Photo: Majjie / Flickr

Range cookers provide a constant heat source, keeping your kitchen warm and cosy, and are stylish pieces of equipment that can double as a stunning focal point in your kitchen. Modern range cookers aren’t just all-purpose stove-meets-boilers anymore. They have extra burners, two (or more) ovens and a load of mod cons. If you’re thinking of investing in one, here are some guidelines that’ll help make your decision a little easier.

Gas, electric or duel fuel?

A gas range cooker, as you would expect it to, runs on gas. Gas gives you the advantage of lower electricity bills, better accuracy when it comes to temperatures, and even heat distribution. Electric ranges are cheaper than their gas counterparts, and are versatile, but will cost you in the long run when it comes to utilities bills. They’re not as accurate when it comes to temperature, either, but are a good option if your budget is limited.

For the best of both worlds, look into a dual fuel range cooker. They offer the versatility of electric ranges combined with the quick reaction of gas burners. Most come with a gas hob and an electric oven, making use of the best features of both cooking methods.

Size matters

Range cookers generally come in widths of 90cm, 100cm and 110 cm, but some brands offer designs as slim as 60cm or as large as 150cm. Smaller options are lacking in features and space, both when it comes to the oven and the hob. On the other hand, the larger cookers can look too commercial, as though you would expect to see them in a professional kitchen rather than your own. When you’re choosing the size of cooker that’s best for you, take into consideration the space you have in your kitchen, how many features you are looking for in a cooker, and how much space you’ll need in the oven and on the hob to do all your cooking.

Demystifying the jargon

Photo: hooverdust / Flickr

To help you make the best decision when it comes to features, you’ll need to understand a little range cooker-speak. Pyrolytic cleaning is a feature that allows you to set your oven very high so that it self-cleans, meaning all you have to do to remove stains and grimes is wipe down the walls of the oven with a damp cloth. This feature is a definite plus. Catalytic cleaning is also a good option if you like to spend as little time cleaning as possible. Range cookers with catalytic cleaning have special liners in the oven that absorb spills, which then burn off.

Closed-door grilling means that you can close the door of the oven while grilling. This may sound obvious, but not all range cookers come with this option, and it’s a good idea when it comes to safety in the kitchen. Teppanyaki is a very cool feature to have if you’re a fan of Japanese cooking. A teppanyaki hob consists of a smooth metal plate you can cook on directly. This is nifty, but not necessary, and you may find yourself paying quite a bit extra for this option.

Finally, and most importantly, consider your budget. Generally, the bigger a range cooker is, the more expensive it is, and the more features it has to offer. On the other hand, a cheaper and smaller range cooker may not have all the features you need, so it wouldn’t be a good investment, even if it was budget-friendly.