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Choosing a cooker

Jay — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:29:38 +0000

Photo: otama / Flickr

Not so long ago, simple freestanding gas or electric white enamel cookers were the order of the day. But with the evolution of technology and the resurgence of cooking as a leisure activity off the back of several popular food shoes, one now has a multitude of different cookers to choose from. From generously sized double ovens with extra large hobs and full width grills to smaller all-in-one microwave ovens with hobs and grills, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

Modern demands

More and more, kitchens are being designed to accommodate modern lifestyles. Larger hobs make extra burners possible and give easier access to pots and pans. Increased capacity ovens give extra shelf space while knob-less appliances allow for uncluttered and streamlined kitchens.

Modern technology enables faster start up times, which saves on energy and overall cooking time, too. Induction hobs, for example, are not only safe and clean but they are environmentally friendly too.

Form and function, simple and sophisticated

Design and function can complement each other, which is important for open-plan living and entertaining. Depending on the cooker’s finish, it can add dramatic appeal to a kitchen or it can blend into the kitchen design.

Passionate cooks especially should consider a cooker that allows for the exploration of a variety of culinary options. Interesting cooker possibilities include char grilling and steaming, for instance. Fear not about the mess though, with self-cleaning ovens making cleanup a breeze.

For those who prefer ‘self-think’ technology, automated cooking is entirely possible wherein the weight of a meal determines the cooking mode, time and temperature. Pre-set recipes also make for effortless cooking, and some cookers can even be programmed to start and finish cooking at a given time. This allows one to come home to a ready cooked meal.

Other notable contemporary cookers feature moisture-plus technology that combines moisture with fan functioning in order to improve bakes like bread and cakes. This technology also allows dishes like meat to remain tender while allowing for a glistening finish. A drier environment is also possible, making it possible to create crispier meals.

Basically, gone are the days where buying a cooker was a painless decision. Nowadays, given your needs, your budget, and your routine, cookers can be highly specified.

Advantages of dual fuel cookers

Manuel — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:40:15 +0000

Photo: anamoly23 / Flickr

Technology is moving at a rapid pace, and the technology at work in the kitchen is no exception. If you’re looking to buy a new cooker, consider going dual fuel – getting hi-tech could allow you to tailor your cooking method to each cooking task’s needs by choosing whether to use gas or conventional cooking. Now if that’s not getting the best of both worlds, what is? Read on to find out more about whether a dual fuel cooker could be the cooking solution for your home.

The best of both worlds

The advantages of dual fuel cooking are, quite simply, the advantages of gas cooking combined with the advantages of cooking with electricity. Electric cooking allows you to cook at a high heat quickly, while gas cooking provides a consistent and accurate temperature. Dual fuel cooking is sure to make cooking far simpler, but also to allow you to cook far more efficiently.

The cost factor

Cost is a factor in planning almost every kitchen, and dual fuel cookers can be significantly more expensive. Think carefully about how much you’re willing to pay for the advantages of dual fuel cookers, but keep in mind that their energy efficiency is sure to save you money over the years.

What you’ll need to consider

If you’re sold on the idea of using dual fuel cooking methods in your home, there are a few things to consider before you make your purchase. First, make sure that both forms of power – gas and electricity – are available in your home, then consider space constraints in your kitchen design, as dual fuel cookers can be rather large. Finally, shop around and find out all you can about the dual fuel cookers that are available so that you find the one that suits you best and will give you many happy cooking hours in years to come.

Dual Fuel Cookers capture the best of both worlds

Kyle — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:18:45 +0000

The demand for dual fuel cookers are rapidly increasing day by day mostly due to their higher energy efficiency compared to standard cookers which help in cutting the monthly cost of running the appliance. In addition, a host of additional features like self-cleaning methods, cooking programmes and thermostatic controls included in dual fuel cookers are making them a popular choice for most of the kitchens. In case you are also planning to replace your old and traditionally-styled cooker with a brand new dual fuel cooker, here is an overview of some of the best models available in the market these days.

Check this very impressive dual fuel cooker

The Leisure Cookmaster CM101FRCP is a double oven, dual fuel cooker and comes in a smart cream design to suit the décor of any stylish kitchen. It includes a main fan oven, a conventional oven and 5 burner gas hobs, thus offering you endless possibilities while cooking. With the available wok burner and warming plate, you are also provided the facility of creating professional dishes right inside your own home. The dual fuel cooker is fully programmable for ease of cooking and the catalytic liners make its maintenance simpler and easier.

In-depth look at another advanced dual fuel cooker

The next model in the range of dual fuel cookers is the Stoves 600SIDLM. It includes four hobs and a separate grill and has an easy-to-read LCD display. There is an electronic timer and push button ignition included into the dual fuel cooker, which offer a more effective cooking experience and the pristine enamel liners makes its cleaning easier after use.

