majorbloodnock Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 "The time has come", the Walrus said, "to talk of many things." "Of shoes and ships, and sealing wax; of cabbages and kings." ....and of finally replacing a mortally wounded range cooker. Our current one is a Britannia range cooker, and has been a dreadful experience, so we won't be replacing like with like. However, we've been looking at alternatives and are now seriously confused. Our needs are pretty straightforward, but it seems ranges are differentiated by gadgets that are of no interest to us. Add in the fact that several brands are just rebadged versions of sister company products and the plethora of conflicting review advice and it's now seemingly impossible to work out what will really be good value for money. Hey, ho.... OK, to work. Below are our important criteria. 90cm wide Reliable A hobtop area that covers the complete 90cm x 60cm so each burner has as much room as possible (I tend to use fairly big pans, and can't stand having them getting in each other's way). Reliable Dual fuel Reliable Two ovens and (preferably) a separate grill. Reliable. Timer so we can get an oven to turn on at a prearranged time. Oh, and reliable We don't care about fancy brand names, griddles, wok cradles and such like; if they're part of the package, then so be it, but we wouldn't spend any extra to get them. We'd love the ovens to be easy to clean, but it seems as if fancy liners are extra expense that still leaves one having to clean the bits the liners don't cover. We don't want a lid, because we rarely have the hobtop completely clear, so it'd just get in the way. We definitely want to be able to rely on the company delivering when it says it will, and if, despite best efforts to buy something generally accepted to be of good quality, something still goes wrong then after-sales service is very important. We've looked at a couple of Belling ranges, and they somehow just feel a little flimsy. Ditto Stoves. In theory, a fairly standard Rangemaster seems to tick all the boxes, but I know some people don't seem to rate the Aga group, although I don't know why. Budget is around £1,000, although we could probably stretch to about £1,500 if there was a seriously good reason for spending the extra. Our stake in the ground, therefore, is a Rangemaster Kitchener 90, currently at Curry's on offer at about £1,100. All thoughts, suggestions, experiences and recommendations gratefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 We got a basic serviced Rayburn second hand for £1000 from ebay, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 My little sis has a Rangemaster , but it is the huge one, she's had it a good few years now. ( we don't live close so i don't see it in action often.) She seems more than happy with it , as she entertains frequently and is always cooking . She bought this when the Aga in the cottage went about face. I think it is the professional 110 , grill double oven warming drawer . Her only grumble is about cleaning it and the amount of food people eat .....i told her to cook less, but she is never sure how many buisness guests may turn up, so always makes plenty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 (edited) I have a Rangemaster & I love it. It is a smaller one,the sort of size you mention above, & it is called a Toledo - it is duel fuel too. I would have another one in an instant ....the only hiccup we had was when an element in the grill went,but we bought a new one online & fitted it ourselves,for little cost & minimal effort. Mine has 2 ovens,a large one & a long slim one (I can't tell you how handy it is to have 2,especially at Christmas!) & also has a separate grill,which was something that was really important to me. I can't see the point of a cooker without a separate grill myself The timer is simple to use & I can also delay the start of the cooking,to suit my needs. I remember at the time that it was the only one that felt as if it had a bit of guts behind it - I can't bear flimsy doors It is 90cm,I think,& it is in brushed steel which doesn't mark as much as shiny steel does. We were lucky - I decided I wanted it then found a chap who had won one in a competition,selling it brand new on ebay...we got it for a song! The BIG ring on the left is perfect for fast boiling,jams,casseroles,stir frys & so forth. it also has a nice heave griddle going over the 2 burners on the far left., & a wok holder for the big burner. And yes,it is reliable too Edited August 29, 2012 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I have a Stoves Range, but I don't think I'd recommend them. My ovens (Gas) won't light themselves any more (its 4 years old) which means I need a match and can no longer use the timer function which is a pain. I'm hoping I'll still get a good number of years out of mine, but it is annoying that I have lost some functionality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I have the 90cm dual fuel Leisure range cooker below; it is fantastic and easily handles Christmas lunch for 10 people. Can't praise it highly enough, I especially like that it has 3 ovens and is very easy to clean. I got a Rangemaster hood from Ebay to go with it as the style fitted in with my kitchen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted August 29, 2012 Author Share Posted August 29, 2012 Thanks to all who've replied so far. @lilybettybabs, the kitchen is only fairly small, so unfortunately it'd get too hot in the summer with a Rayburn on, so sadly we've ruled both them and Agas off the list. @spacechick, that's really useful to know. Although we didn't have to wait as long as you for the first things to start going wrong on our current range cooker, we went through exactly what you're describing - a slow deterioration - and we're keen to avoid that this time around. We'd far rather have something basic that lasts than something built on the cheap in order to shoehorn the extra gadgets in. I wasn't sure if Belling and