Of course, we’re sure you already know that though. Most people who are looking for a gas cooker are replacing an older gas cooker.

Once you have cooked with gas, it can be quite a culture-shock to replace it with an electric cooker.

Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 best gas cookers in the UK!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Gas Cooker

If you’re thinking about buying a new gas cooker, there are some important things to consider to make sure you pick the best product for your needs.

Consider these things before buying a gas cooker:

Dimensions and capacity

Most gas cookers measure roughly 90 cm high by 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep. However, some models are 55 or 50 cm wide. Measure your space and make sure the cooker you choose will fit before you buy it!

Most gas cookers on the market right now have two oven cavities—a main oven at the bottom and a smaller oven at the top. The capacity is given in litres. The main oven usually has a capacity of around 60-70 litres.

If you’d like something bigger than a regular cooker, with more hob burners and more oven space, you could look into getting a range cooker rather than a regular cooker.

Number and type of burners

On the hob of a gas cooker, you’ll usually find four burners. Sometimes they are all different sizes, whereas other times two or more burners are the same size.

Some gas cookers have a wok burner or a triple-crown burner, which can be used for blasting pans with intense heat. This can be useful for things like stir-frys or when you need to boil a pan of water quickly.

Ease of cleaning

A lot of modern gas cookers have special design features to make them easier to clean than ovens used to be.

Look out for things like catalytic liners, which absorb grease and then burn it off at high temperatures, taking the hard work out of cleaning for you.

Safety features

Most gas cookers these days come with some good safety features such as automatic shut-off to help prevent fires and gas leaks.

Price

At the time of writing, most gas cookers in the UK cost between about £350 and £500.

There are some budget models from brands such as Currys Essentials for less than £300, while high-end models from brands such as Stoves and Belling can cost around £1000.

Energy efficiency and running costs

Gas cookers usually have two energy ratings: one for the main oven and one for the second oven. The most common ratings are A+/A and A/A, though the most energy efficient models have a rating of A+/A+.

One way to get a better idea of how one cooker compares to another is to look in their product descriptions for each oven cavity’s energy usage per cycle. This will give you more detail than the energy rating.

Gas Cooker Glossary

Here’s a quick explanation of the main technical terms you will come across when researching which gas cooker to buy.

• 13 Amp plug – Most gas cookers in the UK will use a 13 Amp plug. This is just a regular UK plug with a 13 Amp fuse. In the UK, 13 Amp fuses are used for devices with a wattage above 700 watts (such as cookers and washing machines), while 3 Amp fuses are used for devices with a wattage below 700 watts (such as televisions).
• Catalytic lining – Catalytic liners are layers that coat the walls of an oven. They are usually made from ceramics. They trap grease and other cooking debris and allow it to be burnt off when the temperature in the oven goes over 200 degrees Celsius. This means you don’t need to manually clean the grease from the walls of the oven, as it simply burns away instead.
• Cavity – When it comes to cookers, ‘cavity’ simply refers to the space inside the oven. The size of an oven is usually given in litres (the amount of liquid an oven could theoretically hold). In double ovens, the large oven might be referred to as the ‘main cavity’ and the smaller one might be referred to as the ‘second cavity’.
• Double oven – A double oven is a cooker that has two oven compartments. This can be useful if you’re cooking a dish that requires things to be cooked at different temperatures, or if you want to bake something for dessert while cooking a main.
• Dual fuel – A dual fuel cooker combines gas hobs with an electric fan oven. Lots of people prefer gas hobs as you don’t have to wait for them to heat up and you have much more control the heat. One advantage of electric fan cookers over gas cookers is that you can set the temperature more precisely and have the same temperature in all parts of the cooker.

Cooker Dimensions Explained

Normally the size of a cooker is given by the width. The most common sizes of gas cookers are:

• 50 cm – A good choice for narrow spaces.
• 55 cm – This is quite a rare size, but some 55-cm models are available.
• 60 cm – The most common width of a gas cooker.

The size of ovens is given in litres. While obviously you wouldn’t fill an oven with liquid, using litres helps you to visualise the amount of space inside.

The average gas cooker will have a capacity of about 60-70 litres in the main oven. Bigger ovens are over 80 litres, whereas small ovens are around 50 litres.

FAQs on Gas Cookers

Are gas cookers being phased out?

The UK government have discussed the possibility of phasing gas cookers out at some point in the future. However, there is no official plan to phase gas cookers out yet as far as we are aware.

Gas cookers are still being made and sold, and there’s no reason to believe they will be phased out soon.

Are gas cookers cheaper to run than electric cookers?

