Cooker or Oven? The Differences Explained

When it comes to preparing and cooking food, there are now more ways to get the job done than ever before. From tabletop appliances like air fryers and combi microwaves – many of which now come with a variety of advanced features – to tried and tested classics like ovens and hobs, you have plenty of choice when you’re shopping for cooking appliances.

It’s great to have options, sure, but sometimes all that choice can feel overwhelming. With so many different products to consider (and so many pros and cons to weigh up) choosing the right appliances for your kitchen can be a real head-scratcher.

At Cookology, our mission is to make that process as simple as can be. That’s why, in this blog, we’re going to help you decide which is right for you: an oven or a freestanding cooker. Below, we’ll not only explain what the differences are between these two classic appliances, but cover the benefits and downsides of each. Let’s get started!

What’s the difference between a cooker and an oven?

This is a simple one to answer. In a nutshell, cookers are all-in-one appliances that not only come with oven and grill sections, but a built-in hob as well. Instead of being built into (or under) your kitchen worktop, a cooker is a standalone appliance, much like a washing machine or a tumble dryer.

By contrast, ovens are just that – an oven. Although they often feature two cooking zones and a grill setting, they don’t come with any hob burners. And, unlike a cooker, they’re available as either built-in appliances (which install directly into your kitchen units for a seamless, integrated look) or built-under appliances (which slot beneath your worktop).

So, if you choose an oven, you’ll end up buying two appliances: an oven and a separate hob. A cooker, meanwhile, will provide all of the functionality of both an oven and a hob in one simple package.

So, which is better?

This isn’t quite as simple a question to answer. The reality is that both cookers and ovens have their pros and cons, and both are better suited to certain situations (and certain people) than others. Really, the question isn’t ‘which is better’, it’s ‘which is better suited to my needs?’

To help you answer that, we’re going to run through some key considerations below, before explaining how ovens and cookers differ from each other in each respect.

Size

There’s little to choose between most cookers and ovens in terms of size. Although cookers tend to take up a little more space simply because they’re freestanding appliances, they offer a similar amount of space inside (comparable single cooker and single oven models both offer between 60 and 70 litres of internal space).

So, if you need a roomy appliance that can swallow up larger baking trays and dishes with ease, you could look at either an oven or a cooker. Neither one has the upper hand here. Either way, you’ll be sacrificing the same amount of prep space as well, since both appliances feature similarly-sized hobs.

Price point

When it comes to price, you don’t just have to factor in the cost of the appliance itself, but the cost and complexity of the installation process. And on both fronts, cookers tend to eke out an advantage over ovens. 

Not only are they usually cheaper to buy than a separate oven and hob combo, they’re usually simpler to install – especially when compared against a built-in oven. While both built-in ovens and hobs have to be expertly integrated into your worktop and kitchen units, freestanding cookers simply slot into place. Once they’re connected up to your gas or electricity supply, they’re ready to use. 

So, if value for money is your primary concern, you’d struggle to beat an all-in-one cooker.

Features

Thus far, cookers seem to have the upper hand on ovens and hobs, but here’s where things start to tilt in the opposite direction. When it comes to features and functionality, separate ovens and hobs almost always win out. 

Because they’re separate appliances, manufacturers are often able to pack in more advanced technology like different cooking modes and touch-sensitive controls, while all-in-one cookers tend to only feature the basics like temperature controls and a grill setting.

Buying a separate hob and oven also gives you the freedom to mix and match. Want a gas hob but an electric fan oven? No problem. Freestanding cookers tend to be either all electric or all gas, preventing you from enjoying the best of both worlds.

Style

This one’s entirely subjective. Freestanding cookers have a classic, somewhat old-school look about them. In the right kitchen, they can look outstanding. Their timeless design and charming throwback detailing make them a worthy choice from a style perspective, particularly if you have a taste for quaint, retro kitchen design.

Built-in ovens and hobs are at the opposite end of the spectrum, bringing a more minimalist look to your kitchen. When they’re neatly integrated into your worktop and kitchen units, ovens and hobs look sleek and undeniably modern – particularly if you choose an on-trend black or stainless finish and a super-smooth induction or ceramic hob. 

Explore our range of ovens, hobs and cookers online today

Now you’ve got the lowdown on cookers and ovens, it’s time to track down the appliance that best meets your needs. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be spoilt for choice here at Cookology, with a raft of freestanding cookers, built-in and built-under ovens and integrated hobs to choose from. 

No matter your budget and no matter your must-haves, we’ve got you covered. Discover our complete range of kitchen appliances and order yours online today at Cookology.