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The Ultimate Cooker Buying Guide: A Recipe for Kitchen Success

Welcome to the heart of your home—the kitchen, where the alchemy of flavors takes place and memories are created one dish at a time. If you’re here, you’ve embarked on a journey to enhance your culinary prowess, and we’re here to be your trusted guide.

In the world of kitchen appliances, the cooker stands as a cornerstone, a culinary companion that transforms raw ingredients into delectable masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, navigating the diverse landscape of cookers can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Our comprehensive Cooker Buying Guide is crafted to simplify this journey, providing you with the knowledge and insights needed to make an informed decision. From stovetops to slow cookers, induction wonders to pressure cookers, we’ll unravel the mysteries, decode the jargon, and empower you to choose the perfect cooker for your kitchen.

In the pages that follow, we’ll explore the latest technologies, design considerations, and functionalities that define the modern cooker market. Whether you seek efficiency, versatility, or a blend of both, our guide is designed to cater to every taste and preference.

So, let the culinary adventure begin! Join us as we delve into the world of cookers, ensuring that the heart of your home beats with the rhythm of delicious possibilities.

There are lots of important considerations when buying a new cooker, from the fuel type and capacity to the oven and hob types. This cooker buying guide takes you through each step to help you find a new appliance that suits your needs and complements your style.

What is the difference between a cooker and an oven?

A cooker is a freestanding appliance with a hob and an oven, whereas an oven is integrated or built into the kitchen units and doesn’t come with a hob. Cookers usually have a hob on top and an oven beneath this, catering for all your cooking requirements with just one appliance.

You’ll find cookers in a range of different sizes. These appliances can be powered by gas, electric, or dual fuel, and there are many different oven and grill type combinations to choose from.

FUEL:

As you shop for your new cooker, the first decision to make is the fuel type: gas, electric, or dual fuel? Below we explore the features of these three fuel types.

  • Gas: Immediate, reliable, and precise heat for both the oven and hob. Ideal for professional chefs and home cooks who value swift heat for diverse dishes.
  • Electric: Offers three hob choices – solid plate, ceramic, and induction. While the main oven might take a bit longer to heat, it comes with a fan for even heat distribution, making it a favorite among bakers.
  • Dual Fuel: Blending the instant hob heat of gas with the stable oven temperatures of electric, providing optimal conditions for a variety of dishes.

CAVITIES:

Whichever fuel type you go for, you’ll find different capacities and oven cavities to pick from, including single, double, and grill cookers. Base your decision on how many people you usually cook for, the types of meals you make, and the available space in your kitchen.

  • Single Cavity: A compact option with one main oven and integrated grill – perfect for smaller households.
  • Twin Cavity: Main oven and a separate grill compartment, allowing simultaneous use of grill and oven.
  • Double Oven: Combining a larger main oven with a second smaller oven and integrated grill for more extensive meal preparation.

Single cookers

Single cookers offer just one oven cavity, but often combine both an oven and a grill. There are a range of capacities to choose from with single cookers, starting at small 40-litre models and going right up to 115 litres. You’ll find gas, electric, and dual fuel single cookers.

Grill cookers

A grill cooker has two cavities: the oven is positioned at the bottom with the grill on top. There are several different capacity options with this type of cooker – the oven cavity usually ranges from 60-70 litres whilst the grill is typically 25-35 litres. The grill component offers consistent and precise heating using a variable temperature control to heat food evenly.

Double cookers

A double cooker has two separate oven cavities. Typically, the top oven will range in size from 35 litres to 60 litres and can also be used as a grill. The main bottom ovens start at around 50 litres but can be as large as 75 litres. Double cookers are a great choice if you have a growing family or tend to cook adventurous meals more regularly.

Oven types

Once you know which fuel type and capacity you’re after, the next step is to think about cooking functionalities you’d like the oven(s) to have such as fan-assisted technology. There are a wide variety of oven types to choose from, each of which offers different cooking capabilities.

Fan oven cookers

Fan ovens are a standard feature in many modern electric cookers, offering the valuable functionality of distributing heat evenly around the cooking space. This ensures that meals are cooked uniformly, contributing to improved cooking outcomes.

Conventional heating cookers

Conventional ovens, on the other hand, employ two separate heating elements located at the top and bottom of the oven. With distinct temperature zones, these ovens can accommodate the simultaneous cooking of multiple food types, providing a versatile cooking solution.

Grill cookers

Grill cookers are designed specifically for grilling and crisping up meals. These cookers offer the flexibility of heating the entire grill or just half, depending on the desired cooking method, allowing for greater control over the grilling process.

Fan cookers with grills

For those seeking a combination of features, fan cookers with grills present an ideal solution. These cookers integrate both fan-assisted and grill ovens, offering versatility in cooking. The lower fan oven ensures even cooking, while the option to grill on top provides additional cooking choices for a variety of culinary preferences.