At the time of writing, gas ovens (and therefore gas cookers) are cheaper to run than electric ovens. This isn’t because they are more energy efficient, but rather because gas prices are substantially lower than electricity prices. This means that even though they use more energy per use, they still work out cheaper to run.

Are gas cookers safe to use?

As long as you use it carefully, a gas cooker should generally be safe to use, especially since modern models typically come with several safety features.

However, gas cookers do present a few health and safety concerns that make them potentially less safe than electric cookers.

Gas hobs can present a fire risk, as something could catch fire on the flame. This wouldn’t happen with an induction hob, for example, as induction hobs don’t have a flame and only heat magnetic things places directly over them.

There are also concerns about gas cookers’ impacts on indoor air quality. A 2022 study in California found that gas stoves leak benzene, creating a similar level of benzene in the home to what you’d in second-hand cigarette smoke.

There are also cases where certain models of gas cooker are found to be unsafe and require modification or recalling from the market.

In November 2022, Belling, Stoves and New World confirmed that several of their gas cookers had been found to be unsafe and posed a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The brands’ parent company Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA) agreed to visit every home with one of the affected models in order to implement a technical modification to make them safe.

Conclusion

We hope this look at the best gas cookers in the UK has been helpful in your quest to find your next gas cooker. If we had to pick just one product to recommend it would be Leisure CLB60GCC. It’s a popular and highly rated cooker with an attractive design and good build quality.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post Top 10 Best Gas Cookers in the UK (2026) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

They are excellent to cook with, especially when cooking something like a roast where you need every shelf in the oven to be at the same temperature at the same time.

We’ve researched the market and picked out 10 of the best available right now in the UK. Let’s take a look…

How to Choose an Electric Cooker

Choosing an electric cooker is a very personal thing. So, we won’t pretend to know what cooker will suit your home best. However, we can offer some things to consider when buying a new cooker.

Many of these things are overlooked when cooker shopping, but they can make buying your new cooker much easier.

Capacity

All ovens have a litre measurement that tells you how much space each cavity has. For example, a 70-litre capacity means that, in theory, the oven cavity could be filled with 70 litres of water.

While a bigger capacity gives you more cooking space, the larger the capacity of your oven, the more time it will need to heat up. If you’re buying a larger capacity oven because you’ll think it will be handy for a few larger meals throughout the year (for example doing the Christmas turkey), remember that you’ll need to heat it up every other day of the year too.

If it is too larger, it may become frustrating to use when making small meals

How many hob rings?

Most electric cookers have four hob rings, but some larger models (range cookers) can have six or even more. Most families can get by comfortably with four hob rings, but if you’re passionate about cooking, you may feel the need to buy a cooker with more rings and space on the hob. Just remember, though, these cookers are larger, so it will need extra space.

How many ovens?

All-electric cookers have at least one oven, and most will typically have a grill too. However, there are some electric cookers that have two ovens (the top oven is usually a conventional oven and a grill too).

Having the extra oven is super handy for bigger meals—I wouldn’t be without my second oven for Christmas day. Plus, the size of the cooker is the same; it just has more features.

Size/dimensions

Measuring the size of the cooker you need is quite simple. Just simply measure the width, height and depth of the current cooker you have.
If you’re having a new kitchen installed, it could be the perfect time to buy a larger cooker. You may need to adjust the plans for your new kitchen to fit it in, though.

If you have a favourite cooker that you would like installed in a new kitchen, take the dimensions to your kitchen designer. They can create your perfect kitchen around your favourite cooker.

The standard dimensions of a cooker are roughly 90 cm high by 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep. The height and depth rarely change much from model to model, but there is a good choice of narrower cookers measuring 55 or 50 cm wide if you don’t have so much space.

Energy efficiency

Most electric cookers nowadays are extremely energy efficient, but they can vary.

Most models have an energy rating of A if they have a single oven, or A/A if they have two ovens. There are a few models with an energy rating of A+ or A/A+, but they are very rare at the moment.

To get more details on the energy usage of each particular model of electric cooker, you can look at the product detail page on retailer websites, which usually shows the estimated enery usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) per usage or per hour.

Hob type

Most electric cookers these days have a ceramic hob. This is similar to an induction hob in that it heats up quickly and has a smooth ceramic surface that can be easily cleaned just by wiping it down.

Here’s a quick guide to the different hob types you will find on electric cookers:

• Solid plate – This is a somewhat outdated hob type that you are more likely to find on budget cookers. They heat up and cool down slowly, so they aren’t very responsive when you want to quickly increase or decrease the heat level. They aren’t as energy efficient as ceramic or induction hobs, as a lot of energy is lost when transferring it to your pots and pans.
• Ceramic – Ceramic hobs are smooth and modern-looking. They heat up quickly and are relatively energy efficient, but aren’t quite as responsive or energy efficient as induction hobs.
• Induction – Induction hobs are the most modern and typically most expensive hob types. They look just like ceramic hobs, but are more energy efficient and you can turn the heat up and down instantly, like you can on a gas hob.

