Range Cookers
An essential part of a traditional kitchen, the range cooker is far more than simply a tool for cooking, so be inspired by the different options available
Topping the wish-list of many owners of period homes, the range cooker is simultaneously pretty and practical. Whether it is a traditional cast-iron enamelled range or a more contemporary electric design, this style of cooker is far from a standard oven. With the option of additions that facilitate griddle-cooking or spit-roasting; pyrolytic self-cleaning functions, and designs that also provide heating and hot water, the range continues to earn its place in the heart of the home.
Costing up
One of the assumed barriers to owning a range cooker is the running cost – however, in recent years, technological developments have markedly lowered energy consumption.
‘Range cookers are often thought of as energy-guzzling appliances, but the reality is quite different,’ says Robert Stein, product manager for appliances at Rangemaster. ‘For instance, range cookers with fanned or multi-function ovens have a similar kilowatt per hour (kWh) rating to a standard built-in oven. As an example, our Classic Deluxe 110 dual fuel range cooker has two 79-litre ovens and the forced air convection function uses 0.88kWh, while our Eclipse builtin 13-function and pyrolytic oven has a 69-litre capacity and uses 0.76kWh – so there is almost no noticeable difference. The kilowatt per hour is lower for the built-in version, but the range cooker’s greater cooking capacity means it is possible to cook or bake more in one go, which saves time and energy.’ The Classic Deluxe 110 in black with brass trim costs £2,669.
Material matters
While traditional ranges are constructed from cast iron, this is not the only option. ‘Stainless-steel range cookers offer a modern aesthetic for more contemporary kitchens. Hardwearing and long-lasting, a stainless-steel finish makes it easier to clean and offers a lighter-weight alternative to cast iron,’ says Lucy King, product manager at Smeg. Its 110cm Symphony dual fuel range costs £2,399.
Small but mighty
Range cookers are not just for spacious farmhouses; in fact, they can be equally as at home in more petite spaces. Small models, like Esse’s 600T design, £6,500, condense all the benefits of a full-sized range into just 60cm. One way this is achieved is the external control box, which rather than being within the main body, is connected via a cable. It can be placed on a worktop close to the cooker, mounted to a wall, or hidden in a cabinet.
Cast-iron promise
Among the differences between the archetypal heat storage range and a standard oven is its construction. Cast iron is a popular material due to its ability to retain heat – this means that, unlike convent
