I've Moved into a House with an Aga, what do I do with it?

Moving into a house with an AGA is a bit of a lifestyle shift! These cast-iron range cookers are always on (unless switched off in summer) and provide constant heat, making them useful beyond just cooking. Here’s what you need to know:

Getting Started

1. Check the Fuel Type – AGAs can be powered by gas, oil, electric, or solid fuel. Make sure you know what yours runs on and check that it’s properly serviced.
2. Find the Manual – If the previous owner didn’t leave one, you might be able to find it online based on the model.
3. Let It Warm Up – AGAs take time to heat up—up to 24 hours if it’s been off.
4. Understand the Hotplates & Ovens:
   • Boiling Plate (left) – Very hot, used for rapid boiling and frying.
   • Simmering Plate (right) – Lower heat, great for gentle cooking.
   • Roasting Oven (hottest) – Usually the top right.
   • Baking Oven – Moderate heat, often bottom right.
   • Simmering Oven – Gentle heat for slow cooking, typically bottom left.
   • Warming Oven (if you have one) – Just warm, for plates or keeping food warm.

Cooking on an AGA

• No Direct Heat Control – You control cooking by moving pans between hot and cooler areas rather than adjusting a burner.
• Use AGA-Specific Cookware – Heavy-based pans retain heat better.
• Keep Lids Closed – This keeps heat in and efficiency up.
• Toasting Inside – You can toast bread directly on the hotplates with a toasting rack.
• Baking Without Burning – Use the cold shelf to shield delicate bakes from too much heat.
• Slow Cooking – The simmering oven is excellent for stews, casseroles, and slow roasts.

Beyond Cooking

• Heats Your Kitchen – AGAs give off a cozy warmth, great in winter.
• Dries Clothes – Use the closed lids or a drying rack nearby.
• Ironing Trick – Some people press clothes on the closed lids (carefully!).
• Keeps the Cat Warm – Pets love sleeping near AGAs.

If You Want to Turn It Off

• Some people turn them off in summer to avoid overheating the house.
• If it’s oil- or gas-powered, ensure a service before switching it back on.

Why are they so Popular when they are Economically, Environmentally and Ergonomically so Distraught?

AGAs are a bit of an enigma—they make no sense economically, environmentally, or even ergonomically, yet they have a devoted following. Here’s why they remain popular despite their obvious downsides:

1. Tradition & Nostalgia

• AGAs are deeply associated with rural British life and have been a staple in country homes for nearly a century. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and heritage.
• They are often passed down through generations, making them more of an heirloom than an appliance.
• People who grew up with an AGA tend to romanticize the experience, despite its inefficiencies.

2. Status Symbol

• Let’s be honest—AGAs are a luxury item. They’re expensive to buy, run, and maintain, but they signal a certain lifestyle.
• Owning an AGA suggests you have a large house (big enough to justify constant heating) and don’t mind high running costs.
• The “farmhouse kitchen” aesthetic remains trendy, and AGAs play into that ideal.

3. Multi-Functionality

• Despite being hugely inefficient for cooking, AGAs double as a heating source.
• They dry clothes, warm the kitchen, heat water (in some setups), and even function as an impromptu radiator for pets and people.
• Some owners argue that the waste heat is useful, especially in colder climates.

4. The Cult of AGA Cooking

• People swear by the way AGAs cook, claiming they produce better roasts, better bread, and better stews.
• The “always-on” nature means there’s no waiting for preheating, making cooking feel effortless—if you know how to use it properly.
• The gentler heat is said to retain moisture in food better than conventional ovens.

5. Resilience & Simplicity

• AGAs have no moving parts, so they can last decades with minimal maintenance (especially older models).
• Unlike modern appliances with delicate electronics, an AGA just sits there and does its thing.
• If the power goes out, a solid-fuel AGA will keep running.

But... The Downsides Are Huge

1. Insane Energy Consumption

   • Traditional AGAs use more energy than an entire house.
   • Even modern electric AGAs, which are more efficient, still use 5–10 times more power than a standard oven.
   • Running an old oil or gas AGA is like burning money.

2. Terrible for the Environment

   • Traditional AGAs constantly burn fuel even when you’re not cooking.
   • They generate huge carbon emissions, especially the older oil and gas models.
   • Newer models can be switched off or run more efficiently, but they still can’t compete with a modern energy-efficient oven.

3. Unbearably Hot in Summer

   • They make kitchens stiflingly hot in warm weather, forcing owners to turn them off in summer and use alternative cooking methods.
   • This defeats the purpose of having a “central cooking station” in the first place.