If you have the budget, we’d recommend choosing a cooker with an induction hob since they offer better performance and are more energy efficient. However, cookers with these hobs are pretty expensive, as this technology is still relatively new and costly to manufacture.

Electric Cookers vs. Gas Cookers

Everyone has a preference when it comes to the type of cooker they like using. Your preference is typically influenced by which cooker you have used in the past.

For example, if you have an electric cooker already, you’ll likely stick to what you know as your kitchen is already set up for an electric cooker and you know how to cook with an electric cooker.

However, exploring your options when buying a cooker is never a bad thing. So, here are some pros and cons of electric and gas cookers.

So, an electric cooker offers easy cleaning and the way it distributes heat offers easy cooking. While a gas cooker is cheaper to run, it doesn’t offer the heat control of an electric cooker.

On average, you are looking at spending about £20 a year to use a gas cooker compared to £40 a year for an electric cooker.

So, depending on your yearly budget and how easy you want cooking to be, you should choose the cooker that offers the most for your home and family.

Which is more important to you, cheaper running costs or being able to cook meals more easily?

Unfortunately, there’s no definite answer to the question of which type of cooker is best—electric or gas.

Electric Cooker FAQs

Are electric cookers cheaper to run than gas?

Electric cookers are typically more expensive to run than gas cookers.

The reason for this is that electricity prices are currently much higher than gas prices. Electric cookers are more energy efficient than gas cookers, but they still work out more expensive to run since electricity prices are so high.

Can you just plug in an electric cooker?

Electric cookers are generally rated at more than 3kW, which means they need to be hardwired and can’t just be plugged into a 13-amp plug.

Can I install electric cooker myself?

If you know what you are doing, you can install an electric cooker yourself. However, you will still need to have a qualified electrician  inspect your work when you have finished and issue you a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate.

Most retailers offer an installation service when you buy an electric cooker, so it will usually make sense to use this rather than trying to do it yourself, unless you’re an electrician.

Conclusion

We hope this look at the best electric cookers in the UK has helped you choose your next cooker. If we had to pick just one to recommend it would be the Beko KDC653W. It’s one of the most highly rated and popular electric cookers in the UK right now, and offers all the essential features the average home chef needs.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post Top 10 Best Electric Cookers (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Many of the cookers below are just as versatile as their larger culinary cousins. So, if you’re looking for a compact cooker that does it all, here are the best 50 cm electric cookers in the UK right now.

FAQs on Choosing the Right Cooker

Which size cooker is right for me?

All of the cookers above are 50 cm. This number is the width of the cooker, and so the cavity they go into should be very close to this measurement too.

It is worth measuring the amount of space you have for your cooker to avoid disappointment. You can even measure your old cooker if you have it.

Regular cookers come in 50, 55 and 60 cm widths (range cookers can be over 100 cm), so ensuring you get the right one means that it will fit nicely in your kitchen, and there won’t be any big, unsightly gaps.

What litre capacity is right for me?

As you can see from the cookers above, the litre capacity of ovens can vary quite a bit. If you are looking at a single oven cooker, having a good capacity is crucial.

The more space you have, the more you can cook. However, even when it comes to two oven models, the capacity should be a consideration.

Also, if you are just cooking for yourself or you and your partner, maybe you don’t need such a large oven.

Remember, the bigger the capacity, the more time it takes to heat up. So, if you feel that you can get by with a smaller oven, then by means, save some money and get a smaller oven!

Is energy efficiency important for cookers?

We’d say so. Having an energy-efficient cooker can save you loads of money throughout the year. If you’re like me, you use your cooker at least once a day. So, having one that is very poor with its energy usage can really drain your wallet.

Most cookers nowadays have good energy ratings, but the best have at least an A energy rating. Make sure to look for a cookers energy rating before you buy it. It could just save you a good few pounds over the years.

One oven or two?

Having used almost exclusively two-oven cookers throughout my life, I know that I couldn’t live without the other oven.

Even though it is just my partner and myself, that second oven comes in very handy when keeping things warm while you wait for other components of a meal to cook.

It is also fantastic when cooking big meals. I certainly couldn’t cook Christmas dinner without a second oven now.

Having said that, I am sure there are plenty of couples that can get by with just one oven. Two ovens are certainly better for larger meals, and therefore larger families, but if you don’t cook big meals that often, then a single oven may be perfect for you.

