Technology-rich range cookers with stunning good looks are increasingly sought-after – Nicola Hanley looks at the latest launches and gets the low-down on the state of the market.
“Range cookers are still seen as the iconic piece in a kitchen. For those who love entertaining, there’s nothing quite like the culinary theatre of a luxury range,” says Jenny Hyatt, sales and marketing director at Middleby Residential, which is the parent company of La Cornue. “Homeowners are looking for handcrafted pieces that offer a combination of superb design and build quality alongside functionality that would be at home in a chef’s kitchen.”
Tom Harris, sales director of KitchenEX, the UK supplier of Italian brand Ilve, says there has been an increase in demand for multifunctional range cookers with smart features and that more buyers are investing in premium models since the pandemic. “Many consumers are opting for a luxury range cooker and use this as the inspiration for their whole kitchen colour scheme.”
Lucy Dunstan, Smeg’s product manager, agrees. “We are seeing a trend towards investments in higher-quality appliances with multi-purpose features.” She also notes the consumer preference for matching appliances to create a coherent kitchen design.
“When it comes to style, consumers are looking for designs that complement their kitchen’s aesthetic,” says Kathryn Lowe, marketing manager at Aga. “This might be a sleek, minimalist look – such as the new glass Aga Era – or a more traditional cast-iron model.”
Tom Harris says that KitchenEX is currently seeing a surge in popularity of more classical designs: “For the first time since Ilve UK launched 11 years ago, traditionally-styled range cookers are significantly out-selling their contemporary counterparts.”
As the trend for personalisation in the kitchen continues to grow, homeowners are also increasingly embracing colour, which has resulted in manufacturers offering range cookers in a plethora of shades and luxury finishes. “Range cookers serve as the perfect canvas to add that splash of colour and allow for individual expression,” says Robert Stein, product manager for appliances at Rangemaster. “Our Earth Collection palette, especially Mineral Green, continues to resonate with homeowners for its calming ‘bringing the outdoors inside’ feel.”
Dark earthy tones are proving popular at Smeg, which has recently launched its Matte Black finish for an elegant aesthetic.
Across the board manufacturers agree that in terms of technology, induction has become big news. “Induction range cookers are the only fuel sector still growing in value,” says Steve Dickson, head of marketing at Glen Dimplex Home Appliances. “When consumers reinvest in this category, they are looking for technology that is safer, smarter, faster and greener.”
Rangemaster is also seeing sales of electric range cookers with induction hobs grow ‘significantly’ year-on-year. It’s a similar story for KitchenEx’s Tom Harris although, he says, induction is still not as popular as gas: “Gas is still favoured in the UK with 70% of range cookers featuring these hobs.”
This could change over the coming year suggests Rangemaster’s Robert Stein. “Over the next year or so, the shift towards induction hobs will be much greater as consumers become more educated on the practical and efficiency benefits that the fuel type can offer.”
Glen Dimplex Home Appliances’ Steve Dickson agrees. “Induction technology will continue to improve and also reduce in cost based on scale and more efficient manufacturing methods so it is a market that will continue to grow.”
It’s an exciting time for the range cooker market, which is “poised for further innovation” according to Aga’s Kathryn Lowe. “We can expect to see advances in eco-friendly design and functionality, as well as options to create a more bespoke feel,” she says.
