30Amp Agas have, at times received bad press. Why then are they still a popular choice amongst our customers and a real personal favourite of our engineer / director Steve?
Miss-selling is an issue in any industry. Over time specific Range Cooker models have been the “flavour of the day” and pressed upon buyers for their benefits , whilst their downfalls have been pushed to one side. At Rural Ranges we are luckily enough to have Steve at the helm, an engineer of 20 years experience across every model ever produced. On our service books we have everything from the briefly produced Agathermic and the disastrous and swiftly recalled 3 oven oil, from early Standard models to the modern Control Series Agas and numerous conversions across all fuels. This gives us an unrivalled grasp on the benefits and drawbacks of each option and the ability to really advise and help you find the right model for your home and lifestyle, whilst being utterly transparent about the issues you may encounter along the way
So first the drawbacks!
The 30Amp night storage has some costly “consumable” parts - these being the control board, fan and elements. Over the course of 5-10 years you can expect to change each of these items. We stock refurbished control boards, reducing this cost by around 50%. Even taking these failures into account, the costs of running a 30Amp Aga are significantly below that of the 13Amp model.
The 30Amp Aga does not like to be moved! It is a choice for a “forever home”.
The 30Amp Aga does not like to be turned off! This is a truly “traditional” Aga designed for year round use. Ideally the Aga should simply be turned down during warmer periods or holiday times. That said many users do opt to turn their night storage Agas off for the summer - this will reduce the life of the elements to some degree.
Always buy reconditioned - well of course you would say that I hear you cry! However with 30Amp more than any other model we really would urge you to avoid buying a cheap 2nd hand Aga through ebay or facebook. Moving a 30Amp Aga is a truly specialist procedure and high risk. With a reconditioned Aga that risk is in our hands. We replace all working parts during the refurbishment, carefully and skillfully retaining the body of the original Aga before completely aesthetically reconditioning, giving you an “as new” Aga with a full 1 year parts and labour warranty. Sadly we are contacted frequently by individuals who have purchased privately, with no idea of the potentially exceedingly high relocation bill. With a reconditioned 30Amp Aga we offer a set price including installation offering you complete peace of mind.
And the benefits?
The 30Amp Aga is unlike any other model ever produced. Built around a core of bricks, it’s heart retains a heat of 750˚c , gradually releasing heat during the day, giving a constant and continuous room heat beyond that of any other model and a consistent cooking temperature.
A truly sturdy beast! The sheer weight and bulk of a 30Amp Aga gives it a permanence and presence beyond that of any other Range Cooker. Building a 30Amp Aga is a distinct art and one that is entrusted only to the highly trained hands of our 30Amp expert Steve. With this in mind our 30Amp Agas are only available in the South of England with all installations undertaken “in house”.
The retained heat results in much lower drops in temperature when in use. Unlike the 13Amp model, the night storage Aga will retain its heat continually.
Room heat! The 30Amp Aga is a hotter Aga than other models providing excellent radiant heat in even the coldest space.
Complete breakdowns are a rarity. The signs of potential parts breakdown can be easily recognised, allowing you to call an engineer well before significant heat is lost. The super hot core retains good temperature long after a fault has began to fail, keeping you ticking over until the cavalry arrive!
An “always on” traditional Aga but with the environmental benefits and ease of use of Electricity.
Significantly lower running costs than 13Amp Agas. Lower running costs than oil. As a guide, a 2 oven night storage Aga may cost around £22 per week to run and a 4 oven around £27 per week. As with any Aga there are numerous factors which will affect running costs including electricity tariff and cooking technique.
Reduced servicing costs - annual servicing recommended although some customers opt to call us on a fault only basis.
Is it right for me?
There really are no hard and fast rules as to the “right” or “best” Aga model. If you require a built to last Electric Aga with fantastic heat retention, the convenience of being ever ready and a toasty heart to your kitchen, the 30Amp night storage Aga may well be the choice for you. However we do love to chat - please call us to talk through your needs, desires and concerns. Even better come to visit us in the showroom - please call ahead we are only very little and to maintain distancing (and ensure you have our uninterrupted attention) can only welcome one set of visitors at any time.