Plus, single-oven cookers are often much cheaper than double-oven models, so you can save some money too.

Remember, though, a single-oven cooker has the same footprint as a double-oven model. So, you will be saving money, but not space.

Are easy-clean ovens really easy to clean?

Many of the ovens above have enamel or catalytic liners in the oven. These do make clean up a lot easier in the oven as long as you stay on top of the cleaning.

Enamel liners are extremely smooth, which means food has a hard time sticking to them.

Catalytic liners, on the other hand, absorb food and grease. You can then set your oven to over 200 degrees, and it will all burn away.

Catalytic liners certainly make cleaning your oven easier. Still, enamel liners are a good option if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty every so often.

Plus, a cooker with catalytic liners is often more expensive than one with enamel liners.

Conclusion

Well, we hope this look at 50 cm electric cookers has been helpful and that you found the perfect one for you.

If we had to choose a cooker above, we’d go with the Beko KDVC563AW. It has a great style that will add a lot to your kitchen, plus it is a solid cooker that will last years too.

For more info about cookers and cookware, explore Chef’s Pick some more. We have everything the home chef needs to make the perfect meals at home.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Best 50 cm Electric Cookers (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

But how long do cookers last? How can you extend your cooker’s lifespan? And when does it need replacing?

This article delves into the factors that influence the lifespan of your cooker, from essential maintenance practices to the nitty-gritty details of wear and tear.

We also help you spot signs of damage and decide whether it’s best to repair or replace your cooker.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Cooker?

On average, traditional gas or electric cookers last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, some may last even longer with proper care.

If an appliance is well-maintained and in good working condition, it may still be efficient and safe to use well after the typical lifespan range.

In fact, the lifespan of a cooker can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Quality of the appliance: Top cooker brands use higher quality internal components that help the cooker function optimally for longer. However, higher-end models with more advanced features may have a shorter lifespan due to the complexity of their components.
• Cooker maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, checking for wear and tear, and addressing any issues promptly, can help expand the lifespan of your cooker. Fixing smaller problems as they arise helps prevent them from turning into larger, unfixable issues.
• Frequency of use: Wear and tear will ultimately cause the breakdown of all cookers. And the more you use the oven, the faster the signs of wear and tear become. A cooker that is only used once per week will last far longer than one used multiple times per day.

How Can You Make a Cooker Last Longer?

Taking proper care of your cooker is the best way to help it last longer. Below are some maintenance and usage tips to help you make your cooker last longer.

Following these tips and practising regular maintenance can help ensure your cooker operates efficiently for longer.

Tip 1: Regular cleaning

Clean your cooker regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and food residues. This includes the burners, oven interior, and any removable parts.

After every use, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to prevent dust and grime from accumulating.

Tip 2: Use your cooker properly

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for properly using your cooker. Avoid slamming oven doors or forcefully turning knobs, which can damage the components. In comparison, gentle handling can prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Tip 3: Use appropriate cookware

Use cookware that is appropriate for your cooker, and avoid using oversized or mismatched pots and pans. To protect the stovetop and prevent scratches, especially for electric cookers, don’t slide pots and pans across the cooktop surface.

Tip 4: Regular maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance check-ups with a professional appliance technician to catch and address any issues early on. Check and replace faulty or worn-out components promptly—if left unchecked, they’ll likely lead to worse problems.

Tip 5: Ensure good ventilation

Ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen, such as using a cooker hood or extractor fan. Ventilation can help prevent the buildup of heat and moisture, which can affect the performance of the cooker. Ventilation is also crucial for reducing mould growth in your house and removing cooking smells.

Tip 6: Monitor flames in gas cookers

If you have a gas cooker, regularly check the colour of the flames. A steady blue flame indicates efficient combustion and a properly functioning cooker. If the flame is yellow or uneven, it may indicate a problem that needs attention.

How to Tell If Your Cooker Is Breaking Down

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s a sign your cooker isn’t working as it should. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance to help repair the cooker promptly:

• If your oven is not heating evenly, it may result in unevenly cooked food. This could be due to issues with the heating element or thermostat. Problems with these components can also lead to inaccurate oven temperatures or slow preheating times.
• If you have a gas cooker and notice the smell of gas when it’s not in use, there may be a gas leak. Gas leaks are dangerous and require immediate attention. Turn off the gas supply and contact a professional technician.
• If one or more electric burners on your cooktop are not heating, it could be a sign of a faulty burner, switch, or wiring. For gas cookers, if the ignition system is not working correctly, it may result in difficulty lighting the burners.
• Unusual noises, such as rattling, banging, or grinding, can indicate problems within the cooker, often from components such as the oven fan. Investigate the source of the noise yourself or consult a professional for help and advice.
• Any visible damage, such as broken knobs, cracked glass, or damaged wiring, can compromise the functionality and safety of the cooker. Smoke or strange odours emanating from the cooker could indicate electrical or wiring problems.
• If your electric cooker repeatedly trips the circuit breaker, it could be a sign of an electrical issue that needs attention. The cooker may be overloading the circuit, overheating, or have another kind of electrical malfunction.
• Some modern cookers have digital displays that show error codes. If you see an error code on your cooker, refer to the user manual to see what it means. If it suggests something is wrong with your cooker, seek professional help.

