Explaining the Aga

The Perfect Stove

Americans are generally not familiar with British cookers or ranges. Even though Agas are very complex pieces of equipment, they are amazingly user friendly. You might even call them stupid-proof.

In these times of energy awareness, sometimes going back to the old fashioned way of doing things is more efficient.  The Aga stove, the most desirable piece of kitchen equipment for every British home, is the quintessential multi-functional perfect cooker for this reason.  Why?  Grab a cup of coffee and sit back…

For First Timers

Aga?  What is it? (The Americans are saying at this point)  It’s a stove, a cooking oven, a laundry dryer, home heating and a way of life.  It is always on at the perfect temperatures and cooks food to perfection.

Are you kidding me?

No.

First of all, an Aga is not cheap,  ($5,400 on up) but then again, if you are going for any high end stoves and ovens today, they aren’t either.   They are made in different sizes and capacities so  check out which one might be right for you.  Look at it this way.  In England, when you move, you take your Aga with you, so this is a range that will be with you, perhaps, the rest of your life.

The Aga has gained an established presence in the United States and Canada so purchasing one and having service is available.  They also make the ‘Legacy’  line which is a duel fuel range.

Take a look at the video for a good Aga explanation.

What is so great?

- Perfect cooking machine   – Can cook multitudes of dishes at one time  – Classic in looks  – Warms the kitchen continually    – Takes the need of all other cooking appliances away.  No toasters, microwaves, warming ovens   – Can dry your laundry (what?  Yes you hang your clothes above and it dries them soft – see below for sources)

Energy Efficiency – Listen up!

Aga is constantly modifying for optimum fuel uses

Because of the cost and availability of traditional fuels, Aga has made their collection of cookers available in several fuel options, including LPG, Natural Gas, Diesel, Kerosene and Electricity.  Their 13-amp electric model has become popular due to the ease of installation and reduced maintenance costs.

Two and Four Oven Aga models are available with special pressure jet burners, which can run on kerosene oil or diesel.  Soon, with some minor alterations, they will be able to utilize bio fuels when they become available. (how cool is that?)  For future use, Aga is working on developing storable energy systems from wind power, solar power and heat pumps.  (Impressive, right?)

Unlike the Aga of days gone by, the new Aga has implemented a new system that allows it to sleep when you sleep and be ready to cook only when needed, therefore saving up to 25% on running costs.   Aga Intelligent Management System (AIMS)
If you think it’s too British, check here for the U.S. take on the Aga.

If you think this is amazing, in the UK, the Aga and other cookers like  Rayburn, Everhot, Esse,  Redfyre, Marshall and Sandyford not only cook, but they heat the house and all the hot water as well.  In the U.S.  our codes are not set up the same way, so should you be interested in importing any of the other cookers or an Aga with those features, check with your local building codes.

How it Works

by Aga

1. Insulated Covers: Those twin insulated covers are the great Aga hallmark. When closed, they`re just gently warm to the touch. Open them and both hot plates are instantly ready to cook.
2. Boiling Plate: A high heat that can boil water faster than most electric kettles. It`s large enough to hold three average sized saucepans at once.
3. Heat Source: Once an Aga is up to operating temperature just a trickle of energy is all that`s needed to keep it there. You can choose from natural gas, propane gas, electricity or oil.
4. Simmering Plate: Again holds three average sized saucepans. It also doubles as a griddle.
5. Roasting Oven: This oven can take anything up to a 13kg/28lb bird. It is also used for grilling and doubles for baking.
6. Baking Oven: Featured in every 3 or 4 oven Aga. Like all Aga ovens the cast iron interior holds in its heat tenaciously, so don`t be afraid to open the door and take a peek at progress.
7. Simmering Oven: Using this versatile oven in conjunction with the hotter oven and hotplates is the key to Aga cooking simplicity – and its wonderful flavors.
8. Warming Oven: Featured on every 4 oven Aga. Keeps cooked food warm without drying it out, ideal for entertaining.
9. Warming Plate: A valuable general purpose surface standard on every 4 oven Aga.…………..