Cookers

How to choose a cooker

• Width. A 50 cm cooker fits a smaller kitchen, while a 60 cm model usually has a larger oven and more room for pans. Measure the gap before ordering.
• Hob type. Gas responds instantly and suits homes with a gas supply. Ceramic glass is smooth and easy to wipe, but needs pans with a flat base.
• Power supply. An electric cooker needs its own circuit with a dedicated breaker — check that the kitchen has a suitable connection point.
• Oven functions. A fan oven bakes evenly on several shelves at once, the grill gives a crisp finish. A timer and oven light are handy extras.
• Cleaning. Enamelled oven walls and a removable door glass make cleaning easier.

Installation and safety

A gas cooker must only be connected to the gas pipe or bottle by a qualified specialist — this is not a DIY job. Have an electrician connect an electric cooker. Keep the clearances to cabinets and walls that the manufacturer specifies, and fit the anti-tip bracket if one is supplied. A cooker hood above the cooker removes steam and cooking smells.

FAQ

Freestanding cooker or a separate hob and oven? A freestanding cooker is simpler to install and slots into an existing kitchen. A built-in hob and oven give more freedom when planning a new kitchen.

Can a gas cooker run on bottled gas? Often yes, but it needs different jets. Check the manual and let a specialist do the conversion.

What pans does a ceramic hob need? Pots and pans with a straight, flat base that matches the size of the cooking zone. Induction cookware is not required.

See also hobs, ovens and cooker hoods.