an experienced distributor and a network of engineers, but as one of the most reliable brands out there this is unlikely to be called upon, although there is a full two-year warranty should you need it.