AGA cooking has long been a cherished tradition in many homes, offering warmth and delicious meals with its unique cast iron design. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the fascinating history of AGA cookers and their enduring popularity as symbols of British country living.
As you explore the various sizes and fuel options available for modern-day AGA stoves, our expert tips on using these versatile appliances will help you achieve culinary perfection. Whether you are an experienced AGA owner or considering purchasing one for your home, we have compiled essential advice on buying new or second-hand models to ensure that your investment is well-informed.
Finally, understanding the costs involved in running an AGA cooker is crucial for potential owners. We will discuss sustainability aspects compared to conventional ovens and offer suggestions on how to justify the expenses associated with AGA cooking through its multifaceted capabilities.
Table of Contents:
- The History and Popularity of AGA Cookers
- Gustaf Dalen’s Invention of the Aga Cooker
- AGAs as Symbols of British Country Living
- Sizes and Fuel Options for AGA Cookers
- 10 Tips for Mastering Your AGA Cooker
- Top Tips for Buying a New AGA Cooker
- Top Tips for Buying a Second-Hand AGA Cooker
- AGAs: Are They Worth the Cost and How to Save Money?
- FAQs in Relation to Aga Cooking
- Conclusion
The History and Popularity of AGA Cookers
AGA cookers, invented by Nobel Prize-winning Swedish physicist Gustaf Dalen nearly a century ago, have become an iconic symbol of British country living.
These cast-iron cookers are known for their efficiency in using a single internal heating unit and radiating gentle warmth throughout the kitchen, serving as an airing cupboard, radiator, oven and stove all in one.
Gustaf Dalen’s Invention of the Aga Cooker
Dalen’s invention was inspired by his own personal experience when he noticed that his wife had to constantly tend to their traditional stove.
He set out to create a more efficient cooking appliance that would simplify life for busy households.
The result was the first-ever AGA cooker which used radiant heat technology instead of direct flames like conventional stoves.
AGAs as Symbols of British Country Living
Over time, AGA cookers became synonymous with quintessential British country living due to their unique design and functionality.
They were often seen as status symbols among rural communities where families gathered around them during cold winter months for warmth while enjoying delicious home-cooked meals prepared on these versatile appliances.
- Celebrity endorsement: Famous personalities such as Mary Berry, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson have praised AGAs for their superior cooking abilities making them even more popular among UK households. (source)
- Aesthetics: With various colours available including classic cream or racing green along with bespoke options like pastel shades or bold hues – there is an AGA cooker suitable for every taste preference. (source)
- Variety of models: Today, AGA offers a range of models to suit different kitchen sizes and fuel types, ensuring that there is an AGA for every home. (source)
The history and popularity of AGA cookers can be attributed to their unique design, versatility in cooking methods and strong association with British country living.
These timeless appliances continue to charm homeowners across the UK who appreciate their practicality as well as aesthetic appeal.
Key Takeaway:
AGA cookers, invented by Gustaf Dalen, have become an iconic symbol of British country living due to their unique design and functionality. These cast-iron cookers are known for their efficiency in using a single internal heating unit and radiating gentle warmth throughout the kitchen while serving as an airing cupboard, radiator, oven and stove all in one. They continue to charm homeowners across the UK who appreciate their practicality as well as aesthetic appeal.
Sizes and Fuel Options for AGA Cookers
AGA cookers have evolved to cater to modern-day needs by offering various sizes and fuel options.
Different Sizes Available for Modern-Day Needs
Choose from two-oven models up to five-oven versions, depending on your kitchen size and cooking needs.
Gas-Fed vs Electric-Powered vs Oil-Fired vs Coal-Burning Models
- Gas-fed: Consistent heat output and instant temperature control make gas-fed AGAs a popular choice.
- Electric-powered: Eco-friendly and energy-efficient, electric-powered AGAs are perfect for homeowners looking to save on running costs.
- Oil-fired: Ideal for homes without access to mains gas supply, but requires regular maintenance.
- Coal-burning: Adds rustic charm and warmth to your kitchen, but requires manual loading and monitoring of coal.
Consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing an AGA cooker.
AGA cookers cater to modern-day needs with various sizes and fuel options. Choose from gas-fed, electric-powered, oil-fired or wood-burning models. #UKEnglish #AGACooking Click to Tweet
10 Tips for Mastering Your AGA Cooker
Using an AGA cooker requires instinctive skill in the kitchen, but with these 10 tips, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time:
- Know your oven’s temperatures: Familiarise yourself with the different heat levels of your AGA’s ovens. A good thing to buy is an infra red thermometer. This is the one I use.
