Home » Product Reviews » Smeg Concert CX91IMBL 90cm Electric Range Cooker with Induction Hob review
The Smeg Concert CX91IMBL is a 90cm electric range cooker with a sleek black finish and a modern induction hob. It’s designed for households that want the look and capacity of a range without going for multiple ovens.
With a huge 115-litre multifunction oven, four induction zones and Smeg’s Vapour Clean steam-assisted cleaning, it sits at the premium end of the electric range market. The design is simple and unfussy, focusing on capacity and core performance rather than flashy smart tech.
Owners clearly rate it highly, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from user reviews, suggesting it’s delivering on its promise of even cooking, fast heat-up and easy day-to-day use.
This cooker is ideal for larger households or keen home cooks who regularly use the oven. The single, cavernous 115-litre cavity gives you the flexibility to cook big family roasts, batch bake or juggle multiple dishes on different shelves without feeling cramped.
It suits buyers looking for a premium-feeling appliance rather than an entry-level option. The induction hob, efficient A-rated oven and Italian build all point toward someone willing to pay a bit more for performance and style over basic functionality.
If you love the idea of a range but don’t actually need several separate ovens, this model strikes a good balance. You get the width and presence of a 90cm cooker plus a bottom storage drawer, while keeping controls and layout simple with rotary dials and no complex digital display.
It’s particularly appealing if you want the speed and safety of induction – pans heat up quickly, the surface stays cooler than ceramic or gas, and pan detection adds peace of mind when you’ve got children or pets around, even though there’s no dedicated child lock.
The standout advantage here is the massive 115-litre multifunction oven. It’s larger than many standard single ovens, making it excellent for big joints of meat, large trays and baking on multiple levels.
The 4-zone induction hob offers quick, responsive heat with pan detection, so power only kicks in when a suitable pan is on the zone. That means faster boiling and better energy efficiency than a traditional ceramic or solid plate hob.
Closed door grilling is a real plus. You can grill steaks, fish and cheese-topped dishes with the door shut, which keeps heat in the cavity, reduces cooking smells spreading through the kitchen and is generally safer.
Vapour Clean is another highlight. Rather than hardcore scrubbing, you add a little water and let the oven’s steam function loosen grease, turning most deep cleans into a quick wipe down.
The A energy rating, Eco mode and multifunction settings (including conventional and fan-style options) give you plenty of flexibility, whether you’re slow-roasting or speed-cooking a midweek meal.
Despite the high-end price tag, there’s no full pyrolytic self-cleaning, just Vapour Clean. It definitely makes life easier, but heavy users will still need to put in some manual effort from time to time.
You only get one oven cavity. While it’s very large, some range buyers might miss having a second smaller oven for different temperatures or for keeping food warm independently.
There’s no child lock, which feels like a missed trick on a modern induction range, particularly for families with young children. The controls are straightforward rotary dials without a display, which some may find a bit basic considering the cost.
Finally, the 46-amp hard-wired connection means you’ll almost certainly need a qualified electrician to install it, which adds to the overall outlay if you’re replacing a more modest cooker.
Day to day, the Smeg Concert CX91IMBL is all about straightforward, predictable cooking. The front-mounted rotary dials make it clear which function and temperature you’re selecting, and the halogen interior light lets you check on food without opening the door and losing heat.
Induction zones give you precise control: sauces can be gently simmered without catching, and water boils in noticeably less time compared with a conventional electric hob. Pan detection means zones switch off when you remove the pan, which not only saves energy but also reduces the risk of burnt-on spills.
The large oven cavity and drop-down door make it easy to slide in heavy trays and roasting tins. Removable inner door glass and a ceramic enamel interior help when cleaning, and the Vapour Clean function takes care of most baked-on grime. The bottom storage drawer is practical for keeping trays and tins to hand, which keeps the surrounding kitchen a bit tidier.
Installation does require planning because it needs hard wiring to a 46-amp supply. Once fitted and levelled with the adjustable feet, it feels solid and built to last, with a reassuringly sturdy door and smooth opening action.
Performance is a clear strength of this cooker. The 115-litre oven is classed as large, and being multifunctional, it offers eight different cooking modes. You have conventional top and bottom heat, bottom-only heat and fan-style options, so you can match the heat pattern to what you’re cooking – from crisp pizza bases to evenly risen cakes.
Energy use is competitive for such a big oven, with consumption figures of 1.29 kWh on conventional settings and 0.98 kWh on fan. Paired with an A energy rating and Eco mode, this helps keep running costs in check, especially if you bake or roast several times a week.
The grill is powerful at 2900 watts and is designed to be used with the door closed. That keeps the kitchen cooler and improves safety, making it easier to finish off gratins, toast or grilled meats without constantly worrying about an open, blazing-hot door.
On the hob, the four induction zones are sensibly split between two higher-power 2300W zones and two 1300W zones, giving a good blend of fast boiling and gentle simmering. The enamelled steel surface around the induction areas is robust, and because induction only heats the pan base, spills are less likely to burn on, making wipe-downs quicker.
Safety-wise, overheating protection and pan detection are built in, and the double-glazed oven door helps keep exterior temperatures more manageable. While there’s no child lock, the combination of induction technology and closed door grilling does make the overall setup safer than many older electric or gas ranges.
This is a premium-priced 90cm electric range cooker, and it’s positioned accordingly. You’re paying for a combination of Smeg’s design, Italian build quality, a very generous oven capacity and the efficiency and control of an induction hob.
When you factor in the strong user rating of 4.8 out of 5, it’s clear most owners feel they’re getting what they paid for in terms of performance and everyday convenience. The A energy rating, large capacity and Vapour Clean system all help offset some of the upfront cost over time through efficient cooking and reduced cleaning hassle.
If you’re simply after the cheapest 90cm cooker you can get, this won’t be it. But if you value a huge single oven, fast induction cooking and a clean, understated design from a recognised premium brand, the price is easier to justify. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is reasonable, though a longer guarantee would have strengthened the value proposition further.
The Smeg Concert CX91IMBL is a strong choice for households that want a stylish 90cm range with a single, extra-large oven and the speed and precision of induction cooking. It excels at big family meals, batch cooking and versatile everyday use, thanks to its 115-litre multifunction cavity and powerful closed-door grill.
It’s not the most feature-packed cooker in terms of digital displays or smart functions, and the lack of pyrolytic cleaning or a child lock may put off some buyers. However, Vapour Clean takes much of the pain out of maintenance, and the overall build quality, efficiency and user satisfaction scores speak in its favour.
If your priority is a dependable, good-looking electric range that delivers consistent results and plenty of space, and you’re comfortable with the premium price and single-cavity layout, the CX91IMBL is an excellent option to shortlist.