Few appliances make a statement quite like a range cooker when upgrading your kitchen. Combining style, performance and versatility, a range cooker is often the heart of the kitchen - and customers know it. 

Buying a range cooker is a big investment - in terms of money, space and cooking experience. Customers are looking for something that doesn't just cook well, but suits their lifestyle, complements their kitchen and stands the test of time. At the end of the day, it is not just about boiling water or cooking a lasagne, it is about finding the perfect centrepiece for the heart of the home. 

But what exactly are our customers looking for when they start their search for the perfect one? Here's what's really top of mind for shoppers choosing a range cooker:

 

Convenience & Speed

While they're often praised for their size and style, what really makes a range cooker shine is just how convenient it makes cooking - even when time is short. 

One of the biggest time-savers with a range cooker is the ability to cook several dishes at once. Whether you're hosting Sunday lunch or just meal prepping for the week, having two (or even three!) oven compartments means you can roast a chicken, bake a tray of vegetables, and whip up a dessert - all at different temperatures, all at the same time. 

The hobs on a range cooker, whether gas or induction, don't just offer multiple burners or zones - they're built for speed. With these multiple burners or zones, often five or more, you boil pasta, fry vegetables and simmer sauce simultaneously without running out of space or heat. Need to bring a large pot to a boil fast? A powerful wok burner or rapid heat burner will get you there in no time, which can be a game changer for busy weeknight dinners. 

As well as the hob, many modern range cookers now come with rapid preheat settings on their ovens, and even multifunction options that can drastically cut down cooking time. Fan ovens circulate heat more evenly and cook faster, meaning your lasagne can be ready 25%-30% quicker than in a conventional oven. 

Timing everything perfectly isn't always possible, especially when people are late or kids are getting ready for bed. That's where features like warming drawers and keep-warm settings come in handy. Instead of letting food go cold (or worse, overcooking it in the oven), many of our range cookers let you hold food at the perfect temperature until you are ready to eat.

Convenience doesn't stop when the meal is done. Many range cookers now also feature self-cleaning liners, easy-clean enamel and, even sometimes, a pyrolytic cleaning system. Less scrubbing, more relaxing. 

 

Fuel Type

One of the biggest decisions you'll face is which fuel type to go with. It is not just a technical detail, it affects how you cook, how your food turns out and even how your kitchen feels.

Electric Range Cookers: Even Heat and Simple Setup

Electric range cookers are incredible popular - and for good reason.

Why people love electric: 

• Even, consistent heat in the oven - great for baking and roasting
• Many come with fan-assisted ovens for faster, more even cooking
• Easy installation if you don't have a gas connection

Best for: Bakers, families, and those who prefer set-it-and-forget-it kind of cooking.

 

Dual Fuel Range Cookers: The Best of Both Worlds

Love the feel of cooking with gas but like the reliability of electric? Why not both? Although we highly recommend electric models here at Rangecookers.co.uk, some people are simply not ready for the change from gas. Dual fuel range cookers offer a gas hob for precision and speed, paired with an electric oven for reliable, even heat. 

Why people love dual fuel:

• Gas on top = quick and responsive (although induction can give this a run for its money these days!)
• Electric oven = consistent cooking and baking results
• Versatile, all-in-one solution for serious home cooks

Best for: Anyone who wants the benefits of both fuel types and does a lot of varied cooking.

 

Bonus: Induction Hobs - Electric's Smart Upgrade

If you're going electric but want the speed of gas, check out induction. They use electromagnetism to heat your pans directly, so they are super fast, highly efficient and cool down quickly. Plus, they are easy to clean and safe to touch when not in use. 

Best for: Tech-savvy cooks, energy-conscious households and modern kitchens. 

No matter which you choose, a well-matched fuel type will make cooking more enjoyable and efficient, so you can spend less time fussing with settings and more time enjoying what you have made. 

 

Safety Features

A range cooker is a major appliance that comes with serious heat, so naturally safety matters.

Thankfully, range cookers are packed with clever safety features designed to protect you, your family and your home.