- Move food around: Utilise the various ovens to achieve perfect results by moving dishes between them as needed.
- Preheat before cooking: Start dishes on top boiling plates before transferring them into appropriate ovens for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on your food: AGAs don’t have windows or external vents, so check your food often and use a timer if necessary.
- Use AGA-specific recipe books: Familiarise yourself with popular AGA-specific recipe books for tailored guidance. We love the Mary Berry AGA Book.
- Invest in AGA cookware: Take advantage of accessories designed specifically for AGAs to ensure optimal cooking results.
- Utilise heat storage capabilities: Plan meals in advance and use residual heat when possible for energy-efficient cooking.
- Keep your AGA clean: Regular maintenance is key – check out OvenGleamers for professional assistance.
- Join the AGA community: Share tips, tricks, and recipes on forums like I love my AGA group on Facebook
- Experiment and have fun: AGA cooking is all about instinct and experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try new things.
For more information on using an AGA cooker effectively, check out this AGA Living guide.
Master your AGA cooker with these 10 tips from OvenGleamers. Learn how to use heat storage, invest in cookware and experiment with new recipes. #AGACooking #UKKitchenTips Click to Tweet
Top Tips for Buying a New AGA Cooker
Investing in an AGA cooker is a big decision, so make sure you choose the right one for your needs and lifestyle.
1) Research suitable sizes based on your needs.
AGAs come in various sizes, from compact two-oven models (AGA 60) to larger five-oven cookers for big families or those who love entertaining. I love the AGA 3 R series which is basically the AGA 60 with bits added to it. You can get warming ovens, storage cupboards and induction hobs. And obviously you have the whole choice of AGA colours. My customers tell me they “Love this AGA”,
The AGA was traditionally just two ovens and 987cm wide, with the main chunk of cast iron on the left hand side which was heated up. And with two ovens to the right – having the main roasting oven and the simmering oven. You can now get one with three ovens with the third oven being the baking oven on the left. The baking oven is set at a temperature between the roasting oven temperature (about 230C) and the simmering oven – at about !30C, so you can bake things without burning which is easy to do in a two oven AGA with a Roasting Oven unless you know what a Cold Shelf is used for (it works very well and stops your cakes burning in the roasting oven).
I seen many were the main AGA is a five oven AGA. And then there is an AGA module on the end making it a 7 oven AGA.
2) Compare fuel types and their advantages.
AGAs offer different fuel options but new AGAs will be mostly electric powered. All the modern ones can be controlled so you don’t have to run the whole AGA all of the time. So bits can be turned off. They are better insulated, are cheaper to run than the older ones but won’t give off as much radiant heat as the older on all the time traditional AGAs.
If you were looking at a reconditioned AGA you will be able to buy oil, gas – both natural gas and LPG, coal fired, and electrically fired. Some older electric AGAs are very expensive to run – the AGA 13 Amp, the AGA 13 Amp with AIMS (AGA Management System – posh timer which doesn’t make much difference to the running costs), AGAs converted to electric with very expensive to run conversion kits such as Newton conversion kit.
More recently you can get AGAs that have been converted to electricity using the ElectricKit conversion kit. Note that although cheaper to run as they operate much like any other ordinary range cooker they won’t give you the cosy kitchen experience that the tradtional one all the time AGA will give you.
Also it requires to learn a complete new way of cooking as the main heat source – on a two oven AGA is an element at the bottom of the main oven and above the simmering oven (in a two oven AGA). So it won’t be like cooking in a traditional AGA you may have had before.
My top tip is to consider a reconditioned 30 Amp AGA. It will look like new when it arrives – is fairy cheap to run as it heats up over night on cheap electricity and will give you the traditional AGA kitchen – lots of heat throughout the year.
3) Assess the costs involved in running an AGA cooker.
- Initial purchase price: AGAs can be expensive upfront, starting at around £8k.
- Fuel consumption: Ongoing costs depend on usage patterns and energy prices.Please don’t buy the 13 amp unless you have very deep pockets.
- Maintenance costs: Regular servicing and cleaning help maintain performance and appearance. New electric AGAs require servicing! I have never worked out what the engineers actually do but its part of the guarantee though I know that they will keep the AGA up to spec so if any new upgrades have been introduced then you would get that for free in the warranty period. For me I’ve had my reconditioned 30 Amp for 15 years and never had it serviced. I know as a comparison that Everhot’s never need servicing.
Take the time to research your options and assess costs to make an informed decision that brings warmth, style, and delicious meals into your home for years to come.
