Which freestanding cooker brand is the most reliable?

We investigated the performance and reliability of some of the most popular freestanding cooker brands, including Beko, Hotpoint and Zanussi.

In our unique large appliance survey, we ask more than 14,000 Which? members and members of the public if they’re happy with their large domestic appliances and if they’ve experienced problems, so you can see which brands are worth the money.

See our guide to the best freestanding cookers to see some of the top-scoring cookers we've tested.

Which freestanding cooker brands develop the fewest faults?

This table summarises what we found about how quickly different freestanding cooker brands develop faults, based on cookers bought in the past seven years.

Which? members can log in to view which freestanding cooker brands are the most and least reliable, and which our members are most satisfied with. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Decided on a brand? Head over to our freestanding cooker reviews to find the best model for you

Which freestanding cooker brand do owners recommend?

As well as faults, our survey also revealed which freestanding cooker brands owners feel happy with, and which they’d recommend to a friend. 

These results are shown as each brand’s customer score, which is based on cookers bought in the past seven years.

Which? members can log in to view which freestanding cooker brands last the longest before they need to be replaced. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

The three most common freestanding cooker faults

Freestanding cookers, despite their convenience, often present medley of common faults that can hinder functionality. Understanding these issues is vital for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Here are the three most common faults, as reported by owners in our survey. 

1. Oven not heating up properly (23% of faulty models reported)

• The most common fault we found was a fairly substantial one, with 23% of the faulty models we heard about showing some sign of the oven not heating up properly. 
• This issue could stem from various factors such as faulty heating elements, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a problem with the power supply or ignition systems.
• If the oven interior is not properly cleaned, grease and debris can build up and interfere with heat distribution.

2. An electrical fault (16%)

• If you suspect an electrical issue, it's crucial to address it promptly as it could pose a safety risk.
• To address electrical faults, it's advisable to start by checking the power cord for any signs of wear or damage.
• If there are visible issues with the cord or if you suspect internal wiring problems, contact a qualified electrician to diagnose and resolve the problem.

3. A broken door (15%)

• The door seal or lock failing will affect the oven's ability to retain heat, which could be bad news for anything you're cooking inside.
• The door handle or hinge breaking can also cause significant inconvenience, impacting the usability and safety of your cooker. 
• If you notice any issues with the oven door, such as difficulty in closing or an uneven seal, address them immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and increased maintenance costs.

If you need a professional to repair your freestanding cooker, search Which? Trusted Traders to find an approved local trader.

Can a broken freestanding cooker be repaired?

Whether or not a broken freestanding cooker can be repaired depends on the nature of the fault.

In some cases, simple problems like faulty fuses or loose connections can be fixed by a DIY enthusiast with basic electrical knowledge. Before attempting any such repairs though, it's important to unplug the cooker from the mains to avoid the risk of an electric shock.

Once unplugged, you can carefully inspect the cooker for any obvious signs of damage, such as scorched or burnt components, loose wires or faulty switches. If you're confident in your electrical skills, you may be able to rectify these issues.

However, if you're unsure about the cause of the fault or if you have concerns about your safety, it is always best to call in a qualified professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and provide you with a cost-effective solution. In some cases, the repair may be relatively inexpensive, while in others, it may be more prudent to replace the cooker altogether.

Need to get rid of a broken cooker? Check out our guide on how to recycle electrical items

Which freestanding cooker brands offer the best guarantees?

Most freestanding cooker brands offer product guarantees of at least one year as standard, but there are a handful of brands that offer longer cover, including:

• Stoves – one-year labour warranty and five year parts guarantee as standard.
• Bosch – two-year warranty as standard, but some promotional models come with a five-year guarantee. 
• Rangemaster – two-year warranty as standard.

Check out our guide on how to get a refund, repair or replacement.

How we discover the most reliable freestanding cooker brands

Which? has a wealth of information on Britain's favourite brands. Every year we ask Which? members to tell us about the home appliances they own – from how likely they would be to recommend a brand, to how reliable the products are once they get them home.

This year 8,922 Which? members and 5,559 members of the public told us about more than 39,000 individual products. We calculate each brand's customer score, fault rate and reliability rating using the results of our annual survey.

Our surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best range cookers to buy.

For more on our tests and what it takes to get a Which? Best Buy recommendation, read how we test freestanding cookers