A kitchen wouldn't be a kitchen without a cooking stove. Microwaves, electric fry pans and rice cookers are handy accessories, but when it comes to serious cooking, we turn to our stoves. Stoves are so long lasting, we rarely need to replace one because it breaks down and cannot be repaired. Nine times out of ten, we either replace stoves because we are remodelling the kitchen or the family has outgrown the one we've had for the past fifteen years.

In terms of functionality, stoves have not changed much over the years. Even the cheapest stoves do their job. However, if you are thinking of buying a new stove, it is worth looking at the various types of stoves and the features they include. Since a stove is a long term investment, it may be worth spending a little more and getting even more style and functionality out of your new one. Our Stoves Buying Guide may surprise you - there's more to stoves than you might think.