“Make an informed decision when investing in a new AGA cooker for your UK home. Research sizes, fuel types and running costs to enjoy delicious meals for years to come. #AGACooking #UKhomes” Click to Tweet
Top Tips for Buying a Second-Hand AGA Cooker
Be cautious when buying a used AGA cooker and follow these tips to make the right decision.
Inspect for Wear and Tear or Corrosion
Check for damage that could affect performance or longevity, and ask an expert to inspect it with you. My best tip is especially if you have seen a relatively new AGA for sale – say it’s a AGA Total Control or an AGA Dual Control or an AGA 3 series, get an AGA engineer to go and have a look at it and see if it has been kept up to date. For example the AGA Total Control has had an upgrade on its main control board and this was upgraded for free in the warranty period. But if it has NOT been upgraded and its out of warranty then the cost to replace the board is about £2500.
Any older AGA will need to be dismantled to transport it. So you are going to need to someone to do, then someone to transport it and then rebuild it.
Getting the AGA cleaned will make a huge difference to its appearance. OvenGleamers can do this and we also do small renovation upgrades. Such as new Chrome Domes and door liners and seals which really make the AGA look special.
Check Maintenance History
Request service records and ask about recent repairs to gauge how well it has been looked after.
- Talk to Previous Owners: Contact previous owners for valuable insights. Joining the “I Love My AGA” Facebook group is a great place to start.
- Budget for Repairs: Factor in installation costs when deciding on a model. Don’t forget that if you see a cheap AGA you probably are going to have to pay for it to be dismantled, transported and then reassembled in your kitchen.
- Spare Parts Availability: Research spare parts availability for the model you’re considering. Really old ones – say you were looking at an old coal fired one – may not have parts available at all.
Thorough research increases your chances of finding a high-quality second-hand AGA cooker that suits your needs. Consult with OvenGleamers for professional oven cleaning services to keep it in top condition.
“Maximize your chances of finding a top-quality second-hand AGA cooker with these expert tips from OvenGleamers. #AGACooking #UKEnglish” Click to Tweet
AGAs: Are They Worth the Cost and How to Save Money?
AGA cookers may seem expensive, but their versatility and sustainability make them a worthwhile investment. And yes even in 2023 they are still a status symbol.
Versatile Cooking Capabilities
An AGA can replace multiple kitchen appliances, saving you money on equipment and energy costs.
Sustainability Aspects
AGAs, constructed with recycled materials, are designed to stand the test of time – a more sustainable choice than traditional ovens.
- Recycled Materials: AGAs are made from 70% recycled materials like old machinery and car parts.
- Built-to-Last: With proper care, an AGA can last for decades.
To save money on running costs, utilize all available cooking space, invest in energy-saving accessories, and maintain your AGA regularly.
- Plan meals that require multiple dishes to be cooked at once.
- Invest in energy-saving accessories like AGA’s heat-storage covers or the Eco Management System (EMS) for electric models.
- Maintain your AGA regularly with servicing and cleaning.
Investing in an AGA may seem daunting, but with its versatility and sustainability, it can be a smart choice for your kitchen.
Invest in an AGA for your kitchen and save money on equipment and energy costs. With versatility and sustainability, it’s a smart choice. #AGACooking #SustainableLiving Click to Tweet
FAQs in Relation to Aga Cooking
What Makes an AGA Cooker So Special?
An AGA cooker is a versatile, energy-efficient appliance made from 70% recycled materials that offers even heat distribution and multiple ovens for various cooking methods.
Is Cooking with an AGA Difficult?
Cooking with an AGA requires some practice due to the absence of precise temperature controls, but users find it easy to adapt their cooking techniques once familiarised with each oven’s set temperatures.
Does AGA Cooking Produce Better Results?
Many people believe that AGA cooking produces superior results due to its radiant heat technology, which ensures consistent temperatures throughout the oven cast iron cavity for evenly cooked dishes without drying out food items.
How Does Cooking with an AGA Differ?
Cooking with an AGA differs from conventional ovens in terms of temperature management and placement of dishes within the oven chambers, requiring users to adjust their approach based on desired outcomes rather than relying solely on external vents or dials for controlling heat levels.
Sources: AGA Living, AGA Ranges
Conclusion
Discover the history and popularity of AGA cookers and learn about their varying temperatures to become an AGA cooking pro.
Explore the different sizes and fuel options available, and get tips for buying both new and second-hand AGA cookers.
Don’t let concerns about the cost of running an AGA cooker hold you back – this article highlights its versatile cooking capabilities and sustainability aspects compared to conventional ovens.
With these tips and knowledge on hand, you too can enjoy the benefits of AGA cooking.
