Choosing Your Perfect Cooker/Oven

Choosing the right cooker starts with how you cook, the space available and the fuel connections in your kitchen. This guide compares the main options and explains what to check before choosing a model.

Gas, electric, dual fuel or induction?

Gas cookers

A gas cooker typically combines a gas hob with a gas oven. The visible flame makes hob adjustments easy to judge, while oven performance and features vary by model.

Gas could suit you if you enjoy cooking over a flame and have a suitable gas supply. Look at oven capacity, cleaning features and the controls, rather than choosing on fuel type alone.

Electric cookers

Electric cookers pair an electric oven with an electric hob, which may use solid plates, ceramic heating zones or induction.

Many electric ovens offer fan-assisted cooking, although features vary between models. When comparing cookers, check the hob technology as well as the oven functions: a ceramic hob and an induction hob work differently.

Dual fuel cookers

Dual fuel cookers usually combine a gas hob with electric ovens. They could suit you if you prefer flame control on the hob but want electric oven functions for baking, roasting and everyday meals.

You’ll need suitable gas and electrical connections. Check the installation requirements for the exact model before ordering.

Induction cookers

Induction hobs use magnetic energy to heat compatible cookware directly. They offer responsive heat adjustment, and their flat surface is generally straightforward to wipe clean.

Check your pans before choosing induction. A magnet sticking firmly to the base is a useful initial check, but the cookware manufacturer’s induction-compatibility guidance is the better reference.

The hob surface can still become hot from the pan, so it should not be treated as cool or safe to touch after cooking. Electrical requirements also vary by model.

Choosing the right cooker format

A freestanding cooker combines the hob and oven in one appliance. It can be a practical choice when replacing an existing cooker, provided the new model fits the space and connections.

A range cooker usually offers a wider cooking surface and may include several oven cavities. Compare each cavity’s usable capacity and functions, not just the cooker’s overall width.

A built-in oven is fitted into kitchen cabinetry, with a separate hob. This gives more flexibility over positioning, but the cabinet dimensions and ventilation requirements must suit the chosen appliance.

Measure before you choose

Before ordering, work through this checklist:

• Measure the available width, height and depth. Don’t rely only on the dimensions of your existing cooker.
• Compare those measurements with the model’s installation instructions, including required clearances and ventilation.
• Check that oven doors can open without obstructing nearby cupboards, handles or walkways.
• Confirm the gas or electrical supply requirements with a suitably qualified installer.
• Measure the delivery route, including doorways, hallways, stairs and tight corners.

Features worth comparing

Think about what will make a difference to your normal cooking. Useful features might include a separate grill, fan-assisted cooking, a programmable timer, telescopic shelves or more than one oven cavity.

For larger meals, check whether your usual roasting trays and cookware will fit. Two ovens do not necessarily offer the same capacity or functions.

Cleaning systems also differ. Catalytic liners, steam-assisted cleaning and pyrolytic cleaning work in different ways, so check what the model provides and what still needs cleaning by hand.

Plan your total budget

Allow for more than the appliance price. Delivery, installation, removal of an old cooker, changes to connections and induction-compatible cookware may add to the total.

Before buying, confirm what the retailer’s delivery and installation service includes, along with the warranty and after-sales support.

Making your choice

Start with the format that fits your kitchen, then compare fuel type, oven capacity and the features you’ll actually use. A cooker that suits your everyday meals is a better choice than one with extra functions you rarely need.

Keep a shortlist of suitable models and compare their specifications and installation instructions before making your final decision.