What Is a Freestanding Cooker and Is It Right for Your Kitchen?
A freestanding cooker (sometimes called a freestanding range or upright cooker) combines a cooktop and oven in a single freestanding unit. It sits between cabinets or at the end of a kitchen run, with finished side panels so no cabinetry is required on either side. This guide explains the types available, their advantages and who they suit best.
What’s Included in a Freestanding Cooker?
A freestanding cooker typically includes:
- A cooktop on top (gas, induction, electric or dual-fuel)
- One or two ovens below (some models have a full main oven and a smaller second oven or grill cavity)
- A storage drawer at the bottom on some models
Fuel Types
Gas Freestanding Cooker
Gas burners on top, gas oven below. Provides the full gas cooking experience loved by professional cooks: instant visual flame, responsive heat adjustment and consistent moist oven heat. The disadvantage is that gas ovens have less even heat distribution than fan-forced electric ovens. Available in 60cm (4 burner) and 90cm (5 burner) widths.
Electric Freestanding Cooker
Electric (ceramic or induction) cooktop, electric fan-forced oven. Electric fan-forced ovens produce the most even, consistent baking and roasting results. Suitable for kitchens without a gas connection.
Dual-Fuel Freestanding Cooker
Gas burners on top (the preferred cooking surface for most chefs) with an electric fan-forced oven below (the preferred oven for most bakers). The dual-fuel combination is considered the ideal setup and is the choice of serious home cooks. Available from Smeg, ILVE, Falcon, Bertazzoni and other European brands.
Widths Available
Freestanding cookers come in several widths: 50cm (compact, now rare), 60cm (standard), 70cm (available in some brands), 90cm (wide, popular for families), 100cm and 110cm (commercial-style). In Australia, 60cm and 90cm are the most common.
Premium Brand Freestanding Cookers
Several European brands are known specifically for premium freestanding cookers: Smeg (Italy), ILVE (Italy), Falcon (UK), La Cornue (France), Bertazzoni (Italy) and Lacanche (France). These brands offer heritage design aesthetics, choice of colour finishes and customisation that mass-market brands don’t offer. They command significant price premiums over equivalent Westinghouse, Electrolux or Fisher & Paykel freestanding models but are design statement pieces in a heritage or prestige kitchen.
Who Is a Freestanding Cooker Right For?
- Renters who can’t permanently install a separate cooktop and oven
- Homeowners upgrading a kitchen with an existing cooker recess
- Heritage home renovations where a freestanding cooker suits the aesthetic
- Buyers who want a premium Italian or British design statement piece
- Anyone who wants a large 90cm cooktop area for entertaining
Shop Freestanding Cookers at Oceania Appliances
We carry freestanding gas, electric and dual-fuel cookers from Westinghouse, Electrolux, Smeg, ILVE, Fisher & Paykel and more in 60cm and 90cm widths. Free delivery across Sydney. Call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au or visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.