Range cookers: How to buy a range cooker

Types, features and prices of range cookers

Range cookers are bigger than standard cookers and come with more hob burners and larger main ovens, making them perfect for feeding the family for something like a Christmas dinner. They usually come with a smaller extra oven, too.

Most range cookers come with six hob burners and and a warming or storage drawer, while some include a wok burner, so cooking options are well catered for. 

They're likely to offer more cooking accessories such as griddles, rotisseries and hot-plates that you won't usually find on a smaller cooker – so they're great for budding chefs.

The best range cookers also come in a variety of colours from homely creams and greens to modern black and stainless steel. so you'll be able to find a colour to match your kitchen.

Find out more with the Which? range cooker reviews.

Range cookers offer plenty of cooking options

Gas range cooker or electric range cooker?

Range cookers can be sold in several types. There are electric range cookers, gas range cookers and dual fuel range cookers.

Most ranges are dual fuel – the hob is powered by gas and the oven by electricity – which gives the real feel and control of cooking on a hob and the even cooking of an electric oven.

Don't buy a dual fuel range if you don't have access to a gas supply, of course – you can compare range cooker features in our reviews section.

Range cooker sizes

Range cookers vary in size between 90cm and 150cm, and the same model can come in several sizes so you can find the best range cooker for your home. 

Always check that the range cooker you’re buying will fit the space in your kitchen.

The width of each range cooker is usually found in the name of the product, for example, the Rangemaster Toledo 110 Dual Fuel – so check this in our range cooker reviews. 

Range cooker features 

Oven volumes

Most range cookers have two ovens: one large oven (up to about 75 litres) with a fan, and a smaller conventional oven (up to about 35 litres).

Griddle

Made from cast-iron slabs, griddles are heated by the burners and they're excellent for searing meat and vegetables.

Catalytic linings

Catalytic oven liners absorb grease and dirt and burn it off, making the oven interior easier to keep clean.

Steam large fish on a fish burner

Fish burner

This elongated burner on a range cooker is ideal for using with a fish kettle to steam a large fish whole. It can also be used with elongated and oval-shaped pans, casseroles and griddles.

Rotisserie

Rotisseries are used for cooking large pieces of meat, which are turned slowly under a grill. 

Wok burner

A wok burner is a high-powered gas burner used for stir-frying or rapid boiling. 

Wok supports

Wok supports provide a cradle to hold a large wok and keep it stable. They also raise it slightly to direct a fierce heat towards the bottom of the wok, allowing food to be seared quickly, without being overcooked.

Range cooker prices

You can pick up a Which? Best Buy range cooker for as little as £550, but prices go right up to over £2,000.

Range cooker brands

We've tested and reviewed models from the following brands: Cannon, Falcon, Flavel, Hotpoint, Rangemaster, Baumatic, Belling, Bosch, Britannia, Delonghi, Electrolux, John Lewis, Leisure, Neff, New World, Smeg, Stoves and Zanussi-Electrolux.

The best range cookers we've found start from around £550.

Pros and cons of range cookers

Pros Great looks, large main ovens, plenty of cooking options on offer, good hob flexibility.

Cons The best range cookers can be expensive, and won’t suit every kitchen because of their size. If you live alone or don’t do too much cooking, you’re unlikely to need the flexibility and cooking options that a range cooker offers.

Check out the Which? range cooker reviews for the latest Which? Best Buys.