Which freestanding cooker brand is the most reliable?

We investigated the performance and reliability of the most popular freestanding cooker brands, including Beko, Hotpoint and Zanussi.

In our unique large-appliance survey, we ask nearly 1,500 Which? members and members of the public whether they’re happy with their freestanding cookers and if they’ve experienced problems, so you can see which brands are worth the money.

See our guide to the best freestanding cookers to see some of the top-scoring cookers we've tested.

Which freestanding cooker brands develop the fewest faults?

This table summarises what we found about how quickly freestanding cookers from various brands develop faults, based on cookers bought in the past six years.

Which? members can log in to view which freestanding cooker brands are the most and least reliable, and which our members are most satisfied with. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Gas cookers vs electric cookers: which is the right one for you?

Which freestanding cooker brand do owners recommend?

As well as faults, our survey also revealed which freestanding cooker brands owners feel happy with, and which they’d recommend to a friend. 

These results are shown as each brand’s customer score, which is based on cookers bought in the past six years.

Which? members can log in to view which freestanding cooker brands last the longest before they need to be replaced. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Want to compare more models? See our freestanding cooker reviews.

The three most common freestanding cooker faults

Freestanding cookers, despite their convenience, sometimes develop common faults that can hinder their functionality. Understanding these issues is vital for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Here are the three most common faults, as reported by owners in our survey. 

1. Broke down for no obvious reason (9% of faults reported)

Sometimes, appliances stop working for no apparent reason.

Safely investigate what could be causing the problem – it may be an electrical issue (see below), problems with the heating elements or a dodgy thermostat.

Stop using the appliance until you've figured out the problem and check that the power connection is safe. Refer to the appliance's instruction manual for troubleshooting advice, or check whether you're still within the warranty period to get a replacement.

If there’s any smell of gas or a serious electrical issue, treat it as a hazard and seek professional help immediately.

2. Electrical fault (9%)

If you suspect an electrical issue, it's crucial to address it promptly as it could pose a safety risk.

To address electrical faults, start by checking the power cable for any signs of wear or damage.

If there is visible damage to the cable or you suspect internal wiring problems, contact a qualified electrician to diagnose and resolve the problem.

3. Casing cracked or chipped (9%)

If the outer casing of a freestanding oven is chipped, cracked or damaged, it may seem cosmetic, but there can be real risks depending on the type and location of the damage.

The enamel or coating on the oven casing acts as insulation. If the metal casing is exposed and internal wiring becomes loose or the earthing fails, it can become live and pose a shock risk.

Additionally, cracks open up the risk of moisture from steam or spills entering your appliance, potentially reaching electrical parts and causing a short circuit. Rust can also spread under the coating and weaken the oven's structure.

Small surface chips should be easily repairable once cleaned, dried and touched-up with a manufacturer-approved repair kit, but larger cracks that expose the underside of the oven should be dealt with by a professional.

If you need a professional to repair your freestanding cooker, search Which? Trusted Traders to find an approved local trader.

Can a broken freestanding cooker be repaired?

Whether or not a broken freestanding cooker can be repaired depends on the nature of the fault.

However, if you're unsure about the cause of the fault or if you have concerns about your safety, it's always best to call in a qualified professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and provide you with a cost-effective solution. In some cases, the repair may be relatively inexpensive, while in others, it may be more prudent to replace the cooker altogether.

Need to get rid of a broken cooker? Check out our guide on how to recycle electrical items.

Which freestanding cooker brands offer the best guarantees?

Most freestanding cooker brands offer product guarantees of at least one year as standard, but there are a handful of brands that offer longer cover, including:

• Stoves – one-year labour warranty and five-year parts guarantee as standard.
• Bosch – two-year warranty as standard, but some promotional models come with a five-year guarantee. 
• Rangemaster – one-year warranty as standard, extended to two years if registered within 30 days.

Check out our guide on how to get a refund, repair or replacement.

How we discover the most reliable freestanding cooker brands

Which? has a wealth of information on the UK's favourite appliance brands. Every year, we ask Which? members to tell us about the home appliances they own – from how likely they would be to recommend a brand, to how reliable the products are once they get them home.

This year 9,376 Which? Connect Panel members and members of the public told us about 27,859 individual products, from washing machines to fridge freezers and vacuum cleaners. We calculate a brand's customer score, fault rate and proportion replaced or repaired, based on the results of our yearly survey.

Our surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best home appliances, including freestanding cookers, so that you can avoid buying a dud. 

For more on our tests and what it takes to get a Which? Best Buy recommendation, read how we test freestanding cookers.