A simple guide to range cookers
Buying a new cooker is one of the most important decisions you'll make when it comes to kitting out your kitchen. Choosing the right cooker for your needs isn't an easy process so be sure to do your research and see which type of appliance is best for you.
While many people will initially narrow their choice to either a conventional electric or gas cooker, it pays to investigate the other options that are available. Range cookers are one such option - and they're perfect for those families who enjoy cooking a wide variety of dishes for a large number of people.
Range cookers are larger than more traditional types of cookers but if you've got a kitchen that will take one then you'll open up a whole new world of cooking options. They tend to feature more hob burners - typically six but up to eight - and larger main ovens than traditional cookers, making them perfect for large families.
Range cookers are available in electric, gas and dual fuel models and also come in a variety of colours, meaning it's easy to find one to match your particular kitchen - provided you have the space. The appliances vary in size and are generally available in widths between 90cm and 150cm, although slimmer models of around 60cm are available if you shop around.
As well as the main oven, range cookers also often come with a warming or storage draw as well as various useful accessories, such as:
• Griddle - heated by the burners and useful for searing meat
• Rotisserie - slowly turns under a grill; perfect for slow cooking meat
• Wok burner - for stir-frying or cooking curries
• Fish burner - for steaming fish
Not all range cookers will boast the same features or accessories, so it's worth writing a list of the features you feel you would benefit from the most and narrow your search that way - if you're never going to use a rotisserie, for example, then there's no point in paying extra for a cooker that features one.
They also tend to be more expensive than normal cookers, with prices ranging between £500 for the entry models and £3,500 for the top of the line examples. If you can make good use of the extra options that range cookers offer you, though, then they're well worth the extra investment.
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