Kitchen range advice.

Ader1

I've been looking at dual fuel kitchen ranges. I really need something with gas hobs and a wok burner. I visited Currys today and found that they had a couple of Rangemasters. A couple of Smegs, Kenwood and a Leisure. Looking at them there in the shop, the Rangemaster and Smeg felt the best quality with the Smeg coming in cheaper. Do you have any advice as to what to buy out of the above or possibly even another brand? I wouldn't really wnat to pay more than around £1500 but I would consider more at a push. Thank you.

CKdesigner

Hi

It really depends on what you want. If you just want to have a cooker that LOOKS pretty and more than a 'normal' cooker, and you really just want it to heat up nuggets and chips for the kids then a Rangemaster or Smeg will be fine.

But if you enjoy cooking and want a cooker that can support you with your creativity then really any range cooker from Curry's is going to leave you somewhat frustrated.

If you really want a range cooker that can fulfil it's promises then you will have to at least double your budget and the best range in this market by far is Lacanche.

Otherwise the best thing you can do with a £1,500 budget for cooking appliances is to look at built in ovens and a hob from the likes of Neff & Siemens. Obviously in doing this will need a certain amount of modifications to your kitchen, but it will be much better than any of the cheaper ranges you have mentioned.

CK

Ader1

Thank you for your advice. I hadn't hear of Laclanche before. I am looking at them now.

But if you enjoy cooking and want a cooker that can support you with your creativity then really any range cooker from Curry's is going to leave you somewhat frustrated.

If you really want a range cooker that can fulfil it's promises then you will have to at least double your budget and the best range in this market by far is Lacanche.

What do you feel that the Laclanche Ranges can do which the Rangemaster etc can't?

nearlyrich

I bought a pretty Italian range a few years ago, I rarely need two ovens but the first day I did the second oven (which was electric main one was gas) blew the electrics. I replaced it with a Cannon which has 2 full size gas ovens and 6 hob gas rings including a wok burner with support and two that work with a supplied griddle or it's also good for a fish kettle. I think it cost about £1600 maybe 7 or 8 years ago.

Waterlily24

I haven't heard of them either. Had a look for them and think they are quite ugly. (John Lewis)

CKdesigner

Hi

You really do need to want a cooker that is all about the performance rather than just having a cooker that looks 'pretty'.

There are virtually a million differences between a bottom end of the market range cooker (yes Rangemaster is bottom end) and a Lacanche, which I would describe as mid to top end. The main thing is that all the bottom end makes are designed and manufactured with the emphasis on the look and not what they do. So if you strip off the decoration on a low end range cooker you will find a very basic freestanding cooker that is far from being worth the money.

Where as a Lacanche has been created from the completely opposite mindset, where it is a proper commercial cooker that s then beautified for the domestic market. So as a proper commercial cooker it is extremely robust and reliable, will do all that you could possibly ask of it and probably outlast it's owner!

You also get the widest choice of sizes, colours and specification in the market by far, and with either the traditional or modern look.

Go and have a look at a Lacanche, open the doors and compare to a Rangemaster and you will see there is no comparison.

CK

Waterlily24

I would rather have an Aga and think they look good. I'm afraid I wouldn't buy a Lacanche.:o

Waterlily24

Meant to say that it's the switches (?) along the top that I don't like the rest looks OK.

Gastines3

Waiting on our fourth Rangemaster 900 Classic. First had one in France on Bottle gas and since returning to UK have had one in each new house. Very good cooker BUT--- Why have Rangemaster changed the pan holders so they they fit over the front and are very heavy to lift ? Also the rough cast finish is impossible to keep clean!! We make sure we get the shiny black enamel finish on pan holder that drops into the recess but I'm told they are shortly stopping that option.

Gloomendoom

Waterlily24 wrote: »

I would rather have an Aga and think they look good. I'm afraid I wouldn't buy a Lacanche.:o

We had a look at ranges available in Currys and the like and were really disappointed with the quality of everything that was on offer. Regardless of price, they all had a nasty tinny feel to them.

We were looking at Lacanche, and I do like them, but an Aga 6 came up at a price that we couldn't turn down. However, at full price, I would say that they are overpriced for the cooking facilities that they offer. They are rock solid though.

Ader1

Some interesting comments. Not too many positive one on the Rangemster as yet. Keep them coming. CKdesigner.....thanks for your input. What does CKdesigner mean?