Rangemaster Models with Metal Control Knobs
31/01/18 14:19 Filed in: Product Focus
Looking for a range cooker with metal control knobs? Most of these tend to be in the premium category, but the market-leading and mid-priced brand Rangemaster also have one or two pedigree examples in their stable.
Metal controls can be seen as a sign of quality by some who perhaps dislike the idea of plastic knobs, although most consumers looking for a good mid-priced range cooker are comfortable with the idea of plastic. Metal can, of course, get hot, but with the facia cooling systems and heat deflectors on modern ranges this should not present a problem and in any case is a factor that those who aspire to metal knobs are prepared to tolerate. Plastic need not mean poor quality, though, and even the premium Falcon brand uses Bakelite-style thermoplastic controls which look great and feel just right. At the top end of Rangemaster’s broad product range are two models which use metal knobs to very good effect, but in quite opposite aesthetic ways - the contemporary, cool and collected Rangemaster Nexus, and the french-flavoured, very characterful and stylish Rangemaster Elise.
Both of these models benefit from top-end Rangemaster specifications which include a multifunction main oven and a glide-out grill tray. Cosmetic differences aside, the only differences operationally are that the Nexus gets a Multizone hob with integral griddle, and the 110 models also includes a proving drawer, as opposed to the Elise 110 which has the six burner gas hob with two multi-ring wok burners, and a simple storage drawer. Also, the Elise takes a simpler approach and does not feature a clock/programmer. All ovens are triple-glazed and A-rated.
The Nexus series has a very contemporary persona, and has inherited its styling cues from Aga-Rangemaster’s premium brand Mercury. The large and rather lovely machine-turned controls knobs are reminiscent of those found on expensive hi-fi, with a simple rubber o-ring for added tactility, and the additional production cost of these is very apparent. The detailing of the chrome handle-ends against the satin finish of the handles is also very pleasing, and the bolder approach of the Rangemaster branding on the plinth, unique to the Nexus, is further evidence of the attention-to-detail which makes this model something a little special. Available in 90 or 110cm dual fuel or induction formats and a monochromatic set of finishes, the Rangemaster Nexus deserves serious consideration if you are in the market for a contemporary range with great lines and a serious spec. Just below the Elise in the price rankings, the Nexus can be yours from £1895 to £2495* currently.
Chalk to the Nexus cheese, the Rangemaster Elise is a more fanciful take on the familiar Rangemaster 90, 100 and 110 formats which Nexus customers may disdain but others will really love. Also enhanced by the top-end features of multifunction oven and glide-out grill, the Elise goes straight for the jugular of those who want to bring some subtle flamboyance into their kitchen, but the beauty of the styling is that it can work in a very traditional setting or slightly juxtaposed in a modern one. A nice choice of 7 finishes helps this along, providing a contrast to the satin brushed chromework on the Elise facia. The four-petaled control knobs are underlined by a vented heat deflector strip, and the rounded-off handles and full width towel rail share a bold rectangular footing detail with the finisher plates at the bottom of the doors. This all imbues the Elise with a softness and friendliness which will delight prospective owners looking for that particular kind of warmth in their home. There is of course a price to pay for all this fancy trimming, and the Elise is Rangemaster’s most expensive series, with prices currently pushing the envelope from between £2125 to £2685* here on Rangecookers.co.uk. You know you’re worth it.
*Price indications January 2018
Metal controls can be seen as a sign of quality by some who perhaps dislike the idea of plastic knobs, although most consumers looking for a good mid-priced range cooker are comfortable with the idea of plastic. Metal can, of course, get hot, but with the facia cooling systems and heat deflectors on modern ranges this should not present a problem and in any case is a factor that those who aspire to metal knobs are prepared to tolerate. Plastic need not mean poor quality, though, and even the premium Falcon brand uses Bakelite-style thermoplastic controls which look great and feel just right. At the top end of Rangemaster’s broad product range are two models which use metal knobs to very good effect, but in quite opposite aesthetic ways - the contemporary, cool and collected Rangemaster Nexus, and the french-flavoured, very characterful and stylish Rangemaster Elise.
The Nexus 110 dual fuel in Gloss Black - stunning modern design used to dramatic effect
Premium Specifications Without the Eye-watering Prices
Both of these models benefit from top-end Rangemaster specifications which include a multifunction main oven and a glide-out grill tray. Cosmetic differences aside, the only differences operationally are that the Nexus gets a Multizone hob with integral griddle, and the 110 models also includes a proving drawer, as opposed to the Elise 110 which has the six burner gas hob with two multi-ring wok burners, and a simple storage drawer. Also, the Elise takes a simpler approach and does not feature a clock/programmer. All ovens are triple-glazed and A-rated.
Nexus - A Range for the Purists
The Nexus series has a very contemporary persona, and has inherited its styling cues from Aga-Rangemaster’s premium brand Mercury. The large and rather lovely machine-turned controls knobs are reminiscent of those found on expensive hi-fi, with a simple rubber o-ring for added tactility, and the additional production cost of these is very apparent. The detailing of the chrome handle-ends against the satin finish of the handles is also very pleasing, and the bolder approach of the Rangemaster branding on the plinth, unique to the Nexus, is further evidence of the attention-to-detail which makes this model something a little special. Available in 90 or 110cm dual fuel or induction formats and a monochromatic set of finishes, the Rangemaster Nexus deserves serious consideration if you are in the market for a contemporary range with great lines and a serious spec. Just below the Elise in the price rankings, the Nexus can be yours from £1895 to £2495* currently.
Elise - Tasteful Heritage Flavour with a Modern Outlook
Chalk to the Nexus cheese, the Rangemaster Elise is a more fanciful take on the familiar Rangemaster 90, 100 and 110 formats which Nexus customers may disdain but others will really love. Also enhanced by the top-end features of multifunction oven and glide-out grill, the Elise goes straight for the jugular of those who want to bring some subtle flamboyance into their kitchen, but the beauty of the styling is that it can work in a very traditional setting or slightly juxtaposed in a modern one. A nice choice of 7 finishes helps this along, providing a contrast to the satin brushed chromework on the Elise facia. The four-petaled control knobs are underlined by a vented heat deflector strip, and the rounded-off handles and full width towel rail share a bold rectangular footing detail with the finisher plates at the bottom of the doors. This all imbues the Elise with a softness and friendliness which will delight prospective owners looking for that particular kind of warmth in their home. There is of course a price to pay for all this fancy trimming, and the Elise is Rangemaster’s most expensive series, with prices currently pushing the envelope from between £2125 to £2685* here on Rangecookers.co.uk. You know you’re worth it.
Aiming for one of these top-end Rangemaster models is a great way to get a premium spec range cooker (with metal controls, of course) without stepping into the financially more scary area of the premium market. This is a brand which continues to serve its customers very well from its busy factory in Leamington Spa. Your range will be built to order and delivered in around for weeks, ready for many years of happy cooking and jealous looks.
*Price indications January 2018