6 common mistakes when choosing a new range cooker

6 common mistakes when choosing a new range cooker

You know that awful feeling when you realise you have made a mistake?

You’ve bought something that really looked great in the shop. Maybe it was a new pair of quite expensive shoes. You were absolutely sure that they would go with your favourite dress (or suit) and they seemed comfortable, but then when you got home…

How can you make sure you are not disappointed when your new range cooker arrives?

Here are 6 mistakes that you definitely want to avoid.

1. Buying a 90cm range cooker when you actually have enough space to fit a 100cm range cooker. The difference between a 90cm and 100cm range cooker is bigger than you think. So if you are planning a new kitchen, do consider going for a 100cm cooker.

2. Not considering the depth of the cooker. Britannia range cookers have a standard depth of 60cm – some other range cookers are deeper (and may stick out).

3. Not checking the space required between the sides of the cooker and the cabinets. This is not the same for all brands. And if your range cooker is closer to the cabinets than recommended, there is a risk of damage. Britannia range cookers require a gap of only 2.5mm.

4. Choosing a range cooker colour that doesn’t match your cabinets. This especially can go wrong when choosing a cream range cooker for a cream kitchen. Make sure you get a colour swatch so you can check the colour!

5. Not comparing running costs. The difference between a heat storage cooker (that is on all the time) and a conventional range cooker can be considerable. Make sure you get accurate calculations to compare.

6. Not investigating durability. You can check the build quality of a range cooker by opening and shutting its doors. How does it feel? Also, ask your retailer for advice – have they experienced a lot of service issues?

Hopefully this will help you choose your range cooker more wisely. Have we missed anything? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

3 comments on “6 common mistakes when choosing a new range cooker”

1. The Rangecookers.co.uk Team says:
   

   Also worth checking that your electrical supply is up to the job - dual fuel and most electric cookers will need a 45Amp connection rather than the once-standard 30Amp, so you may need to re-wire.

   January 5th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
2. Henneke says:
   

   That’s a useful suggestion!
   Please keep in mind that all Britannia dual fuel range cookers only require a 30 Amp supply.

   January 6th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
3. Majjie says:
   

   I think it’s also really important not to buy a range cooker without really thinking about how you cook and how you’re going to use it.

   Do you do a lot of grilling? If so a separate grill compartment (as in Britannia XG models) might be best. If you love roast meat - a rotisserie gives great results. If you love cooking in a round bottom wok, then a gas hob might be best … but, if you really hate cleaning the pan supports and you’re happy to use flat bottom pans - then choose an induction hob.

   Also, I really recommend going to a cooking demonstration, using the range cooker you’re thinking of buying. Britannia arrange such demonstrations regularly (have a look in “events” under the “More info” tab). I was very impressed with the Britannia chef top - when I saw it in use - which could potentially replace a separate grill.

   February 12th, 2012 at 11:55 am

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