aga cooker

Types of aga cookers

An Aga cooker is a cast iron stove and oven that uses radiated heat to cook food. The design was inspired by a Swedish stove invented by viscount Gilbert. It has different types, fueled by different energy sources, and comes in various models.

• Gas and Oil models:

  Here, a gas burner or an oil flame warms up the cast iron so the food can be cooked. The temperature is more easily controlled in these models than in the solid fuel version. The cooker can be turned off at night or on days when it is not needed. This model is excellent for those who like the Aga principle but want more control over the temperature and energy use.

• Electric models:

  The electric models have separate ovens with different temperature controls. The top cooking surface is a hot plate. The ovens are used for most cooking, like a conventional cooker. Many still want to use the five ovens on an Aga, so they have hybrid cookers with both gas and electricity. These cookers use electricity to heat the ovens but use gas burners on the hotplates.

• Solid fuel:

  Aga's solid fuel cookers use wood or coal. These are traditional, but some users find them challenging to use in the modern day. The fuel for these cookers must be kept very dry, and the flame and heat cannot be very softly controlled. Solid fuel ovens take a long time to heat, but many purists love the taste and effect of using one. Coal or wood is burned in the oven to reach very high temperatures.

• Electric hybrid models:

  These cookers use electricity to heat the five ovens and a cooking surface. The designer also provides gas burners on the hotplates to provide separate heating for the different cooking pots.

• Induction cooktops:

  These are the latest models and the only Aga cookers made with induction technology. The ovens are heated with radiant heat from the cast iron. Induction cooking is much quicker. Pots and pans work better here, and the surface is much easier to clean. Users need to be careful with which pots and pans are used for induction cooking. These pans must be made of steel or iron to work on induction surfaces.

Function and features of a cooker

The functions of an Aga cooker are versatile and typical of any modern kitchen appliance. Besides its historical relevance as a cast iron stove, the cooker has transformed into a modern kitchen appliance with a few tweaks for better efficiency.

The main functions of any cooker are as follows:

• The burner helps to heat the pot or pan and boil water or heat food. Cookers typically have several burners with different heat intensities, so the stove can be used for various functions simultaneously. It replaces the oven in traditional stoves and is a permanent feature of modern ones.
• The oven is the second essential function of any cooker. It replaces the Aga stove and is used to bake and roast food. The oven is always heated and comes with several racks to cook different food simultaneously. Modern ovens have temperature settings for various baking and roasting cycles.
• Slow cooking is another feature typical of modern kitchen cookers. It is popular in many Western kitchens. Cookers have a dedicated function to allow food to cook slowly and thoroughly. It has a pot placed on the stove and is ideal for soups and stews. It makes food tasty, and the heat penetrates the food to allow spices to settle in it.
• Induction heating is another modern feature typical of many Aga and modern kitchen cookers. It uses electromagnetic energy to heat pots and pans so that the food inside them cooks quickly. Induction heating is safer because the stove does not get hot, and there is no flame. It is energy-efficient, cooks food quickly, and is safer.
• Temperature control and settings are vital in any cooker's function. Modern kitchen appliances allow temperature control for the oven and burners. Food can be cooked according to specific recipes for baking, roasting, and frying.
• Timer settings are crucial to cooking food properly and according to instructions. The timer alerts the cook so that food is not burnt or overcooked. Timers are also used to check the temperature inside the oven or cast iron stove.

Features typical of a modern Aga cooker include a cast iron build, multiple ovens, a heat storage design, a two-door structure, removable shelves, and a contemporary design.

Applications of the Aga Cooker

• Commercial kitchens: In restaurants and catering services, where large quantities of food are prepared and a consistent heat source is required for baking, roasting, and simmering.
• Institutional kitchens: In schools, hospitals, and other institutions, where an Aga cooker can be used to prepare meals for large groups of people.
• Research and development: In food product development companies or cooking schools, where an Aga cooker is used to test new recipes or develop cooking techniques.
• Food production facilities: In companies that produce baked goods or other food products, where an Aga cooker can be used for consistent cooking and baking.
• Catering: Professional catering services may use an Aga cooker in their kitchen to prepare and transport meals for events and functions.
• Cooking schools: Cooking schools may use an Aga cooker to teach students about traditional British cooking methods and techniques.
• Restaurants: Some restaurants, especially those serving traditional British cuisine, may use an Aga cooker in their kitchen to prepare dishes.
• Baking companies: Bakeries or other food production companies may use an Aga cooker for consistent baking temperatures.

How to choose AGA cookers

Choosing an AGA cooker involves several factors, from budget to usage. First, understand how these cookers work. High-efficiency AGA cookers use gas or electricity to preheat the core of the cooker, which is insulated. In contrast, traditional AGA cookers are built with solid casting and need firing with coal, wood, or peat. Regardless of the style, the AGA cooker maintains even heating for cooking different dishes.

Next, consider the number of cooking modules. This depends on the amount of food prepared at once. Traditional models may have two to four oven modules. Modern AGA cookers come with interchangeable ovens, so users can add more as needed.

Today's AGA cookers have different temperature settings to accommodate different cooking styles. Low-temperature models are efficient for slow-roasting, braising, baking, and simmering. High-temperature models have more intense heat for grilling and high-precision baking.

Next, choose a style or design that fits your kitchen's aesthetic. AGA cookers come in a range of colors, with some models offering interchangeable outer skins. Apart from the color, the design is also important. Traditional cookers have a distinct blocky shape, while modern versions may have more streamlined designs.

As mentioned before, AGA cookers are built in either single-piece or modular designs. The modular design allows users to burn several ovens independently. This makes the modular cooker more energy efficient than traditional versions. However, traditional cookers are more convenient because they come pre-assembled.

Another important factor to consider is the fuel type. Cookers from AGA range use different fuel types – electricity, gas, wood, and oil. Electric and gas models have pilot lights for controlled burning. These options are easier to install and control, especially for users with limited exposure to cooking. Wood and oil burners need to be stoked constantly, but they are preferred for their smokey flavors.

Finally, assess the cooker's maintenance requirements. While cast-iron cookers require regular cleaning, the enamel coating on many AGA cookers needs less upkeep. Enamel pots and pans are also easier to wash than cast iron.

Aga cooker FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of an Aga cooker?

Q2: Why do people want an Aga stove?

Q3: Is using an Aga stove expensive?

Q4: Why is cooking with an Aga different?