What is an Aga Cooker?
A timeless design icon, a nostalgic reminder of a time gone by and a staple of the quintessential English country home. The Aga cooker is all this and so much more. If you’re just discovering the Aga for the first time, let us unravel the mystery of this magical stove and help you explore whether you might find room in your heart and home for this, the finest of all range cookers.
The History of the Aga
The Aga cooker was invented in 1922 by Swedish physicist Dr. Gustaf Dalén, who designed it as a revolutionary heat-storage stove. Dalén, who had lost his sight in an accident, wanted to create a cooker that was both efficient and easy to use. His design was later introduced to Britain in the 1930s, where it quickly became a staple in country homes, farmhouses, and even grand estates.
The Brits have long claimed the Aga as their own – the first commercially produced models were manufactured in Britain from 1929, in Smethwick, West Midlands, before production moved to the famous Coalbrookdale Foundry in Shropshire in 1947, continuing operations until November 2017. In September 2015, The Middleby Corporation acquired Aga, taking ownership back out of the UK for the first time since its early history. Today, Agas continue to be manufactured in Shropshire, England, and despite the now American ownership, Brits still claim the brand as their own.
Agas were first introduced to the American market in the late 1990’s, with UK engineers flying out to train engineers in the considerable skills required to build these unique cookers. Over the years, support for the product has dwindled and the field of qualified engineers in the US is ever reducing (that’s where we come in!)
A recent project at Ballerina Farm, Utah
Our 1950s inspired refurbishment
How an Aga Works
The original Agas ran on solid fuel – anthracite (while their sister brand, Rayburns, could be run on wood, Agas never could). Then, in 1964, the first oil model became available, followed by gas in 1968. 1984 saw the release of the first electric model.
Traditional Agas are designed to be always on, radiating a gentle warmth that makes the kitchen the cosiest place in the house. The cast-iron body absorbs and retains heat, ensuring an even cooking temperature without hotspots or fluctuations. The resulting food retaining its succulence and moisture like in no other stove.
These always-on models are designed to operate at a pre-set heat, with a roasting oven and simmering oven. Larger models also have a baking oven and a warming oven. There are also 2 cast iron hot plates, always ready to go, with a boiling plate and a simmering plate for effortless stovetop cooking.
In 2011, Aga released the first controllable electric model. Designed for modern lifestyles and contemporary homes, these models offer greater flexibility. They can be operated like a traditional model, or alternatively can be used like a conventional cooker and turned on only for use, combining the cooking results and iconic look of the original, with the convenience of a modern range.
Retrofit conversions now offer the most flexible options on the market, with full temperature flexibility, Wifi compatibility and even the possibility of induction hobs!
Our recent refurbishment of an oil Aga in this stunning kitchen renovation
The latest and incredibly exciting innovation in the Aga world: the Electrickit Advanced
Why Choose an Aga?
Aga owners are famously devoted to their stoves. Once an Aga owner, always an Aga owner!
Forged in cast iron and thickly coated in lustrous gloss vitreous enamel, the Aga is designed to last a lifetime and more. We still work on Agas from the 1930s and 40’s, still functioning as well as they did when they were first installed. These cookers become family heirlooms, passed down the generations. Some see the patina as part of their charm, whilst others call upon us to completely renovate their Agas, retaining the classic look but ensuring their kitchen feels right at home in their renovated kitchen.
The Aga is the heart of the home. It is the gathering point for all conviviality and has its own special magnetism: visitors are drawn to its warmth, dogs lie at its base, children sit beside it drinking hot cocoa. In farmhouse kitchens, farmers bring sickly animals back to health in its glow, whilst in urban homes, stylish modernists choose the Aga to bring an approachability and familiarity to their designs.
A bold and contemporary design in a new kitchen
A much loved traditional Aga relocated to Spain with its owners
An Aga is so much more than a cooker!
Did you know you can:
- Dry clothes on the Aga. With one of our airers, you need never own a tumble dryer again.
- Make toast on the hot plates. Aga toast in the racket is simply the best toast you will ever experience.
- Keep the kettle on the Aga. Many traditionalists do not own any other appliance – an Aga can do it all.
- Make yoghurt on the Aga. The Aga’s hot surface is the perfect temperature for culturing yoghurt from scratch.
- Dry Tupperware, soggy sports gear, DIY projects, art projects and more, on the warming plate on a 4 oven Aga (or on the enamel surfaces of a smaller 2 or 3 oven model).
- Dehydrate herbs, fruit, meringues and more in the warming oven.
- Prove bread – the gentle warmth of the Aga makes it the ideal spot for proving dough.
- Warm plates and dishes – Use the warming plate, enamel surface or the simmering or warming oven.
Whilst not forgetting you can also:
- Bake perfect bread – The gentle, even heat makes for soft interiors and crisp crusts.
- Roast meats to perfection – The consistent temperature locks in juices and flavour.
- Slow-cook stews and casseroles – The Aga is the ultimate slow cooker, for rich deep flavours and succulent texture.s
- Cook directly on the hot plates. Cook eggs, meats, fish and vegetables directly on the plates or use Bake-o-glide for perfect non-stick, no fat results.
Agas for the 21st century Home
As more Americans embrace farm-to-table cooking, sustainable living, and a return to timeless home traditions, the Aga fits right in. Whether you’re running a homestead, like our friends at Ballerina Farm, or simply want an appliance that combines functionality with a sense of heritage, the Aga is the perfect fit.
Modern Aga models offer flexibility for today’s lifestyles. Our controllable electric options offer efficiency and convenience, with full control over the ovens and hotplates as needed, along with rapid heat up times and remote operation.
At Rural Ranges, we specialise in reconditioned Agas and modern electric conversions, ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of Aga cooking, no matter their home setup.
Our recent collaboration with Ballerina Farm in Utah
Final Thoughts
The Aga cooker isn’t just a kitchen appliance—it’s a way of life. With its rich history, outstanding cooking capabilities, and ability to create a warm and inviting space, it’s no wonder that so many people dream of owning one. Whether you’re restoring a classic Aga or investing in a modern model, there’s never been a better time to bring this iconic cooker into your home.
Thinking about getting an Aga? Contact us at Rural Ranges for expert advice on choosing, installing, and maintaining your dream cooker. We travel all over the world making Aga dreams come true! If you already have an Aga cooker in your home, we can service and maintain it, keeping it running smoothly and safely for many years to come. In addition, we offer on-site cosmetic refurbishment, re insulation and electric conversions. Whatever your Aga conundrum, we’d love to help!