SAVE £2,000 on all 2 oven reconditioned ElectricKit cookers + a FREE 1.6kw induction hob upgrade while stocks last. *Subject to availability. Delivery must be taken before the end of March 2024.
The ElectricKit is an Aga cooker conversion kit that offers flexible and economical functionality. This kit has been developed to help improve the efficiency of Aga cookers.
The ElectricKit cooks in pretty much the same way as a traditional Aga cooker, with a few exceptions. The biggest difference in cooking between it and a traditional Aga cooker, is that the electric element is installed between the top and bottom ovens to provide heat only where it is needed.
The hotplates have new electric elements installed underneath them. These are fully controllable, they can be set to any temperature you like with the dial.
If you want two gently simmering plates, you can have them, or two fiercely hot boiling plates, no problem, just turn the dial.
The ElectricKit brings a host of innovative features, including an optional state-of-the-art induction hob under the left-hand hotplate which is extremely useful for the summer months.
The system is designed to be entirely flexible according to the users’ needs. For most efficient use the Aga cooker should be turned off or down between uses. However many of our customers use their Electrickit Aga cookers more traditionally, leaving the ovens on continually to provide a level of ambient heat and the benefits of traditional Aga cookers.
The ElectricKit conversion doesn’t compromise on heat, you have the option of giving as much heat, or as little, as you'd like into your kitchen.
The ElectricKit cooker also comes with the added benefit of keeping your cooker on in the summer months.
ElectricKit Classic is the latest system.
From cold the hotplates take 19 minutes to maximum temperature, the ovens take 60 minutes. Both are usable long before this, the hotplates are useful after as little as 10 minutes. The induction hob is available as a free of charge option.
Key Features:
Offers more controllability than other traditional models
Reduced running costs
More economical than traditional models
Optional induction hob
Keep your Aga cooker on 24/7, even in Summer
No servicing costs
No flue required
No reduced oven temperatures when using the hotplates
The ElectricKit is available in a 2 oven, 3 oven and 4 oven.
Take advantage of a huge saving of £2,000 off the price of a 2 oven ElectricKit cooker. Priced at just £3,995 including Nationwide delivery by our own friendly team. We also offer a 12-month Guarantee on all our reconditioned cookers. Delivery must be taken before the end of March 2024. This offer is available while stocks last.
As always, we maintain our promise to deliver the highest quality product and offer great value for money. If you are not completely satisfied upon delivery, you are under no obligation to purchase the cooker. Deposits are not required and payment is made upon delivery.
Call our friendly team today to enquire while stocks last 01625 569 445 or SHOP NOW.
]]>Get your dream cooker in time for the big day. We only have limited delivery slots left for pre-Christmas delivery!
The festive season is approaching, and we know how important it is to have everything ready for the big day.
That's why we're excited to share that we're filling up the last delivery slots for pre-Christmas delivery of our reconditioned cookers!
Order now to avoid disappointment. Shop Now.
Why Choose Range Exchange for Your Reconditioned Aga Cooker?
Kitemark Certified: We take pride in being the UK's only Kitemark Certified Aga cooker reconditioner. It's a testament to our care and quality of reconditioning.
Wide Selection: Explore our extensive collection of reconditioned Aga cookers, available in 25 different colours. Find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Pre-Christmas Delivery: Act now to secure one of the last delivery slots and have your dream cooker in time for the festivities.
📞 Call our friendly team today on 01625 569 445 or SHOP NOW.
*Delivery slots subject to availability*
]]>A vivacious colour that sits on the cusp of pink and red, this hue looks great alongside white, pale natural woods, greys, or even with a contrasting bold.
Vibrant Raspberry is reminiscent of summer fruit, macarons and delicious sorbets. It’s uplifting and modern and makes a strong style statement.
Bold colours are of the moment and, while Raspberry is on trend, it will also stand the test of time and is versatile enough that it will work with a whole host of other colours, meaning if there’s a wall colour or cabinetry change the Aga will continue to look great and fit into the scheme perfectly.
The new Raspberry colour will appeal to homeowners looking for a cooker that makes a stunning design statement, while also offering all the benefits of radiant-heat cooking.
This colour draws on a connection back to nature, similar to the Pantone colour of the year which was announced in December as Viva Magenta.
Available across all electric Aga models – which range from 60cm to 210cm.This new shade is perfect for adding a pop of colour to the kitchen.
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Our Tips for a Clean Cooker
A little bit of care goes a long way, follow our top tips for keeping your Aga cooker sparkling.
Caring for your Aga cooker is more than just maintenance; it's an investment in preserving a culinary icon. With a regular cleaning routine and a gentle touch, you can keep your Aga cooker looking radiant and functioning flawlessly for years to come.
Explore our wide range of reconditioned Aga cookers and find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Shop now or phone us directly to chat with a member of our team on 01625 569 445.
]]>So, what are the best biscuit recipes for National Biscuit Day? When it comes to biscuits, we think the best recipes are those that are relatively easy to make and taste as good as they look. Why not try a family favourite, Viennese Whirls or, if you’re looking to bake something more unique this year, give these delicate Italian-inspired Ricciarelli biscuits a go.
Keep reading to find out how to bake these delicious BBC biscuit recipes, all of which are easy to bake in whichever Aga cooker you have at home.
If you’re looking for some elegant, buttery biscuits to make, these Viennese whirls are the perfect choice. You could even dip them in chocolate if they’re not quite sweet enough for you.
[makes 10 biscuits]
Ingredients:
For the biscuits:
For the filling:
Method:
*For the chocolate dipped version - instead of sandwiching the biscuits together, try dipping the flat side in melted chocolate.
Looking to bake more of a classic biscuit this National Biscuit Day, why not try these scrumptious bourbon biscuits. Add some colour to these classic cookie sandwiches using pink food colouring which the kids will love. For you adults, enjoy these delicious treats with a cup of tea.
[makes 25 biscuits]
Ingredients:
For the biscuits:
For the filling:
Method:
Tip - the bourbons will soften after a while so it is best to eat them on the day they’re iced.
If you’re hoping to bake something a bit different this year, try these Italian-inspired almond biscuits.
[serves 20]
Ingredients:
Method:
We know it can be hard sometimes to find tasty vegan biscuits that rank anywhere near non-vegan biscuits. Try BBC’s best-ever vegan choc chip cookies.
[makes 20 cookies]
Ingredients:
Method:
*Top tip - to get soft gooey cookies, try not to over-bake them. They should be removed from the oven whilst still soft. They will appear slightly underbaked but as they cool, they will firm up. Look out for a lightly golden edge and a soft centre, you want your cookies to have a gooey interior and a crisp exterior. In other words, you’ll be in cookie heaven.
According to a recent study from researchers at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (University of Lincoln), there is scientific evidence to prove that Aga cookers ‘treat food differently by using gentle, radiant heat around the cast iron oven, locking in all the moisture, flavour and goodness of food’.
Aga cookers are perfect for baking because you can achieve 2 key things that all bakers strive for:
Learn more about baking with Aga cookers in our recent blog, Can You Make Bread in an Aga Cooker, where we go into more detail about how to bake bread in our reconditioned Aga cookers.
So, what are you waiting for? Kickstart this year’s National Biscuit Day by giving some of these delicious biscuit recipes a go in your Aga cooker. Take a look at Range Exchanges’ showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers which are perfect for baking golden gooey biscuits.
There are plenty of models to choose from, check out our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like Dual Control and Total Control.
]]>
So, what are some good Mother’s Day menu ideas? In our opinion, the best Mother’s Day recipes are those that are unusual and fairly easy to make. What better way to create the ‘wow’ factor this Mother’s Day than by cooking a mouth-watering veggie lasagne for all the family or try baking this elegant rhubarb and elderflower cake for everyone to enjoy!
Read on to find out how to make these perfect Mother’s Day meals, all of which can be cooked in whichever Aga cooker you have at home.
Looking for something simple yet sophisticated to make for starters this Mother’s Day? Why not try these appetising puff pastry vegetable tartlets?
[Serves 4]
Ingredients:
Method:
Give mum a break from cooking this Mother’s Day by making an impressive family-sized cheesy leek lasagne.
[Serves 4]
Ingredients:
Method:
Finally, if you’re looking for something sweet to bake this Mothering Sunday, why not try this stunning rhubarb and elderflower cake?
[Serves 8-10]
Ingredients:
For the roasted rhubarb:
For the cake:
For the elderflower cream:
Method:
Now that you’ve got some perfect recipes ready for Mother’s Day, why not check out Range Exchanges’ quality showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. Our stunning Aga cookers are a perfect gift for all mums who love to cook. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like Dual Control and Total Control.
Take a look at our extensive range online today, or get in touch with our friendly team for more information.
]]>So, what are some classic Irish food recipes fit for St. Patrick’s Day? If you’ve run out of ideas for St Patrick's Day this year, do not worry - we’ve got you covered! Why not try slow-cooking a traditional Guinness beef stew, or if you’re more of a sweet tooth, why not try an irresistible boozy chocolate pudding?
Read on to find out how to make these perfect St Patrick’s day dishes, all of which can be cooked in whichever Aga cooker you have at home.
If you’re craving a comforting traditional Irish dish to wow your taste buds this St Paddy’s, look no further! This classic Guinness Beef Stew by Good Housekeeping may take a while to cook, but it’s totally worth the wait with its rich, savoury taste. Even more, it gets its distinct name from its special ingredient, Guiness, which only enhances the flavour of this hearty dish.
*Fun fact - Traditional Irish stews, also known in Gaelic as ‘ballymaloe’ or ‘stobhach gaelach’ were originally eaten by peasants because they were full of inexpensive yet filling ingredients.
[Serves 8]
Ingredients:
Method:
Looking for something to pair with your traditional stew? How about this fresh, rustic, no-fuss Irish soda bread by BBC Good Food to soak up the rich flavours of your broth. Fun fact, you don’t need to let the dough rise so it’s a nice and quick accompaniment!
