The country kitchen, properly considered
Choose the right range cooker, the first time.
Hill & May is an independent guide to range cookers and country kitchens, from AGA and Rayburn to Esse, Everhot and Stoves. We test, compare and explain so you can spend with confidence.
In this issue
No sponsored verdicts
Brands never pay for a place. Our ratings answer to readers, not manufacturers.
Years on the hob
We live with these cookers through real winters, not a showroom afternoon.
Whole-kitchen view
Running costs, fuel, flues, layout. The cooker is only half the decision.
The index
Guides & comparisons
Buying Guides
Aga vs Rangemaster: Which Range Cooker Should You Actually Buy?
Aga vs Rangemaster compared on price, running costs, cooking style and installation, so UK renovators can pick the right range cooker before they buy.
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Buying Guides
Best Range Cookers 2026: Tested Picks for Every Budget
Our 2026 pick of the best range cookers for every budget, from £1,299 Leisure models to Lacanche and AGA, with real UK prices and running costs.
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Buying Guides
How Much Does an Aga Cost to Run a Year? Real 2026 Running Costs
Real 2026 Aga running costs per year by model and fuel, using current Ofgem rates. What an eR7, R7, gas or oil Aga actually costs to run.
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Tools
Range Cooker Running Cost Calculator (Electric, Gas and Oil)
Free range cooker running cost calculator: enter your cooker type, usage and energy tariff to see the real cost per week, month and year for an electric, gas or oil Aga or conventional range cooker.
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Tools
What Size Range Cooker Do I Need? 90cm, 100cm or 110cm Sizing Tool
Free range cooker size tool: answer a few questions about your household and cooking, then check your kitchen gap, to find whether you need a 90cm, 100cm or 110cm range cooker.
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Tools
Aga vs Conventional Cooker Cost Comparison Calculator (Over 10+ Years)
Free comparison calculator for an Aga versus a conventional range cooker: add purchase price, running cost and servicing to see the total cost of ownership over 5, 10 or 15 years.
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Tools
Aga and Range Cooker Roasting Time Calculator (Meat by Weight)
Free roasting time calculator for an Aga or range cooker: enter the meat and weight to get the cooking time, oven temperature and resting time, including the Aga roasting oven method.
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Range Cooker Buying Guides
Range Cooker Buying Guide: Sizes, Fuels and What to Check Before You Order
How to choose a range cooker in the UK: width, fuel, real running costs, oven capacity and the Gas Safe and electrical checks buyers miss before ordering.
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Tools
Oven Temperature Conversion Calculator: Gas Mark, Fan, Celsius and AGA
Free oven temperature conversion calculator: type any temperature in gas mark, fan, conventional Celsius or Fahrenheit and instantly see all of them, plus the matching AGA oven, including the fan oven reduction.
Read guideFind your way around
Everything we cover, by the room.
Start with a brand, a fuel type or the whole kitchen. Each section is built to be read in order or dipped into.