But range cookers have moved with the times. ‘There’s a huge array of designs on the market, from traditional styles in cream and olive green, to statement modern pieces in practically any colour you can imagine,’ says Hayley Zamur of CookersAndOvens. What’s more, sizes run the gamut from Aga’s City60 – the same width as a standard slot-in cooker at 60cm – to the Lacanche Moderne at an impressive 150cm, and there are alternatives to the classic heat storage models, meaning there is a range cooker to suit every kitchen.
With hundreds of range cookers on offer, the final choice can be overwhelming, but this guide should help you work out which is the best for you.
Professional advice from:
Hayley Zamur of CookersAndOvens
Jacqui Hoctor of Britannia Living
Laura James of Aga
deVOL Kitchens
The benefits of a range
‘As well as flexibility in design, probably the most obvious advantage a range cooker has over a standard built-in oven is that you are simply buying one piece that slots neatly into the space between your units,’ says Hayley Zamur. ‘There’s no need for an extra cabinet or worktop to be built to house the appliance. Plus, if you’re moving house, there’s nothing stopping you taking the cooker with you.’
If you have a big family or enjoy cooking for a crowd, it’s also worth noting that the oven cavities in a range cooker of 90cm or more are typically 20% bigger than a standard 60cm built-in oven. Inside these ovens, you’ll find the same technology you’d find in any built-in oven, including fanned ovens, top and bottom browning, conventional heat and more, all with easy-to-use controls,’ says Hayley.
Other benefits might include soft-close drawers, multi-function cooking options and extras such as food temperature probes or a griddle. ‘These cookers also come in a whole host of colours,’ adds Laura James.
‘As well as flexibility in design, probably the most obvious advantage a range cooker has over a standard built-in oven is that you are simply buying one piece that slots neatly into the space between your units,’ says Hayley Zamur. ‘There’s no need for an extra cabinet or worktop to be built to house the appliance. Plus, if you’re moving house, there’s nothing stopping you taking the cooker with you.’
If you have a big family or enjoy cooking for a crowd, it’s also worth noting that the oven cavities in a range cooker of 90cm or more are typically 20% bigger than a standard 60cm built-in oven. Inside these ovens, you’ll find the same technology you’d find in any built-in oven, including fanned ovens, top and bottom browning, conventional heat and more, all with easy-to-use controls,’ says Hayley.
Other benefits might include soft-close drawers, multi-function cooking options and extras such as food temperature probes or a griddle. ‘These cookers also come in a whole host of colours,’ adds Laura James.
Glenvale Kitchens
Heat storage range cookers
A traditional heat storage range cooker is always on, providing a constant source of heat during the chilly winter months. The majority run on electricity, but gas, oil and solid-fuel models are also available. According to Laura, heat storage range cookers offer a host of benefits. ‘Primarily, they cook differently, using gentle radiant heat,’ she explains. ‘This means food is not blasted with heat but instead cooked using heat from every surface of the oven, locking in all the flavour, moisture and goodness.’
Generally more expensive to run, because it’s always on, a traditional heat storage range cooker can also make your kitchen uncomfortably warm during the summer. Some people switch them off, but then you’d need a secondary oven, so now there is an alternative solution – although currently only from Aga, in the form of its Total Control model. ‘This is on when you want but off when you don’t, so your energy costs will be much lower than if you choose a range cooker that’s on all the time,’ says Laura. Other manufacturers are sure to be close behind in bringing out their own versions.
A traditional heat storage range cooker is always on, providing a constant source of heat during the chilly winter months. The majority run on electricity, but gas, oil and solid-fuel models are also available. According to Laura, heat storage range cookers offer a host of benefits. ‘Primarily, they cook differently, using gentle radiant heat,’ she explains. ‘This means food is not blasted with heat but instead cooked using heat from every surface of the oven, locking in all the flavour, moisture and goodness.’
Generally more expensive to run, because it’s always on, a traditional heat storage range cooker can also make your kitchen uncomfortably warm during the summer. Some people switch them off, but then you’d need a secondary oven, so now there is an alternative solution – although currently only from Aga, in the form of its Total Control model. ‘This is on when you want but off when you don’t, so your energy costs will be much lower than if you choose a range cooker that’s on all the time,’ says Laura. Other manufacturers are sure to be close behind in bringing out their own versions.
Brown + Brown Architects
A cooker that also runs your heating
Not only can heat storage range cookers be used for cooking and warming the kitchen, some models are designed to heat the home, too, with a boiler built into the body of the cooker. These cookers are capable, in some designs, of heating up to 20 radiators using oil, gas, electric or solid fuel.
‘Range cookers that also run the central heating have moved with the times and you can now get models with A-rated condensing boilers,’ adds Laura.
Not only can heat storage range cookers be used for cooking and warming the kitchen, some models are designed to heat the home, too, with a boiler built into the body of the cooker. These cookers are capable, in some designs, of heating up to 20 radiators using oil, gas, electric or solid fuel.