[Makes 1 loaf]
Ingredients:
Method:
If you are looking for something a bit different this St Patrick’s day, why not try these delicious vegan colcannon puffs by FatFree Vegan Kitchen.
Ingredients:
Method:
Finally, finish off your St Paddy’s celebrations with these indulgent Guinness chocolate puddings by BBC Good Food.
[Serves 4]
Ingredients:
Method:
Now that you’re all set for St Patrick’s Day recipes, why not check out Range Exchanges’ bespoke showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. From slow-cooking stews and casseroles to baking fresh breads and cakes, Range Exchange offers a model for everyone’s cooking desires.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
]]>So does an Aga cooker need ventilation? Not all Aga cooker models require ventilation, however the ones that do will require careful planning before installation. Some types of ventilation mean the Aga cooker will need to be placed on an external wall, such as hoods, while others offer more flexibility, including certain types of Aga flue.
Read on to find out the ventilation requirements for Aga cookers and how to keep them clean.
Depending on the type and model of your Aga cooker, it may require ventilation to remove steam and odours from your home. Both external and internal ventilation is available to suit your personal requirements and living arrangements, so when you are planning to add your Aga cooker, take into account where the ventilation system will be located as some may need direct access outside. To find out more about the different types of Aga cookers, check out our helpful guide.
Below, we have detailed the different options available for your Aga ventilation:
There are a few different kinds of hood that can be installed above your Aga cooker to remove air extracted from your kitchen after cooking. These hoods can have different shapes and aesthetics to meet your needs and personal style choice. Depending on where your Aga cooker is positioned in your cooking area, you can stick to traditional type hoods, or even build one into your kitchen island for a more modern approach.
Extraction hoods send the air outside of your home using ducting. The air is not filtered or processed during the process, it simply exits the house. Although this is considered an efficient ventilation system as it does not recirculate the air back into the room, it can produce a lot of sound. Make sure to plan where the Aga and hood will go from the very beginning if you want it to fit into your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Recirculation hoods use grease filters and charcoal filters to remove smells, grease and smoke from the air in your kitchen after cooking. These filters will need to be replaced occasionally to ensure they work properly. As recirculation hoods do not require ducting, they are considered a cheaper alternative, however they are less effective than other types of hood as they have to process the air.
The benefits of installing a hood on top of your Aga cooker include controlling the humidity in the air around your cooking area as well as steam, fumes and food smells. Long cooking times can increase the amount of heat in your kitchen, especially with Agas as they are always turned on and producing heat. Steam and heat can cause wallpaper and paint to peel so having a hood can reduce this issue by extracting them.
The alternative to installing and paying for a full hood is an Aga flue which often comes with the Aga.
Some types of Aga cookers do not require ventilation due to the way they are powered. Electric Aga cookers do not emit any fumes during the cooking process so will not require ventilation. Do some have built-in ventilation?
Aga flues are another common method of ventilation in kitchens, replacing the need for a full hood. Flues can also be found in other appliances in the home such as chimneys and leading away from heaters, boilers or generators as a method of conveying exhaust gases outside of the home.
Aga flues will need maintenance to ensure they are clean and provide optimum extraction efficiency, this includes being swept once or twice a year by a professional. As with hoods, there are a few different types of flue that can be used to ventilate your Aga cooker.
Type |
Description |
Conventional Flue |
A conventional flue is built into a chimney and uses natural air circulation to direct smoke, gases and combustibles away from the fire. The air from around the Aga cooker is drawn rather than pulling in air from outside the home. |
Balanced Flue |
Balanced flues are used with gas cookers with two pipes, one external and one internal. The external pipe brings air into the house from outside to allow the combustion process to take place. The internal pipe removes waste gases and smoke out of the building. |
Power Flue |
Power flues provide an option for houses with no chimney, with the additional benefit of removing the limitations of where the Aga cooker can be installed, including both external and internal walls or even kitchen islands. |
At Rang Exchange, we have a large variety of different Aga models to suit your space and requirements. If you are unsure which model is the right one for you, we have a helpful guide available to help you make an informed choice.
With a full range available including Gas Aga Cookers, Oil Aga Cookers and Electric Aga Cookers, Range Exchange has everything you need to introduce an Aga into your kitchen. We even offer flues with some of our Agas.
]]>So, can you make pizza in an Aga cooker? Yes, pizza can be cooked to perfection when baked on the floor of the roasting oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the base is crisp and golden. Both homemade and pre-bought pizzas can be cooked this way.
Read on to learn more about Aga pizzas as well as for a few great Aga pizza recipes.
Whether it’s a quick, frozen weekday meal or a homemade extravaganza, it couldn’t be easier to make the perfect pizza in an Aga cooker. You could even meet halfway with a shop-bought base, but add your own toppings!
Pizza is best cooked on the floor of the roasting oven and takes less than 15 minutes to cook through to a crispy base with bubbling cheese on top. Below, we provide you with a few ways to achieve the perfect Aga pizza, no matter your cooking abilities or preferences.
When it comes to an Aga pizza it can be as simple as your favourite frozen pizza, a shop-bought base with your own toppings, or a completely homemade pizza. Below, we talk you through how to achieve the perfect pizza every time.
First, let’s start with a couple of pizza base recipes.
There are hundreds of pizza base recipes floating around the internet, each claiming to be the best. We can’t claim that these recipes are, indeed, the best out there, but they’re a great starting point if you’ve never made pizza dough before. Plus, if you’re a complete baking beginner, we even offer a no-yeast option to make the process a whole lot easier.
[Makes 2 pizza bases]
Ingredients:
Method:
[Makes 2 pizza bases]
Ingredients:
Method:
After sorting your pizza base, you then need to think about what toppings you want on your Aga pizza; will you go for a classic Margherita or completely rebel and make up your own?
First things first, though. You need a sauce, and what better place to start than with a simple, classic pizza sauce.
[Makes 4-6 portions]
Ingredients:
Method:
Whether you’re after a gourmet delight or something to satisfy the kids, pizza toppings are endless, but here a few that piqued our attention that we’re itching to try out:
If you don’t quite fancy making a homemade pizza, shop-bought or frozen pizza can also be cooked in an Aga cooker very easily. Simply bake on the floor of the roasting oven until your base is golden and crisp. This may take around 15 minutes.
If you’re a pizza-lover and just wanted to know whether or not you could still cook your favourite food if you switched to an Aga cooker, you’ll be glad to know that you can. And, not only that, but an Aga cooker makes the best, crispy base you could imagine.
Take a look at our range of reconditioned Aga cookers today. Whether you’re looking for a modern Total Control model, or a more traditional Gas Aga Cooker, we’ve got you covered.
]]>So, what are some delicious easter biscuit recipes? In our opinion, the best Easter biscuit recipes are those that are cute, colourful, and easy to bake with the kids. Why not try a classic, simple biscuit recipe, or follow baking goddess Mary Berry’s favourite lemon currant Easter biscuit recipe to wow all of the family this Easter.
Read on to enjoy these cute, delicious Easter biscuit recipes, both of which are easy to bake in whichever Aga cooker you have at home.
This classic biscuit recipe is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make and decorate some delicious easter biscuits for all of the family to enjoy.
[makes 18 biscuits]
Ingredients:
Method:
For instructions about how to decorate your biscuits, see below under ‘How to Decorate Easter Biscuit Recipes’.
For anyone looking to bake more traditional Easter biscuits this April, Mary Berry’s Easter Biscuits Recipe has got you covered.
[makes 24 biscuits]
Ingredients:
Method:
Looking for an activity to keep the kids busy? We’ve got you covered. These decoration options for Recipe 1 Easter Biscuits are a great way to get creative and probably, a little bit messy!
If you want your biscuits to be fun and colourful, this is the option for you. (Top tip - Use pastel colours to make the biscuits more Eastery!)
Ingredients:
Method:
If you want your biscuits to resemble real eggs this Easter, this is how to do it….
Ingredients:
Method:
According to a recent study from researchers at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (University of Lincoln), there is scientific evidence to prove that Aga cookers ‘treat food differently by using gentle, radiant heat and locking in all the moisture, flavour and goodness of food’.
As a result, it is safe to say that Aga cookers are perfect for baking because you can achieve 2 key things that all bakers strive for:
Learn more about baking with Aga cookers in our recent blog, Can You Make Bread in an Aga Cooker, where we go into more detail about how to bake bread in our reconditioned Aga cookers.
What better way is there to celebrate the beginning of Spring than by checking out Range Exchanges’ showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. Whether it is for your Easter roast or you want to try out some of these delicious Easter biscuit recipes, there are plenty of models to choose from. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like eControl and Total Control.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information. ]]>Whether you’ve been together forever or it’s your first Valentine’s Day as a couple, you can’t beat a romantic night in for two with a good meal. But what do you cook? In this blog, we help you to get out of your cooking comfort zone with a few extra special date night recipes that you and your loved one are sure to love.
So, what are some great vegetarian date night recipes? Our perfect date night recipe is something special; not your everyday meal - something like Sesame Halloumi Parcels and a rich chocolatey dessert. Alternatively, if you prefer a breakfast date, you can’t go wrong with pancakes or waffles with your favourite toppings.
Keep reading for a variety of special date night recipes and Valentine’s Day meals, all of which are quick and easy to make using your Aga cooker.
…or any cooker, really. But, Aga cookers really do enhance your Valentine’s Day meals.
When it comes to a special breakfast, can you really go wrong with pancakes and waffles? Not only are they vegetarian (depending on your toppings), they’re also super quick and easy to make. You can even make your batter the night before!
Below you’ll find our tried and tested pancake and waffle recipes, as well as a few really great toppings to try for your Valentine’s Day breakfast.
