Which Cooker
Cookers - Making the Right Choice
When purchasing a cooker you must know before looking what width of cooker fits into the space you have or if fitting a new kitchen what width you require. You should also give some thought to cooker extractor units and wiring a electric oven, or connecting up a gas cooker, (not jobs for amateurs) especially if you are fitting a new kitchen. Do you have an adequate extractor fan etc? It is always best to plan exactly what you need before going on to actually buying a cooker.
Freestanding cookers can fit between your kitchen units or stand on their own. They come in 50cm, 55cm or 60cm widths. There is also a variety of different styles and colours to consider Also your choice of cooker will be determined by the type of fuel supply either Gas, electric or dual fuel.
Gas Cookers
With an all gas cooker, the oven, grill and hob are gas. It gives instant heat, maximum control for the hob and high speed grill, The advantage of a gas oven is you will find that meat and poultry will not 'dry out' as they sometimes do in an electric oven as the gas ovens atmosphere is more moist.
Dual Fuel Cookers
A dual fuel cooker gives you the advantage of maximum control on the gas hob and the even faster pre-heat of an electric fan oven.
Electric Cookers
With an all electric cooker, oven grill and hob run on electric. With the choice of conventional ovens (hot top /cooler bottom) or fan assisted ovens which have a faster pre-heating time and cooks more evenly than the conventional and the gas alternative.
After deciding on a chosen a fuel type there are three main areas the can influence the cooker you choose.
Oven Type
You need to consider which type of oven would suit your cooking and family needs
Single Oven with Combined grill
With this basic oven in either gas or electric you cannot use the oven and grill at the same time. But this tend to be the cheapest option.
Single Oven with Separate Grill
Available in both gas and electric, this type of oven offers a bit more flexibility than the single oven as you can use both the oven and grill at the same time
Double Oven
This features a smaller oven that also incorporates a grill and a second, larger oven to provide the flexibility needed for cooking different dishes at the same time. Both available in both gas and electric with electric models featuring a fan in the main oven.
Hob Type
Gas hob
Gas hobs give instant heat and are easiest to control.
Solid plate electric hobs
Four different sized 'rings' heat up, with most models having different sized rings or solid plates. Some of which feature a red dot in the middle offering faster heat up time. These types tend to be cheaper to purchase.
Ceramic electric hobs
Faster to heat and easier to clean than solid plate electric hobs, some feature a Halogen zone offer almost instant heat and the same control ability as gas.