Choosing The Best Induction Range Cooker
Many home chefs constantly seek the perfect blend of technology and tradition in their kitchen appliances, and an induction range cooker is where precision meets convenience.
With their sleek designs, easy to clean surfaces, rapid heating capabilities and not to mention their energy efficiency, induction ranges have changed the way we approach cooking for the better.
When looking for any range cooker you need to consider the way you cook, your current or future kitchen design and the look you want from your cooker. Consider your budget and what features will be the most beneficial to you.
Here at Rangecookers.co.uk we want to help you decide why an induction range cooker might be the right one for you and which you should take a look at...
What is meant by induction?
Induction refers to the heat transfer when cooking. They may look similar to an electric ceramic hob, but they work in a different way. Beneath the hob's ceramic plate, induction coils made from copper create a magnetic field as electricity is passed through.
If a pan made of ferromagnetic material is placed on the hob, the magnetic field causes it to directly heat up. The benefit of this is the hob stays cool, with only a little residual heat from the pan and because of this heat transferral method, there is a limited amount of residual heat on the hob's surface.
A thermostatically controlled fan cools the electronic components below the surface. Due to the extra contact with the heat below it, induction hobs will stop the pan developing hot spots and therefore reduce the chance of burnt or scorched food.
Which are the best induction range cookers?
Here are our Rangecookers top picks when it comes to induction range cookers...
Entry Level
Rangecookers Select 90ei2, £1,395
This is a sturdy, reliable product that should suit your budget nicely without compromising on quality.
Featuring a multifunction, programmable main oven and a conventional second oven, two integrated grills and a sleek induction hob. Both ovens include removable inner glass for ease of cleaning and the induction hob on top features four zones, two of which feature a power boost setting.
This competent range cooker is manufactured to Rangecookers considered specification at a specialist Italian factory, chosen for its engineering credentials and proven track record.
The Rangecookers Select series has been designed as a collection of honest and reliable products that will work very well both alone or alongside your existing appliances.
Belling Farmhouse 90Ei Induction, £1,330
The Belling Farmhouse collection shows just how Belling know what they are doing when it comes to a traditional range cooker.
The Farmhouse 90Ei's classic good looks and gentle bowed doors harmonise perfectly with a classic style kitchen, but brings enough of a modern twist to work well in a more contemporary setting.
Featured is an A-rated fanned and programmable main oven, plus a second, large A-rated fanned oven. There is also a separate variable grill, with a handy grill pan handle included.
This all-electric range features a powerful and ultra-responsive induction hotplate on top, with four touch-control induction zones and a useful warming zone. All of these induction zones include boil-dry, pan-sensitive and convenience functions.
DeLonghi Modern 90 DTR 916-IND2, £1,310
DeLonghi range cookers have distinctive Italian styling and well-considered features, all for a very fair price.
This twin cavity model brings a modern appearance, with a generous 70 litre programmable and A-rated main oven that brings eight different fanned and conventional cooking functions. The smaller second 45 litre oven is conventional, making it perfect for smaller meals and also includes a useful second grill.
The impressive specification continues on top, where the induction hob gives you four induction zones with immediate control of the power and heat delivered to your pans. The resilient surface stays relatively cool, so any spills can be wiped off immediately.
Mid-Level
Stoves Richmond S1100Ei Induction, £2,475
This Stoves range cooker is bristling with features. The perfect choice for both modern and traditional kitchens, its aesthetic borrows enough classic character to give a very warm and homely feel, but is cleverly balanced with some contemporary details.
This Richmond model has a multifunction Equiflow main oven with grill, plus a fanned second oven. Above the main oven is a third, conventional electric oven with Maxi-grill. In the fourth oven is a very useful slow cook cavity, perfect for those winter stews or summer curries.
On top is a capable and slick five-zone induction hob, with touch control power sliders and power boost, pan and boil-dry detection and a child safety lock, as well as hot hob indicators.
This cooker is also available in an upgraded Deluxe version for just a bit more on the price, with some exciting colour options as part of their Colour Boutique range - including Thunder Blue and Porcini Mushroom.
Having been revised and re-engineered in 2018, the Stoves Richmond now has the latest induction technology to continue Stoves design values, integrity and innovation.