[Serves 4]
Ingredients:
Method:
[Serves 4]
Ingredients:
Method:
Whether you prefer pancakes or waffles, these great toppings work for all occasions, but are particularly great as a Valentine’s Day breakfast or brunch.
Whether you’re a budding Michelin Star chef or a classic home cook, our favourite vegetarian date night recipes below are sure to please on Valentine’s Day. Choose between delicious halloumi parcels or a hearty oven baked risotto (which can easily be made vegan, too!).
[Serves 2-4]
Ingredients:
Method:
[Serves 4]
Ingredients:
Method:
For some, dessert is the best part of a meal, which is why it’s so important to get your dessert date night recipes perfect! Regardless of whether or not you fancy yourself the next Star baker, we’ve got you covered with a couple of classics; a rich chocolate pudding and a tangy baked cheesecake.
[Serves 3]
Ingredients:
Method:
Note: these puddings can also be made ahead and served chilled if left in the ramekins.
[Serves 6-8]
Ingredients:
Method:
Note: if your aga cooker does not have a baking oven, this recipe can be cooked in the roasting oven for 10 minutes before transferring to the AGA simmering oven for a further 60 - 90 minutes.
Range Exchange is the home of showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. Like-new and showroom standard, we offer a wide range of models that are all more than capable of handling special date night recipes and Valentine’s Day meals. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like eControl and Total Control.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
If you own an Aga cooker or are interested in purchasing one, you may be keen to explore its functionalities and capabilities with different recipes. Baking your own bread is often considered a luxury in most households, as bread recipes don’t always result in the best outcome due to the limited temperatures of modern ovens.
However, with an Aga cooker you will be surprised how well your bread recipes can turn out, as long as you follow the recipe of course!
So, can you bake bread in an Aga cooker? Yes, Aga cookers are perfect for baking a variety of bread recipes. This is due to Aga cookers featuring a roasting oven that can reach up to 240c, which is ideal for helping to produce airy bread with a tasty outer crust.
Keep reading to learn how to bake a classic French baguette and a tasty sourdough bread in an Aga cooker.
Aga cookers are ideal for baking bread due to them featuring a roasting oven that can reach temperatures up to 240c. This is perfect for Aga bread recipes because it allows for a faster rise in the bread before the gluten and crust has time to harden. This results in fluffy and airy bread with a tasty crust; perfect for pairing with homemade soups, making delicious cheese toasties or simply having on the side of your main dish.
You will be pleased to know that even the smallest of Aga cookers, the 2 door Aga cooker, features a roasting oven. Therefore you don’t need to worry about missing out on delectable Aga bread recipes if you only have space for a smaller Aga cooker in your kitchen. Whether you have a 2,3,4 or 5 door Aga cooker, once you try an Aga bread recipe, you are sure to want more!
As huge fans of Aga bread recipes, we thought it would only be fair to share some of our favourites with you. This Aga French baguette recipe is fairly simple and results in mouth-watering Aga bread every time.
By following this recipe, you are sure to create some fluffy baguettes that are suitable for a variety of dishes in your family home. To see the amazing results of steaming your baguettes in an Aga cooker roasting oven, take a look at the video below.
For all of the sourdough bread lovers out there, we have the perfect recipe for you to try in your Aga cooker roasting oven. Take a read through and give it a go yourself to bake the tastiest homemade sourdough.
Once your bread is baked and has cooled, delve in and create delicious sandwiches and toasties. To see how well an Aga cooker makes sourdough bread, take a look at the informative video below.
If you are wanting to take your baking and cooking skills to the next level and your standard oven just isn’t doing the trick, then you know it is time to treat yourself to a reconditioned Aga cooker. With a variety of ovens that offer cooking versatility for different dishes, you are sure to love cooking with an Aga cooker. Browse through our Aga cooker collection online today to find the perfect model for your kitchen.
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So, how do I cook Christmas pudding in an Aga cooker? To do so, put the basin in a pan, then pour water halfway up the side of the basin. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes on the simmering plate, then transfer it to the back of the simmering oven for 2 hours. To finish, turn out and serve with your preference of either brandy butter or sauce.
Read on to learn in more detail how to cook your Christmas pudding in an Aga cooker.
So, you are wondering how you cook your Christmas pudding in an Aga cooker and we totally understand why. We believe that this is the best way to truly appreciate a great Christmas pudding on Christmas day.
Make sure to have all the correct ingredients ready for your Christmas pudding. This serves 10 - 12 people, so be sure to change the ingredient measurements where necessary:
It's a relatively simple process to cook your Christmas pudding in an Aga cooker but we understand this is a whole new world of cooking. You can learn more about how Aga cookers work to help you with your other festive cooking, in our blog How Does an Aga Cooker Work?.
We’re guessing if you’re cooking Christmas pudding in an Aga cooker, it may be useful to know how to cook another festive Christmas treat which is adored by so many. With the versatility of the Aga cooker, baking festive treats are a must through the festive season. Below we have an example of how you can bake classic gingerbread.
The Aga cooker excels itself at Christmas. The versatility means that it can cook a wide range of foods exceptionally well, making it the perfect little helper for cooking Christmas dinner and other festive treats. From roasting your roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips, to festive baking, simmering sprouts and slow cooking your boxing day gammon. So as well as serving your Christmas pudding, the Aga cooker can help you make other perfect festive dishes.
Here’s a tip when it comes to using your aga cooker for Christmas day - we recommend you do not cook your turkey straight from the fridge. A massive chilled bird will take most of your Aga cooker heat to cook the turkey, before you’ve even started cooking your sprouts or carrots. By letting the turkey stand in a cool room to come up to room temperature slowly, you are minimising this long cooking process in your Aga cooker.
For a great in-depth process on how to cook your Christmas turkey, read our blog “How Do You Cook a Christmas Turkey in an Aga Cooker?”
If you are wanting to say goodbye to your standard oven and welcome the Aga cooker into your life, then look no further. Range Exchange is the home of showroom-quality reconditioned Aga cookers. We offer a wide range of models that are all more than capable of cooking the perfect Christmas pudding in an Aga and all the other festive dishes. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like eControl and Total Control.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
So, does an Aga cooker need electricity? Most Aga cookers require some degree of electricity to power them, typically a 13amp socket, or a 32amp cooker circuit. In some cases, electricity is required to create a spark, and in others to completely power all elements of the oven.
Read on to learn more about the electricity supply required to power Aga cookers.
Regardless of their main fuel source, most Aga cookers need at least a small amount of electricity. Some will require just a 13amp socket, whilst others may require a 32amp “cooker circuit”. Some Aga cookers may require multiple sockets, whilst others can require both sockets and “cooker circuits”.
Below is a detailed list of the electricity supply required for a number of Aga cooker models.
Fuel/Model |
Electricity Supply Required |
Gas Conventional Flue Aga (excluding Dual Control) |
Non-AIMS & Module: None required With Module: 32 amp cooker circuit |
Gas Powered Flue Aga (excluding Dual Control) |
No Module: 13amp switched socket With Module: 13amp switched socket and 32amp cooker circuit. Integral socket required |
Electric 13amp Aga |
No Module: 13amp switch fused spur point, recommended to be on its own 16amp circuit breaker With Module: Additional 32amp cooker circuit |
Aga 7 Series R7 (Dual Control) |
No Module: 32amp cooker circuit (+13amp socket for 5 oven models) With Module: X2 32amp cooker circuits (+13amp socket for 5 oven models) |
Aga R3 Series Cookers |
R3 100-4h (Twin Hotplate): X2 13amp switched, fused spur connection units R3 100-4i (Hotplate Plus Induction): X2 13amp switched, fused spur connection units |
Aga eR3 Series Cookers |
eR3 100-3, 100-4 and 110-4 (Non-Induction): 32amp cooker circuit eR3 100-3i, 100-4i and 110i (With Induction): 32 amp cooker circuit, plus 13 amp socket outlet eR3 150-4, 160-5 and 170-5 (Non-Induction): 32 amp cooker circuit, plus 13 amp socket outlet eR3 150-4i, 160-5i and 170-5i (With Induction): 32 amp cooker circuit, plus X2 13 amp socket outlet |
Aga 60 (All-Electric or Dual Fuel Model) |
32amp cooker circuit |
Oil Fired Aga |
No Module: 13 amp socket (socket outlet for 4 oven models) With Module: 13amp socket, plus 32amp cooker circuit using an integral socket |
Induction Hob for Five oven Dual/Total Control Aga |
Induction Hob (5 Oven 7 Series [Dual/Total Control] Only): N/A (5 oven models fed from existing warming cupboard socket) |
In most Aga models, electricity is required to create a spark, at minimum, or in electric and dual fuel models, to create heat.
Oil and gas Aga cookers work by generating heat from a single burner, controlled by a thermostat. This then regulates fuel distribution to the various ovens and hotplates, maintaining a set temperature. The cast iron body of Aga cookers enables easy heat absorption, storage, and transmission by way of radiant heat.
Newer, Total Control Aga models work similarly, except that they have the ability to control which area of the oven should be heated, and that the various areas are heated by elements embedded within, rather than from a single burner. Dual Control models also have this feature, but heat comes from a single burner. These features also offer users the ability to easily turn the cooker on and off to suit your needs.
Learn more about how Aga cookers work in our recent blog.
Since electricity is required for most Aga models, you may now be wondering if it’s worth buying an electric model over a more traditional model. Here are a few benefits of electric Agas to help you make a decision:
After learning more about the electrical supply required to power Aga cookers, you’re interested in owning your own Aga, Range Exchange offers a wide variety of reconditioned Aga cookers, restored to showroom condition.
Whether you’re interested in a traditional gas or oil powered Aga, or you’d prefer a modern electric model, we have something for everyone. We also have dual fuel models which offer the best of both worlds.
Take a look at our range of reconditioned Aga cookers online today, or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your specific requirements.
