Advice on gas cookers vs dual fuel cookers + any makes/models

funnelweb

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what sort of cooker I should get. I enjoy cooking although haven't done much in my lifetime but hope to do lots more with my own cooker.

I absolutely love baking although have only ever used gas ovens and except for when I used to go to baking classes, my cakes tend to come out a little soggy or too dry or they burn.

I was told my oven was maybe contributing to it (as well as my skills) and that I should try electric but I've seen reviews of people complaining that electric ovens dry out your cakes and food.

I've been to Curry's and couldn't decide what I liked. Something I noticed a lot was that even the cookers that were highly priced, the burner racks were really flimsy and people complained the pots and pans slipping or falling off (I noticed that with my OH's one but he has a really cheap cooker anyway). I only found one Belling cooker that had good burner racks on the hobs but it wasn't a good enough reason on it's own to buy it and still more flimsy than my Mum's Belling cooker that she bought 10 years ago.

So I'm really not sure whether I should get a gas cooker or dual fuel (gas hob, electric oven) and would appreciate any advice on which type you prefer and why? In particular, if you are into baking, which you found works better.

I'd also appreciate any advice on where to buy from and any particular makes/model. I can only have anything upto 60cm so range cookers aren't an option for me. And my budget is up to £600 although realistically I would want to spend between £300 to £500.

Jonesya

From a money saving perspective - gas all the way!

Ovens use quite a bit of energy and electricity is more than 3x the cost of gas, so if you're doing a lot of baking then gas will save you significant money in the long run.