oven

Cooker or Oven? The Differences Explained

In this post:

    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.

    Our best selling appliances

    • TCH601

      60cm Black 4 Zone Ceramic Hob with Touch Controls

      £99.99
    • UCFF87BK

      87L Black Freestanding Under Counter Fridge Freezer

      £149.99
    • CHA600BK/A

      60cm Black Angled Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      £89.99
    • CCF115

      CCF115 Recirculating Cooker Hood Carbon Charcoal Filters

      £14.99
    • CIH602

      60cm 4 Zone Built-in Touch Control Induction Hob – Black

      £129.99
    • UCFF87WH

      87L White Freestanding Under Counter Fridge Freezer

      £149.99
    • UCFF87SL

      87L Silver 2 Door Under Counter Fridge Freezer

      £149.99
    • CCF200

      Cookology Carbon Charcoal Filters CCF200

      £14.99
    • CF150

      Cookology CF150 Cooker Hood Filters

      £14.99
    • CIBP600

      59cm Plug-In Induction Hob with Bridging Zone – Black

      £179.99
    • CCFZ99BK

      99L Black Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      £138.99
    • CWC300SS

      20 Bottle Capacity Stainless Steel Wine Cooler with Wood Shelves

      £299.99
    • CF100

      Cookology CF100 Recirculating Filters

      £14.99
    • SEP601SS

      60cm Stainless Steel 4 Zone Solid Plate Hob

      £99.00
    • MFZ32BK

      31 Litre Mini Table Top Freezer – Black

      £94.99
    • UCFZ60BK

      60L Black Freestanding Under Counter Freezer

      £138.99
    • CCFZ142BK

      142L Black Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      £164.99
    • BUCH900SS/A+

      90cm Stainless Steel Built-In Cooker Hood

      £159.99
    • CWC301BK

      20 Bottle Capacity Black Wine Cooler with Wood Shelves

      £299.99
    • CTTD6BK

      6 Place Setting Black Table Top Dishwasher

      £199.99
    • DK1M150

      DK1M150 Ducting Kit for Externally Vented Cooker Hoods

      £14.99
    • CMVD25BK

      2.5kg Black Mini Tumble Dryer

      £154.99
    • CTTD8BK

      8 Place Setting Black Table Top Dishwasher

      £249.99
    • IM20LSS

      20L Integrated Microwave – Stainless Steel

      £159.99
    • CMAFS20LBK

      20L Countertop Microwave – Black

      £64.99
    • BC96BK

      93L Drinks Fridge – Black

      £214.99
    • CCFZ198BK

      198L Black Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      £199.99
    • UCFZ60WH

      60L White Freestanding Under Counter Freezer

      £138.99
    • IM20LBK

      20L Integrated Microwave – Black

      £159.99
    • BUGL900BK/A+

      A+ Energy Rated – 90cm Built Under Canopy Cooker Hood – Black Glass

      £219.99
    • CTTD6WH

      6 Place Setting White Table Top Dishwasher

      £189.99
    • MFR67BK

      65L Mini Table Top Fridge – Black

      £109.99
    • CFSDI20LBK

      20L Black Freestanding Digital 800W Microwave Oven

      £66.00
    • SEP602BK

      60cm Black 4 Zone Solid Plate Hob

      £89.99
    • CTTD6SL

      6 Place Setting Silver Table Top Dishwasher

      £199.99
    • CBC70BK

      70L Drinks Fridge – Black

      £199.99
    • BUGL750BK/A+

      A+ Energy Rated – 75cm Under Cupboard Canopy Cooker Hood – Black Glass

      £199.99
    • UCIF93BK

      93L Black Under Counter Fridge with Chiller Box

      £129.99
    • IMOG25LSS

      25L Stainless Steel Built-In Combi Microwave Oven & Grill

      £199.99
    • BUCH520SS/A+

      52cm Stainless Steel Built-In Canopy Cooker Hood

      £84.99
    • UCIB80BK

      80L Black Under Counter Fridge with Ice Box

      £139.99
    • SFO60BK/1

      60cm Black Built-In Electric Fan Oven

      £179.99
    • GH700SS

      70cm Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Hob with Wok Burner

      £149.99
    • GH705SS

      70cm Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Hob and Wok Burner with Cast Iron Supports

