The 6 best range cookers — how to choose the right model for your kitchen

The best range cooker is well worth tracking down, despite generally being higher in price than a standard oven. Not only do they look great (some of the classic models are available in eye-popping shades) but they also offer a flexible way of cooking.

While range cookers are traditionally thought to take up a lot of room, you can now buy them in a variety of sizes – from models worthy of a professional kitchen to those suited to more compact spaces.

Style-wise, there is a range cooker to suit everyone. Owners of period or traditional-style homes might prefer a classic range, but there are also some striking contemporary models available. Read on to find the best option for your kitchen design and budget, and discover why the Stoves Richmond Electric Range Cooker was voted as our top pick.

The quick list

Tight on time? Here’s a quick overview of the best range cookers, with jump links to more details.

The best range cooker overall

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While everyone will have a different set of criteria when it comes to choosing the best range cooker for their needs, we selected the Stoves Sterling Deluxe S900Ei as our overall pick for its reasonable price, handy features, and modern design.

Sleek and subtle in appearance, this model would fit in with most kitchen schemes. Looks aside, the instant-response induction hob has five cooking zones, features 10 power settings, and also comes with overheat detection.

The multifunction oven has 11 settings, including pizza and proving options, while the enormous-capacity right-hand oven, with eight shelf positions, should make cooking for a crowd a doddle. What’s more, this larger of the two ovens can be split into two separate fan ovens, each controlled independently.

On the downside, the oven doors swing right back on themselves, meaning they can knock into adjacent unit fronts. It is also limited in its colour options, so if you can’t find a shade to complement your kitchen, the Smeg Portofino Dual Fuel Range Cooker may be a better choice.

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The best range cooker runner-up

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With two super-spacious electric ovens – one fan and one multifunction – the Rangemaster Elise 110 Dual Fuel Range Cooker should suit even the most ambitious cooks. It also features a separate grill, six chunky gas burners, and a wok cradle.

While the lack of a clock or timer may deter some, its classic and reassuringly sturdy good looks, along with a wide range of colour options (including stainless steel), more than make up for it.

The main oven offers seven settings, including one for defrosting food, while a handy storage drawer is useful for keeping plates warm or for additional storage.

Those who like to keep an eye on their food as it cooks might be put off by the solid-fronted oven doors, while others may see this as a point in the cooker’s favour, as glass can look dirty quickly.

Costing just over £3,000, this is one of the pricier models in the guide – the LEISURE Cookmaster Range Cooker is similar but slightly cheaper.

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The best affordable range cooker

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With two electric ovens, a variable grill, and an air fry function with tray, the Belling Farmhouse Dual Fuel Gas Hob Range Cooker has so many great features that it had to make it into this buying guide.

Its sleek design would suit both contemporary and traditional kitchens alike, and it comes in three different colours to complement your style: cream, dark grey, and black. The controls are sturdy and easy to operate, while its five-burner gas hob offers instant heat, as well as a powerful 4kW wok burner.

The glass oven door allows you to see exactly what is going on inside, and the digital clock with timer is clear and easy to read. If you're looking for a model with Bluetooth capability, choose the Stoves Richmond S900Ei Electric Range Cooker instead.

Homebuilding & Renovating's editor Beth Murton has a similar Belling model in her home and loves how the multiple ovens allow her to cook various dishes at once, saving her so much time.

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The best range cooker for big famillies

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The LEISURE Cookmaster Dual Fuel Range Cooker is traditional in appearance and, despite its generous proportions and seven gas hobs, shouldn’t intimidate those who are put off by too many fancy features.

Notable qualities include its adjustable height, flexible shelf positioning, programmable timer and digital clock, and wok burner. In short, this is a fuss-free, good-value, family-sized range cooker with all the features you need and none that you don’t.

However, those with super-sleek contemporary kitchens might find its traditional look won't suit and may be better off with the Rangemaster option instead. For some, the position of the main fan oven at the bottom left, under the grill, may also be inconvenient.

