Cookers

[JamesWoodhou]

I am about to purchase a new cooker. Unsure whether to buy one with a gas oven or electric oven.

Does anyone know which is the best for cooking with? Which is quickest and which is most energy efficient?

Also best brands to get would be helpful.

Thanks.

[don1]

If you decide on gas I can tell you which NOT to buy, Parkinson Cowan. We bought one 4yrs ago and already it's knackered, the bottom storage drawer hinges broke (cheap plastic things) within two months from new all the numbers on the dials had rubbed off despite the fact that my wife uses a top brand of "safe" cleaner, the ignition doesn't work.

In short they are a right load of crap, cost �450 which I dont see as much service for the money.

[Romaz]

Personally, I prefer a gas hob and an electric fan oven. I don't think there is much difference in energy consumption, but electric gives the most consistent oven heat, no hot spots etc, while gas hobs give instant heat control.  All ovens are different, so whichever one you get it will take time for you to work out the best time/settings combinations.  Bosch are good, but really just get the best you can afford.  Happy shopping 

[spudqueen]

Personally I love my gas oven. My mother-in-law has an electric oven and it's soooo slow cooking on the rings! I know a lot of people prefer a fan oven, but I find that a gas oven is perfect for me as I can cook things on different temperatures, hottest things at the top, cooler things at the bottom. I have a Stoves gas oven which I bought 8 1/2 years ago and it's only broken once (the thermostat in the oven went), which happened when we moved house. (Now I've said that it'll break down completely in a week!!).

[JamesWoodhou]

Thanks all for tips - fingers crossed I shall find something nice tomorrow!!

[KebabMeister]

I prefer gas too.  I have an electric at the moment and it's soooo difficult to get the temperature right on the hobs!  Grrrr!  I hate it, give me gas anyday!

[smee.tracey]

It's got to be gas

[ianess]

Definitely a gas hob and a fan-assisted electric oven.
One tip with the oven is after cooking is finished, leave the fan running on the lowest setting in order to dissipate the remaining heat. This stops the cabinet overheating with resultant smell of overheating wood.