How to choose the best cooker for new kitchens

There are many different kinds of cookers to choose from - so how can homeowners ensure they select the right one when installing new kitchens?

Diana Murphy, managing editor of Home Sweet Solutions, says in a column for WXOW that consumers need to decide between gas and electric-powered hobs.

Gas cookers are useful for those who do not want to wait for the element to heat up, while some electric hobs have induction features that use new technology to instantly warm pans while the cooker top remains cool to the touch.

When it comes to styles, Ms Murphy notes that homeowners can choose from hobs that slide into existing kitchen units and freestanding ones.

Alternatively, drop-in cookers "have controls on the front and a custom look similar to built-in [hobs], but with a strip of cabinetry along the bottom and may require modification of the cabinets for a proper fit", she comments.

According to consumer group Which?, range cookers that have up to six hobs and two ovens may be a suitable option for large family kitchens, while freestanding ones may be best for smaller rooms.