As you’ll know if you have an AGA, cooking with one is a different experience from using a conventional oven. If you don’t already own one, you may be intrigued as to how AGA oven temperatures work.
So let’s take a look at how separate AGA oven cavities are perfectly suited to different cooking styles and how to use them to achieve consistent results every time.
AGA heat retention and temperature zones
The AGA is designed to maintain constant heat, ensuring each oven cavity stays at the ideal temperature for its purpose. Unlike conventional ovens, AGA cookers retain heat thanks to their cast-iron construction which conducts and stores heat brilliantly.
Modern electric AGA models use elements at the top and bottom of the ovens to distribute heat evenly. Each cavity has distinct temperature zones allowing food to cook gently with radiant heat. This method locks in moisture and enhances flavour. All without the need for frequent temperature adjustments.
Heat-up times and controllability
One common question about AGA cookers is whether they need to stay on all the time. While traditional models were designed to provide constant heat, modern electric AGA cookers also offer greater flexibility.
Some AGA models, such as the AGA eR7 and ERA, feature rapid heat-up times, meaning all the ovens and hotplates don’t have to stay on continuously. The hotplates typically reach cooking temperature in around 10–12 minutes, while ovens take around 60 minutes.
Many newer AGA ranges also allow you to adjust temperatures, turn ovens and hotplates on and off independently, and even schedule cooking times for better energy efficiency. This makes them much more adaptable to modern lifestyles.
What temperature is each part of an AGA cooker?
Each part of an AGA operates at a set temperature range, making it easy to plan meals and use the right feature for the job.
Boiling plate
A high heat operating at approximately 330-350°C.
The boiling plate is perfect for rapid boiling, grilling, stir-frying and deep-frying. This is the hottest surface on the AGA and is ideal for fast, high-temperature cooking.
Simmering plate
A medium-low heat around 220-250°C.
Designed for gentle cooking, the simmering plate is perfect for simmering sauces, heating milk, delicate frying and using as a teppanyaki to cook meat, fish and vegetables directly on the cast-iron plate.
Roasting oven
A high heat with an approximate temperature of between 200°C and 240°C.
This is the go-to oven for browning and quick roasting. It’s also great for baked potatoes and heavier pastries like scones, as well as pizzas and roast potatoes. This cavity is also perfect for grilling - either at the top of the oven close to the element for high speed grilling, or on the floor using an oven floor grid to ensure air flow.
Baking oven
A moderate heat around 140°C to 180°C.
Providing a steady and moderate heat, the baking oven is your ‘everyday oven’, best suited for cakes, pastries, biscuits and muffins, as well as fish, crumbles and souffles.
Simmering oven
A low heat of approximately 110°C to 120°C.
The simmering oven is ideal for slow-cooking stews, casseroles, steaming vegetables and heavier cakes like fruit cake and cheesecakes.
Warming oven
Available on selected AGA models, with a temperature of around 60°C to 90°C.
As the name suggests, the warming oven keeps food at serving temperature for up to two hours without overcooking. It’s also great for warming plates and drying meringues.
More precise temperatures with the AGA eR7 and ERA
For those who want more control over their cooking, the AGA eR7, eR7i and ERA models provide adjustable temperature settings, allowing for greater precision and versatility in the kitchen.
The roasting ovens feature five pre-set cooking settings ranging from very hot to moderate. The highest setting is perfect for fast grilling, while the lower temperatures offer the flexibility to use the oven for baking, effectively acting as a second baking oven when needed.
The baking ovens offer four pre-set settings, allowing for temperatures from moderate to cool. This makes it ideal for delicate bakes that require lower heat, such as pastries or meringues. The gentle heat of the lower settings also means this oven can double as a second simmering oven for slow-cooked dishes.
What is the difference between an AGA and a conventional oven?
Radiant vs convection heat
AGA cast-iron cookers primarily use radiant heat, which cooks food gently from all sides, preserving natural flavours and textures. Conventional ovens rely on convection (fan-assisted heat), which can dry out food more quickly.
A study by Lincoln University confirmed what AGA owners have always known - AGA food tastes better. The research showed that radiant heat cooking enhances flavour and moisture retention, leading to far better results.
Constant vs intermittent heat
Conventional ovens require preheating and maintain temperature by cycling heat on and off. AGA cookers, on the other hand, provide constant, steady heat, meaning food cooks more evenly with less moisture loss.
Finding the right temperature
While this guide provides a general overview of AGA cooker temperatures, you should be aware that every AGA is slightly different. So, by far the best way to master AGA cooking is through experience. Which means really getting to know how each oven cavity works for your favourite recipes. For precise guidance when it comes to oven temperatures, refer to the user manual of your particular AGA model and experiment with the placement of different dishes within each oven.
Conclusion
AGA cookers maintain consistent temperatures in each compartment, providing a unique way to cook compared to conventional ovens. Understanding AGA oven temperatures and how each compartment works will help you achieve the best results, whether you’re roasting, baking or slow-cooking. Experimentation is key, because learning how different temperature zones affect your cooking will refine your skills and allow you to make the most of your AGA.
Need expert advice? Contact an authorised AGA retailer for personalised guidance.
