Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Electric Cooker in the UK
Buying a new electric cooker can be an exciting purchase, but it's important to avoid some common mistakes. Making the wrong choice could mean you end up with a cooker that doesn't suit your needs or fit your kitchen. This guide will highlight some of the key things to consider so you can find the perfect electric cooker.
Failing to Measure Your Kitchen Space
One of the most common mistakes is buying an electric cooker without properly measuring the space in your kitchen first. Electric cookers come in a range of widths, from 50cm up to 90cm wide. Before visiting any showrooms or browsing online, take accurate measurements of:
The overall width, height, and depth of the space in your kitchen
How much space you have on either side of where the cooker will go
The height and width of any cupboards above or around the space
This will allow you to shortlist cookers that fit the dimensions of your existing kitchen setup.
Not Checking Oven Capacity
Electric cookers typically have either a single oven or a double oven design. The capacity of the oven(s) is measured in liters, with most ovens ranging from 50-110 liters. Think about your cooking requirements and what you'll need to fit inside. For example:
Smaller households - A 50-60 liter single oven could be sufficient
Larger households - Consider a double oven with 80+ liters capacity in total
Bake often - Choose a model with a larger main oven of over 70 liters
Before buying, check the capacities and shelf positions of any models you're interested in. Make sure your typical dishes and pans will fit inside.
Ignoring Hob Type
While everyone focuses on the oven, the hob can be equally important. Electric hobs come in three main types:
Ceramic hobs - The most popular choice, with flat surfaces and concealed elements
Induction hobs - Cookware is heated directly through magnetic induction for fast and precise cooking
Solid plate hobs - Older style, less responsive, but some people prefer them for delicate cooking
Think about your cooking style and needs. Induction is great for quick heating and easy cleaning, and ceramic provides affordable flexibility. Avoid solid plates if you cook a lot of different things.
Not Checking Electrical Load
It's easy to pay attention to whether your electric cooker will overload the circuit supply to your kitchen. Cookers can draw a lot of power. As a guide, electrical loads to check are:
Single oven with 4 zone hob - Around 8-9kW load
Double oven with 5 zone hob - Around 11kW load
Large double ovens - Up to 15kW load
Before you buy:
Check your kitchen's circuit breaker or fuse box to determine the existing load capacity.
Leave For safety, leave a minimum of 20% spare capacity.
If in doubt, consult an electrician.
Focusing Too Much on Aesthetics
It's tempting to buy the cooker that looks the most attractive in the showroom. But instead of choosing by color or design alone, focus on practical factors first:
Oven capacity and shelf positions
Hob type and zone layout
Dimensions to fit your space
Electrical load capacity
Narrow your choices down based on these technical specifications, then choose the most appealing model from that shortlist. Don't compromise on the functionality just because of the aesthetics.
Not Checking Additional Features
Modern electric cookers come with all kinds of extra features that can influence your decision. Consider what features matter most to you:
Programmable timer - Set cooking times and finish times
Slow cook function - Ideal for casseroles and stews
Rapid heat elements - Boil water in under 3 minutes
Catalytic liners - Help clean oven spills and residue
Create a list of must-have features before visiting showrooms. This will prevent you from being swayed by gimmicky extras you may not actually need.
Paying Extra for Unneeded Power
Higher power does not always equal better performance. Only very large households need an electric oven with more than 8-9kW of power. Similarly, opt for a ceramic hob with dual—or triple-zone elements rather than every element being high-powered rapidly.
Unless you cook large batches frequently, purchasing excessive power will be a waste of money. Be realistic about your daily cooking needs.
Not Checking Delivery Costs
One hidden cost to watch is the delivery charge for getting your new electric cooker delivered and installed. This could be up to £50-£100 depending on the retailer.
Ask each retailer what their delivery process and charges are
For integrated models, installation can be more complex
Consider DIY delivery options to save on installation fees
Factor these potential costs into your purchasing decision before selecting a retailer or cooker model.
Not Reading Reviews of Specific Models
In addition to checking brand reputation in general, it's wise to look for reviews of the specific cooker models you're considering. Issues to look out for in reviews include:
Models with smaller than advertised oven capacity
Hob elements that heat unevenly, especially on ceramic hobs
Noisy cooling fans that run loudly and constantly
Durability issues or parts that fail after a few years
Look for reviews on independent sites such as Trustpilot rather than just the retailer's website. This will give you an unbiased view.
Assuming Multi-Function Ovens Offer More Value
Electric cookers with oven or dual grills are often marketed as "multifunction ovens." However, they may be better.
The key considerations are:
The main oven capacity and power
Having enough functions for your cooking needs, e.g., defrost, fan assist, conventional baking
Useful features like catalytic liners for self-cleaning
A good single or double oven with the right specs and features can be just as functional. Only assume you need lots of different oven compartments and pay extra if you know you'll use them.
Buying Extended Warranties
When purchasing an electric cooker, retailers will likely try to sell you an extended warranty to cover repairs. However, this is rarely needed.
By law, you get a 12-month manufacturer's warranty on all new appliances. On top of this:
Many cooker parts will last 5+ years without issue
Extended warranties rarely cover all parts and repairs
They don't cover user damage or misuse
Unless you plan to use the oven extensively every day, save your money here.
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