quoll

Yup induction is very easy to clean but you do have to pamper it a bit so no scouring pads with Ajax. The cookware actually came with the cooktop - it was one of their deals. Not bad saucepans either really and two of them are oven use as well so we have had some super casseroles. Both of ours are 600mm and the only problem we had was with the fan - got a 600mm Smeg fan (good and powerful, I like it) but it didnt seem to be quite the right size for the fan space in the cupboards although they professed to be 600mm as well.

Love, love, love the soft touch drawers! We went with Ikea cupboards that the DH put in (the cupboards are pretty good actually but the DH was slower than a wet week in getting them assembled and up!)

lesleys

We have a mixed Bosch cooktop - induction and radiant ceramic, 600mm. Fitted a 900mm Bosch extractor hood - everything gets a quick wide down after use, no probs. I'm using Le Creuset pans that are about 30 years old, so worth the investment. 900mm cooktops tend to have the same number of rings, so why bother?

fish.01

We have just bought a lovely siemens pryo oven. I think they actually save energy as they come with 4 layers of glass to cope with the 500c cleaning cycle so during normal use they retain heat very well.

Apart from the bonus of self cleaning the 4 layers means the oven door stays far cooler so great if you have little kids with no chance of putting a child gate on the kitchen.

This is what we were told to look for:
- 4 layers of glass - cheaper models have less. Some have even exploded
- one continous piece inside the oven (no seams) and on the door. Avoids places for food to get trapped
- german made
- telescopic rails. Preferably come out as one piece.
- long warranty - siemens has 5 years.
- automatic programmes
- recessed decals so don't rub off over time
- pre heat indicator.
- odour catalyser
- electronic temperature control for accuracy

It cooks great.