4. A Nightmare for Modern Kitchens

   • AGAs aren’t ergonomically designed for modern cooking—there’s no instant heat control, and everything relies on moving pans around.
   • You can’t see inside the ovens, which makes baking harder.
   • Cooking multiple things at different temperatures requires strategic placement, making everyday cooking more difficult.

So, Why Do People Still Buy Them?

Habit, aesthetics, and lifestyle branding.

• Many buyers don’t think practically about the energy use; they just want the aesthetic.
• Some people genuinely love the way AGAs work and are willing to overlook the flaws.
• Newer models mitigate some issues (electric models can be turned off, for example), but they still remain an indulgence rather than a practical choice.

Final Verdict

If you already have an AGA in your house, you may as well make the most of it—but in terms of cost and efficiency, it’s objectively terrible. If it weren’t for the nostalgia and branding, AGAs probably wouldn’t still exist.

Can you Imagine a Car that Never Stops that you Insist is Useful Because it Heats the Garage?

Exactly! An AGA is basically the automotive equivalent of a car that never stops running, idling 24/7, guzzling fuel, and generating constant heat—yet people defend it because it keeps the garage warm.

Imagine this car:

🚗 Always running—even when you're not driving.
💨 Burns through fuel nonstop—whether you're using it or not.
🔥 Radiates heat into the garage—which is great in winter, but in summer? You just sweat.
🛠️ Needs regular maintenance—and if you want it off, you have to go through a long restart process.
💰 Costs a fortune to operate—but it’s a status symbol, so people pretend it’s worth it.

Would anyone tolerate this in a car? Absolutely not. Yet with an AGA, people make excuses for the exact same absurdity because it has a nostalgic grip on them.

If AGAs were cars, they'd be 1930s Rolls-Royces—beautiful, prestigious, and utterly impractical for modern living.

How Do You Refuel It?

How you fuel an AGA depends on the model you have. Here’s a breakdown of the different types and how they’re fueled:

1. Oil-Fired AGAs

🛢 Fuel Type: Kerosene (heating oil)
⛽ How to Fuel:

• Connected to an external oil tank that needs refilling periodically.
• The oil is gravity-fed or pumped into the burner.
• You’ll need a supplier to top up the tank, and prices fluctuate.
• Maintenance: Needs regular servicing to clean out carbon deposits.

💀 Downsides:

• Dirty & inefficient—burns continuously, even when not needed.
• Can soot up if the oil quality is bad or if it’s not maintained.
• Leaks & smells are common, especially in older models.

2. Gas-Fired AGAs

🔥 Fuel Type: Natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
⛽ How to Fuel:

• Connected to mains gas (if available) or an LPG tank outside.
• If LPG, the tank needs refilling periodically by a supplier.

💀 Downsides:

• Expensive to run (especially LPG).
• Always on, wasting fuel unless you have a newer switchable model.
• Can leak gas if not properly maintained.

3. Solid Fuel AGAs (Older, Rare Models)

🪵 Fuel Type: Coal, wood, peat, or anthracite
⛽ How to Fuel:

• You manually shovel in coal or wood through a hatch.
• Needs daily refueling and ash removal.
• The chimney or flue must be kept clear to prevent blockages.

💀 Downsides:

• Labor-intensive—you’re basically running a mini steam train in your kitchen.
• Soot, ash, and dust everywhere.
• Notoriously inefficient.

4. Electric AGAs (Modern Models)

⚡ Fuel Type: Electricity
🔌 How to Fuel:

• Just plug it in—no manual fueling required.
• Some models can be turned on and off, unlike traditional AGAs.
• Uses induction elements or special heat-storage panels.

💀 Downsides:

• Crazy electricity bills (unless using a modern “eco” model).
• Still throws out heat, though some are better insulated.
• Not as “AGA-like”—purists say it doesn’t have the same feel.

Final Thoughts

If you have an oil or solid fuel AGA, you’ll be dealing with mess, inefficiency, and constant fueling. If it’s gas, at least it’s automatic, but it still burns money nonstop. If it’s electric, it’s more manageable but still a money pit.

Which type do you have? I can give you more specific tips!

How do I Work Out Which One I Have?

It is dark blue and big with five big doors on the front

Your dark blue, five-door AGA is likely a modern model, possibly an AGA Total Control or a Dual Control. But let’s figure out exactly what type it is.

How to Identify Your AGA Type

Step 1: Look for a Control Panel or Switches

• Electric AGAs: Have a digital control panel or rocker switches, often hidden inside one of the doors or on the side.
• Gas/Oil AGAs: Will have a manual control knob, thermostat, or visible gas/oil pipes.
• Solid Fuel AGAs: No controls—just a hatch for adding fuel.