‘Range cookers that also run the central heating have moved with the times and you can now get models with A-rated condensing boilers,’ adds Laura.
Precious McBane
Non-heat storage range cookers
These days, however, your choice of range cooker is not restricted to heat storage models; there are plenty of modern alternatives available, favoured for their functionality and stylish good looks. The most popular are dual fuel, although all-electric models are increasingly in demand, particularly those that feature induction hobs.
These days, however, your choice of range cooker is not restricted to heat storage models; there are plenty of modern alternatives available, favoured for their functionality and stylish good looks. The most popular are dual fuel, although all-electric models are increasingly in demand, particularly those that feature induction hobs.
Sculleries of Stockbridge
Dual-fuel range cookers
Popular dual-fuel range cookers have a gas hob and electric ovens. Some manufacturers offer a gas option on the ovens, but this is less common. A standard range typically features five gas burners, one configured to offer wok-style cooking. Optional extras include griddles and teppan-yaki-style hot plates – worth the investment if you love to entertain.
Popular dual-fuel range cookers have a gas hob and electric ovens. Some manufacturers offer a gas option on the ovens, but this is less common. A standard range typically features five gas burners, one configured to offer wok-style cooking. Optional extras include griddles and teppan-yaki-style hot plates – worth the investment if you love to entertain.
Damon Libby Photography
No gas supply? No problem
If you live in a rural area and don’t have access to mains gas, some dual-fuel range cookers can be converted to liquified petroleum gas (LPG). Alternatively, you might choose an all-electric range cooker with either a ceramic or induction hob.
If you’re not familiar with induction hobs, these work by creating a magnetic connection between a pan made from a ferrous metal and the hob (meaning many pots and pans will not work – check yours with a magnet to see whether they are suitable). Hayley is a big fan of induction: ‘It’s fast, saves energy and is safer to use, as it heats the pan not the surface of the hob – plus it’s easy to clean.’
If you live in a rural area and don’t have access to mains gas, some dual-fuel range cookers can be converted to liquified petroleum gas (LPG). Alternatively, you might choose an all-electric range cooker with either a ceramic or induction hob.
If you’re not familiar with induction hobs, these work by creating a magnetic connection between a pan made from a ferrous metal and the hob (meaning many pots and pans will not work – check yours with a magnet to see whether they are suitable). Hayley is a big fan of induction: ‘It’s fast, saves energy and is safer to use, as it heats the pan not the surface of the hob – plus it’s easy to clean.’
Clifton Interiors Ltd
Choosing the right cooking capacity
Range cookers come with one or multiple oven cavities. The configuration you choose really depends on the size of your family or the cooking styles you like to use.
‘Think about the type of meals you’d like to prepare,’ advises Hayley. ‘Pick the largest meal you’re ever likely to cook, for example Christmas dinner, and think about the functions you require and how big the ovens would need to be for your food.’
Range cookers come with one or multiple oven cavities. The configuration you choose really depends on the size of your family or the cooking styles you like to use.
‘Think about the type of meals you’d like to prepare,’ advises Hayley. ‘Pick the largest meal you’re ever likely to cook, for example Christmas dinner, and think about the functions you require and how big the ovens would need to be for your food.’
Duck and Shed
Single-cavity ranges
Not all ranges have multiple cavities and a 90cm large single oven, for example, is ideal for people who love to cook in large batches, such as keen bakers or those with large families.
‘Some brands offer energy-saving panels, which can split the oven for more flexibility,’ says Jacqui Hoctor. This means you don’t waste energy heating the whole cavity if you’re only cooking a small dish.
Not all ranges have multiple cavities and a 90cm large single oven, for example, is ideal for people who love to cook in large batches, such as keen bakers or those with large families.
‘Some brands offer energy-saving panels, which can split the oven for more flexibility,’ says Jacqui Hoctor. This means you don’t waste energy heating the whole cavity if you’re only cooking a small dish.
Brayer Design
Multiple ovens, different functions
If you opt for more than one oven, a typical configuration is a multi-functional oven teamed with a smaller, conventional one. ‘This allows you to cook food at two different temperatures, or to keep some foods warm while the rest are cooking,’ explains Hayley.
Some brands offer a rotisserie in the second oven, ‘perfect for the Sunday roast. It’s also good for warming up food during the week if it’s just a quick meal for two,’ says Jacqui. Optional extras include a separate grill, a storage compartment or a warming drawer.
If you opt for more than one oven, a typical configuration is a multi-functional oven teamed with a smaller, conventional one. ‘This allows you to cook food at two different temperatures, or to keep some foods warm while the rest are cooking,’ explains Hayley.
