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Cookers and Hobs - Buyers Guide |
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Cookers and Hobs - Buyers GuideIntroduction
Built-In or Freestanding Your choice of cooker will depend on how it will fit in the kitchen. Cookers come it two very different types. Built-in or freestanding. The first decision in buying a cooker is which type do you want? All the other features are available on both types. Built-In Built in cookers are 'built-in' to your kitchen units, the hob and oven are separate from each other. Built-in ovens come in two sizes - single oven or double oven. There is a third type of oven known as 'built-under'. These are designed to be built into the units under the counter, and have the benefit of two ovens while still fitting beneath the worktop. 
Freestanding Freestanding cookers stand on their own or slot into a gap between your kitchen units. They come in 50cm, 55cm or 60cm widths, and sometimes have a "high level grill" which means that the grill is separate to the oven, and is at eye level. 
Fuel Type Your choice of cooker will be determined by your fuel supply. If you have gas, you could also consider dual fuel, which combines the speed of an electric oven with gas hob. Therefore is it Gas, Electric or Dual Fuel you require? Gas Cookers With a gas only cooker, the oven, grill and hob are fuelled by gas. It gives instant heat, maximum control and you will find that certain foods such as meat and poultry will not 'dry out' as they sometimes do in an electric oven as the atmosphere in a gas oven is more moist. Take a look at some of these gas freestanding cookers or built-in ovens. Dual Fuel Cookers A dual fuel cooker gives you instant heat and control from the gas hob and faster cooking pre-heat times of an electric oven. Take a look at these dual fuel freestanding cookers. Electric Cookers With an electric only cooker, oven grill and hob run on electric. Fan assisted ovens in most of todays models do not require pre-heating. Electric ovens also cook quicker and more evenly than the gas alternative. Take a look at some of our electric freestanding cookers or built-in ovens. Oven Type Features and Size The size of the oven you'll need will depend on what sort of cooking you'll be doing. Once you've decided whether you need built-in or freestanding and chosen a fuel type there are three main areas the can influence the oven you choose. These are all explained below. Oven Type There are several types to choose from - conventional, fan or multi function? Combined oven and grill or separate grill? 
Single Oven with Combined Grill - With this basic type of gas or electric oven you cannot use the oven and grill at the same time. Single Oven with Separate Grill - Available in gas or electric, this type of oven offers greater flexibility as you can use both the oven and grill simultaneously. Double Oven - Gas or electric double ovens feature a smaller oven that also incorporates a grill and a second, larger oven to provide the flexibility needed for cooking different dishes at the same time. Range cookers may have a separate grill as well as two ovens. Fan Ovens - Most electric cookers feature a fan oven which cooks quicker, more evenly and doesn't need pre-heating. Features Modern ovens are packed with features so now anyone can cook up a storm. 
Multifunction Ovens - allow you to choose between different cooking methods. These include conventional cooking with top and bottom heat or bottom heat only and fan cooking for fast even heating. Conventional cooking is ideal for baking or you may choose fan or circotherm cooking for roasting. Circotherm Fan Cooking - is found on Neff built-in ovens. It is a forced air system that continually circulates hot air around the oven. The desired temperature is achieved more rapidly than in ordinary ovens, saving considerable time and energy as no pre-heating is required. Pyrolytic Ovens - or self-cleaning ovens have been around for quite a while. However the latest Pyrolytic versions clean better by heating the oven to a high temperature to burn away old food and grease on the ovens sides, leaving a small pile of residue which can be easily wiped away. Electronic Controls - provide greater accuracy and maintain a constant temperature, ideal for baking delicate foods. Temperatures have been pre selected for each function to save time on some Neff ovens Size All ovens come in standard sizes that are designed to be compatible with normal kitchen cabinets no matter which type you choose - freestanding or built-in. Freestanding Cookers - The size of the freestanding cooker you choose will be governed by the space in your kitchen. Most models are around 60cm deep to match a standard work top and there are three basic widths so finding the right product shouldn't be a problem. 
Built-In Ovens - A single oven measures 60cm high by 60 cm wide and can fit either in to a tower unit or under the counter. Double ovens are available in two sizes depending on the design of your kitchen. The larger of the two alternatives is a 90cm high by 60cm wide model that has to be built into an upright tower unit. The slightly smaller option is a 70cm high by 60cm wide built-under double oven that is made to fit under a work top. Hobs No matter whether you going for built-in or freestanding, there are different sizes and features to choose from. Hob Type There are several types to choose from, gas or electric hob? Ceramic or standard? Gas Hob - Gas hobs give instant heat and are easiest to control. Serious cooks may consider a 5 burner model with a high power wok burner that offer maximum cooking flexibility whilst fitting in to the same space as the 4 burner version. Solid Plate Electric Hobs - Four different sized 'rings' heat up, most models having different sized plates. Those featuring a red dot in the middle offering faster heat. Ceramic Electric Hobs - Faster to heat and easier to clean than other electric hobs, models with a Halogen zone offer almost instant heat. 
Features Features such as wok burners and touch sensitive controls are available on some hobs. Wok Burner - ideal for cooking the perfect stir-fry. They have a specially designed support to ensure the wok stays stable and hot. Halogen Zones - give you almost instant heat, saving you time. This type of hob is the most controllable electric hob as some traditional hobs can take a few minutes to heat up and cool down. Touch Controls - provide accurate control and are easy to wipe clean. 
Induction Cooking - works by heating the pan, not the ceramic surface of the hob. This means that the hob is extra safe and energy efficient. All four zones feature induction and only pans made of ferrous metal are suitable for use. Size The sizes that hobs come in are standard. Which size is right for you? 
Most hobs are a standard width of 60cm and have 4 rings. Wider, 5 hobs are now available and some wider hobs will not require alteration to your kitchen work top as they are designed to fit in to a standard 60cm cut-out. Essential & Hoods From hob cleaner to cooker hoods. Here is everything you need to complete your purchase. Matching Hoods Most built-in ovens and hobs are available with matching hoods designed to take away the smells of cooking and help keep your kitchen clean at the same time. Splashbacks A splashback is a separate plate of metal that is designed to fit in between the hob and the cooker hood.They are available in stainless steel or black, and offer a stylish finish to your cooker. Please note that, unless stated otherwise, the hobs and ovens on a site may not come with hoods or back plates, always check if they are available separately or part of a package. 
Essentials
These may be offered to you after you choose to buy any cooker, oven or hob. Please note you that the essentials you purchase are compatible with the product you have bought. Hob Cleaner - This will clean glass and ceramic cooking surfaces without scratching- and is safe to use on cold or warm surfaces. E-Cloth Stainless Steel & Glass Cleaner - Maintain the pristine condition of your new appliance - this cleaner will clean and shine both stainless steel and glass to keep your cooker looking like new. Spare Hood Filters - To ensure your hood keeps your kitchen smelling clean and fresh you need to change your cooker hood filter regularly. The length of time will depend on how much cooking you do. 
This Product Guide was provided by kind permmission of Comet. Comet checks competitors' prices, then lowers their own. |
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