LPG Powered Free-Standing Cookers

Gas cookers provide fast and responsive heat that cooks quickly. Cooking with gas provides a manageable, instantly adjustable heat and helps to give roasts a crisp skin on the outside whilst keeping the meat succulent. Cheaper to run than electric cookers, when it comes to gas there are two options: natural gas and LPG. Natural gas cookers are more common than LPG but both need to be installed by a professional Gas Safe Registered fitter to ensure that they work efficiently and safely. Many natural gas cookers can be converted to LPG with a kit, however this needs to be carried out at the time of installation by a registered fitter. Gas cookers can give you instant and controllable heat but before you buy your cooker, check your gas connection. You need to have a live mains gas supply within 1.5 metres of the location of your cooker. There are two types of gas fuel available – Natural gas and LPG. Natural gas or mains gas is available in most areas although some rural areas do not have mains gas. LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) is propane gas bottled in cylinders that is used for cooking. LPG is good if you want the advantages of a gas cooker but aren’t within reach of gas mains. LPG cylinders generally last between 3-6 months depending on your cooking style. LPG conversion kits are available should you want to convert – however some appliances are not designed for LPG use so you should always check with your manufacturer first. You should also note that having gas central heating does not automatically mean that you have a gas supply for your cooker. Always check beforehand.

An all gas cooker has just that, a gas oven and a gas hob. Gas cookers are a popular choice for many people as they are easy to use and are very controllable. The ability to easily turn down gas hobs means that you have full control over your cooking and you can quickly change from boiling to simmering if need be. A gas oven is zoned, hotter at the top and cooler at the base enabling you to cook different dishes at the same time. If you enjoy baking then you may prefer a gas oven as gas naturally gives off moisture which will help you to produce moist cakes and breads. Gas cookers are currently cheaper to run than any other cookers, but are not always the most energy efficient. Gas hobs Gas hobs are the most popular type of hob as they are easy to control due to the visible flame. They are popular because they heat up instantly. Gas hobs are not expensive to buy, so if you’re after a standard hob that is simple to use and cheap to fuel then a gas hob could be the one for you. You can also get gas on glass hobs which is a gas burner on top of glass. They are easier to clean – they are also slightly more expensive than a traditional gas hob and you may think they look more stylish.

Grills The type of grill will vary with the cooker you choose and can be electric or gas, there are three main types of grill to choose from: fixed, variable and twin grills. Fixed - This type of grill allows you to move the food on the grill higher or lower to control the cooking; the cooking element is normally situated at the top of the oven. Variable – This grill allows you to control the cooking temperature depending on what you are cooking, so that you can start off with a high heat and then reduce it until the food is cooked. Dual circuit – This grill gives you the option of using the full width of the grill or just half of the grill. The half grill option allows you to cook a small meal or snack without wasting energy by heating up the full grill. If you tend to grill and cook at the same time then you may want a single oven with a separate grill compartment or a double oven as this will allow you to grill, cook or bake at the same time. Fan grilling is usually done in the oven with the door closed and is ideal for cooking items like large pork chops or salmon steaks. Timers Most cookers come with a timer and a digital clock so that you can time how long your delicious food should be cooked for. There are two types of timers: Minute minder – You set the cooking time needed and then once the set time is up an alarm will go off to remind you that your food is cooked – simple! Programmable oven – This timer allows you to set the start and end time for your cooking so if you’re at work but your food needs two hours to cook, your auto timer will start the cooking process so that it’s ready for you when you get in. Timers are a great feature for a cooker if you are busy and need reminding to check the oven. Thanks to timers, cooking is made simpler. Flame Failure Device It is a legal requirement that all hobs are manufactured with an FSD installed. However, it’s still important that you double check with your retailer as you should not be able to buy a hob without an FSD, even if it’s just for the home. An FSD cuts of the gas supply if the flame goes out to prevent a gas leak.

The air in your kitchen needs to be filtered because of the moisture and odours caused by cooking - this is done by extracting and recirculating hoods. Cooker hoods are available in different sizes and styles so you can choose one that fits your cooker and suits your kitchen. Extraction hoods are often the preferred choice as they remove the grease and contaminated odours through a filter and vent it outside. However, you are only able to have an extraction hood if you have an outside wall. Recirculation hoods work in the same way as extraction hoods except the air is neutralised through filters which can be cleaned or replaced and then the clean air is passed back into the kitchen. Recirculation hoods can be installed anywhere. Before you decide on your cooker hood you should check that it fits your cooker – the bottom of the hood should be 75cm above the hob and a good cooker hood should change the air in your kitchen 12 times in an hour. Visor Hoods These are the most common and affordable, they are also ideal for small kitchens. Telescopic Hoods This hood has an extended section. Canopy Hoods This type of hood can be integrated into the wall or ceiling and does not take up much room. Integrated Hoods This type of hood is normally hidden behind a cupboard door so that it blends into the style of your kitchen, usually part of a fitted kitchen. Chimney Hoods Extend down from the ceiling but they still need a lot of space. Island Hoods If you have a free standing cooker in the middle of your kitchen then you’ll need an island hood as they hang from the ceiling.

Style And Size The type of cooker that you can buy will depend on the size and style of your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen in a flat then a large cooker may not be the best option, however if you’ve got a large kitchen and you’re a keen cook, a large centrepiece cooker may be the right one for you. It all depends on how much space you have. Before you start to look for your new cooker you should measure the space of where it will live, remember to leave enough space between the cooker and counter top and also enough space for the cooker door to open. Energy Efficiency While you want a cooker that will cook the best food, it is also important to try and be as energy efficient as possible to help save our planet. Cookers are graded A-G with A being the most efficient. Only ovens with C rating are available, anything over that is illegal so be sure to check, and look for A graded cookers if you can. Being energy efficient will not only help our planet but it will also help you save money on your fuel bills. Cleaning To ensure that your new cooker lasts as long as possible and looks brand new for a long time, it’s essential to keep it well maintained. Some cookers come equipped with self-cleaning ovens such as catalytic liners which clean the oven when it is at a high temperature and pyrolytic cleaning which clean the whole inside of the oven at 500 degrees – turning any dirt to ash that you can sweep away. Make an effort to clean your hob and oven regularly so that grime does not build up. Use cleaning products sparingly as they contain chemicals that can be corrosive and always wipe any residue away with a damp cloth. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Installation, Disposal And Recycling Always ensure that you get qualified professionals to install your cooking appliances. Gas cookers should be installed by a gas safe registered engineer and electric cookers should be installed by a qualified electrician. Some manufacturers offer to take your old cooker away when you buy a new one so make use of this service to help the environment. Never dispose of your appliances in the street.