Freestanding cookers

The heart of every kitchen is the cooker. Freestanding cookers provide the hob, grill and oven, and all of the cooking possibilities in a single package. Because of this, it not a simple decision when purchasing one and, with different fuel types from gas to electric to duel fuel and ceramic and sealed plate hob surfaces and a range of sizes, from below 50cm right up to range cookers over one meter wide, there is a lot to choose from.

Gas cookers, and specifically their hobs, are the traditional choice for the serious chef and amateur alike, giving that classic stove look and providing fine control over the heat of the hob. The flame on a gas hob lights up immediately giving you instant heat and cools equally quickly when turned off.

Electric cookers on the other hand provide a smooth, easy to clean surface on which your pots and pans rest safely. An electric oven heats up faster and is drier than gas, with a more evenly distributed heat that is better for baking and roasting most types of food.

If you want the best of both worlds, a dual fuel cooker might be your best bet. With electric ovens offering the best baking and roasting heat, and the gas hob providing finely tuned heat and classic cooking style, this option will provide with the best of both worlds. Dual fuel cookers also come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll always find something to fit your kitchen.

Thinking about refitting your kitchen? Opting for a built in oven will allow you to tailor the layout of your kitchen for ultimate productivity. Why not add in matching kitchen fittings, like a chrome cooker hood and cooker splashback?

If you have a large space available, range cookers will give your kitchen a lovely rustic farmhouse look. They are easy to fit because manufacturers use standard sizes between 90cm and 110cm wide, and they come in styles from traditional to ultra-sleek modern. They come in electric, gas and dual fuel with varying hob choices for the electric models from ceramic to induction. Belling cookers and Rangemaster cookers are classic choices when picking a range cooker, and their gas and electric models are very popular.