Britannia is one of the big names when it comes to range cookers, with a reputation for quality and consistency built over many years - one which many of its competitors would do well to emulate and that Britannia customers have leaned to trust. It is no small thing, then, when Britannia announce a wholesale re-vamp of their product range, but if anyone can pull this off we think they can, and following a launch event on 19 March we are pleased to provide an overview of this exciting new collection of Britannia range cookers.

Four New Styles

The new Britannia collection consists of four product families, each offering a particular style and set of features. The four product families are designed to offer customers a choice of contemporary and traditional models at both ends of the Britannia price scale, with the Delphi and Fleet covering the top-end, and the Q Line and Wyre the lower end. Delphi and Q Line cover the contemporary style, with Fleet and Wyre (both named after waterways near Britannia's Blackpool HQ) will appeal to more traditional tastes.

Prices range from £1895 to £4695*.

The new Britannia Delphi and Fleet styles have distinct looks, but share the same top-end specs across the model range

Range Overview

The overall family resemblance is still recognisably Britannia, with a facia and hob designs dinstinctly similar to the well-established previous models, but revisions in every area have given this new product range a fresher and more contemporary feel, but one which die-hard Britannia fans should still very much approve of. A revised Britannia badge is one of the first things to catch the eye, and this bigger, bolder and brighter badge is a distinct improvement on the previous version, which we always felt to be a little disappointing and apologetic. There is nothing to apologise about here, though, and the new Britannia badge heralds a new era for this dynamic and prestigious cooker brand.

Sizes and Colours

All styles include 90cm single and twin cavity models, and 100cm twin cavity plus four cavity “XG” models, with Delphi and Fleet featuring 110cm XG models and even a 120cm format. Britannia Delphi and Fleet come in three colours, with matt finish black, cream and burgundy on Fleet and gloss black, cream and red plus stainless steel on Delphi. Q Line is available in stainless or black gloss, with Wyre offering the more traditional black or cream in matt.

New Hobs

Another distinctive feature, individual pan supports, is still present on 100 and 110cm models, but the new cast iron supports have a lighter, crisper design. One-piece pressings on gas hobs avoid grime traps, and two-burner spill wells minimise potential mess. High quality burners are also a feature of all models, with brass gas rings on Delphi and Fleet ranges and aluminium on Q Line and Wyre. Almost every new model is available with either a 6-burner gas or 5-zone induction hob, which is a great achievement by Britannia, and the brand's famous Chef Top or Teppan Yaki griddle can be specified as an optional extra on all gas-hob models. A cast iron wok support is also standard on Delphi and Fleet.

Offering stunning entry-level value, the Britannia Q Line and Wyre still give you great Britannia quality and features

Oven and General Features

Main ovens are 9-function and all include Britannia’s excellent Quickstart pre-heat system, with 4-function second ovens also including a rotisserie - in all style variants. There is a grill element in each oven, with stay-clean liners as standard in Delphi and Fleet models (which also include one pair of telescopic shelf runners), and removable enamelled roof trays and door glass inners on all models, as well as triple-glazed doors for optimum efficiency and quietness. Oven shelves on Delphi and Fleet are much heavier than on the previous models, and improved door hinges and soft-close storage drawers all contribute to the overall improvements. Solid metal control knobs were always a big plus-point of Britannia ranges, and although the design has changed on the various models, the Delphi and Fleet retain this, but the metalised plastic used on the lower-cost Q Line and Wyre feels very authentic and metallic.

Headline Improvements

One-piece hob pressings (no grime traps)
Revised pan supports
Chef Top now available as optioan for all gas hobs
5kW dual ring wok burners
Induction available on almost every variant

Stay-clean oven liners and telescopic runners now standard on top end models
Removable roof liners
Removable inner door glass and doors
Improved door hinges
Larger oven capacities
Meat probe feature (Delphi only)
Heavy duty oven shelves
Soft-close storage drawers

Accessories

All models stand on adjustable tubular stainless steel legs, but if you prefer a more coherent look in your kitchen you can also add a matching Britannia Plinth Kit, which nicely conceals the legs. Should the need arise, there are extra high legs available to elevate the cooker a further 3.5cm. A cast iron griddles (half flat, half ribbed) is available as an optional extra, as well as extra telescopic shelves and stay clean liners for Q Line and Wyre models.

The rationality of the new Britannia range ensures that all options are covered. Britannia has always been an aspirational brand, but the availability of two entry-level styles at sensible prices, combined with premium ranges at lower prices, is great news for the many admirers of the brand who may now find themselves in the fortunate position of being able to own one. If you like what you see, call us or visit our main website for more details.

The new Britannia range collection is available to order on Rangecookers.co.uk NOW. Call us on 01244 402975 for details or to order a brochure.

to browse the Britannia 2013 Collection


*Prices correct at time of publication