AGA Radiant Cooking Guide
Radiant cooking is a method that really has stood the test of time, delivering consistent and delicious results for well over a century. It's all about using gentle, even heat to create mouth-watering dishes without the fuss. So let’s take a look at the specifics of the AGA cooker's radiant heat ovens, explaining how this unique cooking method can elevate your cooking game.
What is radiant cooking?
Basically, radiant cooking involves heat transfer, which is the movement of thermal energy between your cooking appliance and your food. Different appliances, like ovens, stoves or microwaves, utilise various forms of heat transfer, either conduction, convection or radiation.
AGA range cookers use radiant heat to cook food gently and evenly. Heat is transferred through elements embedded in the floor and roof of each radiant heat oven, which penetrates the cast-iron and gently cooks food. It’s a little like feeling the sun's warmth through a window on a hot day, creating an environment where everything is gently heated.
What makes AGA radiant heat storage ovens different?
AGA cookers provide a unique cooking experience that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience, ensuring your meals are always delicious and perfectly cooked. And radiant heat is at the heart of every cast-iron AGA cooker.
The heat is transferred to the cast-iron ovens and released steadily from all inner surfaces simultaneously. This gentle, indirect radiant heat is kinder to your food, locking in moisture, flavour and goodness.
AGA cookers are made from dense cast-iron, which provides efficient heat storage and even heat distribution. The spacious ovens, larger and deeper than typical ovens, can accommodate multiple pans, with oven runners maximising space for cookware.
What are the benefits of radiant cast-iron cooking?
Cast-iron AGA ovens provide evenly cooked food thanks to the way that the cast-iron works to efficiently store and gently radiate heat. Radiant heat cooking also seals in moisture and goodness, ensuring there is no flavour transfer between dishes. Meaning you can confidently cook fish and cakes simultaneously, without any taste overlap.
When it comes to the improved flavours associated with radiant cooking, you don’t have to take our word for it. According to a University of Lincoln study, the radiant heat of an AGA significantly enhances food flavour and texture. The research highlighted that food cooked in an AGA retained more moisture, resulting in juicier, more flavourful dishes. This is because the radiant heat method allows food to cook evenly and gently, preserving its natural qualities.
Outside of many culinary benefits, radiant cast-iron cooking also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your kitchen, gently radiating warmth into the room and making it a rather cosy place to be, especially during the colder months.
AGA radiant heat storage ovens explained
When cooking, understanding the temperature dynamics of your oven is so important. Making the job a whole lot easier, AGA cast-iron cookers have different ovens, operating at different temperatures for different kinds of recipes. With the all-electric AGA eR7 and ERA models, these ovens can be controlled independently using a touchscreen panel. As well as this enhanced controllability, this means you can manage your energy use more effectively.
With different ovens, you don't need to worry about setting precise temperatures. They’re also far more forgiving when compared to conventional ovens. With radiant cooking, if you leave something in a bit too long, it won't dry out.
Here’s a brief rundown of what each oven can do:
Roasting oven
Operating at between 200 and 240 degrees, this high-temperature powerhouse is perfect for grilling at the top and frying or baking crispy pizzas on the hidden hotplate at the bottom. It's large enough for substantial joints of meat, making it ideal for Sunday roasts and festive feasts.
Baking oven
Much like a traditional baker's brick oven, this is a space that evenly radiates a moderate heat of between 140 and 180 degrees, making it ideal for perfectly baked bread and lighter cakes, biscuits, muffins, souffles and crumbles. With its consistent heat retention, you can open the door to check on your bakes without worrying about losing temperature or cakes sinking.
Simmering oven
This lower temperature oven (110 - 120 degrees) is perfect for long, slow cooking. So it’s ideal for dishes like pulled pork and casseroles. The oven’s temperature means it can also be used for heavier cakes like fruit cake and cheesecakes, as well as delicate meringues or for steaming vegetables, locking in their goodness and retaining their structure.
Outside of the choice of ovens, one of the great advantages of an AGA is the ability to quickly move a tray from one heat level to another without waiting for the oven to adjust its temperature.
Radiant cooking is a way to create consistently delicious meals while enjoying a warm, welcoming kitchen atmosphere. With its gentle, even heat and ability to lock in moisture and flavour, it’s no wonder this timeless technique continues to win hearts in kitchens everywhere.
If the idea of radiant cooking sparks your interest, but you’d like the option to incorporate more conventional cooking methods too, you don’t have to compromise. With our eR7i and ERA cookers, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. These all-electric models combine the traditional benefits of AGA radiant cooking with enhanced control and flexibility, allowing you to create everything from slow-cooked stews to crispy pizzas with ease. It’s the ultimate blend of timeless craftsmanship and modern innovation, giving you a cooker that truly works for every meal, every day.