Stoves were upmarket enough to avoid this problem, but from what you're describing perhaps not. @cinnamon and angie, at least it sounds as if my and my wife's instincts are about right. However, we're still having trouble trying to work out what separates the various Rangemaster models so as to justify the difference in prices. Any ideas, or is it just a matter of calling something "deluxe", throwing in an extra griddle or so and adding another couple of hundred quid to the price? @DM, do you know if Leisure are part of the same group as Rangemaster? It's a bit difficult to tell from reading the "about us" bits on the web sites. It looks as if the range you've posted is very similar in spec to the Rangemaster we've given as our stake in the ground, but on offer at a slightly cheaper price. If it has a similar feel to it and the build quality is there then it's a very tempting alternative, and at very least a good way for us to avoid us being locked into a choice of one. Did you look at other cookers as well when you made a choice? What decided you on the Leisure over any others? Thanks, and keep the comments coming..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 ... @DM, do you know if Leisure are part of the same group as Rangemaster? It's a bit difficult to tell from reading the "about us" bits on the web sites. It looks as if the range you've posted is very similar in spec to the Rangemaster we've given as our stake in the ground, but on offer at a slightly cheaper price. If it has a similar feel to it and the build quality is there then it's a very tempting alternative, and at very least a good way for us to avoid us being locked into a choice of one. Did you look at other cookers as well when you made a choice? What decided you on the Leisure over any others? I looked at cookers on the basis of size (had to be 90cm), dual fuel, build quality (had to feel robust and solid), reviews (spoke to friends and checked reviews online) and lastly but quite important, it had to be of a style that fitted in with my kitchen; I have a Victorian house and had reinstated the original black and red quarry tiles and wanted something with the right 'feel'. I don't know if they are anything to do with Rangemaster but I'd also noticed the similarity in some models. I chose mine by narrowing it down online then going out to look at them in the flesh as it were. I had a couple of questions which Leisure answered very ably by phone and I was impressed with their service at the time although I ordered through another online retailer. I have been very pleased with it; it's solidly built (weighs a ton!) and performs very well on all levels. My only complaint is that the grill is very nippy so you have to keep your eye on it. I haven't used the supplied plate warming rack, but that's about it. My model is the Leisure CMTF94C which I bought from appliancesonline in December 2009 and it has done very well indeed. I hope this helps and would love to know what you decide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Aga's are the ones that you have to leave on, Rayburns are used just like a normal cookers but they heat your water and you switch it onto heating in the winter. We only have to buy one tank of oil a year too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 Aga's are the ones that you have to leave on, Rayburns are used just like a normal cookers but they heat your water and you switch it onto heating in the winter. We only have to buy one tank of oil a year too LBB doesn't have a massive kitchen and it doesn't seem too hot in there with the Rayburn installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 For me,it was about build quality - good solid doors,it feels solid & like it will last a good while. I cannot bear flimsy doors that don't clunk shut well. I was willing to wait a good year with my rubbish old tiny cooker in a large range sized hole,to save up for this one...........I just hit it lucky with getting one for a remarkable price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I have the Rangemaster Classic Delux Duel Fuel 90cms - I love the hob and the 2 ovens, I have had to watch what oven trays I buy as not all will fit the tall slim oven. My bug bear is the grill, the height of the pan isn't adjustable and therefore thick steaks or chops are usually too close to the grill element. The wire rack in the grill pan can be turned over to increase the space but I still don't think it is enough. We bought the non stick liners that rangemaster do specifcally for their oven and I have been very happy with them. I do miss the pyrolytic cleaning system on my old oven though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 We've recently bought a replacement Rayburn & hubby has got to fit it soon - before the weather turns cold. Brilliant as you can turn it on & off & it heats the radiators & the hot water. I'm wondering if you are after a modern looking type of range cooker though? I've heard a lot of people talk of Rangemaster. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 29, 2012 Share Posted August 29, 2012 I've found the Leisure cooker very easy to clean and if I'm cooking loads then I use Lakeland liners in the bottom. The cast iron griddle is fantastic for homemade burgers and the like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miffy Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Some time ago, I was considering buying a new cooker. My research showed that a lot of brands are owned by Aga group, I as I won't have anything to do with them it severely limited my choice Aga group own...Fired Earth, Rayburn, Stanley, Divertimenti, Falcon, Grange (furniture, French) , Rangemaster, Mercury (I liked these until I saw who owned them ), Leisure, La Corune, Redfyre. You may like to consider Everhot cookers www.everhot.co.uk there is an interesting thread here http://www.allaboutyou.com/community/forums/thread/1477400?page=last#post18002071 hope that works. I would certainly give them a serious