Bertazzoni Master 100 XG Induction, £3,595
The Bertazzoni Master series brings you a generous taste of Bertazzoni quality at a very attractive price point, with authentic and appealing Italian café-bar aesthetic.
This triple cavity model offers a main electric oven with 11 functions, from convection to baking and features a thermometer on the control panel. The useful second auxiliary oven has four modes and a powerful adjustable grill is provided in the third cavity.
On top the hob consists of a five-zone induction hotplate, with each zone including a booster feature, pot detection and residual heat indicator. The bridging zone also allows you to use the two cooking zones on the right and left as one single cooking zone, perfect for cooking with larger pans or an induction compatible griddle.
Finishing this stunning range cooker is the characteristic temperature gauge, plus all new metal control knobs replacing the original black plastic controls.
Falcon 1092 Continental Induction, £3,620
For those looking for a straightforward, solid and reliable range cooker, there is nothing quite like a Falcon. Built to appeal to those aspiring to a more professional standard, a Falcon range cooker uses heavier-grade materials, giving a more robust and focused user experience.
This 1092 Continental model has been designed to give you all of the Falcon quality and performance but at a more affordable price. Its simpler layout, lack of stay-clean liners but added benefit of windowed doors are the only differences between this and the more expensive 1092 Deluxe model.
The oven doors open outwards to reveal one 73 litre multifunction oven with grill and one 73 litre fanned oven on the right. On top is a sleek induction hob, bringing you all the power you could need in the form of five cooking zones with amazing responsiveness and useful features such as power-boost, boil-dry detection, simmer and zone-link functions.
This is all operated by the clear and simple Bakelite-style control knobs and you can choose from six different colours.
Premium Ranges
ILVE Majestic 100 Induction, from £7,795
If you have been looking for a grand, elegant range cooker with a good helping of modern technology, look no further than the ILVE Majestic.
Not only does it bring a stunning appearance, the Majestic also offers an array of options for any enthusiastic cook. The twin oven cavities offer superb cooking conditions, with all of the functions and refinement you could need. The multifunction main oven can be timer-controlled and includes a meat probe for achieving consistent results. The second oven is also multifunction, but without a fan element. It also features a rotisserie, for succulent cooking of any meats.
On top is a superb six-zone induction hob, with the advanced and efficient technology you would expect from this top brand. Power boost, automatic boil and a heat up function all add to the convenience and, in addition this, both medium induction zones feature bridge zone technology that can be connected together to create one large cooking area.
The TFT touch screen display finishes this model nicely, acting as the oven temperature and function indicator for ILVE's excellent E3 technology. This precision temperature control system allows you to select the oven function, then set the desired oven temperature from 30°C to 300°C.
For over 70 years, Rayburn by AGA has been the warm, beating heart of many British homes. Leading the field in central heating range cookers, with its iconic design and reliability, it is easy to see why the Rayburn has gone from strength to strength.
The Rayburn Ranger is a totally flexible and controllable cast-iron range cooker, offering a grill, large cast-iron hotplate and a two-zone induction hob on top. It also benefits from three large ovens which can be operated independently to help you control the energy you use. This electric range cooker requires no servicing, no plinth and no flue, running on just 2 x 13amp supply and at 100cm wide, can be easily slotted into an already existing kitchen design or a brand new project.
Its beautiful styling brings eight charming colours to choose from, adding a retro feel to your home with the bright, bold shades or alternatively something a little more subtle.
Lacanche Citeaux Classic 150 Induction, from £10,890
The Citeaux, Lacanche's best-selling large format model, is a superb triple oven range cooker that offers copious cooking capacity and a wonderfully neat design.
Credit: @pink_house_dream
This model offers a large 65 litre oven with a storage drawer beneath, a tall 49 litre oven on the left and a tall 85 litre simmer oven on the right-hand side. The hob on top allows space for not one, but two optional integrated hob elements for an additional price. This model features the three-zone induction hob, giving impressive cooking power and almost instant control.
The Lacanche Classic series has been specifically designed for those who love a traditionally styled appliance within their kitchen. With sleek, rounded control knobs and a classic finish to your hand-rail and door handles, you can choose from five smart trims to finish your Lacanche Classic cooker: brass, chrome, chrome matt, nickel and brushed stainless steel.
To find out more about any of these models or if you have any questions about induction cooking in general, click here or call our team on 01244 402 975.
