5 things people regret most about buying a range cooker

With an average price in excess of £2,000, range cookers could be called an investment purchase – you aren't going to buy one of these kitchen centrepieces very often.

Thankfully, our recent survey of Which? members revealed that 85% of range cooker owners are satisfied with their all-in-one cooking appliance. 

But what about the 15% who are less than satisfied? That's an awful lot of money to spend on a cooker that you aren't completely pleased with. A large, looming everyday reminder of the arm and leg you splashed out on what you thought would be a dream buy.

Read our range cooker reviews and our advice below before you make the trip to your local John Lewis or Currys.

Best range cookers – discover the models that most impressed in our test lab.

1. They can be a pain to clean

This grumble topped the list of aspects our panel of range cooker owners liked the least. Over a quarter complained that their range cooker is difficult to clean.

Gas range owners, in particular, say that the pan supports are heavy to move and so keeping the top clean is a challenge. And because the ovens tends to be quite low to the floor, getting down to clean the back of the main cavity is no straightforward feat.

Range cookers' main plus point – their attractive appearance – can also be counter-productive here. They're available in a greater array of colours than other ovens, and that shiny cream finish that looked so beautiful in the showroom isn't going to be so pleasing to the eye when it's splattered with a ragu sauce.

2. The low-level ovens are impractical or too small

As we've mentioned, the main oven cavity on a range cooker is usually low down towards the ground. And 18% of our respondents pinpointed this as a pain point – their second biggest irritation.

As well as being generally annoying to have to bend down low to retrieve your tray of freshly baked muffins, it's even more of a problem if you already suffer from back pain or other mobility issues.

And indignation can turn to danger. Imagine a big, heavy roasting tray with your turkey swimming in its hot cooking fat. If that spills over as you remove it, the burns you receive will do worse than just ruin your Christmas Day.

3. The cooking results are disappointing

While over half of our survey respondents told us that the thing they like most about their range cooker is its appearance, cooking quality will always be king – for the amount you pay, you're going to want perfectly risen cakes and a succulent Sunday roast.

But only three in 10 range cooker owners reported that powerful cooking performance was the thing they most admired about their appliance.

While you're unlikely to be too disappointed by the results of a Best Buy range cooker, regular built-in ovens have the reputation for proving a more reliable choice for better cooking results.

4. The extra ovens and burners are rarely used

Shopping for a range cooker will have you feeling like a child in a sweet shop: griddles, warming drawers, wok burners, all those different oven spaces and compartments. It's far more thrilling than purchasing a bog-standard oven.

Three in five Which? members told us that the versatility to cook different dishes simultaneously was the thing they like most about their range cooker. And those features may come in handy on rare occasions or if you're a budding MasterChef.

Having your eyes lit up by redundant added extras, however, can hit you in the wallet. Be realistic with yourself and how you'll really use your new oven.

5. It isn’t worth the extra money

Our data shows that range cookers cost, on average, nearly £1,500 more than regular built-in ovens. While there isn't a great deal of difference in annual running costs (range cookers cost around a fiver more per year), that's a huge disparity on the initial outlay.

Only you will know your budget and whether the extra spend on a better-looking, larger cooker is worth the extra spend. But we recommend you take a look below at our tips for avoiding buyer's remorse.

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Are range cookers worth the money?

Sarah Hiscock, Which? market analyst for cooking appliances, says:

'Range cookers are generally more expensive than built-in ovens and freestanding cookers. They tend to have more compartments, and larger ovens, with ample space for a flexible cooking experience.

'Although the upfront cost of a range cooker can be offputting, they are typically built to last, helping ensure they endure as a centrepiece in your kitchen space and making them an appealing investment appliance.

'But even in the picture-perfect world of range cookers, there's still a gulf of quality on offer.

'We've tested models costing more than £3,500 that cook unevenly and make a mess of a simple sponge cake. We've also seen options for under £1,000 that cook accurately and only just fall short of Best Buy standard.'

Our tests have revealed two Don't Buy range cookers. One costs more than £1,000.

How to avoid range cooker regrets

We'd hate for you to join the 15% of our survey respondents who aren't satisfied with their range cooker purchase. Follow this checklist if you're considering one:

• Be realistic What do you actually need? You may like the idea of four smaller, separate oven spaces, but would one large cavity to roast a whole joint be better?
• Explore your options Would it more closely suit your cooking and cleaning habits to go for a large built-in oven? Or even two single ovens side-by-side. Think practically about what will work best for you and your kitchen.
• Make a wish list Work out your top three criteria so you’re not swayed by good looks or romantic visions when you go shopping. If a wok burner isn't on the list, don't let your head be turned.
• Use our reviews Our range cooker tests evaluate everything from oven, hob and grill performance, to ease of use and energy efficiency.

Which range cooker brand is the most reliable? Make sure you're getting a model that will last for years

Based on the results of a survey of 1,108 Which? Connect panel members, conducted in May 2024.