Cooker Buying Guide: Gas, Electric or Dual Fuel?
A cooker is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen, combining an oven and hob in a single freestanding unit. Whether you are replacing an older appliance, updating a rental property or choosing a practical everyday cooking solution, the right cooker can make meal preparation simpler and more reliable.
One of the first decisions is which fuel type to choose. Gas, electric and dual fuel cookers each offer different benefits, and the best option will depend on how you cook, the connections available in your kitchen and the features that matter most to you.
In this guide, we explain the main differences between gas cookers, electric cookers and dual fuel cookers, along with the key features to compare before you buy.
What is a cooker?
A cooker is a freestanding appliance that combines a hob and oven in one unit. Unlike a separate built-in oven and hob, a cooker can be positioned as a single appliance, making it a practical option for many kitchens.
Cookers are commonly available in standard widths such as 50cm and 60cm, although exact dimensions vary by model. Many include multiple oven cavities, an integrated grill and four hob zones or burners, giving you a complete cooking setup in one appliance.
A cooker may be a good option if you:
- Want an all in one oven and hob appliance
- Are replacing an existing freestanding cooker
- Do not want separate built-in cooking appliances
- Need a practical everyday cooking solution
- Have a suitable space and the correct kitchen connections
You can explore the full range in our cookers collection.
Gas cookers
Gas cookers are a traditional and familiar choice for many households. They usually combine a gas hob with one or more oven cavities, giving you visible flame control on the hob and straightforward everyday cooking performance.
The gas hob is one of the main reasons people choose this type of cooker. The flame responds quickly when you turn the control up or down, which can be useful for simmering sauces, boiling water, frying and adjusting heat while cooking.
A gas cooker may suit you if you:
- Prefer cooking with a visible flame
- Want quick hob heat adjustment
- Use a wide range of cookware
- Like traditional, straightforward controls
- Already have a suitable gas connection in the kitchen
The main things to consider are installation and cleaning. Gas appliances need a suitable gas supply and should be installed by an appropriately qualified professional. Gas hobs also have pan supports and burner parts that need removing and cleaning, so they can require a little more maintenance than a smooth electric hob surface.
Browse our gas cookers if you prefer traditional hob control and flexible burner cooking.
Electric cookers
Electric cookers combine an electric oven with an electric hob. Many electric cookers use a ceramic hob, giving you a smooth surface that is usually easier to wipe clean than gas burners and pan supports.
Electric ovens are often chosen for consistent baking, roasting and grilling. Depending on the model, you may find features such as fan assisted cooking, multiple oven cavities, integrated grills and programmable timers.
An electric cooker may suit you if you:
- Want an all electric cooking appliance
- Prefer a smooth, easy clean hob surface
- Do not have or do not want to use a gas connection
- Want consistent oven performance for everyday meals
- Prefer simple, familiar controls
The main difference compared with gas is hob response. Electric ceramic hobs usually take longer to heat up and cool down than gas burners, so they may not feel as instant. However, they are practical, straightforward and often easier to clean, making them a popular everyday choice.
View our electric cookers if you want a practical fully electric option for your kitchen.
Dual fuel cookers
Dual fuel cookers combine a gas hob with an electric oven. This gives you the responsive control of gas on the hob, while the electric oven supports baking, roasting and grilling with consistent heat.
For many households, dual fuel offers a useful balance. You can use gas burners for fast hob control while relying on electric oven functions for everyday cooking, Sunday roasts, baking and larger meals.
A dual fuel cooker may suit you if you:
- Want the control of a gas hob
- Prefer an electric oven for baking and roasting
- Cook a wide variety of meals
- Want a versatile all-round cooker
- Have access to both gas and suitable electrical connections
The main thing to check is whether your kitchen has the correct services available. Dual fuel cookers usually need both gas and electrical connections, so installation requirements should be reviewed carefully before ordering.
Explore our dual fuel cookers for a flexible option that suits many everyday kitchens.
Gas vs electric vs dual fuel: quick comparison
As a simple guide:
- Choose gas if you like visible flame control and already have a suitable gas connection.
- Choose electric if you want a fully electric appliance with a practical oven and smooth hob surface.
- Choose dual fuel if you want a gas hob combined with electric oven performance.
For many customers, gas is the familiar traditional option, electric is the straightforward fully electric choice, and dual fuel is the flexible middle ground for households that want the benefits of both.
What size cooker do you need?