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The best range cooker for small kitchens

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Don’t let the classic styling and smaller size of this range cooker fool you – it boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art features and is available in ceramic, gas, and dual fuel options.

Its two multifunction ovens offer settings for everything from defrosting to crisping up pies and pizzas. In addition to four gas hobs, the cooker also features a wok burner and a half-smooth, half-ribbed griddle plate – full English, anyone?

Other features that helped put the Rangemaster Classic Deluxe 90 Dual Fuel Range Cooker on our list include the swing-out roasting rack and dishwasher-friendly cast iron pan supports.

While its compact size is ideal for smaller kitchens, I would recommend that busy cooks and big families invest in the LEISURE Cookmaster option instead.

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The best premium range cooker

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Those willing to spend more on their range cooker should take a look at the Smeg Portofino Dual Fuel Range Cooker. With a classic appearance suited to both modern and traditional kitchens, this premium model features two large electric ovens, each with multiple cooking functions, as well as a mixed-fuel hob.

The six-zone hob includes three gas burners (including an ultra-rapid one), a griddle, and two induction zones. It also comes with Circulaire technology, which ensures food cooks evenly and flavours don't transfer – perfect for those who love to host dinner parties with multiple courses.

Another handy feature is its closed-door grilling system – something missing from many other models. Not only does this make it a safer option for households with young children, but it is also more energy efficient.

If the price tag is out of your budget, the LEISURE Cookmaster Dual Fuel Range Cooker is a good alternative and also comes in cream and black.

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How to choose the best range cooker

When it comes to choosing the best range cooker for you, consider the following:

1. How big is your kitchen? Or, more specifically, what proportion of your kitchen are you willing to give to a range cooker?

2. What kind of cook are you? If you live alone and usually eat out, a range cooker might be a waste of money. However, if you like the look of them and are thinking about resale value, how about choosing a smaller, 60cm model?

"If you’re feeding a family or love hosting, you’ll want generous oven capacity and a hob that can handle multiple pans at once. Within most ranges, there are options to suit different styles of cooking," says Lucy Dunstan, range cooker product manager at Smeg.

3. What services are connected to your home? If you have no gas connection, you will be limited to electric range cookers only.

"Not every home will have the power capacity for an induction range cooker if it’s replacing an existing appliance, whereas a new build gives you the opportunity to plan this in from the outset. Likewise, some households don’t have access to mains gas, which will influence whether dual fuel or full induction is the right choice," adds Lucy.

4. What look are you going for? Stainless steel is a classic range cooker colour that suits all kitchens. Heritage colours, such as racing green, burgundy, white and cream look great in classic kitchens, while bold and bright shades, such as orange and yellow can really make a contemporary scheme sing.

Lucy Dunstan

Lucy has been part of the Smeg family for over 20 years, growing with the brand and helping bring its products to life. She currently specialises in Product Management, turning big ideas into appliances people genuinely love using every day.

How much do range cooker cost

Range cookers vary widely when it comes to cost. At the lower end of the price scale they start at around £600, whilst Aga’s and heat storage range cookers cost far more, averaging around £7,000 to £10,000. For professional range cookers you could easily end up paying upwards of £15,000.

In general though, expect to pay between £1,200 and £4,000 for a good-sized range cooker with plenty of cooking functions.

What is the life expectancy of a range cooker?

A good-quality range cooker can last 15 years or more, according to Lucy Dunstan.

"When choosing your range cooker, it’s worth looking beyond the surface and thinking about where it’s made, how it’s built, and how it will fit into your life for years to come," concludes Graham Duke, Sales Director at Everhot.

Want to learn more before you commit? Discover what a range cooker is and about the different types of cookers.

Graham Duke

Graham Duke is the Sales Director at Cotswolds based eco-friendly range cooker and stove brand Everhot. Founded over 40 years ago at Coaley Mill, a 13th-century water-powered mill where the company’s showroom remains today.