Stepping into the kitchen, you want appliances that make life easier, not more complicated. In 2022, the electric cooker continued its reign as a dependable workhorse, offering a blend of convenience, safety, and modern features that appealed to home cooks everywhere. If you’re looking back at models from that year, or simply curious about what made the Best Electric Cooker 2022 stand out, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the key aspects, helping you understand why these appliances remained a cornerstone of contemporary kitchens.
A Glimpse into the Evolution of Electric Cookers
Electric cookers have a rich history, quietly evolving from basic heating elements to sophisticated kitchen centers. What makes them so enduringly popular? Unlike gas counterparts, electric models often boast sleek designs, require less maintenance, and typically fit into a wider array of kitchen layouts. For decades, the fundamental technology of electric ranges has proven remarkably reliable, ensuring that even basic models from 2022 offered robust performance. This reliability is a testament to a mature technology that has been refined over many years, providing consistent cooking results with minimal fuss.
Decoding the Types of Electric Cookers
In 2022, the market for electric cookers offered a diverse range of options, each designed to suit different kitchen sizes and cooking habits. Understanding these types is crucial for anyone seeking the best electric cooker 2022 for their needs.
Freestanding vs. Built-in
Freestanding electric cookers, often 50cm, 55cm, or 60cm wide, are all-in-one units that combine an oven and hob. They are popular for their flexibility, easily slotting between existing kitchen units and offering straightforward installation. Built-in models, on the other hand, integrate seamlessly into your cabinetry, providing a sleek, custom look that can elevate kitchen aesthetics.
Single vs. Double Ovens: Flexibility for Every Cook
Many electric cookers come with either a single large oven or a double oven configuration. A single oven, typically offering capacities from 50 to 70 liters, is perfect for smaller families or those with limited space. Double ovens, a favorite among avid cooks and larger families, provide two separate cavities. This allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different temperatures, making meal preparation for gatherings much more efficient. The top oven often doubles as a grill, adding to its versatility.
Range Cookers: When Space and Versatility Are Key
For those with more expansive kitchens or a passion for serious cooking, electric range cookers were a luxurious and highly functional option in 2022. These larger appliances, often 90cm wide or more, feature multiple ovens, a wider hob, and sometimes even a dedicated warming drawer. Brands like Rangemaster were renowned for their electric range cookers, combining traditional styling with modern cooking technology to offer generous capacity and diverse cooking zones.
Essential Features: What Made an Electric Cooker Stand Out in 2022?
When searching for the best electric cooker 2022, certain features consistently rose to the top, promising improved performance, convenience, and safety.
Hob Varieties: Ceramic, Induction, and Solid Plate
The hob is where much of the daily cooking action happens, and electric cookers offered several options:
- Solid Plate Hobs: These are the most traditional and budget-friendly. They feature sealed heating plates that are robust but can be slower to heat up and cool down.
- Ceramic Hobs: With their smooth glass-ceramic surface, these hobs provided a modern look and were effortless to clean. They heated up quickly and offered clear visual indicators of residual heat for safety.
- Induction Hobs: Often considered the pinnacle of electric hob technology in 2022, induction hobs directly heat your cookware through electromagnetic fields, not the hob surface itself. This meant instant, precise heat control and exceptional energy efficiency, as well as a cooler, safer surface. They did, however, require compatible magnetic cookware.
Oven Technology: From Conventional to Multifunction
The oven is the heart of an electric cooker, and the technology varied to cater to different cooking styles:
- Conventional Ovens: These heat from elements at the top and bottom, creating distinct hot and cool zones that are ideal for cooking different dishes simultaneously.
- Fan-Assisted Ovens: A fan circulates heat from top and bottom elements, providing more even cooking than conventional ovens.
- Fan Ovens (True Convection): Featuring a heating element around the fan, these ovens offered the most even heat distribution, reducing cooking times and energy consumption. Many top models in 2022, like those from GE Cafe, boasted true European convection with precise air technology for uniform baking.
- Multifunction Ovens: The most versatile, these ovens combined various heating elements and fan settings to offer a wide range of cooking programs, such as defrosting, grilling, and specialized baking modes.
