Range Cookers
Range cookers come in widths of 80cm to 150cm, with most models having twin ovens arranged side
by side. They are designed to look like traditional cooking ranges found in older style kitchens. Although
free-standing, these cookers can also be planned into fitted or semi-fitted kitchens. The hob can have gas and
electric burners, as well as specialist burners or hot plates.
Slot-in Cooker
Slot-in cookers are usually between 50 and 60cm in width. If you have the space available and do not
want built-in units, slot-in cookers are a practical and economic option. They often have height adjustable feet to
ensure they are fitted with the hob at worktop level and wheels at the back so they can be moved forward for
cleaning.
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Oven Size
Single ovens fit into a H60 x W60 x D60cm housing and can be built in a column kitchen unit or
under the work surface. Full sized double ovens need a larger space H90 x W60 x D60cm, and most are intended to be
fitted in a column kitchen unit at a comfortable height.
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Oven Type
Electric ovens
Electric ovens have a thermostat which controls the heat in the middle of the oven; as such, the top of the oven
will be a little hotter whilst the bottom will be slightly cooler. This zoned heat difference can be useful when
cooking different kinds of dishes at once. These ovens also need to be pre-heated as they take time to reach cooking
temperature.
Fan ovens
These ovens have a fan in the rear wall which has a circular heating element around it. The oven heats up
very quickly as the temperature throughout is even. This reduces cooking times thereby saving energy. However,
fan ovens do not start cooking immediately and therefore care must be taken in selecting the correct cooking
time.
Multifunction ovens
Multifunction ovens use combinations of different heating elements and a fan. Most multifunction ovens combine a
fan and conventional oven together with a closed-door grill and fan/grill roasting.
Gas ovens
Most gas ovens are heated by a flame at the rear of the base, with the gas being ignited by electric spark.
Cooking with gas creates moisture which is especially good for cake baking. Some gas ovens also have an economy
setting which enable you to use the oven like a slow cooker for casseroles.
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Double ovens
Double ovens offer great flexibility and capacity because each oven can be set separately. Most are built-in
with a full sized multifunction or fan oven underneath a smaller economy conventional oven with the grill
element.
Hobs
Size
Hobs are usually 60cm wide but there are some at 70cm which can still fit into a 60cm gap by overlapping
the work surface. The dimensions given for the aperture into which a hob fits will be smaller than the hob
itself because of the way the hob overlaps and stands proud of the work surface.
Type
Hobs are available as gas, electric, ceramic and induction models, in a variety of sizes, colours and
finishes.
Traditionally, hobs have four burners but some now have five or more. The most popular configuration
of burners (or zones on a ceramic hob), whether on a gas or electric hob, is one large, two medium and a
simmer
Gas
Gas hobs are still popular because the heat is visible, easy to control, and cheaper to use than
electricity. Standard models offer four burners and for increased cooking options five-burner hobs
include one extra large burner for big pots and pans.
Electric
Electric hobs offer a more gradual heat build-up and cool down, with an electric hotplate providing
excellent heat distribution across the base of the sourcepan. Since they conduct all the heat into the
pans they are cost effective to run. Plates with red dots provide more power than equivalent size standard
plates.
Ceramic
Ceramic hobs are sleek, modern and easy to clean. They have a touch glass surface with heating
elements beneath; the heat is conducted through the glass into the pan. The types of heating elements
in a ceramic hob include standard radiant (basic), fast response ribbon elements, and halogen
(with constant heat levels is the closest in control compared to gas).
Induction
Induction hobs offer state of the art cooking technology using a magnetic field to heat the saucepan or
pot. The hob surface stays cool and as such it is both safe and energy efficient. The heating effect is
instant, precise and even thereby offering a very effective method of cooking.
Hoods
Extraction and/or filtration is needed in kitchens to help get rid of moisture and odours. Steam and odours
are best removed from a kitchen via a ducting to the outside wall. Sometimes, however, this is not physically
possible (e.g. in an apartment block); in this case, air must be circulated through a cooker hood’s grease and
charcoal filters.
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Extraction
Each hood comes with an extraction rate. In order to determine the correct extraction rate for your
kitchen, you will need to calculate its volume in cubic metres and multiply by 10, to allow for 10
changes of air per hour.
Filtration
The charcoal filter will need to be replaced approximately once a year. Grease filters are either
disposable or washable depending on the model you choose.
Splash Backs
A splash-back fits between the hob and hood to help prevent against grease splashes and spills staining
your walls. A matching hood and splash-back helps give kitchens a sleek integrated look. There are a range
of styles and finishes to choose from including stainless steel, black and toughened glass.
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