If you experience any of these signs, addressing the issue promptly is essential. In many cases, early detection and repairs can prevent further damage and avoid you needing a replacement cooker.

How Often Should You Replace a Cooker?

As mentioned, cookers can last from 10 to 20 years on average, so there is no set time in which your cooker needs to be replaced.

However, if your cooker is constantly breaking down and repair costs are becoming significant, investing in a new appliance might be more economical.

Other reasons to consider replacing your cooker, even if it is still functional, include:

• Changes in lifestyle: Changes in your lifestyle, such as a growing family or changes in cooking habits, may necessitate a cooker with different features or capacities. Perhaps you need to upgrade your single oven to a double oven to feed more people with ease.
• Energy efficiency: Newer cookers are often more energy-efficient, which can result in cost savings over time. If your current cooker is not energy-efficient, upgrading to a newer model could be a consideration. Check your appliance using our electricity cost calculator.
• Aesthetic considerations: Going for a kitchen redesign? If so, you may want to place your cooker and other kitchen appliances for aesthetic reasons. Cookers come in a range of sizes and designs, including range cookers, freestanding cookers, and induction cookers.
• Warranty expiration: If your cooker is no longer under warranty and starts experiencing issues, you may need to weigh the cost of repairs against the potential benefits of investing in a new, more reliable appliance.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should replace a cooker. It’s a decision that depends on your specific circumstances, including the condition of your current cooker, your budget, and your preferences regarding features and energy efficiency.

If you’re unsure, consulting with a professional appliance technician can help assess the condition of your current cooker and provide guidance on whether replacement is necessary.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post How Long Do Cookers Last? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Plus, range cookers have a load of cooking tech inside to make cooking even more enjoyable. But you know this already.

So many of our readers are chomping at the bite to get a range cooker. I am sure that many of you have even read our range cooker company articles where we talk about SMEG, AGA, Rangemaster, Belling and more in detail.

Still, what are the best range cookers on the market right now? Well, let’s find out, shall we?

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Top 10 Best Range Cookers (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

Just because these cookers are under £500, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t great. In fact, many of the cookers below are well below this price, and they offer everything you’ll need in a cooker will no compromises at all.

How to Choose Your Cooker

Choosing a cooker can be tricky, and I won’t pretend to know what all of you want out of a cooker. Some people want a cooker that can be used for baking and cooking; I know my partner does. And others, like myself, just want a simple to use cooker with simple controls that heats up quickly.

While I can’t tell you what cooker is perfect for you, I can offer some things to think about during your quest for your cooker.

Size

When we talk about size, cookers can vary a lot. Now, all of the cookers above were 60 cm wide, which is the standard cooker size. Others are 50 cm, 90 cm or even 110 cm.

There are also other sizes to consider, like the size of the ovens. The size of the main ovens for the cookers above ranges from 56 litres to 71 litres.

A 56-litre oven will heat up quicker than a 71-litre oven, but there isn’t as much cooking space. A 56-litre oven will be fine for a couple or a small family, but if you have a larger family, you will likely need a larger oven.

Fuel type

As you’re looking at a list of electric cookers, you probably already know what fuel type you’d like. Still, it’s worth mentioning.

Cookers come in a few fuel types: gas, electric and induction. For the easiest and cheapest installation of your new cooker, it is best to match the fuel type you already have.

Replacing an electric cooker with another electric cooker is far easier than replacing it with a gas alternative. Of course, if you really want gas, you can do it, but you may need to run gas lines and this may cost a pretty penny.

The same goes with replacing a gas cooker with an electric one. While it certainly isn’t impossible, it can cost some money. So, it’s worth factoring in these costs when budgeting for your cooker.

Functions

As I said, my partner loves baking. So, her ideal cooker would have some functions that made baking easier, but it could also be used for everyday cooking.

I don’t bake, but I love to cook, so the oven I choose doesn’t need any fancy functions, just simple controls that get me from A to B quickly.

If you enjoy a certain type of cooking or are an avid baker, try and find a cooker in your price range that makes your cooking passion easier. You can then focus on your recipes, and the cooking will take care of itself.