Capacity and Size: Finding the Right Fit for Your Kitchen
Measuring your available kitchen space was, and remains, crucial. Electric cookers in 2022 came in standard widths (50cm, 55cm, 60cm) and larger range cooker sizes (90cm+). Oven capacities typically ranged from 50 to 70 liters for main cavities, with double ovens adding a secondary cavity of 25-35 liters. Considering your family size and entertaining habits helped determine the ideal capacity.
Advanced Cooking Functions: Air Fry, Convection, and More
Many electric cookers in 2022 integrated advanced features that elevated the cooking experience. Air fry modes, allowing for healthier crispy foods without excess oil, became a popular addition. Features like rapid preheat, precise temperature probes, and expandable hob burners (such as a tri-ring design) offered greater control and convenience. Some advanced models even included Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote control and notifications via smartphone apps, as seen in certain GE Smart series appliances.
User-Friendly Controls: Dials, Digital Displays, and Programmable Timers
Ease of use was a significant factor. Electric cookers from 2022 typically featured robust rotary dials, modern touch controls, or a combination of both. Clear digital displays and programmable timers were highly valued, allowing for delayed starts and ensuring dishes were ready exactly when needed, taking the stress out of busy schedules.
Prioritizing Safety and Ease of Maintenance
Beyond cooking prowess, the best electric cooker 2022 also prioritized user safety and straightforward cleaning routines.
Safety First: Automatic Shut-Off and Cool-Touch Surfaces
Safety is paramount in any kitchen appliance. Many electric cookers in 2022 included automatic shut-off features, which turned off the cooker once a programmed cooking time was complete, preventing overcooking or potential hazards. Cool-touch surfaces, especially around oven doors and hob areas (particularly with induction technology), provided an additional layer of protection, crucial for households with children or pets.
Effortless Cleaning: Catalytic Liners, Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning, and Smooth Hobs
Cleaning a cooker can be a chore, so manufacturers in 2022 offered solutions to simplify the process:
- Easy-Clean Enamel: A smooth, non-stick interior coating that made wiping away spills and grease much easier.
- Catalytic Liners: These special liners, often found in the main oven cavity, oxidized grease and burnt food when heated to high temperatures (around 220°C), allowing residues to be easily wiped away.
- Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning: The most advanced cleaning method, pyrolytic ovens heat to extremely high temperatures (up to 500°C), turning food debris into a fine ash that can be simply swept away. This feature was often found in higher-end models.
- Smooth Hobs: Ceramic and induction hobs were a dream to clean compared to traditional solid plates or gas burners, requiring just a quick wipe-down. Features like removable oven doors (e.g., Indesit’s Click&Clean) also made internal cleaning much more accessible.
The Core of Reliability and Energy Efficiency
A cooker is a long-term investment, so reliability and energy efficiency were key considerations for discerning buyers in 2022.
Understanding Reliability: What the 2022 Data Showed
Industry reports from 2022 indicated that basic electric ranges were remarkably reliable, with repair rates often below 5.6% in the first year, generally outperforming other appliances. However, models packed with more advanced features sometimes saw an increase in repair incidence, though often for minor issues like control panel glitches. Brands like Frigidaire were noted for their consistent reliability and availability during challenging supply chain periods.
Saving on Bills: The Energy-Efficient Choice
Energy efficiency was a growing concern in 2022. Electric cookers, particularly those with fan-assisted or true convection ovens, used less energy by circulating heat more effectively and reducing cooking times. Induction hobs were celebrated for their exceptional efficiency, directly heating the pan and minimizing wasted energy. Features like triple-glazed oven doors also contributed to better insulation, further reducing heat loss and energy consumption. Choosing an electric cooker with a higher energy rating was a smart way to save on utility bills in the long run.
Expert Insight: According to Chef Anya Sharma, a culinary technology consultant, “In 2022, we saw a clear trend towards electric cookers that not only delivered on performance but also on sustainability. Features like induction hobs and advanced convection systems weren’t just about faster cooking; they were about smarter, more energy-conscious cooking, making them a wise choice for the environmentally aware household.”
Top Picks from 2022: Brands and Models That Shone Bright
While specific models varied by region, several brands and types of electric cookers garnered significant attention in 2022 for their blend of features, performance, and value.
- Indesit Electric Freestanding Double Cookers were often highlighted as a strong budget-friendly option, praised for their easy-to-clean hobs and quick preheating times for both oven and grill.