Size is one of the most important practical decisions when buying a cooker. Many cookers are designed to fit standard spaces, but you should always check the exact product dimensions before ordering.
Common cooker widths include 50cm and 60cm. A 50cm cooker can be useful where space is limited, while a 60cm model may offer more room across the hob and oven cavities. The best choice depends on your kitchen layout, the available gap and how much cooking space you need.
Before choosing a cooker, check:
- The width, height and depth of the available space
- Whether nearby cabinets, drawers or doors could obstruct the appliance
- That oven doors can open fully
- That the required gas or electrical connections are available
- Any manufacturer guidance on clearance, ventilation and installation
Single, twin cavity or double oven?
Cookers can vary in oven layout. Some models have a single oven cavity, while others include a separate grill, twin cavity design or two oven sections. The right option depends on how you cook day to day.
A single oven may be enough for smaller households or simple everyday meals. A twin cavity or double oven cooker gives you more flexibility, especially if you want to cook different dishes at the same time or use the grill separately from the main oven.
If you regularly cook family meals, batch cook or prepare several dishes at once, a cooker with multiple cavities may be the more practical choice.
Features to compare before buying
Hob type
Gas hobs offer visible flame control and quick heat adjustment. Electric ceramic hobs provide a smooth surface that is easier to wipe clean. Dual fuel models combine a gas hob with electric oven cooking.
Oven capacity
Check the oven capacity and layout, especially if you regularly cook larger meals. Total capacity can be useful, but the shape and usability of each cavity also matter.
Grill function
An integrated or separate grill can be useful for toast, quick meals, browning dishes and everyday cooking. A separate grill cavity can make the cooker more flexible.
Timer and controls
Clear controls make a cooker easier to use. Some models include programmable timers, which can help with everyday cooking and meal planning.
Cleaning features
Look for easy-clean enamel, removable oven glass, smooth hob surfaces or other cleaning features where available. Ceramic electric hobs are generally easier to wipe down than gas burner arrangements, although spills should still be cleaned carefully.
Pan supports and burner layout
For gas and dual fuel cookers, check the burner layout and pan supports. Different burner sizes can be useful if you regularly use a mix of small pans, large pots and frying pans.
Energy rating
Energy ratings can help you compare oven efficiency. Choosing the right size and using suitable cooking functions can also make a difference to everyday running costs.
Colour and finish
Cookers are often available in finishes such as white, black, stainless steel or silver. Choose a finish that works with your kitchen and other appliances.
Installation considerations
Before ordering a cooker, check the installation requirements carefully. The fuel type must match your kitchen setup, and some appliances may require professional fitting or a suitable dedicated electrical supply.
Gas and dual fuel cookers need a suitable gas connection. Electric and dual fuel cookers may require an appropriate cooker circuit rather than a standard plug socket, depending on the model.
It is also worth checking delivery access into the property. Measure doorways, hallways, tight corners and kitchen entrances to make sure the appliance can be delivered safely into place.
Before delivery and installation, consider:
- Whether the fuel type matches your kitchen connections
- Whether the electrical supply is suitable for the model
- Whether a qualified installer is required
- Whether the old appliance needs disconnecting or removing
- Whether there is safe access for delivery
- Whether the appliance needs any fitting accessories or stability support
Find out more about our installation and connection services.
Do you need a cooker hood?
If you are replacing or upgrading a cooker, it is also worth thinking about extraction. Cooking can produce steam, odours and grease, especially when frying, boiling or using several burners at once.
A suitable cooker hood can help keep the kitchen more comfortable and reduce cooking smells. The right style will depend on your kitchen layout, the position of the cooker and whether you need ducted extraction or recirculation.
You can explore our cooker hoods if you are planning a wider cooking appliance update.
Which cooker is best for you?
The best cooker is the one that matches both your cooking style and your kitchen connections.
If you enjoy traditional hob cooking and want instant visual heat control, a gas cooker may be the right choice. If you want a straightforward fully electric appliance with a smooth hob surface, an electric cooker is likely to be more suitable. If you want gas hob control with the benefits of an electric oven, dual fuel may offer the best balance.
Final thoughts
A cooker is a practical, everyday appliance, so it is worth taking time to compare fuel type, size, oven layout, hob style and installation requirements. The right model should fit your kitchen, suit your cooking habits and provide enough flexibility for the meals you make most often.
Explore our full range of cookers, including gas cookers, electric cookers and dual fuel cookers, to find the best option for your kitchen.