Some of the cookers we've tested have ovens that wildly overshoot the temperature you've set on the dial, or grills that leave half your food uncooked and the other half charred. Use our detailed cooker reviews to take the hard work out of choosing and discover the best cookers for baking, boiling and grilling.
Freestanding or fitted cooker?
Now some people absolutely know that they want a range cooker and for others there is no question that they need integrated eye-level ovens, but what about the rest of us sitting in the middle and looking for answers. We regularly get asked whether it would be better to opt for a freestanding or a fitted cooker so here are a few handy tips to help you with decide.
Well the first question is really one of cost; which is the least expensive approach? Or putting it another way; which is the most cost effective approach? Well we would argue that a freestanding cooker is the most cost effective way forward because although the cookers themselves may be more expensive, I mean there is more to them; more stainless steel to wrap around all those visible parts, they actually require less in the way of kitchen furniture. What I mean is a fitted oven requires not only a whole cabinet to fit your oven into but also an extra 60cm of worktop typically with a hob cut-out too.
There are other questions too, I mean what about if you don’t plan to stay in your house for too long; are you buying a cooker to add value to your home when you sell it or is it worth taking it with you? Well some cookers and particularly ranges are designed to last a lifetime and it is worth taking these with you when you move. The fabulously designed Everhot cookers are a good example; their classic 60cm model, running entirely on electricity and using such low power they plug in with a standard 13 amp plug, then why not take it with you when you move. The other big advantage of course it that your Everhot will also provide you with heating for your home during the colder months.
Well the first question is really one of cost; which is the least expensive approach? Or putting it another way; which is the most cost effective approach? Well we would argue that a freestanding cooker is the most cost effective way forward because although the cookers themselves may be more expensive, I mean there is more to them; more stainless steel to wrap around all those visible parts, they actually require less in the way of kitchen furniture. What I mean is a fitted oven requires not only a whole cabinet to fit your oven into but also an extra 60cm of worktop typically with a hob cut-out too.
There are other questions too, I mean what about if you don’t plan to stay in your house for too long; are you buying a cooker to add value to your home when you sell it or is it worth taking it with you? Well some cookers and particularly ranges are designed to last a lifetime and it is worth taking these with you when you move. The fabulously designed Everhot cookers are a good example; their classic 60cm model, running entirely on electricity and using such low power they plug in with a standard 13 amp plug, then why not take it with you when you move. The other big advantage of course it that your Everhot will also provide you with heating for your home during the colder months.
Finally; how about what looks better visually? Well traditionally a freestanding cooker is a more suitable look for a traditional kitchen and integrated ovens work better in more contemporary spaces but what we realise is that this should not necessarily be governed by whether your home is of a traditional or contemporary style. For a truly bespoke kitchen that is unique to you then have a go at mixing up your styles because trust me; it does work!
Designing a kitchen from scratch? Considering a new kitchen for a period home or perhaps creating a kitchen for an open-plan space? Offering flexibility in the most important room of the house, freestanding kitchens may today be a rarer sight in our homes than fitted designs, but, until the latter part of the 19th century, they were the only choice. Here's how to design yours.
The kitchen as we know it evolved from Georgian and Victorian kitchen designs, when running water was first made available in homes, and stoves were invented. Mass-produced iron goods, such as hobs, made cooking much easier, and baking became popular. Prior to this, kitchens were ramshackle, often multipurpose spaces, where pots and pans were tidied away so the room could be used as a sleeping or eating space.
Now the epitome of smart design, our 'engine rooms' are not only required to be as functional and practical as commercial kitchens, but are also used for entertaining, homeworking and family time.
Kitchen islands:
Why is a freestanding kitchen a good choice?
- In an old home in particular, if you are looking for authenticity, freestanding is the best choice. Old kitchens would not have had fitted kitchens so a traditional look is much more achievable with freestanding dressers, larders and wall-mounted plate racks.
- Old homes rarely have straight walls which can complicate installing a fitted kitchen.
- In a smaller cottage kitchen, freestanding furniture can offer versatility and allow you to rearrange the space as needed.
- In a contemporary home, a freestanding kitchen will look more laid-back than its fitted, high gloss counterparts.
- A fitted kitchen will set you back a few thousand — freestanding items are more affordable and can be mixed and matched for a high-end kitchen on a budget. You can also source secondhand and antique items for a truly unique kitchen.
- Freestanding furniture can be moved if a space is remodelled, or even taken with you if you move. This makes it worth investing in quality pieces.
Larders and dressers:
What pieces should you look for to create your kitchen?
Larders are also becoming the mainstay of a freestanding design, to add to the traditional ‘cook’s kitchen’ feel. Companies are adapting these to include hideaway storage areas for kettles and toasters, for clutter-free worktops, or even fitting them with marble surfaces inside for pastry making or as hidden food preparation areas.
