Your cooker will be something that you use every day, and it is only when it starts developing issues and not exactly working as it should that you stop and consider whether or not your current model is the right one for you.
It’s easy to forget that there are actually many different forms of cookers available on the market, and how important it is to find one that is most suited to you, your needs, and your requirements. It can make a big difference!
In collaboration with The Appliance Depot, leading suppliers of Clearance Cookers, we’ve put together our guide to buying a cooker, some of the most important points you should look out for, and the options you have available to you.
Which Fuel Type?
If there is one prominent argument when it comes to buying a cooker, it’s which fuel type is best. There isn’t a definitive answer, and it all comes down to which will suit you, your needs and your requirements best, so therefore it’s important to know your facts!
For many, this decision comes down to which fuel supply already exists within your home.
Gas cookers on countertops will often be cheaper to run compared to electric cookers, but your annual energy bill won’t dramatically change depending on which you choose.
Gas cookers are the most traditional option and are often a popular choice with both amateurs and professionals alike. Turning the dial will provide you with immediate changes when it comes to both the heat and the flame, which makes cooking much more precise.
A gas grill will heat up quickly, however, the distribution of the heat will not be as precise as in an electric model.
Similarly, gas ovens will be quick to heat up, yet again the heat distribution isn’t as even, meaning that you may have to think more about where you place your food in the compartment.
Electric cookers, on the other hand, are a more modern alternative and are great for those who don’t have a gas supply in their home. An electric hob will be very easy to clean, yet won’t be as responsive as gas and will take longer to cool down.
Electric ovens provide an even heat distribution and give great results.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, a dual fuel cooker will be a great choice. You’ll receive the responsiveness of gas on the hob and the even distribution of an electric grill and fan-assisted oven.
What Functions Should You Look For?
A big part of why many choose a certain cooker type is the sheer variety of features and functions specific models have to offer. Yet what are the top features that many look out for? We’ll walk you through them below:
Self-Cleaning
What can beat an oven that cleans itself! Don’t panic, they don’t include any robots or technology that can become temperamental, instead, they’re safe, simple and reliable.
The self-cleaning process involves stains and food residue being burned away at an incredibly high temperature, turning it into a powder than can simply just be wiped away, and then you can easily put it back into the particular cabinet until further use.
Automatic Ignition
Automatic ignition will automatically ignite a gas burner when the relevant knob is pushed and set to a gas level. This makes the whole cooking process more convenient and helpful for those who suffer from limited hand mobility.
Traditional cookers will usually have a separate button for ignition, whereas automatic ignition takes the additional work out of this process.
Advanced Controls
Touch controls will make your cooker easier to operate, and they have quickly become a popular feature. Not only do they look great, but they are also much easier to clean.
In fact, many of these cookers with advanced controls come with extra features such as a child-lock.
Timers
Whilst this feature is self-explanatory, a timer can be a great addition to help you achieve perfection! We’re all guilty of relying on guesstimations but having that added feature can be a low-cost upgrade and saves you from having either overdone or underdone food.
Flame Supervision Devices
Having a flame supervision device could be a literal lifesaver. Should your cooker experience a malfunction with the burner, and it fails to ignite the gas, the feature will shut off the gas supply and ensure that it doesn’t continue to leak.
So there you have it! We hope the above has given you some important and helpful insights into choosing the right cooker for you and your home.
