When Sarah set out to update the kitchen in her 1980s detached home on the edge of a small Shropshire town, her vision was clear: a sociable space with a showstopping cooker. The final result was exactly that, a beautiful kitchen centred around the impressive AGA eR7i Black Edition.
Sarah, who lives with her husband and teenage children, enjoys entertaining so she knew she wanted a large island and a separate dining table that could comfortably seat 10.
“We use the island for everyday meals as a family,” Sarah explained, “and sit at the dining table when entertaining or when there are more of us for a relaxed weekend meal. I wanted the space to be flexible to accommodate family and friends whatever the occasion.”
The previous island was quite small, so replacing it has made a big difference especially adding a seating area.
“Now, if my husband’s working late, he might sit at one end of the island while I cook – or the other way round. The new layout really encourages that connection between cooking and just being together in the kitchen.
“When friends or family are over, people naturally gather around the island rather than feeling like they’re tucked away at the dining table across the room. It just brings everything together.”
The family had lived in the house for seven years before renovating the kitchen, there have been many discussions over the years regarding layout and design, which were cleverly brought together by their kitchen designer. 
“Choosing the right cooker was a big focus,” says Sarah, “and an impressive cooker was at the top of our kitchen wish list. There was no doubt the AGA eR7i had the aesthetic we were looking for but I did need to check it would suit our cooking needs. An AGA demonstration at the Knutsford shop was fantastic and totally made up our minds after seeing for ourselves the benefits of AGA cooking and sampling the beautiful food, which was delicious”
The gorgeous, solid wood classic in-frame kitchen was designed and built by Meeson Kitchens and Bedrooms Ltd in Staffordshire. The AGA eR7i Black Edition sits proud within New Carrara quartz splashback and worktops, which lends a calming and cohesive feel to the room while making the AGA stand out. Colour matched to Farrow and Ball, the cabinetry is painted in ‘shaded white’ which complements the dark bronze handles and pendant light fitting, a perfect match with the AGA eR7i Black Edition. “The option of Black Edition meant I could maintain the preferred aesthetic, moving away from chrome, I am so pleased with the result!
“We wanted a kitchen that was modern, but with a nod to the traditional,” Sarah adds. “The AGA Black Edition really adds to that and we’re thrilled with the result. Our kitchen design started with our dream cooker and the rest followed from there.”
Sarah chose the all-electric AGA eR7i 100 which offers the best of both worlds – classic cast-iron cooking and clever modern tech. It’s got three spacious ovens, two of them cast-iron heat storage ovens – one perfect for roasting and baking, the other great for slow cooking. Then there’s a fan oven for when you want a bit more flexibility. Everything’s controlled through a sleek touchscreen, so it’s really easy to use.
The AGA eR7i 100 also has a two-zone induction hob alongside a hotplate that can switch between boiling and simmering. It heats up in just 10-12 minutes so only using energy when you need it – ideal if you want to stay in control of your cooking and your energy use.
Sarah says: “We use the induction and conventional cooking when time is limited, for example when we both get home late. But at the weekend, when cooking a roast for six or more of us with lots of different dishes to cater for everyone’s needs, it's just brilliant to have the cast-iron ovens. 
“That’s what really changed things for us – the functionality of the eR7i. It’s been everything we hoped for. Whatever we want to cook, it just handles it brilliantly. All those great things you hear about it… they’re true.
“I love cooking directly on the hotplate, it’s so easy and efficient. The option to work ‘pan-less’ is a real bonus! We had our young family over last week and I made pancakes on the simmering plate. They just loved it, a production line of pancakes and helping themselves to toppings. It was a lovely atmosphere and great to see everyone tucking in.
“Then there’s the induction hob – the functionality is incredible. The speed, especially when you use the power boost, is amazing. It’s super quick to bring a pan of cold water to the boil, no more staring at the pan waiting for it to bubble. And then it’s got the gentler settings too, to keep things warm or slowly melt something. It’s just so easy and responsive.”
With its all-black finish, the Black Edition eR7i brings a bold, modern edge to any kitchen. Multiple layers of black vitreous enamel leave the cooker gleaming. The fully black design upgrades the traditionally silver AGA hotplate lid and handle, as well as the handrail and door catches to a black finish and results in a dramatic, luxurious look.
“The overall feel of the kitchen is light,” says Sarah. “So the contrasting Black Edition AGA really stands out. It really adds a wow factor.”
Sarah and her husband are keen on using clean energy and love the fact the AGA is all electric. They both have an electric car and are considering fitting solar panels, but right now use a tariff from Octopus Energy that allows them to charge their cars and run appliances such as the dishwasher overnight.
“I’m sure the AGA has added a bit to the energy bill, but even though we’ve added it and a second electric car, the increase in our monthly direct debit has been insignificant. It all balances out,” Sarah says.
Every element of functionality and comfort has been thought about in this kitchen remodel, in keeping with the chosen aesthetic. Sarah chose a Rangemaster Belfast sink to complement the shaker style cabinetry while maintaining functionality.
“We chose the Novy Crystal built-in cooker hood above the AGA as it is understated and adds to the contemporary feel of the kitchen. The integrated, dimmable LED lighting is a real feature” Sarah says. “The AGA looks amazing under the dimmable Novy light – it showcases the signature AGA curves and shiny enamel, it is just beautiful.
“Our old cooker hood was so loud we couldn’t wait to turn it off! The Novy model was the quietest I could find when I checked,” Sarah says. “I looked at all the main brands and this one came in with the lowest decibel rating. You really do notice how quiet it is but this doesn’t compromise performance.
“The Novy one has a remote control, so there’s no need to reach up and adjust it manually. We love how we can adjust using the dimmer function – it can be nice as ambient lighting. And it just really works.”
All in all, the kitchen is everything Sarah hoped for – a space where the family spends most of their time.
“It’s beautiful and everything just works perfectly,” she says.