1. Flame failure devices: if you're going with gas, this is a big one. A flame failure device automatically cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out unexpectedly. No flame = no heat = no gas leak. It is a crucial safeguarding feature that prevents dangerous gas build-up within your kitchen.
2. Child safety locks: perfect for when little ones are hovering around the kitchen during meal prep, many brands have installed child safety locks to prevent accidental operation or changes in settings. Some models even let you lock specific functions (like turning on an induction hob) until you are ready.  
3. Cool touch doors: we all know how hot an oven can get, but that doesn't mean the door should. Many range cookers now feature triple or even quadruple-glazed oven doors, which help keep the outside cooler to touch. 
4. Residual heat indicators: induction hobs can stay hot after you've turned them off. Residual heat indicators are simple yet essential, they stay lit until the surface has cooled to a safe temperature. 
5. Induction: induction is one of the safest hob options available, with the hob only heating when a pan is detected and stopping the heat when the pan is removed. 

Choosing a range cooker with strong safety features isn't just smart, it is essential. Take time to review the built-in protections that will help keep your kitchen safe and stress-free for years to come. 

 

Sustainability & Efficiency

The kitchen has become a key area for making eco-conscious choices. Whilst your fridge and dishwasher often get the green spotlight, your range cooker can play a huge role too. 

One of the biggest changes in today's range cookers is improved oven efficiency. Look out for: 

- A rated ovens or better (the higher the rating, the lower the energy consumption)

- Fan-assisted cooking distributes heat more evenly and cooks faster, which means shorter cooking times and less energy used

- Multifunction ovens let you use only the elements you need, avoiding energy waste

 

Cooking multiple dishes at once, which range cookers excel at, also reduces your overall energy usage by minimising oven cycles. 

If you're serious about energy efficiency, consider a range cooker with an induction hob. 

Why it's greener:

• Heats pans directly, so almost no energy is lost
• Boils water faster than gas or ceramic hobs, using less power overall
• Cools quickly, making it safer and reducing wasted heat

Induction is also fully electric, which means it can be powered by renewable energy if your home uses green electricity or solar panels. 

One of the most sustainable choices you can make is just by simply purchasing one of our range cookers. Many premium ranges are built with longevity in mind, using high-quality components that stand up to daily use. This means fewer repairs, longer life span and less landfill waste compared to cheaper models that break down quickly.

 

Trend-Led Aesthetic

Range cookers are incredibly versatile when it comes to design styles. Traditional models with curved doors, chrome handles, and robust proportions, pair beautifully with shaker cabinets and rustic wood accents - ideal for that modern farmhouse look. 

Contemporary models, on the other hand, boast clean lines, digital controls and understated finishes that blend right into sleek, minimalist kitchens. These days, the kitchen is no longer just a workspace, it is part of the living area. And your range cooker? It can be the anchor point that ties the whole space together. 

Range cookers have broken free from their monochrome past. While classic black and stainless steel are still very popular, many brands now offer a wide range of colours - from subtle pastels to deep, dramatic tones like forest green, navy or graphite.

Trend Tip: Match your cooker to your cabinetry for a seamless, modern look - or go bold with a contrast that draws the eye. 

 

Here are some colours we think you should take a look at:

- Antique White for a country-cottage charm

- Pastel Pink for a warm, retro twist

- Blue Grey for a sunnier day

- Bold Red for a real statement piece

Plus, gone are the days when all your finishes had to match. Today's trend-led kitchens mix metals effortlessly - and range cookers are keeping up. You will find options such as brushed stainless handles, matte black control knobs and copper trims. This makes it easier to match your cooker to taps, cabinet handles or lighting fixtures.

Rangemaster now offer a selection of brand-new colours as part of their Estel Deluxe range. Choose from eight classic shades - Black, Slate, Pale Cream, Heather, Bordeaux, Misty Blue, Pale Pink and Mint - along with Chrome or Antique Brass trim finishes.

With ILVE, in addition to choosing the right size, hob top and ovens, you also have the choice of up to five design styles, eight standard colour options and four metal finishes. Want to personalise your ILVE? Their bespoke colour match service allows you to bring your personal style to your appliance by choosing from over 200 RAL shades, in gloss or matt, offering an option for every style of kitchen.

If you're looking for a kitchen upgrade that saves time, simplifies mealtimes, and lets you cook more with less stress, a range cooker is hard to beat. Whether you're a weekday worker needing to whip up dinner in 30 minutes or a weekend foodie prepping a feast, the combination of space, speed and smart features makes a range cooker the perfect partner in your culinary routine. After all, great meals shouldn't come at the cost of your time - or your sanity...