Cooking

Single oven cookers have one large oven cavity. They are cheaper to buy and take up less space, and the larger cavity is useful for cooking big joints or trays. The downside is you can only cook at one temperature at a time.

Double oven cookers have two separate cavities — typically a smaller top oven and a larger main oven below — so you can cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. Ideal for families or anyone who cooks regularly and wants more flexibility.

Gas cookers offer instant heat and precise flame control on the hob, which many cooks prefer. They tend to be cheaper to run than electric but require a gas supply.

Electric cookers provide even, consistent heat in the oven — particularly good for baking. Modern fan-assisted electric ovens are efficient and reliable. No gas supply needed.

Dual fuel cookers combine a gas hob with an electric oven, giving you the best of both. This is the most popular choice among regular cooks who want hob responsiveness and oven consistency.

Range cookers are wider than standard cookers — typically 90cm, 100cm, or 110cm — and offer multiple oven cavities, larger hob areas, and a statement look in the kitchen. They suit households that cook frequently and in volume, and work particularly well in larger kitchens where they become a focal point.

They cost more to buy and run than standard cookers, so they are best suited to people who will genuinely use the extra capacity. If you regularly cook for large groups, batch cook, or want a professional-style kitchen, a range cooker is worth considering.

90cm — the most common size. Typically offers two oven cavities and five or six hob burners. A good starting point for most kitchens upgrading from a standard cooker.

100cm — extra hob space and often a third smaller cavity or dedicated warming drawer. Popular with serious home cooks.

110cm+ — maximum capacity, suited to large kitchens and those who cook professionally at home. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and a cooker hood to match.

Built-in ovens are installed at eye level or waist height within a tall housing unit. This is more ergonomic — you do not need to bend down to check on food — and is the more popular choice for modern fitted kitchens.

Built-under ovens sit beneath a worktop in a standard 60cm base unit, in the same position as a freestanding cooker's oven. They are a good option if you are replacing a freestanding cooker and want to use the existing space without fitting a tall unit.

Induction hobs heat the pan directly using a magnetic field — the hob surface itself stays relatively cool. They are the fastest, most energy efficient, and easiest to clean option. They require induction-compatible cookware (most modern pans are compatible).

Ceramic hobs have a smooth glass surface with electric heating elements underneath. They are easier to clean than gas and cheaper than induction, but slower to heat and cool.

Gas hobs offer instant, visible flame and precise heat control. Preferred by many experienced cooks. They require a gas supply and need more cleaning around the burners, but remain a popular choice for their responsiveness.

A standard microwave reheats and defrosts food using microwave energy alone. A combination microwave adds a grill, a convection oven, or both — meaning it can brown, crisp, and bake as well as microwave.

If you use a microwave purely for reheating and defrosting, a standard model is all you need. If you want to reduce your reliance on a conventional oven — particularly useful in smaller kitchens or as a second cooking option — a combination microwave is worth the extra cost.

Chimney hoods are wall-mounted above the hob and are the most common choice for modern kitchens. They make a visual statement and are available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

Integrated hoods are built into an overhead cupboard and hidden from view — ideal if you want a clean, minimal look.

Island hoods hang from the ceiling above a kitchen island hob. They require ceiling mounting and tend to be larger and more powerful.

Canopy and telescopic hoods sit under a cupboard and pull out when in use — a space-saving option for smaller kitchens.

When choosing, match the hood width to your hob width and check the extraction rate (measured in m3/hr) is appropriate for your kitchen size. Our team can advise in store.