Vintage Welsh dressers are perfect if you have a big enough space. The shelves can be used to display your favourite kitchenware, while the cupboards provide space to hide away clutter.
Open shelving or plate racks can be added elsewhere for additional kitchen storage. Wood is a classic choice, but stainless steel versions create a low-maintenance, industrial look.
A moveable kitchen island or butcher’s block can be used to increase workspace as needed. When prepping food, a surface that can be moved from the sink to cooker can be very useful.
Accessories in freestanding kitchens include towel rails and chopping board trays, cleverly stored on kitchen island units. Wine racks are popular, too, to make this area of the room more of a hub for entertaining instead of being purely functional.
Sideboards:
Sourcing a reclaimed butcher’s block
Authentic and with plenty of original features, a reclaimed butcher’s block will have a unique character and patina that you just don’t get with a new one. The wood gets better with age: some people oil them to keep them looking pristine, some will use chopping boards on top to protect them, and others will just use them as intended to give them even more character.
Daniel Newton, part of the UK Architectural Antiques (UKAA) team, which hand-makes butcher's block bases to any specification, advises:
What do I need to consider when buying a butcher's block?
Look for a butcher’s block that has been fairly well maintained. A lot of them have a wavy appearance and you can tell they have had a lot of use from where the meat has been cut up and then the block rubbed down to clean it afterwards.
You can get quite flat ones, too, that haven’t been used as much, but these are fairly rare. Sizes range from 2ft–6ft long and they are usually 2ft deep. A lot of butchers’ blocks date from the turn of the century, usually made of maple and are built up of smaller blocks, not one solid piece.
They have iron bars running through them, which enable you to tighten them up if they start coming apart, with brackets on the corners. You should avoid a butcher’s block if it looks damp at all. Some online sellers only show images of the top and you can’t see what the underneath looks like where there could be missing pieces or signs of rot, so always check all sides before purchasing.
How do I maintain a butcher's block?
- Allow a new block to dry out completely in a warm environment before restoring it.
- You may need to re-tighten the block as it dries out.
- Patch any gaps by glueing in wedges of wood, cutting down and sanding to fill the gaps.
- Oil with linseed, walnut or almond oil once a month.
- Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth after use and avoid use of harsh detergents which will dry the wood out.
What should I expect to pay for a reclaimed butcher’s block?
This will depend on size and quality. Expect to pay around:
- £450-£500 for a good quality, 2ftx2ft block fully refurbished.
- For a much larger block, up to 6ftx2-2½ft, you could be looking at around £2,000.
- If it’s especially flat and in good condition it could go for around the £2,200 mark – bear in mind that they are an investment piece.
Butchers blocks and trolleys:
Campingaz Barbecue Plancha Metal Serving Trolley - Black
Recommended Retailer
Eddingtons Lambourn 3 Drawer Beech Wood Butcher's Trolley
How to design a freestanding kitchen
When you're planning a freestanding kitchen, follow all the rules you would for designing a fitted kitchen, but very much bear in mind the look you want to create – use our favourite freestanding kitchens for inspiration.
A freestanding kitchen is very easy to design yourself. Some people will opt for a few fitted units, and supplement the kitchen with freestanding pieces over time. This is a great way to spread the cost over time if you're designing a stylish kitchen on a budget.
If you do design your own kitchen, try an online tool. Be sure to measure the space thoroughly beforehand, including where doors and windows are located.
Consider how the room is going to be used, too — is it a space for entertaining as well as cooking in? It’s also a good idea to write a wishlist of priorities, highlighting which aspects of the kitchen are most important.
Which colour for your freestanding kitchen?
Freestanding kitchens invariably have a painted finish – ideal if you're fitting your kitchen yourself and want to paint the kitchen cabinetry to suit your colour scheme.
Grey is a continuing trend for freestanding kitchens — it’s timeless. Bolder, more experimental colours are also popular, as well as individual pieces, such as the kitchen island, painted in contrasting shades. If your tastes are more demure, choose items in several shades of the same colour. Or, include a kitchen island unit made from unpainted wood in the centre of the kitchen, which creates a less utilitarian look.
Contacts for freestanding kitchens
- British Standard (020 7870 7688)
- Creamery Kitchens (01935 434700)
- Devol (01509 261000)
- Eastburn Country Furniture (01535 656297)
- Fired Earth (01295 814396)
- Ikea (020 3645 0000)
- The Freestanding Kitchen Company (01787 223297)
- Garden Trading (0845 608 4448)
- John Lewis of Hungerford (0700 278 4726)
- The Kitchen Dresser Company (01782 575565)
- Kit Stone(0370 777 0099)
- The Main Furniture Company (01423 330451)
- Marks & Spencer (0333 014 8000)
- Sweetpea & WIllow (0845 257 2627)