Energy rating

A lot of the cookers above have an A energy rating, but one or two of them had a B rating. B is not a terrible energy rating by any means. However, if you’ve gone from an A-rated cooker to a B-rated cooker, you may notice a slight increase in your energy bills.

Of course, most of us are replacing cookers that are 5-10 years old, so we likely won’t notice any increase, but it is still worth considering the energy rating. The cooker may be a good deal upfront, but it may cost you a bit more in the future.

Conclusion

We hope you found your next cooker above. If we had to choose a cooker from the ones above, we’d go with the Beko KDC653W. While many users say the hob marks easily, this could be that they aren’t used to ceramic hobs.

As long as you’re careful, the Beko above will do wonders in your kitchen. It is a quality cooker at a great price.

While you’re here, why not check out our lists of pots and pans too? Add some quality cookware to your kitchen to use on your new cooker.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Best Electric Cookers Under £500 (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

They are usually between 90 and 110 cm wide, so they’re at least 30 cm wider than a standard oven.

Some of the advantages of range cookers include the following:

• More space – You can cook for more people as you have more oven and hob space. This makes range cookers a great choice for social gatherings. They’re also great if you’re cooking complicated dishes and need to keep things warm until you’re ready to plate up.
• Versatility – Range cookers often include extra features you won’t find in regular cookers such as a wok burner.

Range cookers can be categorised by the type of fuel they use:

• Gas – Gas range cookers use gas for the oven(s), hob and grill.
• Electric – Electric range cookers use electric for the oven(s), hob and grill.
• Dual fuel – Dual fuel range cookers combine gas and electric. Usually, electric is used for the ovens and grill, while gas is used for the hob.

The cheapest range cookers on the market at the time of writing cost around £600, while the most expensive cost over £4,000.

Several models are available for less than £1,000. We’ve listed some of the best in this price range in this article.

Which Fuel Type Is Best on a Range Cooker?

Electric vs gas oven

Traditional range cookers used solid fuels to provide constant heat and hot water. However, nearly all modern versions around today rely on electricity to power the ovens.

Electric fan ovens are your top choice as they help to ensure heat is evenly distributed between all the shelves. This helps with even cooking so you create perfect meals every time.

Gas vs traditional electric hob

In terms of hobs, modern range cookers either use either gas or electricity. Gas hobs are better when compared to traditional electric hobs. They provide more instant heat for quicker and more efficient cooking. You can also control the temperature more accurately and visually see how much heat you’re applying to the pan based on the size of the flame.

A range cooker that has electric ovens with a gas hob is known as a ‘dual fuel’ appliance, as it combines the two fuel types.

Induction hob

Another arguably better option is an induction cooktop. These are powered by electricity but are far superior to traditional electric hobs.

They work by supplying an electromagnetic current to your cookware to heat the pots and pans directly. This makes them the most energy-efficient hobs, and they’re easier to clean than gas cooktops thanks to their smooth glass surfaces.

Which Size Cooker Should You Choose?

Range cookers are large appliances, so choosing the right size is important. You’ll be pleased to hear that range cookers come in a range of sizes. The most common widths are:

• 90 cm
• 100 cm
• 110 cm

However, “mini” range cookers such as these on AppliancesDirect.co.uk are also available, which are the same width as a regular cooker (60 cm).

Mini range cookers are really just regular cookers that are designed to look like range cookers, so they don’t offer the same versatility and cooking space of a full-blown range cooker.

In order to choose the right size of range cooker, start by measuring the width of the space available and use this to narrow down your search.

Your range cooker needs to fit into the available space in your kitchen, ideally with no unsightly gaps between the cooking and the countertops.

Check the depth of your kitchen counters as well and add on a few centimetres to allow for electric sockets and gas pipes.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one of these range cookers to recommend it would be the Beko KDVC100X as it is priced well below £1,000 (at the time of writing), offers a generous amount of cooking space and is very highly rated by users.

If your budget stretches a bit further, see our list of the best range cookers overall.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

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So, if you’re interested in adding a dual fuel cooker to your kitchen, this is the perfect article for you.

Let’s start by looking at the best cookers available in the UK right now, shall we?

What Is a Dual Fuel Cooker?

Duel fuel cookers use both gas and electric fuel for power and in nearly all instances will heat the hob component with gas and heat the oven with electricity.

This is in contrast to gas or electric cookers that use the same fuel type to heat both the hob and the oven.

The biggest benefit of dual fuel cooking is that you’re getting the best of both worlds when you’re cooking.  Each different fuel type is better suited for different parts of the cooker, giving you greater flexibility and control.

Gas hobs are much more responsive than electric hobs, providing instant, controllable heat perfect for the most complex cooking processes.

