How to Choose a Freestanding Cooker: Complete Buying Guide
A freestanding cooker — also called a freestanding oven or upright cooker — combines an oven and cooktop in one unit that sits on the floor. It's a popular choice for kitchens that don't have built-in appliances or are undergoing renovation. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one.
What Is a Freestanding Cooker?
Unlike a built-in oven that installs into a cabinet with a separate cooktop, a freestanding cooker is a single unit that stands independently on its legs. It typically has 4–6 cooktop burners or zones on top and an oven (sometimes two ovens) below.
Fuel Type: Gas, Electric or Dual Fuel?
Gas Cooktop Only
Fully gas cookers (gas top, gas oven) are the most traditional option. Gas is favoured by many cooks for the visual flame and responsive heat control. Good for grilling and high-heat cooking.
Electric Cooktop Only
All-electric cookers (radiant or induction top, electric fan oven) are increasingly popular. Electric fan ovens are excellent — they heat evenly, hold temperature well and are easy to use.
Dual Fuel (Gas Top + Electric Oven)
Dual fuel is widely considered the best of both worlds — gas responsiveness on the cooktop and the precise, even heat of an electric fan oven below. This is the most popular configuration among serious home cooks.
Size: 60cm, 90cm or Wider?
Standard freestanding cookers are 60cm wide, which fits most kitchens. If you do a lot of cooking or baking, consider a 90cm cooker — it typically has 5–6 burners on top and a larger oven. Some premium brands offer 100cm and 120cm models.
Oven Configuration
- Single oven: Most common, suitable for most households
- Double oven: Two separate oven compartments — great for cooking multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously
- Main oven + small top oven: Common on 90cm cookers — the small upper oven is handy for grilling or warming
Key Features to Look For
- Fan-forced oven: More even heat distribution — highly recommended
- Pyrolytic cleaning: Self-cleans by burning off residue at very high temperature
- Cast iron trivets: More durable gas burner grates
- Wok burner: High-output burner for stir-frying (useful for Australian households with diverse cooking styles)
- Timer and digital display: Useful for setting automatic start/stop times
Top Brands to Consider
We stock freestanding cookers from Westinghouse, Electrolux, Chef, Smeg, Ilve, Falcon, Belling, AEG and more. All with free delivery across Sydney.
Browse Our Range
Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm
Phone: 0493 142 999