Cookers are a vital appliance in any household, however if they are not installed properly or are used improperly, they can pose a serious fire hazard. Almost ten thousand fires are caused by kitchen appliances each year. Here at Home Feeling, we don't want our customers to be part of those statistics. This is why we only sell the best appliances that have been through rigorous safety testing. We don't sell anything that we wouldn't have in our own homes. We make sure that we supply full installation and usage instructions. As with all appliances, it is important that you read the user manual before use and installation. If you ever have any questions about an appliance, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Can you install a cooker yourself?

Unless you are a qualified electrician or gas engineer, the answer is no. You should never try to install a cooker yourself unless you are qualified to do so. If you are not qualified, you could be putting the safety of yourself and your family at risk. There are also a number of things to consider before you install your new cooker, including the location.

Where is the best place to install a cooker?

It is so important that you place your electric or gas cooker in a safe place in your kitchen. It can't just be placed anywhere. Ovens and hobs are a heat source and it goes without saying that they can be dangerous with improper use.

Power Supply

You need to check what type of power supply is required for your particular appliance. Some cookers will be under 3kW and therefore a 13 amp plug is sufficient. This plug may already be supplied, but you should double check before you make your purchase. If your cooker is over 3 kW then either a 16 or 32 amp fuse will be required. These will require a red cooker switch. You will need to ensure that the relevant power supply is located near to the cooker, however it cannot be directly above. It is important that you are easily able to locate the switch to turn your cooker off when needed. This might be when you want to clean your oven or you may want to switch it off when you are going away for peace of mind.

Space

When choosing where to place your new cooker, you should always refer to the user manual to see what clearances the manufacturer recommends. You will be required to leave at least 3cm of space around the cooker for ventilation but go by what is stated in the user manual. Having space around the cooker ensures that there's proper ventilation and will help to prevent the appliance from overheating. Overheating could cause damage to any surrounding appliances and your kitchen cabinets. If your cooker overheats it could also affect the longevity of the appliance. It may even cause it to malfunction or break down. This may also use a lot more energy which in turn will increase your energy bills.

Above your hob, there will need to be a gap of at least 65cm between the hob and either the ceiling or a cooker hood. The space around your hob and cooker is called the Hot Zone. So, anything in this area is at risk of getting hot while you are cooking, especially above as heat rises. Keep any other appliances away from your cooker, especially fridges or freezers.

Before purchasing your cooker, check the dimensions online and measure the area you want to put it in to make sure you have sufficient space. You can also download the user manuals for most appliances online. Willow Appliances have all of their dimensions and user manuals on their website and they're easily accessible.

Other Appliances

If your fridge is kept too close to your cooker, the extra heat will cause the motor in the fridge to work harder as it tries to regulate the internal temperature. Again, this will use up more electricity which leads to higher energy bills. There is also a risk that your fridge will break down if it is being overworked. Being exposed to higher temperatures can also damage the exterior of your fridge or freezer. If you don't want your door handles to melt, keep your cooker away from other appliances according to the user manual.

Safety

Ensure that there are no flammable items in the Hot Zone. This includes curtains, wallpaper, overhanging shelves, kitchen cupboards, boilers and electrical sockets.

Always make sure that the cooker is to be placed on an even surface and cannot be moved. The cooker should not be installed in an area with high foot traffic, near a door or where it can be knocked.

Who can install a cooker for me?

Some retailers will include installation at an extra cost, this can usually be added on at the checkout. Before you choose this option, make sure you read the terms and conditions. If you need your old appliance to be uninstalled and taken away, then double check that they are able to do that or you are able to arrange for that yourself.

If you have an electric cooker, then you will need to hire a qualified electrician for the install. Improper installation will leave you at risk of electrocution and there is always the risk of damage to the appliance and your property.

If you have a gas cooker, by law, only a Gas Safe registered engineer is legally allowed to install it. Any attempts to install the cooker yourself could result in gas leaks which puts yourself, your family and your neighbours at risk.

If you have a dual fuel cooker, then you will need to delegate the installation task to both a qualified electrician and a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Before you hire anyone to install your cooker, you should always ask to see any proof of their qualifications. You can also use websites such as Checkatrade to find reliable engineers and electricians.