Kitchen appliances such as cookers, dishwashers and fridges are some of the most expensive items bought for the home. Making the wrong purchase can be costly and so with the huge number of products available the prospect of making the right choice is a daunting one. Not only do you have to select the right brand and model but choose the right design and color. Gone are the days when kitchen appliances were just another white box, now they must be part of the room. Even dazzling yellows and blues or muted pastels are available to special order.
First you must decide if you want a free standing cooker or a separate oven and hob which can be built in option is more convenient because the oven can be sited at waist level or built under the work surface if cupboard space is short. The hob can be positioned at the most convenient site: most only take up the depth of the work surface. You can also mix fuel types, combining a gas hob with an electric oven, for example. However, built in is always dearer than free standing. If you have the space, a range style cooker is another option. These imitate the ranges of old, having side by side ovens, a separate grill and warming drawer.