1. Kitchen design
One of the most important factors to consider in your oven purchase is how you’d like your kitchen configured to best suit your family. Ideally, keeping your cooktop, fridge and sink within easy manoeuvring distance from each other is a good rule of thumb, but cabinet and rangehood configuration are also considerations. Having cookware drawers adjacent to your freestanding oven and cooker is an efficient design decision, and pairing it with a canopy range hood can make your oven a focal point of the kitchen.
2. Fuel Source
Freestanding ovens and cookers can be gas-fuelled, electricity-fuelled or a dual-fuel combination. Gas cookers are typically slightly more expensive to purchase, but cost less in energy bills over time, while electric options are cheaper and have more options with design considerations given the possibility for a sleek, glass finish on the cooktop. Pairing an electric oven with a gas hob is a popular option, and as long as there is an existing gas line in your house, it can be easily installed by a licensed technician.
3. Energy efficiency
While other household appliances may feature energy star ratings, residential ovens in New Zealand do not, which means making the most energy-efficient choice comes down to individual usage. Gas cookers tend to be more energy efficient than electric options, while a dual fuel option (where gas is used for the stove and electricity for the oven) can be an excellent best-of-both-worlds solution.
4. Size
Size is a consideration when choosing a freestanding cooker as they tend to take up more room than other models. Our models are 90cm wide, and we recommend choosing the same width range hood so as to streamline cabinetry options on either side of the cooker. With a generous 125L capacity, our freestanding ovens and cooktops are perfect for large families, passionate home cooks or those who entertain a lot.
5. Features
- The gas cooktop’s wok burner allows for high heat, meaning stir-frying in a wok will achieve that perfectly-sizzled result.
- The oven’s steam cooking feature allows you to explore a whole new realm of culinary art - including locking in flavour and cooking food 30% faster using this functionality.
- Our pyrolytic cleaning feature means baked-on stains and splatters are a thing of the past. The function heats the oven to a point where grease and food residue is reduced to ash, making cleanup a breeze.
- Hob2Hood technology makes cooking more streamlined. Your stovetop will communicate wirelessly with the rangehood, meaning you won’t ever forget to turn it on - or off - while you’re hard at work.
6. Accessories
- Telescopic oven runners mean no more burnt fingers - your oven trays and drawers will glide out seamlessly when you open the door for easy dish transfers.
- With in-drawer baking trays, maximise on efficiency and space
7. Ongoing care and use
Cleaning cooktops
Electric cooktops are much simpler to clean, with a simple wipe-down usually being sufficient. For Gas cooktops, it’s advised to remove the cast iron grates and wash in the sink, enabling you to wipe in and around the burners to remove caked-on food and spills.
Cleaning ovens
How to clean an oven depends largely on the model you have purchased. For example, our pyrolytic feature heats baked-on grease and food to a temperature high enough to turn it into ash, meaning there’s no need to scrub and scour - simply wipe up the ash when it’s finished. It’s important to remember to remove the telescopic door runners before using this feature, but apart from that, it’s the easiest way to maintain your oven’s cleanliness.
For other models, maintenance includes removing and wiping drawers and racks and regularly wiping down the inner walls and glass of the door to prevent splatter buildup. Ensure you check the gaskets and elements periodically to preserve optimal function.
Warranty and service
Our ovens come with a 24-month warranty, and servicing is available through our list of registered providers. To find the address of your nearest authorised service centre in New Zealand please call 0800 436 245
Electric cooktops are much simpler to clean, with a simple wipe-down usually being sufficient. For Gas cooktops, it’s advised to remove the cast iron grates and wash in the sink, enabling you to wipe in and around the burners to remove caked-on food and spills.
Cleaning ovens
How to clean an oven depends largely on the model you have purchased. For example, our pyrolytic feature heats baked-on grease and food to a temperature high enough to turn it into ash, meaning there’s no need to scrub and scour - simply wipe up the ash when it’s finished. It’s important to remember to remove the telescopic door runners before using this feature, but apart from that, it’s the easiest way to maintain your oven’s cleanliness.
For other models, maintenance includes removing and wiping drawers and racks and regularly wiping down the inner walls and glass of the door to prevent splatter buildup. Ensure you check the gaskets and elements periodically to preserve optimal function.
Warranty and service
Our ovens come with a 24-month warranty, and servicing is available through our list of registered providers. To find the address of your nearest authorised service centre in New Zealand please call 0800 436 245
8. Top FAQs
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Can I install a freestanding cooker myself?
The multiple wires and circuits involved in electrical cookers mean only licensed electricians are able to install them in your kitchen. For gas cookers, a licensed gas fitter or plumber is required. Once these installations have been completed, the technician will be able to provide you with a certificate of compliance, giving you peace of mind and ensuring everything is safe and to code.
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Is a freestanding oven better than a built-in oven?
The answer comes down to individual usage as there are pros and cons to both. That said, the ease of movement with a freestanding cooker means repairs and servicing are often simpler, as is reconfiguring your kitchen without having to purchase a new oven.
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What does an "E" error code on the oven mean?
If your oven displays an ‘E’ and a number, there is an error in the appliance. To rectify this, disconnect the appliance from the electrical supply for some time. Disconnect the fuse from the electrical system of the house and connect it again. If it comes on again, speak to the service centre.
