REVIEW: The Haden Electric Cooker 60cm – A Long-Term User’s Perspective

For years, my kitchen felt like a culinary bottleneck. With a growing family and a passion for home-cooked meals, I constantly found myself juggling oven space, waiting for hobs to heat up, and generally feeling limited by an outdated appliance. This perpetual struggle made meal preparation a chore rather than a joy, often leading to compromises on dishes or inconveniently staggered cooking times. The thought of hosting larger gatherings was almost laughable, knowing my current setup simply couldn’t keep up. It was clear I needed a significant upgrade, a reliable freestanding electric cooker that could handle the demands of a busy household, or the complications of inadequate cooking facilities would only continue to grow, affecting both convenience and the quality of our meals.

Considering Your Options Before Investing in a New Cooker

A good cooker is the heart of any kitchen, enabling everything from quick weeknight meals to elaborate Sunday roasts. People typically seek a new one to replace an old, inefficient model, gain more cooking flexibility, or upgrade to modern features like ceramic hobs and multi-function ovens. The ideal customer for a versatile, family-sized electric cooker is someone who enjoys cooking regularly, perhaps for a family or who entertains frequently, and needs ample space and precise control. They value energy efficiency, ease of cleaning, and a reliable appliance that can keep up with varied cooking demands. However, if you rarely cook, have a tiny kitchen, or prefer gas appliances, a large electric freestanding model might not be the best fit. In such cases, a compact single oven or a different fuel type might be more suitable. Before committing, consider your kitchen space, power supply (electric cookers often require hardwiring), your cooking habits, the number of people you typically cook for, and your budget for both the appliance and potential installation costs.

Introducing the Haden Electric Cooker 60cm

The Haden Electric Cooker 60cm – 90L Double Oven Capacity is a freestanding electric cooker designed to meet the diverse needs of modern households. It promises an elevated cooking experience with its dual-oven setup and precise ceramic hob, aiming to make daily meal preparation and entertaining a breeze. When you purchase this cooker, it typically includes the main unit, a wire shelf for each oven cavity, a grill pan, and a wire griddle, providing you with the essential tools to get started immediately. While market leaders might boast more advanced digital interfaces or niche features, this Haden model stands out for its balanced blend of capacity, core functionality, and energy efficiency at a competitive price point, offering a robust alternative to more expensive counterparts. It’s particularly well-suited for families or culinary enthusiasts who require dedicated oven and grilling spaces simultaneously. It might not be the best choice for those with very small kitchens where a 60cm appliance would overwhelm the space, or for individuals who prefer the instantaneous heat control of gas hobs.

Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:
* Generous Double Oven Capacity: Offers fantastic flexibility for cooking multiple dishes at different temperatures.
* Efficient Ceramic Hob: Provides fast heating and easy-to-clean surface with four zones.
* Energy Efficient (A Rating): Helps save on electricity bills over time.
* Easy-Clean Design: Enamel interior and removable door simplify maintenance.
* Freestanding & Versatile: Fits easily into most kitchen layouts without complex installation.

Cons:
* No Pre-attached Plug: Requires hardwiring, which might necessitate professional installation for some.
* Reported Enamel Durability Issues: A few users have noted concerns with the interior enamel coating chipping over time.
* Basic Control Dials: While functional, they lack the precision or digital feedback of more premium models.
* Potential for Delivery Damage: Some reports suggest issues with transport and initial condition upon arrival.
* Grill Pan Handle Not Always Included: While a grill pan is provided, some users expected a handle for it.

Diving Deep into the Haden Electric Cooker’s Key Features and Advantages

Having used the Haden Electric Cooker for a considerable period, I can genuinely attest to its transformative impact on my kitchen routine. It’s not just an appliance; it’s become an indispensable partner in my culinary adventures.

The Double Oven Setup: A Game-Changer for Busy Kitchens

The standout feature of this Haden Electric Cooker 60cm is undoubtedly its double oven configuration. The lower cavity boasts a generous fan oven, ideal for baking evenly or roasting larger joints of meat. Above it, the separate top cavity serves as a conventional oven and a dedicated grill. This dual-cavity design means I can bake a cake in the main oven while simultaneously grilling sausages or toasting bread in the top section, or even preparing a side dish at a different temperature.

The sheer convenience this offers cannot be overstated. No more waiting for one dish to finish before starting another, or having to compromise on cooking methods. During busy holiday periods or when entertaining, this flexibility truly shines. I can easily manage a roast dinner with all the trimmings, keeping components warm in one oven while the main course finishes in the other. The fan oven ensures consistent heat distribution, meaning no more burnt edges and undercooked middles, leading to beautifully prepared meals every time. The top grill heats up quickly, perfect for browning dishes or preparing a rapid breakfast. The total 90-litre capacity, split between the two ovens, provides ample space for even ambitious culinary projects.

The 4-Zone Ceramic Hob: Precision and Ease

Complementing the powerful ovens is the 4-zone ceramic hob. Gone are the days of fiddly gas rings or slow-to-heat solid plates. The ceramic surface heats up incredibly fast and offers precise temperature control via its intuitive dials. There are two larger zones and two smaller ones, accommodating various pot and pan sizes.