So, can I use my Aga as a slow cooker? Aga cookers can easily be used as slow cookers by using the simmering oven for low, slow cooks. Any classic slow cooker recipe, such as casseroles, curries, and stews can easily be converted for use in an Aga with minimal changes but maximum results.
Read on to learn more about slow cooking in an Aga cooker.
The versatility of an Aga cooker means that it can cook a wide range of foods exceptionally well, using a variety of cooking methods, from roasting and baking, to simmering and slow cooking. In fact, some even consider slow cooking to be the Aga’s greatest feature.
The gentle, radiant heat produced by an Aga cooker creates an ideal environment for slow cooking, with an even, consistent temperature and limited moisture loss. Many find that the temperature of the simmering oven is equivalent to low settings on conventional electric slow cookers, making it perfect for stews, casseroles. soups, meat, potatoes, and everything in between.
With this in mind, you’ll find that most slow cooker recipes can easily be converted for use in an Aga. Although, as Mary Berry explains, it can take a little while to get used to how slow cooking works in an Aga.
In a recent article with Country Life, Mary Berry discusses her love for the Aga cooker, and how it is the perfect piece of equipment for slow cooked meals. However, she explains that if you’re more used to conventional ovens and modern electric slow cookers, it can take a bit of getting used to to achieve a perfect slow cooked meal. But, once you’re there, it couldn't be easier to create delicious, one-pot, slow cooked family favourites.
The first thing you need to know is that you’ll need to begin cooking your food in a warmer oven for a short period of time, or bring it to the boil on the hotplates to get it started, before moving it to the simmering oven for a low, slow cook. From here, treat it like any slow cooker recipe you know and love, but give yourself more time than you need to ensure that everything is cooked to your liking before serving. Afterall, an extra 30 minutes or so won’t harm a slow cooked meal.
The simmering oven creates an environment similar to a conventional electric slow cooker with an equivalent temperature. All Aga models contain a simmering oven, typically located on the bottom right hand side of the cooker.
Use the roasting oven at the top right of the cooker or the hotplates on top to get your slow cooked meal started, before moving it to the simmering oven for the remaining cooking time.
2 Oven Aga with Simmering Oven (bottom right) and Roasting Oven (top right)
All you need to create delicious slow cooked meals in an Aga is a suitable casserole pot, your ingredients and, maybe a pot liner if you don’t love washing up! Below you’ll find a range of classic slow cooker recipes that can be easily made in the Aga simmering oven, from casseroles to currys, and even everyday favourites like bolognese (batch cook it and reheat it for mid-week meals!).
The beauty of an Aga cooker is that they negate the need for the 101 kitchen appliances that you’ve no doubt accumulated over the years. It can take a little time to really get to know an Aga, but once you’re confident with the various ovens and hotplates, you can get rid of your slow cooker, toaster, toastie maker, kettle, bread maker, and more.
An Aga can also do what all other conventional ovens do (even if your model doesn’t have the specific oven - there’s always get-arounds!). For example, an Aga works amazingly well for baked goods, from cakes, brownies, and biscuits, through to savoury goods like bread and pastry. In fact, you can even use the inside of the hotplate domes to cook flatbreads. Learn more about baking in an Aga cooker in our recent blog.
With a bit of research and experimentation, your options are endless with an Aga cooker.
If you’re ready to ditch the conventional oven and your 101 cooking appliances, but are put off by the steep price tag of brand new Aga cookers, Range Exchange offers showroom-standard reconditioned Agas. We have a wide range of models, from traditional oil and gas models, to modern eControl, Dual Control, and Total Control models. You can even choose from 24 colours to suit the design of your kitchen.
Take a look at our range of models online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
]]>So, how do you make a roast dinner in an aga? Use the roasting oven to roast your meat, potatoes, and cook Yorkshire puddings, and use the simmering plate for vegetables and for making gravy. Use the same methods as you usually would, but enjoy how easy it is to make a roast dinner with the additional space that an Aga offers.
Read on to learn more about cooking your favourite Sunday roast dinner in an Aga cooker.
If you’ve never cooked a roast dinner in an Aga before, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is than in a small, conventional oven; the spacious ovens make Sunday roasts a breeze, especially when you make the most of the versatility the whole cooker, not just the roasting oven.
Below you’ll find information on how to cook (what we think are) the main elements of a classic roast dinner in an Aga, including a few different types of meat, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and the pièce de résistance, gravy.
First, take the beef out of the fridge about an hour before cooking to allow it to come up to room temperature. Season the meat as you usually would, then place chunks of onion onto the base of your roasting tin, sitting the prepared beef on top.
Slide your tin into the roasting oven of your Aga (usually the top right oven), onto the lowest set of runners. You’ll want to cook it for around 12 minutes per lb. Once cooked, leave to stand for 10 minutes before carving.
P.S. don’t get rid of the juices!
Take the chicken out of the fridge about 45 minutes to an hour before cooking to allow it to come up to room temperature. Stuff the cavity with your choice of stuffing (onions, lemon, and herbs work great), brush the skin with a bit of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Chop some onions, carrots and celery into large chunks and place on the base of a roasting tin. Sit the chicken on top and slide onto the lowest set of runners in the roasting oven. Cook for around 1 hour 20 minutes or until the juices run clear.
Leave the chicken to rest and cover with foil. Save the juices for the gravy.
Peel enough potatoes to feed your guests (1 medium potato per person would be enough), and chop into even-sized chunks. Parboil the potatoes in salted water on the simmering plate for around 5 minutes, then drain. Fluff up the potatoes ready for roasting by shaking them about in the pan with the lid on.
Heat the fat (goose fat, duck fat, or beef dripping works great) in the roasting tin on the flat floor grid of the roasting oven until very hot. Add the potatoes and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crisp.
Make your Yorkshire pudding batter as normal and leave to stand for a minimum of 30 minutes before cooking. Heat a small amount of fat in each hole of the pudding tin until very hot (this is crucial!). Pour your batter into the holes immediately and place onto a low set of runners in the roasting oven. Cook for about 20 minutes until they have risen well and are golden. Don’t be tempted to keep opening the door and looking at them as the vibrations can make them sink (think of it like a cake!).
Depending on where you are in the country (or indeed the world!), gravy will mean different things to everyone. But here, we’re going with a classic meat-juice gravy. Pour the meat juices from your roast into a saucepan and place on the simmering plate. Stir in the flour and water, stock, or wine. Stirring continuously, bring the mixture to the boil and let it simmer away until it reaches your desired consistency (don’t walk away from it - it will stick to the bottom of the pan!).
Range Exchange is the home of showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. Like-new and showroom standard, we offer a wide range of models that are all more than capable of creating the perfect roast dinner. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like eControl and Total Control.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
Roasting ovens are features of all Aga models, and are located on the top right hand side of the cooker. This is the hottest part of the cooker.
]]>So, what is the history of the Aga cooker? Aga cookers were invented in the 1920s by Dr. Gustav Dalen in Sweden. He set about creating a cleaner, safer, and more convenient way of cooking. Throughout the 20th century, more environmentally friendly, economical models were developed, before looking to consumer convenience in the 21st century.
Read on to learn more about the Aga cooker, and how it has changed over the course of its 100-year history.
Aga Cookers are the brainchild of Swedish Physicist, Dr. Gustav Dalen. He began designing and creating the very first version of the Aga in the 1920s after being injured at work and forced to convalesce at home. During this time, he noticed how dangerous, dirty, and time consuming conventional cookers were to use, and set about inventing something better that was clean, safe, and more economical. After a number of years of trial and error, the first version of the Aga Range Cooker was born.
Dr. Dalen created a cooker that completely changed the lives of housewives around the world in the early 20th Century. His invention was an immediate success, and soon made its way to the UK, which was its home until 2017.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the UK’s interest in Aga cookers really took hold, with a little help from David Ogilvy (before he founded the Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency), who released an article entitled The Theory and Practice of Selling an AGA Cooker. Forbes magazine described it as “the finest instruction manual ever written”, and attributes it to the growing success of Aga cookers during this period. Domestic demand rose significantly, resulting in a 6-month waiting period for new Aga cookers.
Meanwhile, during the war years, Aga played its part by supplying British forces with Aga cookers for munition works, canteens, and hospitals, helping to keep soldiers warm and fed during difficult times.
But, it wasn’t until the 1950s that new designs and colour options were introduced. For 34 years, Aga cookers were only available in cream! In 1956, the Aga De Luxe model was introduced, and for the first time was available in pale blue, pale green, grey, and white. By 1960, Aga had introduced the iconic black lozengo logo that is still used today.
However, the changes made mid-century weren’t just cosmetic. People began wanting cleaner, more convenient energy sources, which led to the introduction of oil and gas-fired Agas in the 1970s.
In 1981 Aga celebrated its 50th birthday and, following on from the demand for alternative fuel sources in the 1970s, Aga began working on even cleaner models. In 1985, they launched their first electric model. This was the 2-oven EC2 model, quickly followed by the 4-oven EC4 in 1987. By 1996, further electric models had been launched, including the Aga Module - the perfect addition to traditional Agas that made modern life a little easier.
During this time, the brand saw a great deal of representation in the media with a visit from Prime Minister, Margret Thatcher, and being the feature of Mary Berry’s new cookbook in the 1990s. This book established Mary Berry as the definitive authority on Aga cooking. In fact, The Mail described her as being “to Aga what Pavarotti is to opera”.
At the turn of the new millennium, in 2003, Aga launched the 3-oven Aga model. This was an engineering breakthrough at the time, offering additional cooking capacity (as well as a new baking oven!), whilst operating on the same economic footprint as older models. This was quickly followed by the introduction of the 13-amp electric model in 2004, with the addition of a standard household plug, offering increased convenience - these new models needed no flue, and could be easily installed almost anywhere in the kitchen.
Moving into the 2010s, Aga saw great changes throughout the decade with the launch of many new models, including the Total Control - the first model that offers true modern convenience for owners, allowing them to turn them on and off like a conventional cooker. Around this time, Aga also launched its smallest and largest ever models, the Dual Control, and the Aga 60.