consideration. Happy hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 Some time ago, I was considering buying a new cooker. My research showed that a lot of brands are owned by Aga group, I as I won't have anything to do with them it severely limited my choice Aga group own...Fired Earth, Rayburn, Stanley, Divertimenti, Falcon, Grange (furniture, French) , Rangemaster, Mercury (I liked these until I saw who owned them ), Leisure, La Corune, Redfyre. You may like to consider Everhot cookers www.everhot.co.uk there is an interesting thread here http://www.allaboutyou.com/community/forums/thread/1477400?page=last#post18002071 hope that works. I would certainly give them a serious consideration. Happy hunting. Thanks for that, Miffy. Now this is a case in point. You've expressed a dislike of the Aga group, but unfortunately I don't know what there is to dislike. Could you possibly let me know what they do or have done that makes them worth avoiding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 have you seen the price of Everhot cookers?! The equivalent to mine costs £5k!!!!! Plus they only seem to have electric hobs whereas I prefer to use pans on gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 have you seen the price of Everhot cookers?! The equivalent to mine costs £5k!!!!! Plus they only seem to have electric hobs whereas I prefer to use pans on gas. Actually I did have a look at Everhot a while ago. They're expensive compared with more conventional cookers, but put up against Aga and Rayburn, they appear to be a relatively affordable option. Admittedly at that price, we wouldn't be buying new, and I haven't looked into secondhand prices. I suppose it all hinges on how desirable you view the indirect method of cooking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 I'm assuming from Miffy's post that she's got some ethical reason for not using Aga, rather than just the price - I'm intrigued to know. Must admit I didn't know they owned all those other companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miffy Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Hi, my issues with Aga group began when I booked them to service my aging and temperamental Aga. I had to pay up front (well over £100) and they couldn't service it for 2-3 months.....I do not expect to have to pay up front and wait all that time. This fee covered the call out and a "look see" as I understood it, ant work would cost extra. The engineer arrived, on time, and looked, did a smoke test and condemned the Aga. He told us a load of horror stories about CO poisoning, and said it would cost loads of money to have the work done through Aga. He kept telling us he knew someone locally who would do it all much cheaply (I think he meant himself). We had a CO monitor that has never alarmed. We asked him to get Aga to send us a quote, he went away and we never heard from Aga again. We were left with no cooking facilities and no hot water for 2 weeks...had to buy a microwave for cooking. Then we got an independant guy around who found no problems, it just needed a good service. We have had poor service from their "customer service" dept before!!! When I researched replacement range cookers I noticed that Aga seem to be buying up all the independent makers of cookers, as if they are trying to wipe out any competition, Redfyre being the latest. In my research I found that there are a lot of issues with the newer Aga and rayburn cookers, you will soon find them if you google, no wonder their sales are well down last year. I guess in a nutshell I just dont like poor customer service, rip off prices and products which are poorer quality than I would expect. (flimsy doors on cookers for example). I choose not to support this group of companies. I will jump off my soap box now....sorry for the rant I would love a dual fuel cooker but couldnt afford to have gas laid to come out here..lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted August 30, 2012 Author Share Posted August 30, 2012 Thanks for the explanation. I realise that Aga and Rangemaster operate relatively separately (in a similar way to VW and Audi, for instance), so customer service may be different. However, tales like these add considerably to the picture we're building up, so are useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinning Top Posted August 30, 2012 Share Posted August 30, 2012 Oh dear ladies, what have you started me off on now.... I've been hanging my nose over a Rayburn (not literally, that might be messy) for years and thought that our boiler being on it's last legs might twist OH's arm. Unfortunately I can't find a local dealer who will supply a reconditioned unit, or an independant service engineer. We bit the bullet and got a quote from Fired Earth. £5,500 purchase price seems steep anyway but when the installation cost was going to be over £6K (i.e £13,000 for a cooker!) we decided the kitchen refit will have to wait and will not include a Rayburn. Hadn't seen the Rangemasters before - I feel a trip to the showroom coming on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I would love a dual fuel cooker but couldnt afford to have gas laid to come out here..lol You can get dual fuel using LPG - we have one but because the space we needed to fit a replacement was 800mm we only had a choice of 2 We chose the Stoves one and have been really pleased with it. We have a bulk tank for LPG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miffy Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 ooh thats interesting, I didnt know you could do that. Does it use much LPG? what size tank do you need? I see a google session coming!!!lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 How's it going Major? I know you're miles away, but if you find yourself in Oxfordshire then let me know; you'd be most welcome to do a test run on the Leisure range. Just found some old photos from when the kitchen was WiP: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
