AGA Fuels
Whilst all AGAs cook in the same way, using the indirect heat of their cast-iron ovens (and cast-iron hot-plates), there's a choice for the source of fuel to heat the cast-iron.
Electric
We now sell more electric AGAs than any other fuel - their flexibilty and economy make them the first choice for most situations, particularly where there's no mains gas - electric is cheaper to run and more straight forward to install than both oil and propane (bottle) gas.
See the Electric AGA page or, for more info on each model:
- AGA 3 Series- AGA 7 Series
- AGA Dual Control [Discontinued]
- AGA Total Control [Discontinued]
- 13amp Electric [Discontinued]
- Economy 7 Electric [Discontinued]
Natural Gas (Mains gas)
[Discontinued in January 2022]
Two, three or four oven with either a conventional (chimney) or powered (horizontal) flue.
There is also a Dual Control model with gas-heated ovens (and electric hotplates).
Oil (Kerosene)
[Discontinued in January 2022]
Two or four oven models. All Oil AGAs need a conventional (chimney) flue.
LPG (Propane / Tank Gas) and Solid Fuel are no longer available
So which is best?
Well, it depends! And it's not the same for everyone.
It's important that you choose the model that suits your lifestyle and your house.
Your lifestyle
When do you want to use the cooker? Anytime throughout the day (think more of a 'traditional' / on all the time model) or just at certain times of day ('New Generation' model that can be quickly turned up from low to full heat when needed).
Your house
Is it an old property with draughty windows and high ceilings (traditional - on all the time might be best), or newer / refubished with lots of insulation and a lower heat requirement (new generation with lower heat output may suit better).
Choice and Availability
Of course if you're not on the mains gas grid (or electric grid) this will limit your choice however which fuel to choose depends on a few factors:
Cooking
First, bear in mind that regardless of fuel the cooking style is the same. If you've chosen the AGA for its cooking ability then that won't change no matter which fuel you have.
Roomheating
If you want the AGA to be a reasonable heat source in the kitchen, year-round (or most of the year) then natural gas (if you have it) or Economy 7 electric may be better as these have the lowest running costs to heat output ratio (at full temperature any two or three oven AGA will add about 1kW to the room, in the low or slumber mode the oven and hot-plate temperature and the heat to the room will be less).
This is fine if you have a large room, an older, poorly insulated or north facing kitchen, or a small window area (so little 'solar gain' when the sun's out).
However, if you need warmth in winter, spring and autumn but not much in summer, then the gas AGA or 13amp electric AGA with 'AIMS' may suit you.
AIMS
AIMS allows the AGA to lower its temperature when it's not in use, but then automatically heats up when you do need it. You set the program to suit your lifestyle and the AGA follows it, much like you would set the house's central heating system to run in the background, with very little user input beyond the initial set-up.
New Generation
If you have a modern or well insulated house, or are south facing with a large glass area (basically a room which gets warm in summer anyway) then you may be better to consider the AGA 7 Series (formerly Dual Control and Total Control) or AGA 3 Series models. These can run at a reduced heat output, lower than the 'AIMS' AGA, yet still have the ability to quickly heat up to full temperature either on-demand, or following a daily programme (AGA eR7 only).
Fuels, Models and Configurations |
||||||
Economy 7 |
Oil |
13amp |
Gas |
R7 (or Dual Control) |
eR7 (or Total Control) |
|
Two Oven |
Yes | No | ||||
Three Oven |
No | Yes | ||||
Four Oven |
Yes | No | ||||
Five Oven |
No | Yes | ||||
AIMS |
No | Optional | No | |||
Timed Operation |
No | [See AIMS] | No | Yes | ||
Separate Oven and Hotplate Control |
No | Yes | ||||
Individual Oven Control |
No | Yes | ||||
'3/4' Oven Setting |
No | Yes | No | |||
'Slumber' Oven Setting |
No | Yes | ||||
Oven Heat-up |
24hs | 12-24hrs | 8-12hrs | 1-2hrs | ||
Hotplate Heat-up |
24hs (with ovens) |
12-24hrs (with ovens) |
8-12min | 8-12min | ||
Oven Vent Options |
External only | Ovens vent to flue | External or room vent |
Notes
For running costs please see the AGA Running Cost page.
Please note that for lower fuel consumption the AGA needs to run at a lower setting. This means lower oven and hot-plate temperatures. You can't have full heat in the ovens and hot plates in the lower heat-output mode.