Towards the end of the decade, Aga also made changes to its infamous hotplates, introducing models with induction hobs - the eR3 series. Meanwhile, the eR7 series even offers touchscreen capabilities and multiple heat settings that control each oven and hotplate independently, enabling owners to have more control over energy consumption - a key priority in the modern day.
Aga has made great strides over the past few decades to make their cookers more environmentally friendly, whilst offering greater convenience to owners. We don’t know what the future holds for Aga, but we’re sure that whatever comes next will competently answer consumer demand of the time, as it has for over 100 years.
Range Exchange is the home of reconditioned Aga cookers that are like-new and of showroom standard. Whether you’re looking for modern electric models like the eControl and Total Control models, or a more traditional oil or gas-fired model, we have something for everyone.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
So, do you blind bake in an Aga cooker? You don’t need to blind bake pastry in an Aga cooker as the radiant heat cooks both the pastry and filling at the same time, meaning no more soggy bottoms! However, some professionals do still recommend blind baking as you would in a conventional oven to ensure a perfect bake.
Read on to learn more about blind baking with an Aga oven, and discover a few classic recipes converted for Aga cooking.
There is no need to blind bake pastry when using an Aga cooker, provided that you use a ceramic stoneware or pyrex dish as these conduct heat slower and more evenly than a metal dish. With an Aga cooker and appropriate bakeware, everything bakes at the same speed. However, some bakers do still prefer to blind bake their pastry regardless.
For anyone unsure, blind baking is the process of par- or fully cooking your pastry in the dish before adding your filling. In conventional ovens this ensures that the pastry is cooked through and avoids a soggy bottom!
Despite not needing to blind bake with an Aga cooker, some professionals do still recommend it to ensure a perfect bake. As a rule of thumb, the following process should be followed to achieve a good blind bake:
Perfect as a starter, main meal, or as a quick, tasty lunch, it couldn’t be easier to make a classic quiche in an Aga cooker. You can make this Cheese and Rocket Quiche as one large dish or several smaller ones depending on your preference or the size of your bakeware.
This recipe doesn’t use the blind baking technique when baking in an Aga cooker.
Begin by making or preparing your pastry as normal (we prefer shortcrust pastry for a classic quiche), then roll out and line your tin. Then spread the rocket and cubed cheese (Wensleydale is a great choice!) onto the base. In a jug, beat your eggs together with the cream, herbs and seasonings, then slowly pour over the rocket and cheese.
Slide your quiche onto the floor of the roasting oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown and the egg mixture set.
Ingredients
(Serves 6)
A Bakewell Tart has been a British staple dessert for many years, but it can be time-consuming to bake in a conventional oven. However, with an Aga cooker, you can save a bit of time by not needing to blind bake your pastry. You can save even more time with shop-bought pastry (nobody needs to know!).
Start by making or preparing a sweet shortcrust pastry, then wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out your pastry and line a 8.5 inch/22cm tart tin. Trim any overhanging pastry and return to the fridge for around 20 minutes.
During this time, you can make the frangipane. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add in one egg at a time, followed by the ground almonds and almond extract. Mix together until you have a smooth batter.
Take your tart tin out of the fridge and prick holes across the base with a fork or sharp knife. Spread the jam over the base and top it with your frangipane batter. Smooth off the top. If adding, push the raspberries onto the top in a circular pattern.
Bake on the floor of the roasting oven for around 30 minutes. If after 20 minutes the tart is golden brown but not cooked through, place your cold plain shelf onto the second runner. Once cooked through, allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the tin.
Ingredients
(Serves 6)
Tart Ingredients:
Pastry Ingredients:
Why should mince pies be just for Christmas?! Cook them all year-round with minimal effort in an Aga cooker. Plus, you can make it even easier with ready-made shortcrust pastry, shop-bought mincemeat, and the ability to skip blind baking when using an Aga cooker.
Start by rolling out your shortcrust pastry and cutting it into 7cm circles (scone cutters are great for this if you have them!). Dust both sides of the pastry with flour to help release them from the tin later.
Gently press the pastry into the muffin tin holes until the edges are level with the top of the hole. Prick the bases with a fork or sharp knife, then chill for 10 minutes. During this time, you can make the tops of the pies. Re-roll your remaining pastry and cut 6 circles big enough to fit your pies. Cut out star shapes from the middles of these circles, then chill and put aside for later.
For the filling, put one teaspoon of mincemeat mixture into each pie case, but don’t be tempted to overfill. Brush the rim of the pastry with water and place a pastry top on each - 6 with stars, 6 with circles. Brush with a little beaten egg and milk, then bake in the roasting oven on the grid shelf for around 15 minutes, or until the pastry is cooked through and golden. Leave to cool then dust with icing sugar.
Ingredients
(Makes 12)
In this blog, we’ve shown you one of the many ways in which an Aga cooker can make your (culinary) life easier, especially if you fancy yourself the next Star Baker. With an Aga cooker, you don’t need to blind bake pastry - the radiant heat cooks your bakes evenly, meaning that your pastry and filling cooks at the same time. No more soggy bottoms!
You can learn more about baking in an Aga cooker in our recent blog where we go over everything you need to know about baking in an Aga and even provide a few more delicious recipes to tempt you.
Take a look at our range of showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers online today. Whether you’re looking for a traditional oil or gas model, or a more modern electric or dual fuel model, we have something for everyone.
So, how do you cook topside beef in an Aga cooker? You cook topside beef (or any joint of beef) the same way in an Aga cooker as you would in a conventional oven, simply adjusting the length of the cook to suit the size of the joint. Use the roasting oven and cook on top of chopped root vegetables in a roasting tin for 12 minutes per lb of beef.
Read on to learn more about how to prepare and cook a joint of topside beef in an Aga cooker, as well as all of the traditional Sunday roast trimmings.
Cooking topside roast beef in an Aga cooker follows the same principles as in a conventional oven, you just need to adjust timings to suit. But, with an Aga cooker, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised at how much space you have left for all the trimmings! No more Sunday afternoon stress over having everything ready (and still warm!) at the same time.
Below you’ll find information on how to prepare your topside beef joint for Aga cooking, as well as which oven to use and how long to cook it for.
How you prepare your topside beef joint will depend on your intended meal, however for a classic Sunday roast, we recommend the following:
To cook topside roast beef in an Aga cooker, use the roasting oven. This is the hottest part of an Aga cooker, reaching temperatures from 246°C to 260°C.
In this oven, you can choose between fast roasting or medium roasting, depending on how long you have until dinner. For fast roasting, hang your roasting tin from the third set of runners in the roasting oven for 12 minutes per lb of beef. For medium roasting, put the joint in the roasting oven for a third of the cooking time to allow it to seal and brown, then move it to the simmering oven for the remaining cooking time - 12 minutes per lb.
If you’re cooking a joint of roast beef, chances are you’re cooking more than just that - you’re probably cooking a classic roast dinner. Nothing beats roast dinner trimmings, so we’ve provided all the information you need to make the ultimate Sunday roast with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and, crucially, a delicious meaty gravy.
For perfectly crispy roast potatoes, cut into even sized chunks and par-boil as normal. Then heat some fat in a roasting tin on the floor of the roasting oven before adding the potatoes and cooking for around 1-¼ hours until golden and crisp.
For classic Yorkshire puddings, make your batter as normal, ahead of time (leaving to rest until you’re ready to cook them), then heat oil in a muffin tin on the floor of the roasting oven until it’s very hot - this is crucial for success! Pour in the batter then cook for around 20 minutes until risen and golden. Don’t be tempted to open the oven doors throughout the cooking process as it can cause the puddings to drop (similar to cake).
Hopefully you saved your meat juice from the topside beef once cooked - these will elevate an average gravy to an exceptional gravy. Pour these juices into a saucepan and place on the simmering plate. Mix in flour and water, stock or wine. Bring to the boil and stir continuously until the mixture has thickened to your preferred consistency. But, don’t walk away from it - your gravy will catch on the bottom of the pan and burn!
Learn more about cooking a classic Sunday roast with your topside beef in our recent blog, where we go into more detail about how to cook all the trimmings - roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and, of course, gravy.
Range Exchange is the home of showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. We offer a wide range of models that are all more than capable of creating the perfect roast beef joint and all the trimmings. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas Aga models, or New Gen models like eControl and Total Control.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information. ]]>So, how much space do you need to leave around an Aga cooker? You need to leave a minimum gap of 3mm around the front and sides of an Aga cooker, and a 10mm gap behind the cooker for ventilation purposes, to avoid scorching, and for easy removal of the top place if necessary.
Read on to learn more about Aga cooker clearance dimensions and other practical considerations when purchasing an Aga cooker.
When installing an Aga cooker, regardless of its size or where it’s being installed, the following Aga clearance dimensions should be followed:
This space ensures proper airflow when the Aga is on (which, in some cases, is all the time), minimises the risk of scorching and other types of damage or grime as a result of cooking, and also means that the top plate can be easily and safely removed if necessary.
Some Aga cooker models require a flue to vent fumes and vapours created when cooking. However, other models will manage just fine with a regular kitchen extractor fan to remove any steam or cooking smells.
Fire or fuel-burning models require a steady flow of external air to ensure that they continue to burn properly and safely. If you don’t currently have such a vent, one would need to be fitted as part of the Aga cooker installation process.
Other models that don’t require a flue (such as electric models) may still need small vent pipe as a way of removing cooking smells, however, bear in mind that such models are often also available as “room vented” models - meaning that neither a flue or vent pipe are required and a simple kitchen extractor would suffice.
Even considering that you need to leave clearances around an Aga cooker for various purposes, they can still be integrated into small kitchens with a bit of clever design and the right model. Range Exchange offers small 2 door Aga cookers which are perfect for smaller kitchens, but still provide all of the amazing benefits of larger Aga cookers. Available as gas and electric models, these cookers contain the classics - a roasting oven and a simmering oven.