Gas hobs are also cheaper to run, helping you to save money on your energy bills particularly if you live in a larger household and cook for a big family.

Gas ovens may be fine for roasting meat and vegetables, but many cooks prefer the even cooking provided by electric ovens – the uniform, consistent temperatures of an electric oven are essential for anyone who does a lot of baking.

Do Dual Fuel Cookers Cost More to Buy?

Dual fuel cookers tend to be slightly more expensive than single fuel cooker types, with entry level models often costing approximately £100 more than single-fuel equivalents.

However, you may find that you will save money on energy compared to electric models, and the easy-to-achieve professional results may encourage you to cook more meals from scratch rather than spending money eating out or buying ready meals and takeaways.

Remember that any dual fuel cooker will have to be fitted by a Gas Safe Registered fitter, and you may also need a qualified electrician to hardwire the electric oven.

The amount you spend may also depend on the size of the appliance. Larger duel fuel cookers often have double ovens where you can cook two or more items at different temperatures and 5 or 6 burners – ideal for someone who loves to cook, but they can take up a lot of kitchen space.

If you don’t have room for a larger range-style appliance there are smaller 60cm duel fuel cookers around to buy that will fit into a smaller kitchen whilst still providing the benefits of duel fuel cooking.

Other features to look out for on a duel fuel cooker include self-cleaning ovens and advanced safety features, although models with more advanced features will usually cost a little more.

Do Dual Fuel Cookers Cost More to Run?

You may think that dual fuels cost more to run because they use two fuels. However, the hob uses one type of fuel, and the ovens use a second type of fuel. This means that there is no extra cost to using one of these cookers. In fact, depending on the energy rating of the cooker you are replacing, you may find that a dual fuel cooker is actually saving you money.

All of the cookers we showed you above have an energy rating of A. If your old cooker has a lower energy rating, you could actually see some savings.

Are Dual Fuel Cookers Complicated to Install?

This is probably the biggest drawback to dual fuel cookers: installing them. You see, most kitchens are set up to have one type of cooker, either electric or gas. So, installing a dual fuel can become a bit more complicated.

While many of the big kitchen appliance shops offer installation on dual fuels, they do state that they will take your old cooker away and install your new one. This is their way of saying that you need to actually already have a dual fuel cooker, so they can simply swap out your old one for your new one.

Most dual fuel cookers need to be hard-wired into a circuit. This is a separate circuit for your cooker that stops it from overloading. They also need a gas connection.

If you already have a dual fuel cooker, then you’re already set up for all of this, and installation will be easy. If you don’t have an electrical circuit dedicated to your cooker, or you don’t have a gas connection for a cooker, installation does get complicated.

In this case, you’ll need to have the missing connection installed either by a qualified electrician or a gas-safe engineer.

The prices for both can vary wildly, and it really depends on how complicated the job will be. If you don’t have one of these connections in your kitchen, it is worth getting a quote from a qualified electrician or gas engineer before investing in your new cooker.

What Does my Kitchen Need for a Dual Fuel Cooker?

If you are replacing a dual fuel cooker, then your kitchen probably already has everything you need. Installing your new dual kitchen will be very simple.

However, if this is your first dual fuel cooker, chances are you won’t have all of the connections you need to make the cooker function.

Most homes in the UK are set up to run either gas or electric cookers. So, you’ll have one connection ready, but you’ll need to have the other connection installed correctly.

If you already have a gas oven, for example, you will need to have a 32-amp cooker circuit installed. The price of this circuit varies greatly depending on where you live and even which local electrician you choose.

The same goes for the gas connection. So, do shop around to find the best local tradesperson to install the connection for you.

A rough ballpark figure for these connections is £100-£200 each. You will likely only need one, though, unless, for some reason, your home has never had a cooker in it before.

Is Dual Fuel Better than Just Gas?

Many bakers and cooks love dual fuel cookers as they offer the speed and control of gas on the hob rings but the constant and steady temperature of electric in the ovens.

Gas ovens are not the most stable; the temperature can fluctuate by 20 degrees or more throughout the cooking process.

A good electric oven doesn’t have this issue and can usually stay within 10 degrees of the set temperature for most of the cooking time.

If you make a lot of sauces or jams, for example, a gas hob is almost vital. You can really dial in the temperature on a gas hob. As you’re controlling a flame rather than a red ring of hotness, what you do to the control knob has a direct impact on the pot or pan you’re cooking with.

If you do a lot of baking, though, an electric oven is perfect. They keep a very constant temperature, so baking cakes is so much easier. So, it’s as if dual fuel cookers were built for making a Victoria sponge with homemade jam!

