electric range cookers are a portable and convenient alternative to high energy burning stoves

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Built-In vs Freestanding Range Cookers



Are you in the process of deciding whether to go with a built-in versus free-standing cooker? Obviously this is an important decision as it determines a large portion of the construction of your kitchen. Built-in cookers are typically accounted for when designing a kitchen cabinet layout, along with the countertops.

Or if you have minimal kitchen cabinetry, or if you're in the design process and prefer a more open and spacious look than a freestanding electric cooker may be exactly what you need.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering your kitchen layout and how your range cooker fits into the decision.

Built-in cookers typically have the advantage when it comes to cleaning due to the fact that you are less likely to spill down the sides of the cooker. Usually the cabinetry and the countertop will butt up against the sides of your built-in set up, so any spillover usually drips onto the countertop and can be easily wiped up.

In terms of visual appeal, most people would probably prefer built-in over freestanding, simply because it blends in so well with the cabinetry. However those who prefer to be different, or perhaps want a more open kitchen may prefer a freestanding cooker. If you have an older house with an unconventional layout or perhaps not done much counter space you may be forced into a freestanding cooker.

If you anticipate the need to repair your range, then free standing cookers are obviously better since they are more readily accessible, however modern cookers tend to be pretty reliable and shouldn't need to be repaired very often. This is one area where the freestanding variety is superior however.

Along with repairs, replacement is obviously much easier with freestanding as well for obvious reasons. Built-in cookers will need to be removed very carefully from the counter space they occupy, and if you have hardwood floors you don't want to scratch, this is quite a hassle. The last time I had to prepare my range from wound up scratching our hardwood floors since there was really no other way of getting the stove out other than dragging it.