Indesit KP 9508: Traditional Cooker for dedicated Chefs

Jay — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:59:00 +0000

The Cookers & Ovens Indesit KP 9508 is one of the most useful cooker/oven available in the market which performs multiple functions so that the buyer can save money and avert buying a second appliance. The first thing that you will notice about the machine when you look for it on the internet is its splash back. The other feature that is equally striking is the extractor hood. The package is available for sale at a very non cumulative price. The cooker that comes in the Cookers & Ovens Indesit KP 9508 is packed in a huge cardboard inside a polystyrene box. The only thing that the user needs to do is connect the Indesit cooker and start using it. The designing of this cooker is done in stainless steel and the user will get a professional feeling while seeing the polishing and appearance.

The cast iron pan supports the Cookers & Ovens Indesit KP 9508 and enhances its quality. The controls in the appliance are very simple to use and understand. The appliance will sort out every problem of yours related to frying food or baking. The hobs heat the food very quickly and the flames can be set according to convenience. The installation is completely effortless and the usage is even more uncomplicated. The Indesit KP 9508 provides the user with complete value for money and takes care of all issues related to baking and frying. Get the appliance for kitchen right away. You will love it when it simplifies your chores and makes you cook better dishes.

The Stoves 1100 DF, a beast of a cooker!

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:25:45 +0000

A convection-style double oven, the Stoves 1100 DF is freestanding cooker which runs on electricity as well as gas. A dual fuel cooker, it has burner as its element type. It has 2 ovens and 7 cooking elements. It has gas type of hob and is easy to clean. The enamelled body of the cooker is easy to clean as one simply has to wipe the surface. The main oven is fan-assisted and help in quick heating and thus quicker cooking of food. The other oven is multifunctional as it doubles up as a grill too. The second oven can be sued as a grill and at one time, both ovens can cook food. The cooker is equipped with one piece hotplate.

Available in range of various colours to suit your kitchen interior and your personality, the Stoves 1100 DF has a seven burner gas hob that includes a large wok burner. The cooker also has cast iron pan supports, which are strong and durable, designed to last for a long time. The cooker also has a separate electric grill and oven. The cooker has a slow cook option that allows the user to cook food slowly and prevent it from getting burnt. The slow cook option allows the user to complete other work while the food is taken care of in the cooker. It has telescopic shelves that make it easy for the user to place and remove food dishes and are easy to clean. With dimensions 90cm height, 109.6cm width and 59.5cm depth, the cooker also has a LED display to indicate the status of the food and the programme that has been set. Equipped with a ‘No Flame Failure’ Safety Device, the Stoves 1100 DF is a safe appliance and will guard itself and your home against accidents.

The Indesit KD3G21, durable cooking

Kyle — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:01:03 +0000

Powered by gas, this freestanding cooker has 2 ovens. With gas type of hob, the Indesit cooker has a conventional type of oven. Available in stainless steel colour, the cooker has 3 different sizes of gas burners and 4 rings. Different sizes of burners allow the user to match the pan size with the burner ,while the 4 rings allow various cooking options. The cooker does not have a programmer and nor is it self-cleaning. The Indesit KD3G21 with dimensions 50cm width, 90cm height and 60cm depth, does not have a clock. This is a disadvantage as the programmer and the clock help set programmes for the food to be cooked. However, the cooker has a mechanical minute minder.

Of the two ovens, the main oven is convection-type, while the second oven has a grill only. The cooker has a gas-sealed hob and 4 cooking zones. The cooker has a robust body which is sure to last a long time. It parts are equally durable and made of superior quality material that will help it last for years. The cooker has 5 different shelf positions and 2 oven shelves that give more flexibility to the user while cooking. The oven door is made of glass and has a viewing window which allows the user to keep an eye on food without opening the door. However since the Indesit KD3G21 does not have a flame failure supervision device, it is not suitable for installation in flats.

The Cannon C50EC Coniston, cooks up one heck of a fuss

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:16:12 +0000

An electric double oven with a width of 50cm, the Cannon C50EC Coniston has a fan-assisted main oven which allows it to heat up quickly. There are 4 burners and hob burner type is ceramic. The cooker and oven has a slow cook economy setting, which allows the food to be cooked slowly and also saves on energy. Both ovens have light that allow the user to see inside the oven and check whether the food has been cooked or not. There are two ovens, one of which can be used as a grill. The oven does not have induction heating but it has a digital display. With dimensions, 90cm height, 50cm width and 60cm depth, the cooker and oven has a heat indicator. Available in a smart, silver colour, the gadget is a must-have for every kitchen. The top oven doubles up as a grill while the grill pan is enamelled for a longer life.

The oven has self-cleaning liners, which allow the oven to burn off all excess fat and grease from the inside after food has been cooked. All the user needs to do is wipe clean the oven from inside to maintain it. The oven has a programmable timer and 4 zone Solarglo ceramic hob and 4 hob hot lights. An efficient cooker, Cannon C50EC Coniston will simplify your life by reducing the time you spend cooking in the kitchen. A helpful companion in the kitchen, it is a reliable oven that you can depend upon to cook food faster and better.