      £159.99
    • SFO60SS/1

      60cm Stainless Steel Built-In Electric Fan Oven

      £179.99
    • IMOG25LBK

      25L Black Built-In Combination Microwave and Oven

      £199.99
    • CTTD8SL

      8 Place Setting Silver Table Top Dishwasher

      £249.99
    • CMVD25WH

      2.5kg White Mini Tumble Dryer

      £154.99
    • CF300

      CF300 Carbon Sheet Filter for Recirculating Visor Cooker Hoods

      £14.99
    • CTTD8WH

      8 Place Setting White Table Top Dishwasher

      £249.99
    • CMAFS20LWH

      20L Countertop Microwave – White

      £64.99
    • CWC150BK

      7 Bottle Capacity Black Built-In Wine Cooler

      £199.99
    • MCDW3BK

      3 Place Setting White Mini Table Top Dishwasher with Window

      £249.99
    • MFZ32SL

      31 Litre Mini Table Top Freezer – Silver

      £94.99
    • CIB606

      60cm Black Induction Hob with Bridging Zone

      £179.99
    • CBC130BK

      115L Black Under Counter Drinks Fridge

      £329.99
    • FOD60BK

      60L Large Built-in Electric True Fan Oven with Easy Programmable Timer and Digital Clock – Black Glass

      £189.99
    • LINT901SS/A++

      90cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      £199.99
    • VER905BK

      90cm Black Angled Chimney Cooker Hood with Touch Control

      £159.99
    • COF600BK

      65L Black Electric Fan Oven – Energy Rating A

      £189.99
    • LINT701SS

      70cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      £189.99
    • MFZ32WH

      31 Litre Mini Table Top Freezer – White

      £94.99
    • SEP601WH

      60cm White 4 Zone Solid Plate Hob

      £99.99
    • GGH705BK

      70cm Black 5 Burner Gas on Glass Hob with Cast Iron Supports

      £159.99
    • VER805BK/A++

      A++ Energy Rated – 80cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood – Touch Control – Black

      £159.99
    • UCFR88BK

      93L Black Freestanding Under Counter Fridge

      £139.99
    • CH600SS/A

      60cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood

      £79.99
    • CTFZ163IX

      160L Tall Inox Freestanding Larder Freezer

      £299.99
    • CCFZ99WH

      99L White Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      £138.99
    • UCFR110BK

      121L Undercounter Fridge – Black

      £159.99
    • MFR45BK

      45L Mini Table Top Fridge – Black

      £94.99
    • CWC601BK

      54 Bottle Capacity Black Freestanding Wine Cooler

      £449.99
    • MFR67WH

      65L Mini Table Top Fridge – White

      £109.99
    • CWC34BK

      34 Bottle Capacity Black Built-In Wine Cooler

      £229.99
    • CCFZ142WH

      142L White Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      £164.99
    • CDO900BK

      110L Black Built-In Double Oven – Energy Rating A

      £369.99
    • CGL600BK/A

      60cm Black Curved Glass Cooker Hood

      £89.99
    • CIT902

      90cm Black 5 Zone Induction Hob with Touch Control

      £299.99
    • CBC98BK

      98L Drinks Fridge – Black

      £259.99
    • CH900BK/A

      90cm Black Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      £84.99
    • HICYL351SS

      35cm Stainless Steel Hanging Cylinder Island Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      £229.99
    • MFR67SS

      65L Stainless Steel Table Top Mini Fridge

      £119.99
    • CFSDI20LWH

      20L White Freestanding Digital 800W Microwave Oven

      £66.99
    • CET901

      90cm Black Ceramic Hob with 5 Zones

      £239.99
    • CIHDD800

      80cm Black Induction Hob with Downdraft Extractor

      £669.99
    • TSH601BK/A

      60cm Black Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      £89.99
    • BUGL900WH/A+

      90cm White Glass Built-In Canopy Cooker Hood

      £219.99
    • UCIB80WH

      80L White Under Counter Fridge with Ice Box

      £139.99
    • UCIF93SL

      93L Silver Under Counter Fridge with Chiller Box

      £129.99
    • CBID601

      12 Place Setting Stainless Steel Integrated Dishwasher

      £269.99
    • HICYL351BK/A++

      35cm Black Hanging Cylinder Island Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      £229.99
    • CMDW2BK

      2 Place Setting Black Mini Table Top Dishwasher

      £269.99
    • CMVD25SL

      2.5kg Silver Mini Tumble Dryer

      £154.99
    • VER705BK/A++

      A++ Energy Rated – 70cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood – Touch Control – Glass Black

      £129.99
    • UCFR130BK

      130L Under Counter Fridge – Black

      £169.99
    • BUCH750SS/A+

      75cm Stainless Steel Built-In Canopy Cooker Hood

      £129.99
    • GGH700BK

      70cm Black 5 Burner Gas on Glass Hob with Enamel Supports

      £149.99
    • GGH306BK

      30cm Black 2 Burner Gas on Glass Hob with Cast Iron Pan Supports

      £94.99
    • VISOR600BK

      60cm Black Visor Cooker Hood Extractor Fan

      £59.99

    Read our related blogs