Should I Install a Dual Fuel Cooker Myself?

You can hook up the gas of a dual cooker yourself, but you must get that connection checked by a gas safe registered engineer before you start using it.

You also can’t connect an electric cooker to its circuit by yourself. You need a trained electrician to do this part for you.

So, while you could connect the gas, there really isn’t much point. You might as well have your dual fuel cooker installed by the pros.

Most of the big retailers do offer installation on most types of cookers and will send a qualified engineer out to install it at the same time as delivery.

However, during our research, we couldn’t find a clear answer from AO, Appliance Direct or Currys, for example, as to whether they will install a dual fuel cooker when they deliver it.

We know that they can’t unless you have all connections in place already, but whether they will provide a gas-safe engineer and an electrician to safely install your dual fuel cooker is unclear.

Conclusion

We hope this look at dual fuel cookers has been helpful and that you found the perfect cooker above for your kitchen.

While we love all of the cookers above, we would have to go with the Stoves Sterling STERLING600DF, which is very stylish and highly rated. However, it’s quite pricey, so if you want something more affordable we’d recommend the Beko Pro KDDF653W.

To find more cookers to fall in love with, please explore Chef’s Pick further. We have the latest and greatest cookers right here that can make your kitchen the heart of your home.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

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That’s a shame because eye-level grills have lots of advantages over grills built into an oven compartment.

With an eye-level grill, you won’t need to keep bending down, which could be difficult if you have back problems. It’s also much harder to forget you have something under the grill when it’s at eye level.

Furthermore, you’re much less likely to end up burning your toast, setting off the smoke alarm and having to bin the charred remains!

Thankfully, it’s still possible to get a gas cooker with an eye-level grill. Here’s a roundup of your best options.

FAQs on Cookers With Eye-Level Grills

Can you get a 55 cm or 60 cm gas cooker with an eye-level grill?

When researching the market, all of the gas cookers with eye-level grills we found were 50 cm models. If you know of a 55 cm or 60 cm gas cooker with an eye-level grill, please let us know in the comments below.

Can you get an electric cooker with an eye-level grill?

We could only find one electric cooker with an eye-level grill available in the UK, the New World 50HLGEWH. This is a 50 cm cooker that features four electric hobs and a single electric oven.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a gas cooker with an eye-level grill, we think the Beko KA52NEW is the best option. It offers more cooking space than the other two models reviewed here, and also features a handy storage space below the oven.

For some more gas cookers to consider, see our roundup of the best gas cookers in the UK.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post Gas Cookers With an Eye-Level Grill (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

If you’re looking to splash out on a brand-new cooker to whip up some culinary crackers in your kitchen (and have your heart set on a gas cooker), but are a little stumped at where to begin, allow us to lend you our expertise!

This article looks at the best 60 cm gas cookers currently on the UK market. We’ll explore cookers from different brands and in different price ranges, and explain each particular cooker can do.

We’ll also look at some of the pain points of the cookers to give you an objective, unbiased insight to what you’ll be getting for your money.

Things to Consider When Buying a Gas Cooker

Product reviews

The beauty of the digital era is that every product or service advertised online is likely to have numerous “brutally honest” product reviews from previous consumers, so you can ensure a product’s reliability will have an unbiased account to it.

This can make the selection of your gas cooker easier. It will allow you to understand if the cooker is ideal for your cooking needs, as well as advice about product reliability and any other info regarding the supplier that may be applicable.

Space

Other top tips include ensuring there is at least 76 cm clearance space above where you intend to put your cooker to allow for a safe “hot zone” area. You will also need to make sure the measurements of your desired cooker are compatible with the space in your kitchen.

Installation

Most importantly, it is vital to ensure the cooker is safely and correctly installed to its gas connection, therefore you will need a gas-safe registered engineer to fit the cooker.

Gas vs. Electric Cookers

There are pros and cons to each, of course. For example, a gas cooker is often cheaper to run than an electric cooker, but they can be slower to heat up and more tedious to clean.

There is no definitive answer as to which is the best option. It is down to your particular kitchen and your own preferences within your cooking needs.

Conclusion

A gas cooker is a strong choice of equipment for any kitchen, and regardless of your budget, you’re likely to find one that is stylish, practical, and easy to maintain for your kitchen.

Gas cookers heat up quicker than electric ovens and can often be more energy-efficient, meaning the costs of cooking for yourself and your family doesn’t have to break the bank!

If it was down to us, however, we would choose the Stoves Sterling since it is very highly rated by users, has a stunning stainless-steel design and has a great range of features while being easy to clean.

However, it is quite pricey. If the Stoves Sterling is out of your price range, the Indesit ID67G0MCB/UK is a reliable choice.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

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