The Evolution of AGA Cookers: A Look at 100 Years of Design

2022 was a special year that will go down in history, marking the 100th anniversary of Aga cookers. This is a product that has stood the test of time and is still a household name throughout the country. But how?

A lot has changed in this time and so has the design of these beautiful range cookers. Over 100 years, Aga cookers have evolved from a single cream-colored, solid-fuel model to a diverse range of electric, gas, and oil-fired options with various features, colors, and sizes, while retaining their core principle of radiant heat cooking.

In this blog, we take a look back at the past 100 years and how Aga cookers have evolved over the decades. To begin, we better go right back to the start.

Early Years of Aga Cookers (1922-1950s):

Invention and Early Design:

The Aga cooker was invented in 1922 by Swedish physicist Dr. Gustaf Dalén, who sought after a cooker that was clean, economical, easy to use, and produced great food. After a number of years of trial and error, he succeeded in creating what he envisioned – The first version of the Aga cooker that we know and love was born.

Initial Model:

The original Aga cooker was a solid-fuel model, available only in cream.

1950s:

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.

1960s:

The iconic black lozenge logo was introduced, one that is still used today.

Mid-Century to Modern (1970s-Present)

1970s:

Further new colors, including black, were introduced, and the company continued to expand its range of models. However, the changes made in the 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.

1980s:

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 ever electric model. This was the 2-oven EC2 model, quickly followed by the 4-oven EC4 in 1987.

1990s:

By 1996, further electric models had been launched, including the Electric Module – the perfect addition to traditional Agas that made modern life a little easier. Additionally in this time, the first Aga conventional cooker, was launched, along with the Aga Companion.

2000s:

At the turn of the new millennium, in 2003, Aga launched the 3 oven Aga cooker 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, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of installation.

2010s:

Moving into the 2010s, Aga cookers saw great changes throughout the decade with the launch of many new models know as the Control Series, this included 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, they also launched the Dual Control, a modern cooker that works in a similar way to traditional Aga cookers. Along with this they introduced the smallest Aga cooker ever – the City 60 Aga Cooker. An Aga cooker that at just 60cm wide, is the perfect fit for smaller kitchens.

Modern Aga Cookers:

Following the success of introducing the Dual and Total Control models, Aga soon rebranded these models as the Aga Series 7 models. This includes the eR7 Aga cooker and R7 Aga cooker.

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.

Today, Aga cookers are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles, with many models featuring induction hobs, fan-forced ovens, and other modern

2018-2019:

The eR3 Series Aga cooker collection was launched, featuring a state-of-the-art induction hob and other innovative features.

2024:

The introduction of a new era – The Aga Era. In 2024, a never before seen style of Aga cooker came to the market. The Era takes the workings of a Aga cooker 7 Series eR7 and has evolved it into a contemporary, stylish cooker that combines cast-iron cooking radiant heat with conventional fan oven and induction capabilities. This is the first introduction of glass being used on an Aga cooker to create a striking, unified aesthetic that is beautiful, contemporary and fits perfectly into a modern kitchen.

2025:

Earlier this year, we saw another design change to bring Aga cookers into the modern age – the introduction of the Black Edition. This new stylistic option available on the Aga 7 Series cookers, gives an all-black aesthetic from top to bottom. The introduction of this smart black finish enables an Aga cooker to fit seamlessly into ultra-modern kitchens. The fully black design covers every component of the cooker, including the signature Aga cooker hotplate lids which are coated with black vitreous enamel. The furniture, including the traditionally silver handrail, door catches and hotplate lid spring handles are now black gloss anodised aluminum.

Ability to Stay on Trend

As styles and tastes change, Aga has always had the incredible ability to adapt and move with the times. We believe this is what has helped them stay relevant in the last century when so much has changed. Firstly, they adapted to the rising demands in colour options, later they answered the call for different fuel options, and in more recent years they have catered for the need of flexibility and controllability to meet modern day lifestyles. Staying dynamic, adapting to economic changes and customer preference is key to a business not only surviving but also thriving.

The Future of Aga Cookers

Aga have made great strides over the past few decades to make their cookers more environmentally friendly, whilst offering greater convenience to owners as well as changing design features to suit demand. Nobody can be sure what the future holds for Aga but we can’t wait to see what happens over the next 100 years!

Become a Part of History

If you would like to become part of the Aga cooker heritage and history, take a look at our range of Reconditioned Aga cookers today and find the perfect fit for your home!