Convince me not to get a range!

4 years ago

We currently have a 100cm range, like it a lot.

Creating a new kitchen/diner which involves new cooker.

We are in a 1930 bungalow.
We want traditional shaker kitchen.
Assumed til now we would get a range, 90 cm.
I know I don't want an eye-level built in oven.
Is there any real alternative that would look good? I could actually do with extra work-space it may offer by going narrower!

Convince me, or otherwise? Any pics welcome!
Thanks

Featured Answer

Victoria

4 years ago

I simply don’t like ranges and would never have anything other than eye level built ins. So easy to use, easier to see what’s cooking, and take it out when done.

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Comments (23)

Jonathan
4 years ago
The vote for two built under ovens or one oven plus a compact combination microwave and oven plus a warming drawer.
I think this not only looks great but the oven will be bigger and have more choice of spec and features.
Ellie
Original Author
4 years ago
I should have also mentioned that although I have a 100 cm range the extra oven is only used on Christmas day! I do feel I could do with just a single oven. So, can a freestanding single oven look good in a traditional shaker kitchen?
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Daisy England
4 years ago
It’s personal taste. Even though you’re planning a traditional shaker kitchen I still hate ‘old fashioned’ appliances. New kitchen to me means ‘fitted ‘. Same applies for the oven. Slot in cookers look out of place IMO.

I think Jonathan’s idea is good if you need 2 ovens. I cook for a big family and only ever use one oven.
sarh123
4 years ago
I had a beautiful Lacanche range in my last house but am currently using the mid range oven I inherited on moving and it’s way easier to use. I miss my ferocious hob but am happy to sacrifice that - we’re going for NEFF separates when we refit next year.
sarh123
4 years ago
PS by mid range I mean in cost not some technical term regarding configuration. It’s a simple Stoves built in oven!
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
The main reason not to get one used to be that they didn’t do a proper pyro self cleaning oven .... but they do now on some ranges ( not helping much - sorry !)
Monica
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
We had stacked ovens in our last home and I absolutely loved them. The layout meant that our hob was the focus of the kitchen and it worked out well. In this current kitchen however, there was simply not enough width to have anything stacked and satisfy my desire for symmetry, a light airy feel and a strong focal point so a range was our only choice. But, I chose one with telescopic arms which means I can easily retrieve things out, an easy to clean interior, and one with a host of good functions to ensure I can cook a range of dishes. From a completely aesthetic point they do look bloody good and seem to ground the spaces well.
Sonia
4 years ago
Just having to clean the hob and ovens on a range fills me with dread! I love my electric hob and pyrolytic oven that cleans itself - bliss! But of course if you want a range, then have one. It’s your decision.
Monica
4 years ago
Sonia my range has an induction top, easy peasy cleaning. Ranges now a days offer all the latest technology with the same traditional look, it's just a question of the look you prefer I think. A girl really can have it all now a days LOL
Sonia
4 years ago
That’s sounds great Monica! I just had visions of cleaning the gas hob and still never really getting it clean..... :-)
Monica
4 years ago
I think we've all been there once or twice LOL
sarh123
4 years ago
Monica and OnePlan I'd love to know the manufacturers please, as my dream is a Lacanche look with NEFF technology! Because I loved the look of my Lacanche, I've looked at a lot of the latest and couldn't find one to match, say, NEFF. It wasn't the hob that caused me the problem (hob was fantastic and easy to clean), it was controlling and cleaning the ovens (I had gas and 2 electric on my Macon).
LJ Lilliput
4 years ago
I have a Rangemaster with induction hob and it is brilliant - 2 large ovens, grill, slow cooker/warmer. I have had it 2 years. It rarely needs cleaning as I put those Lakeland mats in the bottom and the sides are self clean. The induction is great - so easy to clean too.
Monica
4 years ago
@sarh123 I went for 90cm Dolcevita range from Lofra, an Italian brand relatively unknown here in the UK. A Lacanche was on my wish list for the longest time until I came across Lofra and their Dolcevita range. It was love at first sight but I scrutinised carefully the features and functions. I went for induction and I am so glad I did.

It's seriously powerful, a breeze to use and keep clean. Equally, as I am not getting any younger I gave the oven a lot of thought and the two telescopic shelves convinced me that they will make life so much easier when basting food or taking things in and out. It's early days but we already had some lamb on the rotisserie which was just yummy, I cooked a ham low n slow, baked some potatoes and its performing well. The easy to clean shiny thick enamel interior means I can give it a quick wipe after use and never have a build up. And I just love the way it looks *heart eyes*
rinked
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Most induction ranges require 11.4kW. This often requires replacing the main fuse.

If their wattage is lower, you probably won't be able to properly bake a steak or stir fry.

Sometimes their ovens can be wired separately from the cooktop, which would only mean some extra fuses (7.4+3.6kW).

Built in ovens at counterheight don't require bending over. And built in ovens also come with extra functions, like microwave and/or steam.

Besides, I don't like the dirt that builds up inbetween countertop and range. But if you're used to a range and ok with that, it would not be a problem I guess.
rinked
4 years ago
Some built in ovens in a traditional kitchen:

Sarsfeld Road SW12 · More Info

Rockwood Colonial Larchmont · More Info

Kitchen Classic · More Info

Brooklyn Promenade Modernish · More Info
sarh123
4 years ago
Re the wattage - we also had an issue on the gas supply. I don't know how to describe it in correct technical terms, but basically our GasSafe engineer said that the range needed higher gas pressure than a normal hob/oven. He managed to achieve it but it was close!
Gillian Spark
4 years ago
If you plan to stay in this house a long long time, follow your heart and have a range. You must like ranges or you would not ask the question. I've had my gas At a 23 years and still love it. the only other cooker I have is a microwave.
G
Gillian Spark
4 years ago
should say gas Aga
steph_grant7
4 years ago
I love the idea of a range, but don't think I have the space. Over the last four years we have moved house three times (don't ask!!) and one thing I have learnt is that modern cookers - even the most 'value' cookers - are impressively efficient. I cook for the family most days, I occasionally do family events, and I have been able to cope with a much simpler set-up than I'd have thought possible four years ago. If you really want a range, get one, but if you think you 'need' a range, have another look at what you use it for and see if you can work it another way that gives you more of what you do need in your kitchen.
Ellie
Original Author
4 years ago
Did I really just post this 5 weeks ago? We are now well into the building work, halfway through.

Decided against a range. Having an induction job on the island and single built in oven. 3 weeks on from now. I might be able to show pics!
rinked
4 years ago
How is the kitchen coming along?

Convince me not to get a range!

Victoria

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