Buyer’s guide Invest in a high-quality

8 OF THE BEST: Cookers

Read on for our exper t guide on purchasing the per fect cooker for your needs

Acooker 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.’

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

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.

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

COOKMASTER CK90C230 ELECTRIC RANGE COOKER, FROM £929.99, LEISURE Although this may be at the higher end of the price range, this electric cooker ticks all the boxes in terms of function and style. You can choose from three aesthetically pleasing finishes including black, cream and silver, plus if you’re a keen cook then the extra hob and oven space will fulfil all of your culinary needs.

• Two ovens • Separate grill • Five-zone ceramic hob • Catalytic liners to catch grease in the oven • Fan cooking with even heat distribution

investment buy

CHEFMASTER CC100F521 DUAL FUEL RANGE COOKER, £1,049, LEISURE

This model is a dream for all enthusiastic cooks. You’ll have everything you could possibly need and then some with this cooker. It has an AA energy rating that will cut costs on your bills – you’ll be hard pushed to find a cooker as highquality for the price.

• Three ovens • Conventional heating • Slowcooker setting • Dedicated grill • Wok burner

AEG CCB6740AC FREE-STANDING ELECTRIC COOKER, £659, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS

This quick-to-heat double oven will ensure there’s an even temperature throughout for consistent cooking and it has more than enough room for saucepans of all sizes on the hob, too.

• Minute minder • Conventional heating • Three oven shelves • Four-zone hob • Two ovens

BEKO ADC5422AW ELECTRIC COOKER WITH CERAMIC HOB, £239, AO.COM With A-rated energy efficiency, a handy grill and an electric conventional oven, you’ll be able to experiment in the kitchen while keeping your utility costs low.

• Energy rating: A • Separate grill • Electric oven • Ceramic four-zone hob • Grill pan included

HOTPOINT NEWSTYLE HAE60K DOUBLE OVEN ELECTRIC COOKER WITH CERAMIC HOB, £349.99, VERY In need of an oven with enough room to feed a large family? This electric Hotpoint cooker is up to the task with its two ovens and ceramic hob.

• 65-litre main oven capacity • 45-litre top oven capacity with integrated grill • Four-zone ceramic hob • Energy rating: B • Circulaire fan

ZANUSSI ZCI66050BA ELECTRIC COOKER WITH INDUCTION HOB, £669, AO.COM This model features Thermaflow technology which uses a fan to circulate hot air so that the flavours don’t transfer between different dishes.

• Energy rating: A • Induction hob • Thermaflow technology • Enamel interior to absorb grease • Electric oven and grill