Hob types

Electric cookers provide a range of hob types to cater to diverse cooking preferences:

Ceramic Hob:

A common feature in many electric cookers, the ceramic hob boasts a smooth surface of ceramic glass that facilitates easy cooking and quick cleaning. Beyond its practicality, this hob type contributes to a sleek and tidy overall kitchen aesthetic.

Induction Hob:

Known for their style, safety, and energy efficiency, induction hobs operate by directly heating the pan through electromagnetic induction. While offering a modern cooking experience, it’s essential to use special induction hob saucepans for optimal performance.

Gas Hob:

Gas hobs provide precise control over flame temperature, enabling accurate and controlled cooking. Additionally, users often benefit from lower running costs compared to other fuel types, making gas hobs an economical choice.

Solid Plate Hob:

Equipped with electric heating elements, solid plate hobs ensure even cooking temperatures. However, they have a longer heat-up and cool-down time compared to other hob types. Despite this, they remain a reliable choice for those who prioritize consistent cooking results.

Each hob type caters to specific needs, offering a variety of features to enhance the cooking experience based on individual preferences and requirements.

WIDTH:

Cookers come in three standard widths, allowing you to tailor your kitchen to your cooking requirements. With common widths of 50cm, 60cm and 90cm, and a rarer 55cm option available.

How to measure for a new cooker

Ensuring that your new cooker seamlessly integrates into your kitchen design requires precise measurements. Follow these steps to accurately measure for a new cooker:

Depth Measurement:

  • Start by measuring the depth of the area where you intend to place the cooker. Allow for at least 63-65cm of space to accommodate a standard cooker, which is typically 60cm deep. Factor in additional space for pipes and/or plugs at the back, depending on the fuel type of your cooker.

Height Measurement:

  • Measure the height of the designated space. Cookers come in heights ranging from 85cm to 92cm. As you explore options, ensure that there is ample room for your chosen appliance. Leave approximately 75cm between the hob and the extractor fan for proper ventilation and safety considerations.

Width Measurement:

  • Proceed to measure the width of the available space, allowing for a few extra centimeters to ensure the oven door can be opened easily. Based on this measurement, select an appropriately sized cooker, with common options being 50cm, 55cm, or 60cm.

HOT ZONE:

Ensure the area directly above the hob surface – the hot zone – contains heat-resistant materials. For both gas and electric hobs, maintain a minimum distance of 75cm between the hob surface and the cooker hood.

Features to consider

Modern cookers come with a range of useful features that you might want to consider before you buy your new appliance. Here, we’ve explained some of the functionalities you might come across as you shop around.

Easy cleaning

  • Cookers nowadays often incorporate convenient features to make the cooking experience more enjoyable, and one standout aspect is easy cleaning. Many models come equipped with a smooth wipe-clean enamel interior or a catalytic lining that efficiently captures dirt as you cook. For those seeking the ultimate in cleanliness, certain cookers boast pyrolytic cleaning, a high-temperature process that incinerates grease and grime, leaving only ashes to be effortlessly swept away.

Defrost mode

  • In addition to easy cleaning features, some cookers offer a defrost mode, circulating air to thaw frozen food quickly and evenly without heating up the oven. This eliminates the need to leave frozen items in the fridge or on the countertop for thawing.

Lids

  • Another practical addition is the cooker lid, serving as a protective cover for the hob and doubling as an extra worktop surface. When in the upright position, the lid acts as a splashback, preventing walls from getting dirty.

Programmable timer

  • Enhancing the cooking experience further, programmable timers are a common feature in most cookers. While basic models beep when the food is ready, advanced versions can automatically switch off the oven after a preset time, providing precision cooking and freeing you to focus on other tasks.

Oven light

  • An oven light is a handy functionality, offering improved visibility inside the oven so you can monitor your food’s progress without opening the door and losing heat.

Warming function

  • For those who appreciate a well-coordinated meal, the warming function is a valuable addition. This feature maintains the perfect temperature for your dishes without further cooking, ensuring all components are ready to be served simultaneously. It can also be used to warm plates, adding an extra touch of convenience to meal preparation.

Cooker energy ratings

Considering environmental impact and energy efficiency, cookers are assigned energy ratings ranging from A+++ to D, with A+++ being the most energy-efficient. Opting for a cooker with a higher energy rating not only contributes to sustainability but also helps reduce energy bills, making it a conscientious choice for both your wallet and the planet.

Picking your colour

With the type and features of your new cooker taken care of, you might want to think about which colour to go for. Here, we’ve explained the benefits of some of the most popular colour choices.

Black:

  • Black cookers are a versatile choice that seamlessly complements various color schemes, adding a modern and sophisticated touch to your décor. Beyond aesthetics, black cookers are also an excellent option for easy cleaning, maintaining a sleek appearance effortlessly.

White:

  • In contrast, white cookers contribute to creating an illusion of space, making them an ideal choice for smaller kitchens. The bright and clean look of white appliances not only enhances the sense of openness but also facilitates easy detection and cleanup of any dirt or spills.

