The AGA cooker has been at the heart of the home for more than a century. It’s impossible to think of another household appliance that inspires the kind of love and devotion an AGA does. It transforms the kitchen, acts as a magnet for people and pets, and offers an indefinable warmth. An AGA is more than just a cooker – for many of us it’s a lifelong love affair.
The life of an AGA cooker is measured in decades rather than years, which means there are many cookers still in homes more than 50 years after they were first installed. This is great, as longevity is high on the agenda when it comes to investment pieces. However, technology has evolved hugely over the past few years and newer AGA cookers offer a host of features that simply weren’t available before.
So, if you’re wondering if now is the time to upgrade your AGA cooker, we’ll help you by weighing up the benefits.
Why you should upgrade your AGA
Functionality
The latest advancements in functionality bring a modern twist to the iconic AGA cooker, enhancing its versatility and convenience in contemporary kitchens. Alongside cast-iron heat-storage ovens, many new AGA cookers come complete with a fan oven, ensuring you have an AGA for all seasons.
The introduction of state-of-the-art induction hobs alongside the classic AGA hotplates on many models means you really do have the best of all worlds. Induction cooking offers instant availability and precise temperature control, making it perfect for busy kitchens.
Additionally, some new models also come with a grill, which provides fast, consistent results. These enhancements seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, catering to the needs of today’s home cooks.
Controllability
While the AGA cooker retains its iconic good looks, it’s way more than just a style icon. Modern AGA models are all-electric and programmable or include an eco-mode, allowing you to control the amount of heat in the kitchen and avoid using energy unnecessarily. Newer models feature hotplates with fast heat-up times that are designed to be on only when needed, saving considerable energy while maintaining the performance AGA cookers are known for.
All-electric
Virtually every new AGA cooker is all-electric. This means there’s no need to deal with the hassle of ordering oil or LPG. It also means you can run your cooker alongside renewables, such as solar panels and home battery storage solutions. Plus, you can choose how the energy for your cooker is generated – for example, you could choose a 100% renewable tariff.
Consistent heat
Older AGA cookers were heated from a single source. This meant that cooking on the hotplates caused the oven and hotplate temperatures to drop. To counteract this, you would start dishes off on the hotplate before moving them to one of the ovens. With newer, all-electric AGA cookers this is not an issue. The ovens and hotplates are heated independently of each other meaning you can cook for as long as you like on the hotplates and the temperatures of the ovens and hotplates will remain consistent. The hotplates can be turned off when not in use and take only 10 minutes to heat up.
Heat-up times
It used to take many hours to get an AGA up to temperature from cold. This is no longer the case. If, for example, you have been away and have turned your AGA off, it will only take around 60 minutes for the ovens to heat up and 10 minutes for the hotplates. If the cooker has been in slumber or eco mode the ovens will come up to temperature even quicker.
With older AGA cookers you have to weigh up if it’s worth turning the cooker off, for example if you’re away on holiday. With newer models you don’t need to think about this as you can programme them to be on when you’re back home and – even if you forget or your plans change – the heat-up times are so quick you will not be inconvenienced.
In the past, because heat-up times were so long, people often had a back-up conventional cooker. This is no longer necessary.
Trade-in
If you are considering changing your older AGA cooker, then it’s worth taking a look at the trade-in offers available. Speak to staff at your local AGA Shop or visit our promotions page to find out more. Not only will you get a discount on your new cooker, but we’ll also deal with the logistics of removing your old one. Plus, the cast iron from every AGA older cooker we take out is recycled so you never need to worry about it ending up in landfill.
Cooking performance
Some people worry that a new electric AGA cooker will cook differently to a classic one. This is untrue. Although new AGA cookers run on a different fuel type, the principle of radiant-heat cooking is exactly the same. The cast-iron of the ovens heats up and it is this gentle heat that cooks the food, locking in all the flavour, moisture and goodness.
Slow-cooked AGA food tastes amazing and it’s one of the reasons the cooker is so famous. But the AGA is also brilliant at baking, roasting, stir-frying, bread-making, pizzas – and just about anything you can think of.
An independent study carried out by the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (part of the University of Lincoln) found that AGA food does indeed taste better. One phase of the research saw a panel of 40 food testers blind-tasting dishes cooked in different types of oven. The AGA scored very well with them, with the majority preferring specific foods cooked this way.
Design options
While the technology for AGA cookers has moved on hugely, they still have the gorgeous cast-iron good looks they are known for. The AGA is, after all, a design icon. Initially it was only available in Cream, which is why most of the older AGA cookers you see are in this colour. Now, though, there are 17 gorgeous shades to choose from. These include the classic Cream, but also a palette of bolds, pastels and modern neutrals. Plus, you can also specify your own custom colour through the Bespoke service.
If you love ultra-modern design then it’s worth taking a look at ERA, the first-ever glass AGA. With its sleek good looks and stylish detailing it offers all the performance of an AGA wrapped up in a minimalist package.
And whereas older AGA cookers came in only two sizes, now there are myriad configurations from 60 to 210cm, meaning there’s one for every kitchen.
No servicing
There is no regular servicing needed for the newer electric models which saves both time and money.
Finance
If you would like to spread the cost of your cooker, finance options are available through AGA stores. You can find out more on our finance page. Credit available subject to status. Terms and
conditions apply.
Installation
Having an AGA installed is simpler than it’s ever been. The cooker is factory built, room-vented and you don’t need a plinth or flue. You can site it virtually anywhere you like including an island unit.
New vs Reconditioned
If you’re considering a reconditioned model, it’s well worth understanding the realities. For example, a reconditioned AGA may already be more than 30 years old and made up of parts from different AGA cookers. Converting older, non-electric models to run on electricity is a compromise. Inferior upgrades can result in operating efficiencies below those that may have been expected.
When an AGA cooker is referred to as ‘converted’ it generally means a fuel change has taken place, such as from solid fuel to oil, gas or even electricity. It’s rather like buying a 30-year-old diesel car that started life as a petrol model.
Conversions are often carried out on-site by an engineer without access to such comprehensive testing facilities.
AGA produces fully compliant cookers that have been rigorously tested and approved by an independent authority to CE, UKCA and international standards. This stringent testing covers safety and efficiency for new appliances completed and tested in the factory using the most advanced end-of-line compliance testing equipment.
When you buy a new AGA cooker from us, you can be assured that it is of the highest quality and comes with a robust warranty.
Thinking of upgrading? Here’s a checklist to help:
Visit a store
The best way to get a good understanding of the newer models is to visit an AGA store. A member of the team will be able to go through all the options with you so you can choose an AGA that best fits your life.
Attend an AGA demonstration
AGA stores around the country hold cookery demonstrations and they’re a great way to learn about the new generation cookers, find out more about AGA cooking, ask questions and get to taste some amazing food!
Choose a colour
This is the fun bit, but it can take a lot of deliberation. That’s why we offer enamel samples so you can take them home and contemplate them in your own kitchen.
The technical bits
Once you’ve chosen your cooker, store staff will be able to go through everything you need to do to take delivery of your new AGA. This will include explaining the electric supply you’ll need and advice on any other work necessary. We’ll also take away your old AGA for recycling. We’ll then book in delivery and installation date that works for you.
Conclusion
Upgrading your traditional AGA to an electric model is a step toward a more sustainable and convenient way of cooking. By embracing this modern evolution, you’ll enjoy all the warmth and charm of your beloved AGA with the added benefits of enhanced flexibility.
Whether you’re looking to lower your environmental impact, simplify your lifestyle or future-proof your kitchen, an electric AGA is a smart investment that seamlessly blends heritage and innovation.
