How to Choose the Right Cooker: Electric, Gas, Dual-Fuel & Induction Explained
The Cooker as the Heart of the Kitchen
Few appliances matter more to daily life than the cooker. Whether you are preparing quick weekday meals, long Sunday roasts, or experimenting with new recipes, the cooker sits at the centre of every kitchen. Choosing the right type is therefore one of the most important decisions for any household. Yet with the wide range of options available in 2025, the choice can feel overwhelming. Should you go for a traditional gas cooker, a modern electric model, the increasingly popular induction hob, or a hybrid dual-fuel option that promises the best of both worlds?
Each technology has its strengths, and each comes with potential drawbacks. This guide explains the differences, compares the pros and cons, and helps you decide which type of cooker best suits your household, your budget, and your style of cooking. By the end, you will understand not only the technical details but also the practical implications for everyday life in a UK kitchen.
Electric Cookers: Reliable and Widely Available
Electric cookers are a common sight in UK homes. They are straightforward to use, widely available at all price points, and easy to install in most properties. Electric ovens tend to provide steady, even heat that is ideal for baking and roasting. Modern fan-assisted designs distribute heat evenly, making it easier to achieve consistent results without worrying about hot spots.
The hobs on electric cookers are usually either solid plate or ceramic glass. Solid plates are the more traditional option, durable but slower to heat and cool. Ceramic hobs, in contrast, heat up faster and provide a sleeker look, though they can be more prone to scratches. While electric cookers are generally reliable, they do have a few drawbacks. They are slower to respond to temperature changes than gas, and running costs can be higher depending on your energy tariff. Still, for many households, the balance of simplicity, price, and reliability makes electric a strong contender.
Gas Cookers: Traditional Control and Speed
Gas has long been the fuel of choice for British cooks, especially those who value precise control over hob temperatures. The ability to adjust the flame instantly is a key advantage, allowing you to move quickly between boiling, simmering, and frying. Gas cookers are also often cheaper to run, especially for households on mains gas supply, as unit prices remain lower than electricity in most regions.
Another advantage is resilience. In the event of a power cut, many gas cookers can still be lit manually, providing a measure of security that purely electric models cannot offer. On the downside, gas ovens tend to heat less evenly than electric ones, and some models may struggle with consistent baking results. Gas hobs also produce more heat into the kitchen, which can be uncomfortable in smaller spaces. Installation can be more complex too, particularly if you do not already have a gas line in place.
Dual-Fuel Cookers: The Best of Both Worlds?
For many cooks, the ideal solution is a dual-fuel cooker. These combine an electric oven with a gas hob, giving you the steady, even heat of electricity for baking and roasting, alongside the rapid response of gas for hob cooking. Dual-fuel models are particularly popular among serious home chefs who want flexibility and precision.
Dual-fuel cookers are available in a range of sizes, from standard 60 cm freestanding models to large range cookers with multiple ovens and expansive hobs. They often carry a higher price tag, reflecting both the additional components and the premium market positioning. Installation can also be more expensive, as you need both a gas line and a suitable electrical connection. However, for those who cook often and value performance, dual-fuel remains one of the most appealing options on the market in 2025.
Induction Cookers: The Future of Home Cooking
Induction technology has grown rapidly in popularity across the UK. Unlike traditional electric or gas hobs, induction uses electromagnetic fields to heat pans directly rather than heating the hob surface. This means cooking is incredibly fast and responsive, with the ability to bring water to the boil in under a minute. Because only the pan is heated, induction hobs are also much safer: the surface remains relatively cool, reducing the risk of burns.
Induction cookers are highly efficient, using less energy and providing precise temperature control. They are also easy to clean thanks to their flat glass surfaces. The main drawbacks are the need for compatible cookware—pans must contain iron to work with induction—and the higher upfront cost compared with standard electric models. Some users also find the electronic controls take time to get used to. Nevertheless, for households willing to invest, induction is widely seen as the future of hob cooking.
Other Considerations: Size, Style and Budget
Beyond the choice of fuel, there are other factors to consider. Size is crucial: standard cookers are usually 60 cm wide, but larger families or enthusiastic home cooks may prefer range cookers that can be 90 cm or wider, offering multiple ovens and up to seven hob zones. Style also matters, as the cooker often acts as a focal point of the kitchen. Sleek glass-fronted models suit modern interiors, while traditional enamelled designs may fit better in rustic or period properties.
Budget is another key issue. Electric cookers can be found from as little as £300, while induction and dual-fuel models typically start higher and can run into several thousand pounds. Running costs should also be factored in: while gas may be cheaper per unit of energy, efficient electric and induction models can narrow the gap, particularly if you take advantage of off-peak tariffs or generate your own electricity with solar panels.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Energy efficiency is increasingly important to UK households in 2025. New regulations require all appliances to display clear ratings, making it easier to compare models. Induction cookers tend to score highest on efficiency, using less energy to achieve the same results. Electric ovens also perform well thanks to improved insulation and fan-assisted designs. Gas cookers are often rated lower, though they can still be economical if used efficiently.
Environmental impact goes beyond just efficiency. Gas remains a fossil fuel, and while it is still widely used, there is growing pressure to move towards electrification in line with the UK’s net zero targets. This trend is likely to influence long-term availability and support for gas appliances. Households investing in a cooker today may therefore wish to consider future-proofing by choosing induction or electric options, especially if planning a kitchen remodel or new build.
Installation and Maintenance
Whichever cooker you choose, installation should always be carried out by a qualified professional. Gas cookers and dual-fuel models require Gas Safe registered engineers, while electric and induction models may need dedicated circuits or upgraded connections. Factoring in these costs at the outset will help avoid surprises.
Maintenance requirements vary. Gas hobs need regular cleaning of burners and ignition systems. Ceramic and induction hobs are easier to wipe down but can be scratched if not treated carefully. Electric ovens may benefit from periodic replacement of heating elements, while many modern models include self-cleaning functions that reduce the workload. Investing in a good warranty or service plan can provide peace of mind, particularly for higher-end models with complex electronics.
How to Decide Which Cooker Is Right for You
Ultimately, the choice comes down to how you cook, where you live, and what you value most. If you prioritise precise hob control and lower running costs, gas may still be the best option—provided you have access to mains supply. If you are a keen baker or want reliability across a range of dishes, electric ovens are hard to beat. For those seeking flexibility, dual-fuel offers the strengths of both systems, albeit at a higher price. And if you are looking to future-proof your kitchen, maximise efficiency, and enjoy the latest technology, induction is the clear winner.
Before making a final decision, consider your budget, the long-term energy outlook, and how each option fits your daily routine. Think about the size of meals you usually prepare, how often you bake versus cook on the hob, and whether features like rapid boil or self-cleaning functions will make a tangible difference to your life. Matching the appliance to your real-world needs is the best way to ensure satisfaction.
Choosing with Confidence
The right cooker is more than just a kitchen appliance—it is an investment in how you live and eat every day. By understanding the differences between electric, gas, dual-fuel and induction models, and by weighing up efficiency, cost, and convenience, you can choose with confidence. In 2025, there has never been more choice, but with the right information the decision becomes clearer. Whether you opt for the steady reliability of electric, the responsive flame of gas, the balance of dual-fuel, or the cutting-edge performance of induction, your cooker should be a reflection of both your lifestyle and your ambitions in the kitchen.