Stoves Richmond vs Rangemaster Classic Deluxe - 90cm Compared
24/06/13 12:27 Filed in: Product Focus
Trying to find a traditional 90cm range cooker can be a little confusing if you do not know your way around the various models and features available. In this article we take a closer, objective look at two of the most popular multifunction dual duel ranges, both of which offer nice quality, good value and very closely-matched features, albeit at different price-points.
Both of our contenders are aimed at the same kind of customer - one looking for a cooker with a more traditional appearance and a touch of Aga about it - and although both feature the characteristic towel rail, both achieve this in different ways. The Rangemaster Classic Deluxe 90 employs the tried and tested Rangemaster Classic aesthetic, with heavy-bevelled doors, an arched window and matching rear upstand. This Deluxe model also features chunkier controls and handles than the standard Classic, plus an enhanced plinth, which all adds up to a very powerful aesthetic The Stoves Richmond 900DFT achieves a more restrained and elegant look, with softer bevel details and rectangular oven window, plus wider handles and easier-on-the-eye controls. A good balance of traditional and modern against the Rangemaster’s decidedly more traditional persona.
Both models feature programmable multifunction main ovens with a variety of elements giving you much cooking flexibility. Rangemaster always score well with their unusually large 69 litre main oven, but this is at the cost of space in the other two cavities, and the Stoves approach gives you an adequate 62 litre main oven but a usefully wider tall oven and larger grill cavity, with the advantage that this is also a third oven. The tall oven is fanned on both models, but the Stoves Richmond also includes a defrost function, plus you can use conventional oven trays, whereas the Rangemaster Classic Deluxe requires smaller trays.
Rangemaster’s Handyrack is a nice touch, allowing you to baste without fiddling around with a shelf, but the Stoves solution of telescopic shelves (in the main and top ovens) is also very practical and safe. The Rangemaster’s glide-out grill tray is a great asset, although the grill cavity itself is small. Self-clean liners are included in the Rangemaster’s main oven, but Stoves’ Pristine enamel works well when you do come to cleaning, requiring very little elbow grease rather than any nasty chemicals. The main ovens are programmable on both models, but the Stoves three-button system is undoubtedly more intuitive than Rangemaster’s more usual six-button approach. Both models feature a temperature gauge on the tall oven door - handy, but in reality an Aga reference mostly for show.
Hob specifications are pretty much identical, but the Classic’s older design means there is a split between the four burner area and the large wok burner on the right, whilst the Stoves wok burner sits in the centre of a single-pressing enamelled hotplate. Both use cast iron pan supports, and you get a cast iron griddle with the Richmond, which nudges it ahead of the Classic’s aluminium version for heat retention. The Classic’s rear upstand is a very defining feature, but can be removed for a cleaner look if preferred. A glass upstand is available for the Richmond at extra cost. Both hobs utilise single-handed ignition.
The Rangemaster Classic Deluxe comes in seven standard colours, some with a choice of chrome or brass trim, whilst the Stoves Richmond’ standard Black or Champagne (cream) is supplemented by a range of Colour Boutique finishes, but at a higher price - something which may even earn the Rangemaster an extra point.
Rangemaster is the undisputed market leader and a desirable brand to have in your kitchen - their Classic style has set the standard for mid-market traditional ranges and continues to be highly popular, but its characterful appearance also contributes to its production costs and consequent higher price. The heavily-bevelled door pressings, catalytic liners, and the use of
to see all Stoves Richmond ranges
to see all Rangemaster Classic Deluxe ranges
*Prices as of June 2013
Cosmetics
Both of our contenders are aimed at the same kind of customer - one looking for a cooker with a more traditional appearance and a touch of Aga about it - and although both feature the characteristic towel rail, both achieve this in different ways. The Rangemaster Classic Deluxe 90 employs the tried and tested Rangemaster Classic aesthetic, with heavy-bevelled doors, an arched window and matching rear upstand. This Deluxe model also features chunkier controls and handles than the standard Classic, plus an enhanced plinth, which all adds up to a very powerful aesthetic The Stoves Richmond 900DFT achieves a more restrained and elegant look, with softer bevel details and rectangular oven window, plus wider handles and easier-on-the-eye controls. A good balance of traditional and modern against the Rangemaster’s decidedly more traditional persona.
Oven Layouts
Both models feature programmable multifunction main ovens with a variety of elements giving you much cooking flexibility. Rangemaster always score well with their unusually large 69 litre main oven, but this is at the cost of space in the other two cavities, and the Stoves approach gives you an adequate 62 litre main oven but a usefully wider tall oven and larger grill cavity, with the advantage that this is also a third oven. The tall oven is fanned on both models, but the Stoves Richmond also includes a defrost function, plus you can use conventional oven trays, whereas the Rangemaster Classic Deluxe requires smaller trays.
Oven Features
Rangemaster’s Handyrack is a nice touch, allowing you to baste without fiddling around with a shelf, but the Stoves solution of telescopic shelves (in the main and top ovens) is also very practical and safe. The Rangemaster’s glide-out grill tray is a great asset, although the grill cavity itself is small. Self-clean liners are included in the Rangemaster’s main oven, but Stoves’ Pristine enamel works well when you do come to cleaning, requiring very little elbow grease rather than any nasty chemicals. The main ovens are programmable on both models, but the Stoves three-button system is undoubtedly more intuitive than Rangemaster’s more usual six-button approach. Both models feature a temperature gauge on the tall oven door - handy, but in reality an Aga reference mostly for show.
Hobs
Hob specifications are pretty much identical, but the Classic’s older design means there is a split between the four burner area and the large wok burner on the right, whilst the Stoves wok burner sits in the centre of a single-pressing enamelled hotplate. Both use cast iron pan supports, and you get a cast iron griddle with the Richmond, which nudges it ahead of the Classic’s aluminium version for heat retention. The Classic’s rear upstand is a very defining feature, but can be removed for a cleaner look if preferred. A glass upstand is available for the Richmond at extra cost. Both hobs utilise single-handed ignition.
Colour Choice
The Rangemaster Classic Deluxe comes in seven standard colours, some with a choice of chrome or brass trim, whilst the Stoves Richmond’ standard Black or Champagne (cream) is supplemented by a range of Colour Boutique finishes, but at a higher price - something which may even earn the Rangemaster an extra point.
Why the Price Difference?
Rangemaster is the undisputed market leader and a desirable brand to have in your kitchen - their Classic style has set the standard for mid-market traditional ranges and continues to be highly popular, but its characterful appearance also contributes to its production costs and consequent higher price. The heavily-bevelled door pressings, catalytic liners, and the use of
vitreous enamel
on the doors rather than the Stoves Richmond’s painted finish, all offer something to those who value these features, but the Richmond is clearly an impressive package, pound-for-pound. The Stoves brand also carries a certain caché, but their desire to encroach onto Rangemaster’s territory has ensured that the consumer is presented with a real attention-grabber, and the Richmond styling is very nicely balanced, with perhaps a broader appeal than the more idiosyncratic Classic Deluxe.Both of these cookers are a sound choice in their own right. Both feel solid enough, but there is a certain extra clunkiness when you shut the door of the Stoves model compared to the Rangemaster - something which often surprises customers in our showroom. The Stoves certainly deserves its point for value, too, and with a feature-list this long it is definitely a worthy competitor to the ever-popular and handsome Classic Deluxe.
to see all Stoves Richmond rangesto see all Rangemaster Classic Deluxe ranges*Prices as of June 2013