- Hisense Ceramic Electric Cookers offered great value, excelling in even grilling and ease of cleaning, often accompanied by comprehensive instructions.
- Hotpoint Double Electric Cookers were recognized for their generous main oven capacity and effective fan ovens, capable of producing excellent roast dinners, though some noted longer hob cool-down times.
- Smeg Classic Cookers with Induction Hobs represented the premium end, lauded for their large capacity, excellent cooking abilities, and sophisticated induction technology.
- Frigidaire Professional and GE Cafe models were notable for their innovative features, including air fry modes, true convection, and smart connectivity. Samsung also presented models with multiple heating elements and self-clean functions at accessible price points.
- Beko Pro Electric Ceramic Cookers frequently appeared as top budget-friendly choices, offering reliable performance for everyday cooking.
- AEG Electric Induction Cookers were often recommended for their baking prowess, showcasing precise temperature control for consistent results.
Mastering Your Electric Cooker: Tips for Optimal Performance
Getting the most out of your electric cooker, whether a 2022 model or newer, involves a few simple practices.
Effective Usage Tips
- Preheat Properly: Allow your oven to reach the set temperature before placing food inside for consistent results.
- Utilize Fan Settings: For even cooking and faster times, make good use of fan or convection modes, especially for baking and roasting.
- Match Pan to Hob: When using ceramic or solid plate hobs, ensure your cookware matches the hob ring size to maximize efficiency. With induction, always use induction-compatible cookware.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give dishes space in the oven for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Maintenance Routines
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your hob after each use to prevent spills from baking on. For ovens, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for catalytic, pyrolytic, or manual cleaning.
- Check Door Seals: Ensure your oven door seals are intact and free of debris to prevent heat loss.
- Inspect Elements: Occasionally check visible heating elements for damage, though with glass-top electric cookers, direct contact with elements is minimal.
Creative Cooking Ideas
Electric cookers are incredibly versatile. Experiment with:
- One-Pot Roasts: Utilize the large oven capacity for a full Sunday roast with vegetables cooked alongside.
- Batch Baking: Make multiple trays of cookies or pastries with even results in a fan oven.
- Slow-Cooked Meals: Use lower oven temperatures for extended periods to tenderize meats and stews.
- Air-Fried Delights: If your cooker has an air fry function, enjoy crispy fries, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables with less oil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Cookers
Q: What is the main advantage of an electric cooker over a gas cooker?
A: Electric cookers generally offer more precise and consistent oven temperatures, leading to more even baking and roasting. They are also typically easier to clean due to their smooth hob surfaces.
Q: How long should an electric cooker last?
A: A good quality electric cooker typically has a life expectancy of around 13 years with proper care and maintenance.
Q: Are electric cookers energy efficient?
A: Yes, especially models with induction hobs and convection ovens. Induction hobs directly heat the cookware, minimizing energy waste, while convection ovens cook food more quickly and evenly, reducing overall energy consumption.
Q: What is a multifunction oven?
A: A multifunction oven combines various heating elements and fan settings to offer a wide range of cooking options, such as conventional baking, fan-assisted cooking, grilling, defrosting, and specialized programs, providing greater versatility for different dishes.
Q: Can I use any type of pan on an electric hob?
A: For solid plate and ceramic hobs, most types of flat-bottomed cookware work. However, induction hobs require pots and pans with a magnetic base to function correctly. Always check your cookware for induction compatibility.
Q: What are catalytic liners in an oven?
A: Catalytic liners are special panels within the oven that are coated with a porous enamel. When the oven heats up, these liners absorb and oxidize grease and food spills, making them easier to wipe away once the oven cools.
Q: What size electric cooker is best for a small kitchen?
A: For smaller kitchens, 50cm or 55cm wide freestanding electric cookers are ideal as they offer a compact footprint while still providing essential cooking capabilities.
Conclusion: Your Enduring Kitchen Companion
The quest for the best electric cooker 2022 revealed a landscape of innovation, reliability, and thoughtful design. Whether you were seeking a budget-friendly option, a feature-rich smart appliance, or a robust range cooker, the market had something to offer every home chef. With a clear understanding of hob types, oven technologies, essential features, and maintenance tips, choosing an electric cooker became a straightforward decision that promised years of delicious meals and effortless cooking. These appliances continue to be a testament to how practical technology can genuinely enhance daily life in the kitchen.