When choosing an Aga cooker to suit your kitchen, taking a look at Aga cooker dimensions is always a good place to start.
Range Exchange is the home of showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers. If you’re not quite sure about the different Aga cooker models on offer, we’re pretty confident that you’ll find answers to your questions on our FAQs page. We also have a dedicated page finding the right model for you. If you’re still unsure, our experts are on hand to ensure that you choose the right model for your and your kitchen.
Get in touch with us today to find your dream Aga cooker.
]]>So, what pans can be used on an Aga cooker? A variety of pots, pans and other cookware can be used with Aga cookers, but Aga themselves recommend cast-iron, cast-aluminium and stainless steel options in particular. Most types of pots and pans are safe to use, but those with induction hobs should be more careful, as with conventional ovens.
Read on to learn more about which pots and pans you can use with an Aga cooker, and whether or not you need to purchase specialist Aga pans.
An Aga cooker is a big investment and the last thing you want after such a big purchase is to toss out all of your existing pots and pans and spend a small fortune on new ones. But, is it worth it for a range of specialist Aga pans that won’t easily damage as a result of the various heat sources on an Aga cooker?
Below we outline the various types of pans and cookware that can be used safely in an Aga cooker and any particularities you need to be aware of before using them.
Aga Pans and Other Cookware |
Notes |
Cast-Iron |
Aga is well known for cast-iron cooking so it should come as no surprise to learn that cast-iron pots and pans are perfectly safe to use in and on any part of an Aga cooker. |
Cast-Aluminium |
Less common than cast-iron but super versatile and sturdy, cast-aluminium pots and pans can be used on most parts of an Aga cooker, but are unsuitable for induction hobs. |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless steel pots and pans are safe to use on any part of an Aga cooker, especially if they have heavy bottoms. |
Roasting & Baking Tins |
We recommend looking into Aga’s own roasting and baking tins. Not only are the materials suitable for Aga ovens, but they’re made to sit on the oven runners. Alternatively, ceramic, enamel, stainless steel, cast-iron, cast-aluminium, and even Pyrex dishes are suitable for use in an Aga cooker. |
Aga Kettles |
One of the benefits of having an Aga cooker is that they do everything - you could even throw away your kettle and replace it with a stovetop Aga kettle! Just make sure that your chosen model is suitable for your hob type. |
Aga Toaster & Other Accessories |
There is an array of other Aga cooker accessories that will make cooking in your Aga a joy, particularly the Aga toaster. Not only can you get rid of another space-consuming appliance, but it makes incredible toast! You don’t have to purchase the Aga Cookshop version, though, any stainless steel cross-wired handled grill should work just fine. |
In a social media post, Aga explained that Pyrex dishes should be fine to use. In fact, they explained that any type of cookware that is dishwasher safe should be safe to use in Aga ovens (not including hotplates).
They provided more detail, telling users that food containers of all materials can safely be placed into the simmering and warming ovens (eliminating the need for a microwave!), and that food cartons such as custard cartons and microwavable rice are also safe to place in the ovens but should be opened first. Likewise, plain and foil-lined paper bags are also safe to use.
Just like you don’t need to replace all your pots and pans with specific Aga pans that are made from particular materials, you also don’t need to purchase all of the available cookware made specifically for Aga ovens.
That being said, there are a few that we recommend for making your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable:
Now you know what you’re looking for, here’s a few brands that we recommend for Aga cookware:
Realistically, you can’t expect to do much better than Aga’s own cookshop for Aga pans, tins, trays and more. It’s truly a one-stop-shop for all things Aga! What’s more, you know that everything on their site is suitable for use in an Aga cooker (or they’ll at least highlight any limitations).
The classic French brand is also a pretty great option for Aga cookware, particularly its cast-iron range. From classic casserole dishes to frying pans, skillets, saucepans, roasters and even bread ovens, Le Creuset really has everything you need to add a stylish flair to your new Aga cooker in a colour to match your kitchen.
We all have at least one or two pieces of Pyrex cookware somewhere in our cupboards and Aga themselves have said that it’s perfectly safe to use Pyrex dishes, jugs and more in Aga cookers. Why waste what you already have?!
Range Exchange is the home of reconditioned Aga cookers that are brought back to showroom quality. We offer a wide range of Aga models that are suitable for all requirements, whether you’re looking for a traditional oil or gas Aga, or a New Gen model like eControl and Total Control models. We also offer Module Aga Cookers that offer more space and more cooking options.
If you’re currently on the hunt for your perfect Aga cooker, take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
]]>So, how do you cook a Christmas turkey in an Aga cooker? Follow the following steps to cook the perfect Aga turkey:
Read on to learn more about cooking the perfect turkey - fit for Christmas day.
Cooking a Christmas turkey in an Aga cooker may seem a little daunting if it’s your first time, but it couldn’t be simpler. You’ll largely be following common guidelines for cooking turkey in a conventional oven, but you may find yourself adjusting cooking times to suit an Aga cooker.
As you’ll see as we move through the process of cooking a turkey in an Aga, it’s a relatively simple process, but the results are unparalleled - the cast-iron ovens of an Aga cooker uses indirect radiant heat that seals meat, locking in the moisture and flavour that can easily be lost with a conventional oven. You can learn more about how Aga cookers work and its radiant heat qualities in our blog How Does an Aga Cooker Work?.
Below we outline how to prepare and cook your Aga turkey to perfection.
Believe it or not, you can achieve great results using any of the Aga ovens. Below you’ll find specific cooking information for each oven:
Aga Oven |
Time to Cook |
Roasting Oven |
20% less time than recommended by the manufacturer. E.g. Place the prepared turkey into a roasting tin, or on a grill rack, and hang from the lowest set of runners. Roast uncovered for 30 minutes - 1 hour until browned. Baste, cover with foil, then return to the oven. For the last 20-30 minutes, remove the foil. |
Simmering Oven |
To use the simmering oven to cook a turkey, you will need to begin the cooking time on the floor of the roasting oven for around 30-60 minutes, or until browned. Remove from the roasting oven, cover with foil, then place into the simmering oven for the remaining time - deduct the time spent in the roasting oven from the suppliers cooking time instructions, then multiply by 2. |
Baking Oven |
The temperature of the baking oven is perfect for cooking the perfect Aga turkey - simply follow the supplier’s cooking time instructions. |
Cooking a Turkey in your AGA from AGA Rangemaster on Vimeo.
If turkey isn’t quite your thing and you prefer a different meat with your Christmas dinner, take a look at our blog How Do You Make a Roast Dinner in an Aga? where we talk about cooking beef and chicken in an Aga cooker, as well as all the trimmings.
The large ovens of an Aga cooker can typically fit turkeys up to a weight of around 13kg (28lbs). This would yield approximately 28 servings at 450g (1lb) per serving. To be sure that your turkey will fit, however, we recommend quickly measuring the dimensions of the oven you intend to use and compare it against the turkey you want to purchase (if shopping in-store).
Now that we’ve got the turkey down, let’s move on to the trimmings. We know that every Christmas meal is a little different, which is why we won’t be focusing on each and every potential element of a Christmas dinner, just some of the key ones like potatoes, vegetables and gravy.
We think that roast potatoes are the superior type of potato for a Christmas dinner - who doesn’t love a crispy roast potato?! Here’s how to make them using an Aga cooker:
You’ll all no doubt prefer different vegetables on your Christmas dinner, but here’s a couple of common ones - carrots and parsnips. This method also works particularly well for mashed potatoes! Simply mash the potatoes with a little butter and seasoning after step 5.
Depending on where you are in the country gravy may mean different things, but here, we’re going with a classic meat-juice gravy.
Range Exchange is the home of showroom-quality reconditioned Aga cookers. We offer a wide range of models that are all more than capable of cooking the perfect Aga turkey and all the trimmings. Take a look at our traditional oil or gas models, or New Gen models like eControl and Total Control.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
]]>If you’re new to the world of Aga cookers, the various ovens, their functions and temperatures can be hard to get to grips with. But, to make things a little easier, in this article we are taking a look at Aga bottom oven temperatures. Hopefully, this will help you understand how to use your Aga cooker effectively, and what you can use it for.
So, what is the temperature of the bottom oven of an Aga? Aga bottom oven temperatures range from 65°C - 93°C in the warming oven, from 107°C - 135°C in the simmering oven, and 176°C - 204°C in the baking oven. However, which bottom ovens you have will depend on your model.
Read on to learn more about Aga bottom oven temperatures and what you can cook in them.
In a 5 oven Aga, there are 3 bottoms ovens; the warming oven, the baking oven, and the simmering oven. Each has their own set temperature as outlined in the table below. Of course, the various models have different layouts and ovens, but the average temperatures should remain the same.
Oven |
Temperature |
---|---|
Warming Oven |
65°C to 93°C |
Baking Oven |
176°C to 204°C |
Simmering Oven |
107°C to 135°C |
Smaller Agas will have different oven layouts, therefore different bottoms ovens. For example:
Whether you’re interested in a 2 oven Aga or a 5 oven Aga, your options for what you can cook in the bottom ovens are endless. The sky truly is the limit with Aga cooking!
In the baking oven you can cook anything from cakes and cookies to bread, cheesecakes, and more - you’re not just limited to what you traditionally class as baking! In fact, we’ve recently posted a blog all about baking in an Aga cooker, including how to bake in an Aga and why baking is better in an Aga. Check it out for inspiration and tasty recipes.
The warming oven is an incredibly useful oven, allowing you to keep food warm for later (without it drying out!) - perfect for dinner parties, Sunday roasts, and the classic Christmas dinner. Take a look at our recent blog about how to cook a roast in an Aga cooker - it’s much easier than in a conventional oven!
