One of the first decisions to make is the format of your oven – built-in with a separate hob or free-standing? Freestanding models such as a range cooker are popular for coun- try and classic kitchens, but even these traditional options have been updated with pyrolytic cleaning, multi-function programming and induction hobs. On the other hand, built-in ovens offer great flexibility in terms of location, and a sleeker profile to suit modern fitted cabinets. However, built-in models designed for eye-level or in-column installation are too tall for under-counter use; if you want this configuration with a hob positioned above, go for a “built-under” model.
The right format:
Stand-alone cookers and built-in ovens both vary dramatically in price, depending on the brand and the complexity of features. A range cooker may seem like a large initial outlay but there are additional costs associated with built-in ovens with elements such as cabinet housings and a separate hob.
Size and position:
Freestanding cookers range from between 50 to 150cm wide, and manufacturers advise a gap of at least Sem around the appliance to prevent heat damage to cabinets. The most popular built-in ovens are 60cm wide (though you can also get 90cm pizza ovens). Heights differ, from 45cm-high “compact” models to 90cm high double ovens. Positioning at eye level is probably the ideal, and creating “banks” of matching single ovens, combi-ovens and microwaves is a popular trend. Some heat store range cookers also provide central heating and hot water, with no need of a separate boiler. Beware of models that use the same burner for cooker and water if you turn the heating off in the summer you’re likely to lose cooking facilities. For an eco-friendly option, take a look at Wamsler’s woodburninq range cooker with he-nrinc
Special features:
Versatile space Single ovens with two independently controlled cavities (try Samsung’s Dual Cook and Atag’s D621lK) allow you to cook two dishes simultaneously at different temperatures and without odour transference. Rangemaster’s Professional + FX range cooker has a removable divider panel that reoluces oven capacity from 108 litres to 49 litres for smaller dishes.
Easy-clean Ovens with pyrolytic cleaning turn spillages to ash at high temperatures (500°C), so you never again have to clean the oven manually. Catalytic liners carbonise spillages during high-temperature cooking and are more eco-friendly, but cleaning only applies to the areas covereol by liners (usually the sides). Also consider models with aqua-clean programmes, which use water on the bottom of the oven to steam-clean.
Speedy cooking Ovens with a rapid heat-up function, either built-in automatically or activated manually, use the top and bottom heat plus fan to bring the oven up to 180°C in just five to six minutes.