Stainless Steel:

  • For those aiming to cultivate a contemporary ambiance in the kitchen, stainless steel cookers stand out. This material not only imparts a sleek and modern feel but also boasts durability, effectively resisting rust and germs. Stainless steel cookers effortlessly marry style and functionality, making them a popular choice for those seeking a chic and hygienic kitchen environment.

COOKER FAQs: Explore common questions and considerations:

  • LPG Convertibility: Verify if the gas cooker is LPG convertible by checking the manual, as not all modern models offer this feature.
  • Important Features: Look out for timer functions, stylish controls, catalytic liners for grease absorption, pyrolytic cleaning for thorough dirt removal, and multifunctional oven capabilities.
  • Installation Costs with Abanista in Uganda:
    • Electric Cooker: UGX 100000
    • Gas Cooker: UGX 100000
    • Dual Fuel Cooker: UGX 100000

Embark on your culinary journey with Abanista, ensuring your kitchen is equipped with the perfect cooker that aligns with your needs and style.

Some of the most reliable cooker brands in Uganda

Whether you’re considering a versatile gas cooker, an elegant range cooker, or an efficient budget-friendly electric option, Abanista in Uganda brings you a curated list of top-rated brands. Backed by expert reviews, these brands encompass a range of features to meet diverse culinary needs, from built-in ovens to countertop models.

BOSCH: With over 125 years of expertise, Bosch delivers kitchen appliances renowned for quality, reliability, and precision. From Ranges to Ovens, Cooktops, Microwaves, Washers, Dryers, and more, Bosch products bring German engineering excellence to your kitchen.

HOTPOINT: Hotpoint offers an extensive range of freestanding gas and electric cookers, featuring options like gas or induction hobs. Known for A class energy efficiency, Hotpoint cookers help you save on energy bills while providing versatile cooking solutions.

ARISTON: Ariston, with a 45-year history of trusted innovation, continues to achieve exceptional results with freestanding gas and electric cookers. Choose between gas or induction hobs, experiencing award-winning design and performance.

WHIRLPOOL: Known for reliability and durability, Whirlpool creates affordable cookers and hobs that deliver consistent performance.

GE: GE wall ovens stand out for their cooking performance, diverse selection, reliability, and self-clean features. With a model for every kitchen, GE ranges are feature-packed and innovative.

KITCHENAID: KitchenAid electric ranges offer a full-featured experience, ideal for regular cooking, baking, and roasting for groups or families.

ELECTROLUX / AEG: Electrolux’s range includes electric and gas models, dual fuel cookers, and various hob types, ensuring a versatile cooking experience.

ZANUSSI: Zanussi offers stylish and easy-to-use cookers catering to various preferences, whether cooking over gas or on an electric hob.

MIELE: For reliability, convenience, safety, and unique features, Miele offers top-quality ovens, ensuring a worthwhile investment.

MAYTAG: Maytag designs cooking ranges prioritizing durability and dependability, delivering great results consistently.

FRIGIDAIRE: Frigidaire ranges combine superior style and performance, offering a variety of gas, electric, induction, hybrid, and dual fuel ranges.

INDESIT: Indesit provides a wide range of stylish and energy-efficient domestic appliances, including gas or electric ovens and other household appliances.

SMEG: Synonymous with quality, Smeg’s range cookers meet the highest standards and come in various styles, enhancing your kitchen aesthetics.

SAMSUNG: Samsung ovens boast elegant design, convenient features, reliability, and excellent cooking results. Premium internet connectivity in their wall ovens sets Samsung apart.

LG: LG earns top ratings across electric smoothtop, double-oven smoothtop, gas range, and double-oven gas range categories, showcasing excellence in consumer ratings.

VIKING: A pioneer in professional-grade ranges for home kitchens, Viking is synonymous with culinary innovation, setting the standard for modern luxury kitchens.

BEKO: Beko, a significant presence in Uganda, offers budget-friendly refrigeration, cooking, laundry, and dishwasher ranges, preferred by many households.

DE’LONGHI: De’Longhi ensures longevity and durability with cooking appliances, including range cookers, ovens, and hobs. Elegant clean lines and practicality define Delonghi range cookers.

SHARP: Sharp’s budget compact ovens bring excellent value for money with auto-cooking menus and 2-sequence cooking. Trust Sharp for a microwave oven that complements your style and fits your space.

HISENSE: Entering the cooking market in 2019, Hisense offers budget-friendly cookers with basic functionality, ensuring great prices without compromising efficiency.

Some of the best Cookers

More in our cooker range

Q&A

How long should a cooker last?

Gas ovens can last up to 15 years with good maintenance. An electric oven could last about 10 years.

Gas or Electric, which fuel should I choose for frying, baking, roasting, and grilling?

Gas is the most popular choice with home cooks in Uganda and worldwide. The heat is visible, easy to control, fast, responsive and can be used with all pan types.