A buyer’s guide to Gas Cookers

Many years ago, if you wanted to buy a new gas cooker, the choices of showroom or places to buy one from were limited to the British Gas showroom or nothing.

As they say though; "time and ideas wait for no man", time marches on relentlessly, and in this case, that's a good thing!

Endless choices

Whether you want to go and have a fiddle with all the buttons and knobs or don't really care how it feels, your purchasing choices are endless, even the larger High Street stores don't "just" sell them anymore, they stock them as well.

Of course, that old favourite "the Internet" is a valuable tool here, not only will you be able to compare prices but you’ll also be able to get real consumer reviews, both in terms of reliability and customer service.

There really isn’t any excuse for shoddy goods or service in the consumer driven world.

Different styles

A cooker could be just a hob top or a free standing, complete all in one unit. Whilst there isn't a huge difference in styles, seeming to be just freestanding standard, freestanding range (think traditional farmhouse) or built in, there are a myriad of colours to choose from for even the loudest kitchen (think neon green!).

Our choice

Personally, we prefer plain stainless steel; a timeless look, easy to keep clean and with a little care, will look like new for a long time to come.

BONUS TIP – Want to give your stainless cooker that showroom shine?

Once cleaned, wipe it down with a soft cloth and a little baby oil. Just like new!

Delivery

Whilst in theory it is possible to drive to a showroom, pick the cooker of your dreams and take it away with you, the practicalities are a little different; unless you own a van or a large people carrier with removable seating, the chances are that you won't be able to transport it.

By why would you want to?

Most companies are offering free home delivery and installation (very important!), not only that, but they'll take your old cooker away for you at the same time.

Finally

If you do decide that your car / van / minibus or lorry is large enough for you to carry the cooker home, you should still get it professionally installed.

Whilst on the face it, the modern hoses connecting the cooker to the gas feed are quite simple, just a bayonet fitting, you may find that without a Gas Safe certificate, your household insurance is invalidated should the worst happen, and that really could be the least of your worries!

Let us know once you have purchased and installed it, we’ll be round for dinner!