Automatic gas ignition These are more convenient to use than a separate ignition button as you don't need both hands. The main oven provides 65L of useable space and if that’s not enough for you the top oven has a capacity of 32L, more than enough space to cook a full roast dinner and cook pudding in the top oven at the same time. If you have space then bigger is normally better, as this gives you maximum flexibility. For example, if you have a large family or like to entertain, it’s very helpful to have two or three separate ovens, as well as a warming drawer, to ensure everything’s ready at the right time. It can also be helpful for batch baking, or catering for different dietary requirements.However, if kitchen space is at a premium, then perhaps consider a 60cm single or twin-oven model which is normally referred to as a ‘cooker’. Key specs – Size : 100 x 58 x 91cm (WDH); Fuel : Commercial kerosene; Ovens : A-rated boiler, 47-litre main, 34-litre lower; Hob : Cast-iron hotplate

Bold colour and elegant design define this 90cm range – but behind the eye-catching finish you’ll find plenty of practical features to get excited about. For one, its digital programmer provides an at-a-glance display of your selected oven function and temperature, which is very useful if you’re cooking dishes that need precision. Settings on offer for the main oven include pizza, fast preheat, defrost, bake and grill, while the second oven adds four functions, a grill and a rotisserie option. These have an electric oven and electric ceramic hob. Most have true fan or fan-assisted ovens, which should help to spread heat evenly around the oven cavity. If you’re on the lookout for a classy single-oven range cooker with a built-in induction hob and self-cleaning tech – and can afford the privilege of owning a prestigious marque like Smeg – then stop right here. This brand-new 90cm model is ideal for medium-sized kitchens, although you’ll need to ensure your electricity supply can handle its high 11.4kW output. These have a gas hob and an electric oven. This provides the best of both worlds for some people, with an easy-to-control gas hob, and an electric oven that heats evenly. Key specs – Style: Dual-fuel; Width: 60cm; Number of ovens: 2; Main oven capacity: 78 litres; Fan assisted: Yes; Grill: Integrated oven/grill; Storage drawer: No; Timer: Yes; Hob: 4 gas burners; Energy rating: AHowever, paying more doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a decent cooker. We've found pricey models that fail to impress as well as some cheap-and-cheerful options. Range cookers come in a range of standard widths, from 50cm to 150cm. The most popular size is 90cm, which tends to come with three cavities (tall oven, second oven and grill), but there are also plenty of four-cavity 100cm and 110cm models to choose from. Hob-wise, it comes with four burners: a small 1kW burner for simmering duties, two 1.9kW burners for general cooking, and a large double-ring 3kW wok burner for frying pans and, er, woks. This model also comes with a glass lid to keep things tidy. However, this nice touch only comes into its own if the hob itself is kept sparkling clean – a difficult task, it must be said, given the amount of stainless steel used in the construction. Also be mindful that its electricity load rating is a rather high 5.3kW, so you may need to have a suitable ring main fitted before installation. Flame supervision devices (FSD) This is a safety feature that will shut off the supply of gas should a burner fail to ignite or get blown out. Finished in an attractive metallic red, complete with a sleek glass lid and chrome finished controls the New World NW601DFDOL cooker will be a stand out feature in your kitchen.

There are different design styles to choose from too: you may prefer traditional lines for a classic country vibe, or stainless steel for a professional look. Cookers with bright enamelled finishes are an easy way to add colour and create a focal point. How much should I spend? Let’s start with the tall three-layer fan oven on the right, which is the one you’re likely to use most. At a massive 91 litres, it’s a brilliant size for a full family roast, including potatoes, Yorkshire puds and a tray of roasted carrots and parsnips. Fancy whipping up a lemon meringue pie at the same time. No problem: just bung it in the 62-litre fanned cavity on the bottom left. That’s dinner basically done, and you haven’t even touched the top left conventional 35-litre oven/grill or the hob area. Key specs – Size : 60 x 60 x 91.5cm (WDH); Fuel : Dual; Ovens : A-rated 65-litre fan, A-rated 37-litre conventional; Hob : Four gas burners

What stands out

Our tests show that the average usable oven capacity of a cooker's main oven is 43 litres, but there is quite a large range in volumes: the smallest main oven we've tested has a volume of just 38 litres, while the largest is a roomy 58 litres, giving you nearly a third more space to cook with. The on-going debate about electric and gas cookers remains unsolved and it will stay that way for a long time. Thankfully, we have now seen the introduction of dual fuel and the innovation has provided many customers with an option that they thought was impossible. All are roughly the same height (80cm) and depth (60-65cm) to fit a standard kitchen and line up with your worktops. Oven capacity

Users have nothing but praise for this premium, 110cm wide behemoth. They love the build quality, the ease of use and how easy it is to clean. They also love the fact it’s available in six kitchen-matching colours. Key specs – Size: 110 x 61 x 90.5cm (WDH); Fuel: Dual; Ovens: A-rated 73-litre multifunction, A-rated 73-litre fan; Hob: Five-burner gas hob

You work at BID, what a legend.

Key specs – Style: Freestanding dual-fuel cooker; Width: 60cm; Number of ovens: 2; Main oven capacity: 65l; Fan assisted: Yes; Grill: Integrated oven/grill; Storage drawer: No; Timer: Yes; Hob: 4 gas burners; Energy rating: A If you don’t have the cash or space for a 100cm or 110cm behemoth, consider this keenly-priced 90cm range cooker from Belling. Key specs – Size: 89.8 x 60 x 89cm (WDH); Fuel: Electric; Ovens: A+-rated 115-litre fan; Hob: Five-zone induction hob