Meanwhile, the simmering oven is great for slow cooking stews, curries, chillis and more. Check out our recent blog on using an Aga for slow cooking where we explain how to slow cook using an Aga and provide a number of tasty recipes you can try.
By now, you might be wondering about other Aga oven temperatures. Below you’ll find a handy table containing the average temperature for each Aga oven, although bear in mind that not all models contain all of the featured ovens.
Oven |
Temperature |
Roasting |
246°C to 260°C |
Baking |
176°C to 204°C |
Simmering |
107°C to 135°C |
Warming |
65°C to 93°C |
Range Exchange is the home of showroom-standard reconditioned Aga Cookers. Whether you’re looking for a 5 oven model or a 2 oven model (or anything in between), we have something for everyone. But, if you don’t quite know which model is for you, we also have a handy guide that walks you through the various models to help you decide.
Browse our reconditioned Aga cookers online today, or get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
]]>So, is an Aga cooker good for baking? Aga cookers are a great option for bakers as the gentle radiant heat that Agas produce creates the perfect environment for a wide range of baked goods. Many aga cookers even come with a dedicated baking oven, although both the roasting and simmering ovens can also be used for baking.
Read on to learn more about baking in an Aga cooker and to find a few recipes that can be baked in an Aga.
You absolutely can bake in an Aga cooker; the radiant heat that an Aga produces is the perfect environment for a wide range of baked goods, and has been proven to be kinder to food than a conventional oven.
Many Aga models even come with a dedicated oven for baking, which is set at a constant temperature of 176°C to 204°C (348°F - 399°F) . So, if you’re interested in purchasing an Aga, and have a keen interest in baking, it may be worth spending some time to see which models include a baking oven.
In the meantime, though, you learn more about how Aga cookers work here.
3 and 4 model Aga cookers typically come with a dedicated baking oven that is at an optimum temperature for producing perfect baked goods. This baking oven is usually located on the bottom left of the cooker.
Alternatively, for models without a baking oven, avid bakers can use the roasting oven with the Aga plain shelf.
Location of the baking oven in a 3 oven model
Aga models with 3 or more ovens come with a dedicated baking oven. However, that is not to say that you cannot bake at all in 2 oven Aga models. As previously mentioned, the roasting oven can also be used for baking. Recipes will usually call for the bake to be placed on the grid shelf on the floor of the oven, with the cold plain shelf sat on the shelf above.
The simmering oven is also a great choice for baking items that need to be baked at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time, such as fruitcakes and cheesecakes. What’s more, if your Aga model has one (4+ oven models), the warming oven can be used to make pavlova!
The art of baking in an Aga cooker is rooted in remembering the core principles of cooking on an Aga and fully utilising the different heat zones (not all bakes will achieve the best results in the baking oven!). It’s all about experimenting with your Aga cooker to see what works best for you and your favourite bakes.
Although, as a general rule of thumb, more dense items (like pavlova or cheesecake) need a low and slow bake, therefore the simmering oven, or the floor of the baking oven is perfect. However, bakes that require a higher temperature (or those that can tolerate it) can be baked in the roasting oven; this is great for bread in particular as the high heat helps to create a golden crust, whilst the radiant heat of an Aga helps to keep the inside soft and moist.
Meanwhile, classic, simple creations such as a basic sponge cake, brownies, cookies, and shortbread can be easily cooked in the baking oven, alongside any other creation that requires constant, moderate heat.
With an Aga cooker, the possibilities are endless. Below we have showcased just a few classic recipes, both sweet and savoury, that can be baked in an Aga, but there are hundreds of options available, you just have to work out the best part of your Aga to bake your creations in.
Bake |
Aga Oven |
Time to Cook |
Roasting |
30-40 mins |
|
Baking |
15-20 mins |
|
Baking (use the grid shelf on the floor of the oven) |
15-20 mins |
|
Roasting (use the grid shelf on the floor of the oven) |
5-10 mins |
|
Baking (use the grid shelf on the floor of the oven) |
20-25 mins |
|
Baking (use the grid shelf on the floor with the cold plain shelf above) |
50-60 mins |
|
Warming oven OR Simmering oven |
2-3 hours 1 hour |
Whilst getting used to cooking or baking in an Aga cooker can take a bit of time and practice, it has been proven that Agas treat food better than conventional ovens, and it’s all down to the radiant heat that they produce. The ovens ‘lock in’ moisture, creating perfectly fluffy sponges.
An expert stated that due to the predictability of an Aga, alongside the constant heat, it is easier to understand how the cooker works as a whole, allowing users to easily get their desired results by utilising the right part of the cooker. For this reason, it is easier to get a crust on bread and get an even bake on cakes.
Range Exchange is the home of reconditioned Aga cookers that are like-new and showroom standard. We offer a wide range of Aga models that are suitable for baking, whether you’re looking for a traditional oil or gas Aga, or a New Gen model like eControl and Total Control models. We also offer Module Aga Cookers that offer more space, and more cooking options, perfect for Star Bakers.
Take a look at our range online today, or get in touch with us for more information.
]]>Aga cookers are notorious for their cast iron cooking, classic design and for emitting radiant heat into the room, but is there more to them than this? They have been the heart of the home in many kitchens for almost 100 years, but what makes them so special and why are they a staple in many homes? In this article, we detail some of the key benefits of Aga cookers to help you decide if an Aga cooker is right for you.
So, what’s so special about an Aga cooker? There are a range of features and benefits that make Aga cookers so unique including their great versatility, convenience, the additional warmth they provide, their culinary magic with cast iron cooking, and their classic aesthetic.
Read on to learn more about what makes an Aga cooker so special, and if they’re worth the investment .
For those who are unfamiliar with the cooker, it may seem somewhat complicated and hard to learn how to use. On top of this, the fact that many Aga cookers are always on can be somewhat off-putting if you aren’t aware of the benefits.
One of the key things that makes an Aga cooker special is its cast iron ovens which produce food like no other - not only this but it offers versatility. Depending on the model, Aga owners have the ability to roast, bake, slow cook, boil, simmer, all at the same time. There are even accounts of the hotplates and domes being used as a kind of makeshift tandoori. The possibilities really are endless!
What makes an Aga cooker truly unique is the cast iron cooking which emits a gentle, indirect radiant heat around the ovens. This radiant heat is kind to your food, locking in moisture, goodness, and flavour, whilst also maintaining its nutrients and texture. It’s a much more gentle cooking process than with the direct heat of a conventional oven.
Traditional Aga models offer cosy warmth and convenience with their always-on feature. Keep warm, dry clothing, and provide a cosy atmosphere for your family and friends, and revel in the convenience of never having to wait for your cooker to pre-heat.
Made from sturdy and durable cast iron, an Aga cooker will last a lifetime if properly cared for, unlike conventional ovens which get periodically replaced for various reasons, such as disfunction, breakages, or even just style - the Aga cooker is timeless
There’s no doubt that an Aga cooker is the epitome of the classic, country house aesthetic that so many covet in their modern homes. From a classic British racing green and aubergine, to pistachio and duck egg blue, an Aga cooker offers a timeless look, in a colour to match your style. However, don’t be sceptical if you have more of a modern taste as these Aga cookers compliment pretty much any kitchen design.
The way that Aga cookers differ from conventional cookers starts with how they work, and what they’re made from. Traditional oil, gas and 13 Amp Aga models generate their heat from a single burner that is controlled by a thermostat. This regulates fuel distribution to the ovens and hotplates, maintaining a specific temperature. Meanwhile, the newer Total Control model comes with the ability to control which area of the oven you wish to heat, and that the various areas are heated by elements embedded within, rather than from a single burner. Dual Control models work similarly, except that their heat comes from a single source, like traditional models yet still allow flexibility with the hotplates.
Aga cookers are made from cast iron that enables good heat absorption, storage, and distribution in the form of radiant heat. The cast iron heats up to a specific temperature and radiates that heat throughout the various ovens and hotplates evenly giving Aga cookers the ability to cook food perfectly, keeping it warm for hours without drying it out.
There are wide range of benefits associated with Aga cookers, including:
In our opinion, an Aga cooker is 100% worth it if you appreciate good food, are a budding chef, and are willing to spend the time it takes to learn how an Aga works. It can take time and a little experimentation to really learn how to make the most of an Aga, but once you know what you’re doing, the possibilities are endless. You’ll be left wondering how you ever managed with a regular oven.
If, after learning more about Aga cookers, and what makes them special, you’re interested in owning your own, Range Exchange offers a variety of highly reconditioned Aga cookers, restored to their original showroom condition.
Choose between a wide range of reconditioned Traditional Aga Models, such as Gas Aga Cookers, Oil Aga Cookers and 13 Amp’s as well as New Gen Aga models, like the Total Control and Dual Control Aga cookers in a variety of colours to suit all styles.
We also offer a new generation retrofit electric Aga cooker, namely the e-Control which provides the same benefits of the traditional, Total & Dual Control Aga cookers. This product can either be provided with a fully reconditioned Aga cooker or can be retrofitted to your existing Aga cooker. Find out more here.
Aga cookers are well known for always being turned on to help maintain their cooking temperatures, but what do you do in summer when the kitchen gets too hot to handle? Can you turn your Aga off for the summer? In this article we discuss the pros and cons of turning off your Aga over the warmer months, and if you should turn it off when you go on holiday.
So, should I turn my Aga cooker off in summer? Aga cookers can be turned off in summer to help handle soaring temperatures and reduce your fuel bills. In fact, 44% of Aga owners do so. However, turning off your Aga means that you lose its 1001 cooking applications, and may need to invest in other appliances.
Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of turning off your Aga during summer.
When the temperatures start to soar, the heat generated by an Aga cooker might start to become a little unbearable, and you may begin thinking about turning off your Aga for the summer months. In fact, 44% of Aga owners turn theirs off for the summer period.
