Your guide to buying a range cooker

range cookers

A range cooker is the ultimate all-in-one appliance that can bake, grill, simmer and boil. Frankly, it’s a bit of a game-changer…

First, if you’re wondering why you should consider buying a range cooker, know they are built to last and offer a professional culinary experience at home as well as making a design statement in the kitchen. Often dual fuel, they come with two, three and sometimes four ovens with temperatures from 50ºC to 260ºC+.

You’ll be able to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures at the same time across the ovens from baking and roasting, simmering, convection cooking and a warming oven along with integrated grills. Range cooker hobs are very versatile and suit a range of cooking styles.

Red range cooker in a modern scheme.
The Bertazzoni Professional Series 90cm Air Tec range cooker in Arancio has a four-zone induction cooktop with bridging zone. Meanwhile, the 103-litre oven has 11 functions, including convection, baking and grilling to fast-preheat. Key features: Integrated 10-speed extraction; Energy Class A.

The choice is endless from solely induction, gas burners or traditional hot plates to a mix of all three with options of wok burners and griddle plates. The total capacity is more than 140 litres of cooking space and hobs with room to juggle up to 10 pans at one time.

To help you shop with ease and choose the right solution for you, KBB journo Sally Smith shares what you need to know before you buy a range cooker…

Blue cabinetry with a dark range cooker and matching hood.
Rangemaster’s Classic FX 90 induction range cooker has a five-zone induction hob with nine power levels, integrated grills, energy saving panel to split oven for energy efficiency; available in several colours including black. Key features: 114-litre multifunction oven; Energy Rating A

What to look out for

The quality and craftsmanship of a range cooker is unique with many made-to-order models available in traditional enamel finishes and in a vast range of deep glossy colours. ECO modes mean you can drop the overall temperature of the range cooker when you are not cooking and reduce heat-up times, helping to conserve energy. You’ll find pre-set programmes, digital displays and up to 15 auto-cooking modes on most models.

White kitchen design with a luxury range cooker with gold accents.
ILVE’s Majestic Milano 90cm range cooker has a large single oven with 15 cooking functions, a full-width storage drawer and a six-zone induction hob. Available in eight colours with brass, bronze, chrome or copper trim. Key features: A+ Energy Rating; ECO mode.

Good to know

Range cookers are much heavier than a standard kitchen appliance. The larger models can weigh up to 115kg and smaller ones 84kg and they need careful planning when it comes to installation.

Also, bear in mind that a cast-iron range cooker needs a little extra room to expand, so it’s advisable to leave enough space when installing a range cooker next to worktops or cabinets.

It’s a different way of cooking – traditional hotplates can take around 10 minutes to heat up and some ovens will need up to 60 minutes to reach the maximum temperatures.

Classic kitchen with a vibrant cooker.
ESSE 1000 T electric range cooker with induction zone and cast-iron hotplate has two ovens, a full-width integrated grill in the top right oven, a temperature-set slow cooking oven with steam vents and no flue required. Available in six colours. Key features: Programmable timer; temperature preset.

Range cooker buying tips

If you are looking for a more contemporary take on the farmhouse style range there are high-quality stainless steel designs on the market, some with single oven capacities of 144 litres.

Modern scheme with stainless steel units and appliances.
La Cornue’s Castel 60 range cooker has a four-zone, touch-control induction hob and electric vaulted 58-litre oven. It has a chef function dividing the hob into two large cooking zones. Key features: Available in bespoke colours; Energy Class A.

Range cooker widths vary between 90cm, 120cm and a whopping 170cm plus. A few brands offer 60cm widths, ideal for a smaller space.

It’s going to be an investment, so do lots of thorough research and download the technical manuals to fully understand the capacity and functionality that works best for you. You can arrange face-to-face demos with a few different brands and discuss installation options, which may include a site visit before you buy.

Country chic design with pastel blue appliances and open shelving.
Smeg’s TR4110AZ 110cm Victoria dual-fuel range cooker in Pastel Blue has two ovens and a gas hob top with seven gas burners including a wok burner. A stainless steel teppanyaki grill plate is available as an optional extra. It can be placed over two burners for direct contact cooking. Key features: ECO oven function; Energy Rating A.

What will a range cooker cost

A range cooker is a substantial piece of kitchen equipment and obviously an investment. You can expect to pay £16,000 to over £25,000 for a traditional 110cm plus cast-iron range cooker. Smaller 90cm models with a large single cavity oven will cost between £3500 to £7000.

The price won’t include installation and delivery. So, you should expect to pay an additional £300 to £500 for a standard two-man delivery. However, if delivery is up some steps or on a first floor you may be charged an additional fee.

Classic kitchen design with a plum coloured range cooker.
Lacanche’s Classic Chemin has a 20-litre electric oven and grill, a 79-litre simmer oven, two gas hobs with five burners and one induction. You can also have extra burners, an electric plancha, or a chargrill. Key features: Flexible hob top options; 65-litre dual-function oven. Photography: Paul Craig.

Installation tips

  • “A 90cm range cooker can create an equally stylish focal point as a larger 110cm version offering as many of the features of the larger cookers, an option if you’re tight on space,” says Robert Stein, product manager for appliances at Rangemaster.
  • “Electric range cookers can be installed without the need of a plinth or a flue so you can install virtually anywhere in the kitchen – including in an island unit – as you no longer need an outside wall,” explains Kathryn Lowe, marketing manager, Aga.
  • Check the power supplies needed for your cooker before installation: a 32 amp 6mm cable for duel fuel and 45 amp 10mm cable for induction.
Classic kitchen design with statement appliances.
Aga ER3 Series 160 Electric in Raspberry has four cast-iron ovens. One is for baking and roasting, one for simmering, a warming oven and a 90-litre convection oven. There’s a two-zone induction hob and two hotplates for boiling or simmering. Available in a variety of colours. Key features: Energy Rating A; available from 60cm to 170cm model.

Ever wondered how Aga range cookers are made? Click here

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