BUYER’S GUIDE
8 OF THE BEST:
Cookers
Read on for our expert guide on purchasing the perfect cooker for your needs
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cooker should last for years to come, so it needs to be durable, high-quality and suited to you to ensure it’s a worthy investment. But before you go ahead and splash the cash, check out our must-read advice on what to consider before you buy. First and foremost, you should begin your search by deciding whether you want a gas or an electric cooker. In general, gas cookers tend to be less costly, which makes them more appealing if you’re on a tight budget, but an electric oven will give you more control over temperatures and cooking areas. However, although the initial investment is more expensive, a good compromise would be a dual-fuel cooker as this can use gas and electric so you get the best of both worlds. Lauren Clark, Large Appliance Expert at AO.com explains what you should consider: ‘To decide on the fuel type, you need to think about what your kitchen is set up to cater for, but also your cooking style. For example, if you bake then an electric cooker may be preferable as it distributes heat evenly. Whereas, if you’re an avid cook then a gas or induction hob might be more suitable as these are similar to those used in a professional kitchen.’
Jargon busters
Confused by conventional heating and catalytic liners? This glossary translates the puzzling terminology…
Circulaire fan This type of fan can reduce cooking time by up to 20 per cent. The consistent circulation means you can cook different things at the same time without a crossover of flavours.
Conventional heating
This kind of oven has two heating elements that warm the air inside the oven and cook food by blanketing it in a layer of heat. Usually an inexpensive option.
Minute minder A timer on your oven that will ring when the set cooking time is up.
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Another vital point to consider is whether you’d like an integrated or free-standing model. An integrated cooker will give your kitchen a sleek and stylish look, however any repairs can prove difficult as you’d have to take apart your worktop to get to the oven. Free-standing versions tend to be cheaper and easier to install and repair as they slot easily into a modular kitchen design. You’ll also need to figure out what size the cooker will need to be so it fits comfortably in your kitchen. Energy efficiency is especially important if you’re trying to keep your utility costs down. An A or AA rated model is best for this, and even though you might be paying more for the cooker to start with, you’ll be making huge savings on your monthly bills, and be lending a helping hand to the environment. You should also consider which features will benefit you. ‘There’s a whole host of technology to look out for,’ says Lauren, ‘you can find various features such as steam cooking and temperature probes; it all depends on how seriously you take your cooking. There are now even ‘smart’ ovens where you can keep an eye on food without even opening the door – it’s all done on your phone!’
HOTPOINT CANNON CH60DHKF DOUBLE DUAL FUEL COOKER IN BLACK, £579.99, ARGOS This Hotpoint model’s catalytic liners will work wonders when it comes to keeping the inside of the oven clean. Toastie-making is also made simple with its Solar Plus Grill, which will give off high-intensity heat for extra crispy meals.
• Minute minder • Catalytic liners • Two ovens • Electric grill • Four-zone gas burner hob
Catalytic liners These are rough surfaces inside an oven that are designed to catch and break down food spills so that you don’t get a build-up of grease and grime while cooking.
Ceramic hob These hobs have heating elements underneath a glass surface that warm up and transfer the heat to the hob. Easy to clean and work with any type of pan.
Induction hob An induction coil beneath the hob transfers heat directly to the pan – it’s as quick as gas, and the hob surface itself remains cool. Requires iron-based pans such as stainless steel.
JLFSMC621 DOUBLE DUAL FUEL COOKER IN SILVER, £849, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS From straightforward dinners to fancy dishes, this oven has you covered. It features plenty of space for cooking several meals at once and has a programmable timer so there’s no chance of burning your favourite meals!
• Two electric ovens • Four oven shelves • Four gas hobs of various sizes • Energy rating: A • Adjustable electric grill