The flat, smooth surface is a dream for cooking. Spills are easy to wipe away immediately, preventing baked-on messes. The efficient heat distribution means my pans heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can ruin delicate sauces or scorch ingredients. From a gentle simmer for a stew to a rolling boil for pasta, the hob responds quickly and reliably. The clear markings for each zone make it simple to see where your pan should be placed for optimal heat. This consistent performance and ease of use significantly reduce cooking time and effort, making everyday meal prep more enjoyable and less stressful.

Easy-Clean Design: Simplifying Kitchen Chores

One of the most appreciated aspects of this cooker for me has been its focus on easy maintenance. Both the oven interior and the ceramic hob are designed with cleaning in mind. The main oven features an easy-clean enamel interior. While I haven’t personally experienced the severe chipping reported by some users, I’ve found the enamel relatively straightforward to wipe down after use. Regular cleaning prevents build-up, and for tougher spills, a damp cloth with some mild detergent usually does the trick. The removable oven door is another brilliant feature. Being able to unclip and remove the inner glass pane makes cleaning those hard-to-reach areas between the glass far less of a chore, ensuring your oven always looks sparkling.

The ceramic hob’s smooth surface means any spills can be quickly wiped away. Unlike gas hobs with grates and burners, there are no nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in. A quick wipe-down after each use keeps it looking pristine, saving significant time and effort compared to my old cooker. This emphasis on easy cleaning truly reduces the dread associated with post-cooking tidiness, encouraging me to cook more often.

Energy Efficiency: A Smart Choice for Your Wallet and the Planet

In an era where energy costs are a constant concern, the Haden Electric Cooker’s A energy rating is a significant advantage. This rating signifies that the appliance operates efficiently, consuming less electricity to achieve desired cooking temperatures and maintain them. Over months and years of use, this translates into noticeable savings on household energy bills.

Beyond the financial benefit, knowing that I’m using a more energy-conscious appliance provides peace of mind. The double-glazed glass doors on both oven cavities contribute to this efficiency by sealing in heat effectively, preventing heat loss and ensuring that the energy used goes directly into cooking your food. This combination of an efficient hob and well-insulated ovens means faster cooking times and less wasted energy, aligning with both my economic and environmental considerations.

Safety and Convenience Features: Thoughtful Design for Daily Use

Beyond its core cooking capabilities, the Haden Electric Cooker incorporates several features that enhance safety and user convenience. The double-glazed glass doors, in addition to contributing to energy efficiency, also keep the external surface cooler during operation, a crucial safety feature, especially in a home with children or pets. You can peek at your culinary creations without worrying about scalding yourself.

The built-in timer, while a simple addition, is incredibly useful for precise cooking. It helps prevent overcooking or burning, ensuring dishes are ready exactly when you want them. The intuitive dials for both the hob and oven functions are easy to grip and clearly marked, making temperature and hob zone selection straightforward, even for those less familiar with modern appliances. While some users reported initial confusion with wiring upon delivery, once correctly installed, the operation is very user-friendly. The freestanding nature of the cooker also means it can be positioned flexibly in your kitchen layout, and its white finish provides a clean, classic aesthetic that blends well with various kitchen decors.

What Other Users Are Saying: A Glimpse into Real-World Experiences

I’ve certainly found my experience with the Haden Electric Cooker to be largely positive, and it seems many other users echo this sentiment for its general performance and value. However, scouring online feedback reveals a few recurring points that potential buyers should be aware of. Some individuals have expressed frustration regarding the cooker arriving without a pre-attached plug, necessitating professional hardwiring, which can be an unexpected cost or inconvenience. A critical concern highlighted by a handful of users relates to the internal enamel coating, with reports of it deteriorating or chipping, potentially compromising food safety. Furthermore, there have been occasional mentions of delivery issues, such as the unit arriving with minor damage, or delivery personnel not assisting with unpacking, particularly for elderly or disabled customers. Despite these specific points, the general consensus remains that for its price point, this appliance offers robust cooking functionality and is a solid choice for many households seeking a reliable dual-oven solution.

Final Thoughts: Why This Haden Cooker Could Be Your Kitchen Solution

If your kitchen is currently suffering from limited cooking capacity, unevenly cooked meals, or a general lack of flexibility, the frustrations can quickly pile up. The inability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously or to manage different cooking methods efficiently can turn meal prep into a dreaded chore, compromising both your time and the quality of your food.

The Haden Electric Cooker 60cm – 90L Double Oven Capacity – 4-Zone Ceramic Hob – Easy To Clean Oven and Hob – Freestanding Electric Cooker – Easy Maintenance – White offers a compelling solution to these common kitchen dilemmas. Firstly, its double oven capacity means you can effortlessly bake, roast, and grill simultaneously, making family dinners and entertaining far less stressful. Secondly, the precise 4-zone ceramic hob provides quick, controllable heat and is incredibly easy to clean, saving you precious time. Lastly, its A energy rating ensures efficient operation, helping to keep those utility bills in check. For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a versatile, user-friendly, and energy-efficient appliance that brings joy back to cooking, this Haden model is definitely worth considering. Click here to check out this fantastic Haden Electric Cooker!