How Does an Aga Cooker Work?

Aga cookers can often be confused for big, overly complex cookers that are difficult to use and maintain. But, in reality, this isn’t the case. If you’re interested in an Aga cooker, but aren’t quite sure how they work, how much they cost to run, or how easy they are to use, you’ll find everything you need to know in this article, and will be cooking up a storm in no time at all. 

So, how does an Aga cooker work? Aga cookers are typically heated by a single heat source, and controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat regulates fuel distribution to each oven and hotplate, and maintains a specific temperature range for each area. In some models, the ovens and hotplates can be individually controlled.

Read on to learn more about how Aga cookers work and their ease of use.

Page Jumps

• How Aga Cookers Work
• Is It Easy to Use an Aga Cooker?
• Do You Leave an Aga Cooker On All the Time?
• Reconditioned Aga Cookers at Range Exchange

How Aga Cookers Work

Aga cookers come as 2, 3, 4, or 5 oven cookers, with two hotplates on top. Aga cookers with two ovens have a combined roasting and baking oven, and a combined simmering and warming oven, whilst a 4 oven Aga cooker separates the different functions. Each oven has a set temperature suited for its specific purpose. E.g.

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

 

There are two hotplates on top of an Aga cooker, one for simmering, and one for boiling. A domed lid maintains the temperature of the hotplates when not in use. 

The more traditional oil and gas Aga cookers generate heat from a single burner, controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat regulates the fuel distribution to the various ovens and hotplates, maintaining a specific temperature. 

Aga cookers have a cast iron body that enables easy heat absorption, storage, and transmission in the form of radiant heat. This kind of heat is what gives Aga cookers the ability to cook food, and keep it warm for hours without drying it out. 

Newer, Total Control models work similarly, except that they come 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. Likewise, the ovens and hotplates on Dual Control models can also be individually controlled, however the heat comes from a single source, rather than elements. This offers increased flexibility, and the option to easily turn the cooker on and off at will. 

 

 

 

Is it Easy to Use an Aga Cooker?

If you’ve never used an Aga oven before, it may take a little bit of getting used to, but before you know it, you’ll be cooking up a storm, and wondering how you ever managed with a regular oven.

Each oven and hotplate have different functions for different types of cooking, including roasting, baking, simmering, and boiling. However, it’s how you utilise each oven that really makes the difference. For example, the simmering oven works perfectly well for simmering vegetables, but is also a perfect slow cooker. Meanwhile, the roasting oven will cook your Sunday joints perfectly, but can also work as a grill if you place the shelf at the top of the oven. 

With a little bit of research and experimentation, Aga cookers are simple to use. 

Do You Leave an Aga Cooker on All the Time?

Most Aga cookers are switched on all the time, offering a number of advantages including always being ready to use, keeping food warm until needed, being an additional source of heating, and an efficient way of drying laundry in the colder months. However, not all Aga cookers are designed to be on all the time; many modern Aga models can be turned on and off at will, and be controlled more efficiently. 

Learn more about why Aga cookers are on all the time, as well as how to turn them off in our recent blog.

Reconditioned Aga Cookers at Range Exchange

After learning how Aga cookers work, and how easy they are to use, you’re interested in owning your own Aga, Range Exchange offers a variety of reconditioned Aga cookers, restored to their original showroom condition. 

Choose between a number of different models, including Traditional Aga Cookers, such as Gas Aga Cookers and Oil Aga Cookers, and New Gen Aga models, like the Total Control and Dual Control 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.