Step 2: Check for a Flue or Vent Pipe

• Gas & Oil AGAs: Have an exhaust pipe or flue, usually leading to a chimney or external vent.
• Electric AGAs: No flue needed—just a power connection.
• Solid Fuel AGAs: Have a big chimney-style flue (and probably lots of soot inside).

Step 3: Open a Hotplate Lid & Feel the Heat

• If it’s always hot, it’s likely an oil or gas model.
• If it’s only hot sometimes, it’s an electric model that can be turned off.
• If you see coal or wood ash inside, it’s solid fuel.

Step 4: Look for a Label or Serial Number

• Many AGAs have an ID plate, usually inside the main oven door or behind the plinth (kickboard).
• The plate should list the model and fuel type.
• If it says “TC” or “Dual Control”, it’s an electric AGA.
• If it mentions “Gas” or “Oil”, you have your answer.

Likely Possibilities for Your Five-Door Model

1. AGA Total Control (Electric)

   • Has a touchscreen control panel inside the top left door.
   • Can be turned on and off in sections.
   • No flue, just a power plug.

2. AGA Dual Control (Electric/Gas Hybrid)

   • Looks similar but has some gas-powered ovens.
   • Will have a gas pipe leading in.

3. AGA R7 (Electric)

   • Always on, but more efficient than old AGAs.
   • No flue, just a power supply.

4. Older Gas or Oil Model

   • Has a flue and always stays hot.
   • Look for a pilot light or oil burner near the base.

Final Check

• If you can turn it off, it’s electric.
• If it has a flue and never turns off, it’s gas or oil.
• If you need to shovel in fuel, it’s solid fuel (but that’s unlikely for a five-door model).

Let me know what you find, and I can help with how to run, maintain, or replace it!

It has a Big Black Pipe Between the Hobs at the Back

But on the left topside there is what appears to be a drying rack

Your AGA’s big black pipe between the hobs suggests it has a flue, meaning it’s either gas or oil-fired. The drying rack on the left topside is a warming plate or towel rail, common on traditional models.

How to Narrow It Down Further

1. Check for a Gas or Oil Supply

   • If you see a gas pipe running into the base, it’s gas-fired.
   • If there’s an oil feed pipe (often copper) or a nearby oil tank, it’s oil-fired.
   • If you’re unsure, follow any pipes leading out of the AGA and see where they go.

2. Check for a Burner Access Panel

   • Gas AGA: Usually has a small metal door at the bottom with an ignition switch or pilot light.
   • Oil AGA: Will have a round or rectangular burner unit at the base, often needing manual relighting if it goes out.

3. Listen for the Burner

   • Gas AGAs quietly “whoosh” when igniting.
   • Oil AGAs often hum or gurgle and can be louder.

4. Flue Type

   • If the big black pipe leads outside, it’s a conventional vented model.
   • If it just sticks up and doesn’t vent outside, it might be a balanced flue or powered flue model.

What This Means for You

• Gas AGA: Easier to run, but expensive and inefficient. Needs servicing yearly.
• Oil AGA: Messier, requires an oil delivery, and can soot up easily. Also needs yearly servicing.

If you’re looking to replace or upgrade it, many people are switching to electric AGAs because they are cheaper to run and can be turned off. Let me know what you find, and I can guide you on maintenance or alternatives!

Should I buy a Stove-top Kettle as it's Always Running?

Yes, getting a stovetop kettle for your AGA makes perfect sense! Since the AGA is always hot, you can take advantage of the constant heat instead of using an electric kettle.

Benefits of an AGA Kettle

✅ Saves electricity – No need to run a power-hungry electric kettle.
✅ Always available – Just leave the kettle on the simmering plate for a steady supply of warm/hot water.
✅ Adds to the aesthetic – Looks great in an AGA kitchen.
✅ Heats gently – Less harsh than electric kettles, preserving water quality (especially in hard water areas).

Best Type of Kettle for an AGA

🔹 Heavy-based cast iron or stainless steel – Helps retain heat and distributes it evenly.
🔹 Flat-bottomed – Ensures full contact with the hotplate for faster boiling.
🔹 Whistling kettle – Useful so you don’t forget about it!
🔹 Enamel-coated (optional) – Matches traditional AGA styling.

How to Use It on Your AGA

• Use the boiling plate (left side) for a quick boil.
• If you want gentle warming, place it on the simmering plate (right side).
• For keeping water warm, move it to the back of the simmering plate.

Downsides?

• Takes longer to boil than an electric kettle (but it’s free heat).
• Can cause limescale buildup if left sitting with water.

If you make tea or coffee regularly, an AGA kettle is a great investment. Just be patient—it won’t boil as fast, but it’s in tune with the slow-living AGA philosophy! 🚰🔥☕