Some brands offer a rotisserie in the second oven, ‘perfect for the Sunday roast. It’s also good for warming up food during the week if it’s just a quick meal for two,’ says Jacqui. Optional extras include a separate grill, a storage compartment or a warming drawer.
Installing your range cooker
‘Electric and dual-fuel range cookers will need their own accessible electricity supply, situated near the rear of the cooker,’ explains Hayley. Gas and dual-fuel range cookers must only ever be installed by a Gas Safe Register engineer. Find a registered engineer near you at Gas Safe Register’s website.
Remember that the power source you require depends on the type of fuel your cooker uses – just as with built-ins. A gas range cooker uses minimal electricity, thus a lower power source will do. Induction, however, uses a lot of electricity and therefore requires a larger power source.
‘Cookers with gas ovens will only require a 13 amp socket, while dual-fuel and electric models need to be connected to a suitable 6mm cable with a 32 amp breaker,’ Hayley explains. ‘Induction models ideally require a 10mm cable with a 45 amp breaker.’
Check out more colourful splashback designs
‘Electric and dual-fuel range cookers will need their own accessible electricity supply, situated near the rear of the cooker,’ explains Hayley. Gas and dual-fuel range cookers must only ever be installed by a Gas Safe Register engineer. Find a registered engineer near you at Gas Safe Register’s website.
Remember that the power source you require depends on the type of fuel your cooker uses – just as with built-ins. A gas range cooker uses minimal electricity, thus a lower power source will do. Induction, however, uses a lot of electricity and therefore requires a larger power source.
‘Cookers with gas ovens will only require a 13 amp socket, while dual-fuel and electric models need to be connected to a suitable 6mm cable with a 32 amp breaker,’ Hayley explains. ‘Induction models ideally require a 10mm cable with a 45 amp breaker.’
Check out more colourful splashback designs
Figura Kitchens & Interiors
Where to position your range
As with any cooker, make sure there’s an easily accessible isolation switch no more than 2m away from the cooker so you can get to it in an emergency. ‘The area above the range cooker must be kept clear to a height of at least 65cm,’ advises Hayley. ‘This means that combustible material, including wallpaper, electrical sockets, switches and cooker hoods, need to be moved outside of this clearance.’
As with any cooker, make sure there’s an easily accessible isolation switch no more than 2m away from the cooker so you can get to it in an emergency. ‘The area above the range cooker must be kept clear to a height of at least 65cm,’ advises Hayley. ‘This means that combustible material, including wallpaper, electrical sockets, switches and cooker hoods, need to be moved outside of this clearance.’
Milligan and Jessop
Running costs
Range cookers used for cooking only (in other words, not heat storage range cookers) are usually no more expensive to run than a standard built-in oven, particularly as many have an A-rating in energy efficiency.
‘The most energy-efficient range cooker you can get is an induction one,’ says Hayley. ‘It will cost more to buy, but the energy saving and performance will more than make up for it.’
Be inspired by more cool and contemporary white schemes
Range cookers used for cooking only (in other words, not heat storage range cookers) are usually no more expensive to run than a standard built-in oven, particularly as many have an A-rating in energy efficiency.
‘The most energy-efficient range cooker you can get is an induction one,’ says Hayley. ‘It will cost more to buy, but the energy saving and performance will more than make up for it.’
Be inspired by more cool and contemporary white schemes
Element Studios
Effortless cleaning options
If you hate cleaning your oven, choose a range cooker with catalytic or pyrolytic cleaning features – familiar in built-in ovens, but now increasingly also in range cookers. ‘Catalytic oven liners absorb the grease and fat from foods to keep your oven looking clean. Pyrolytic, on the other hand, heats the oven to extreme temperatures to completely burn off any food residues. All you need to do then is just sweep out the ash,’ explains Hayley.
If you hate cleaning your oven, choose a range cooker with catalytic or pyrolytic cleaning features – familiar in built-in ovens, but now increasingly also in range cookers. ‘Catalytic oven liners absorb the grease and fat from foods to keep your oven looking clean. Pyrolytic, on the other hand, heats the oven to extreme temperatures to completely burn off any food residues. All you need to do then is just sweep out the ash,’ explains Hayley.
Love baking? Choose a warming drawer
If you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off, then going for a range cooker with a warming drawer is a must, as it doubles up as a fantastic proving drawer for all those breads and pastries.
‘If you have children, it’s also worth looking for a range that comes with a child safety lock,’ advises Hayley. ‘This locks the controls to stop small hands from turning the cooker on.’
TELL US…
Do you prefer range cookers or built-in models – and why? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
If you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off, then going for a range cooker with a warming drawer is a must, as it doubles up as a fantastic proving drawer for all those breads and pastries.
‘If you have children, it’s also worth looking for a range that comes with a child safety lock,’ advises Hayley. ‘This locks the controls to stop small hands from turning the cooker on.’
TELL US…
Do you prefer range cookers or built-in models – and why? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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