The range style cooker – choosing a range cooker
A range cooker is a fantastic looking, extremely useful kitchen appliance if you have the room to accommodate one. These large cookers look great in any setting, blending effortlessly into the surround of any home from the country cottage to Victorian town houses.
The range cooker’s rambling design hales from the 19th century when these appliances were designed to heat, boil and bake, all from the same heat source. This was quite an innovation at the time. Its size meant the cooker was the heart of the kitchen and investing in a range cooker ensures this can still be the case in your home today.
How big is a range cooker?
For range cookers 90cm tends to be the smallest width you’ll find, so if you’re struggling for space unfortunately this probably isn’t the best option for you. At the opposite end of the scale the larger range cooker goes up to around 120cm wide, offering massive potential for cooking. Dinner parties and Sunday Roasts pose no problem.
Country kitchen or sleek modern design?
Range cookers now come in a variety of styles to compliment your kitchen. The original range cooker design lends timeless style to a traditional kitchen. On the other hand stainless steel range cookers offer a contemporary twist while delivering the same space and facilities for cooking.
What fuel?
Whilst the original range cookers were wood burning, there is much more choice in fuelling your appliance today. Your range cooker can run on gas, electricity, or a combination of both. In terms of your hob choose traditional gas or ceramic range cookers depending on your fuel source and the overall look you want to achieve.
What’s included?
Range cookers are market leaders when it comes to useful additions to your appliance but it all depends on the model you choose. Some of the most common extra features include; griddles, warming plates and storage facilities. Bear this in mind when you’re choosing your appliance because this may eliminate the need for extra counter-top appliances or cupboard space.
How many cavities?
Traditional range ovens have more than one cavity in which to cook, usually including a built-in grill. There are however, models which boast a single cavity for cooking. These are useful for cooking large amounts of food at the same temperature. If you’re always going to be cooking for a large family, these can be useful but if you’re going to be cooking single meals you may find a smaller appliance more economical.
Katherine Owen is an copywriter working in the field of white goods and kitchen appliances for www.appliancesonline.co.uk.