This can easily be done, but there are a few things to think about before taking the plunge; below you’ll find a few advantages and disadvantages of turning your Aga cooker off for summer, and why some people prefer to keep them on all year round.
Some of the benefits of turning off your Aga cooker in summer include:
If you’re thinking about turning your Aga off for summer, it’s important to first be aware of the disadvantages of doing so.
Some long-term Aga owners and traditionalists will tell you that they never turn off their Aga cookers, even during sweltering heat. In fact, when asked if she turns her Aga off in summer, and what she does when it gets too hot, Mary Berry said, “No…I open a window”.
Leaving your Aga on all year round does come with a few benefits, depending on your living situation. For example, for those living in apartments, the heat generated by the Aga helps with drying clothing, towels, and bedding which would otherwise be difficult to try. Meanwhile, larger families may struggle with reduced cooking capabilities if an Aga is turned off, but leaving it on throughout the summer period means that home cooks have infinite mealtime options to feed the whole family.
Learn more about why Aga ovens are so often left on all year round in our recent blog.
Gas-fueled Aga cookers can be turned down for various reasons by turning down the temperature and leaving the pilot light/flame on. This makes your kitchen more bearable during the summer heat, but also means that it’s much quicker and easier to turn back on to its normal settings when needed. Some Aga users also claim that simply turning the temperature down slightly can work, as long as you’re prepared to get used to new cooking times.
Whilst it should harm your Aga either way, whether or not you should turn off your Aga cooker for short periods , such as holidays, depends on the model that you have, and how long you’ll be away.
It is recommended to turn off traditional oil Aga models if you’ll be away for more than a few days due to fuel consumption. Likewise, gas models are worth turning off if you’ll be away for more than 3 days as they’re relatively easy to relight. Electric models tend to be even easier to turn on and off and, as such, some experts recommend turning some models off if you’re away for just 1 night!
Range Exchange is the home of show-room standard reconditioned Aga cookers. Choose between a number of different reconditioned Aga cookers, including New Gen Aga Cookers, like the Total Control and Dual Control Aga cookers that are perfect for turning on and off throughout the summer months. We also offer Traditional Aga Cookers, such as Gas Aga Cookers and Oil Aga Cookers.
There is no doubt that Aga cookers have a desirability that no conventional oven could ever achieve. Their cooking potential, as well as their other features and benefits offer an experience that, for some, make them worth the investment. In this article, we go into more detail about the features and benefits of Aga cookers in order to help you decide whether or not they are worth the investment for you.
So, are Aga cookers worth the money? Aga cookers are 100% worth the money for those that utilise them to their fullest potential. Agas create a cooking environment like no other, and also offer a whole host of other benefits that you could never achieve with a conventional oven and stove.
Read on to learn more about Aga cookers, and whether or not they are worth the money.
The question of whether or not an Aga cooker is worth the money depends on what you want to get out of it. If you fully embrace an Aga cooker, utilsing all of its functions and benefits, it can very much be worth the money. At the heart of it, if you’re a bit of a foodie, or appreciate the classics, you won’t regret purchasing an Aga cooker.
To help you understand the worth of an Aga a little better, we’ve listed some of their most loved benefits:
Aga cookers have 1001 functions and benefits which make them more than worth the cost, here are just a few:
Many Aga models are made to be turned on all the time. As such, owners benefit from their ovens being pre-heated and ready to use at the drop of a hat. What’s more, the temperature is also likely to remain more consistent than a conventional oven as it’s had time to settle. This is a particular benefit for cakes and other baked goods that require a specific, consistent temperature.
Learn more about why Aga cookers are always turned on in our recent blog.
As some Aga models are always on, this provides an additional heat source for the home, particularly in the kitchen, or in open plan spaces. Make use of this additional heating for drying clothing, entertaining, or just keeping warm and cosy on cold days.
Made from cast iron, Agas are some of the most reliable and long-lasting cookers available on the market, and can last for decades when properly looked after and maintained.
Aga cookers have a number of different ovens and hotplates, each with a specific function; baking, roasting, slow cooking, boiling, and simmering. However, that’s not to say that the various ovens and hot plates can only be used for these purposes.
For example, you can easily make toast on your hotplates, and you can even turn them into makeshift tandoori ovens to make flatbreads.
The ovens and hotplates on an Aga cooker tend to be more spacious than on a conventional cooker, perfect for large families and when entertaining, as you’ll be able to cook much more in one batch.
What really makes an Aga special is how it works. Aga cookers use radiant heat, which cooks your food in a way that locks in flavour, moisture, and texture.
Brand new Aga cookers can come with a hefty price tag, usually between £5,695 - £11,595. However, Aga’s can replace the need for a multitude of other kitchen appliances, reduce the need for heating, and can offer a world of culinary experiences that a regular oven cannot provide. As such, if you’re a food lover, we can almost guarantee that Aga cookers are worth the cost.
We’ve already touched on the radiant heat that Aga cookers produce, but this is a key feature of an Aga that really sets them apart from conventional cookers, and makes them worth the cost.
Within the ovens of an Aga cooker, heat literally radiates off the cast iron surfaces, steadily creating an environment that is more gentle than the strong, direct heat of conventional ovens. Radiant heat allows you to cook food for hours without it:
Whatever you can cook in a regular oven, you can cook in an Aga. But, with an Aga, you have 1001 other options that just aren’t the same in a conventional oven, or by way of an additional appliance.
Why not try making waffles on the floor of the roasting oven? Or, whip up your favourite toastie, panini, or wrap directly on the hotplate? You can even make pittas, naans, and other flatbreads on the hotplates with the lid down, creating a tandoori environment. Your possibilities are endless, without the need for tens of different appliances taking up space in your kitchen.
Whether or not an Aga cooker adds value to a house depends on if you intend to leave it when you sell. Agas are commonly marketed as an advantageous feature of a property, and have been known to increase a property’s worth by around £10,000, depending on the model installed. What’s more, 40% of respondents in a recent survey said that they thought an Aga cooker makes a property more desirable.
In both cases, it is clear that Aga cookers are worth the money, especially if you’re willing to (eventually) sell your property with your Aga included.
Whilst we wholeheartedly believe that Aga cookers are worth the money, we understand that they come with a steep price tag. But, at Range Exchange, we offer showroom-standard reconditioned Aga cookers that won’t put as large a dent in your wallet.
Traditional Aga cookers are well known for being turned on all the time, but do you know why? What are the benefits of this? In this article, we discuss why many Aga owners keep their Aga cookers on all the time, if and when you should turn them off, and how much Aga cookers cost to run.
So, why are Aga ovens on all the time? Many Aga cookers are designed to be kept on all the time, and offer benefits such as a constantly pre-heated oven, an additional source of heating, and an efficient way of drying laundry in the colder months. However, many modern Agas can be turned on and off at will, or be controlled more efficiently.
Read on to learn more about why Aga cookers are always turned on, and how this affects your energy bills.
Most Aga ovens are switched on all the time, meaning that they’re always ready to use, and don’t need to be pre-heated. However, some models have timers and other controls which can turn down the heat, or completely switch off the oven at your preferred times.
The fact that Aga ovens typically stay on all the time offers a number of advantages, including:
Aga ovens can be turned off for both long and short periods of time, depending on your requirements.
To turn your Aga off for a few hours, simply turn the thermostat clockwise to the Stop (PILOT) position. This will extinguish the main burner, but leave the pilot light on to maintain some heat. This is ideal for overnight.
To turn off your Aga for longer periods of time, such as for serving, cleaning, or if you will be away from home, turn the thermostat to the Stop (PILOT) position, press down slightly, and continue turning the dial to the OFF position.
To turn off an electric Aga oven, the method will depend on the specific model, but it tends to be much easier, as eclectic Aga’s are not always on like gas models. Use the control panel to turn the different parts of the oven on and off as desired. With some models, you can also use a remote control, and even a mobile phone to control the eclectic Aga ovens.
Summer is the perfect time to turn off your Aga oven for longer periods of time for essential cleaning and maintenance. You might also find that, during the warmer months, you don’t want or need the additional heat that an always-on Aga provides.
Not everyone turns off their Aga ovens over summer, but there are a few benefits to doing so:
However, if you do choose to turn off your Aga oven for the summer, you should first consider an alternative mode of cooking, as it can be inefficient to keep turning it on and off, and you might find that you miss your multi-purpose cooker for such purposes as tea and toast.
An Aga cooker has a number of different ovens, each with its own purpose, although the number of ovens will differ between modes.
The ovens work with a thermostat control which monitors the temperature inside the various ovens, and only uses fuel as the temperature inside the oven drops (to maintain the temperature). This heat is also transferred to the hotplates.
The cost of running your Aga oven largely depends on the model you have - some are designed to be kept on all the time and cost a lot to run, whilst others are designed to be turned on and off at will and are more energy efficient.
What’s more, newer models tend to be more efficient than older models, with faster heat-up times, the ability to use individual (rather than all) ovens and hotplates, and adjustable temperatures.
Here are a few examples of Aga running costs:
Model |
Mode |
*Estimated Cost Per Week |
Aga R3 |
Baking and simmering on economy mode |
£15.52 |
Aga ER3 |
Both ovens on |
£17.22 |
Aga ER7 |
Three ovens on economy mode |
£11.31 |
Three ovens on regular mode |
£23.23 |
|
Aga R7 |
Three ovens on economy mode |
£20.05 |
Three ovens on regular mode |
£29.99 |
*Please note that these estimates were tested by Aga in March 2020.
Rangexchange carefully selects Aga cookers and expertly brings them back to life, restoring them to their original showroom condition. Choose between a number of different reconditioned Aga cookers, including New Gen Aga Cookers, like the Total Control and Dual Control Aga cookers, and Traditional Aga Cookers, such as Gas Aga Cookers and Oil Aga Cookers.
Take a look at our range of reconditioned Aga cookers online today, or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your specific requirements.]]>