Which range cooker brand is the most reliable?

We investigated the performance and reliability of some of the most popular range cooker brands, including Belling, Rangemaster and Smeg.

In our unique large appliance survey, we talk to more than 9,000 Which? members and members of the public. We ask if they’re happy with their large domestic appliances and whether they’ve experienced problems, so you can see which brands are worth the money.

Looking to buy a new range cooker? Head to our guide on the best range cookers for expert tips and guidance

Which range cooker brands develop the fewest faults?

This table summarises how quickly different range cooker brands develop faults, based on cookers bought in the past seven years.

Only logged-in Which? members can see the full results of our brand reliability survey. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Decided on a brand? Head over to our range cooker reviews to find the best model for you

Which range cooker brand do owners recommend?

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

These results are shown as each brand’s customer score, and are based on range cookers bought in the past seven years.

Only logged-in Which? members can see the full results of our brand reliability survey. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

We don't test Aga cookers due to their unique radiant heat features, but you can find out more about them in our guide to Aga cookers

The three most common range cooker faults

Range cookers are culinary workhorses, yet even these stalwart appliances can fall victim to common faults. Understanding these issues is crucial for maintaining their performance and longevity in the kitchen.

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

1. Broken fan (12% of faults reported)

• The most common problem people experience with their range cooker is the fan not working properly or at all.
• This is one for a professional to look at.

2. Electrical fault (10%)

• If you suspect an electrical issue, it's crucial to address it promptly as it could pose a safety risk.
• To address electrical faults, it's advisable to start by checking the power cord for any signs of wear or damage.
• If there are visible issues with the cord or you suspect internal wiring problems, contact a qualified electrician to diagnose and hopefully resolve the problem.

3. Broken/chipped casing and door handle/lock/hinge/seal broken (8%)

• Chipped or broken casing not only affects the aesthetics of the range cooker but can also lead to more significant issues. It may compromise the insulation, causing heat to escape and affecting cooking efficiency. Additionally, it could expose internal components to damage or moisture, potentially leading to electrical problems or corrosion over time.
• The door seal or lock failing will affect the ability of the oven to retain heat. The door handle or hinge breaking can also cause significant inconvenience, impacting the usability and safety of your cooker. 
• If you notice any issues with the oven door, such as difficulty in closing or an uneven seal, address them immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and increased maintenance costs.

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable appliance specialist in your area.

If your machine is approaching the end of its natural life or it can't be repaired, read our guide on how to recycle electrical items

Can a broken range cooker be repaired?

Range cookers are designed to withstand heavy use, but occasional malfunctions can occur over time.

Which range cooker brands offer the best guarantees? 

Most range 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.
• Smeg – two-year warranty as standard, but some promotional models come with a five-year guarantee. 
• Rangemaster – two-year warranty as standard.

Faulty product? Here's how to get a refund, repair or replacement

How we find the most reliable range cooker brands

Which? has a wealth of information on Britain's favourite 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, 3,815 Which? members and 5,561 members of the public told us about more than 27,850 individual products. We calculate each brand's customer score, fault rate and reliability rating using the results of our annual survey.

Our surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best range cookers to buy.

For more on what it takes to earn a Best Buy recommendation, read how we test range cookers