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What would I do with an Aga?

(34 Posts)
sunseeker Sat 15-Mar-14 16:32:24

Depends on whether it is just for cooking or does the heating and hot water too.

I have a Rayburn which is oil fired. I can set a timer so the cooker comes on at a set time (also the heating and hot water), the main thing to remember is that it does take a long time to heat up so I usually have mine switch on half an hour before I need to use it (I then switch off early and the meal cooks in the residual heat). It does take some getting used to but when it stopped working for 2 weeks I really missed it.

HollyDaze Sat 15-Mar-14 16:31:34

My Nan had one but I barely remember it. Given the cost of gas and electricity now, I had thought about getting a multi-fuel one that would also heat the water and radiators. Not sure how you cook on them though!

Nonnie Sat 15-Mar-14 16:21:42

It rather depends what kind of an Aga it is. Does it heat the whole house or is it just for cooking?

I was brought up with an Aga but my mum wasn't a very good cook so I don't remember it being special apart from the porridge cooked over night in the warming oven.

The one which was here when we moved in had just two hobs on the top which could be turned on to small, medium or large rings and we had to squash all the pans on somehow. The ovens were too small to get a large turkey in and we hated it so replaced it with a lovely range cooker with gas hobs and electric oven, we love it.

If you do buy the house and get rid of the Aga I recommend advertising it on eBay (collection only) as we got more for ours than we paid for the replacement including laying on the gas and fitting!

SuzanneL60 Sat 15-Mar-14 16:04:09

My only experience with an aga was as 'bum warmer' in a very draughty highland croft at my Aunts after we had been out picking the fields or feeding the animals. Made lovely casseroles or lemon meringues but apart from that....Not sure they as 'controllable' if solid fuel types.

If its not too old, maybe it could be sold to an agaphile to finance a new cooking arrangement but how much it would help pay towards heating if it is the main source of heating for the property...

As someone who has had a few failed viewings, I went with a tick box attitude, what I wanted, if I got more of them than what I didn't I went back. i can't believe I finally got (fingers crossed till signed off)a property that ticked more boxes than I had put on my list.
I remember thinking how well we did on our first week of looking, I am so pleased that it took me a while longer.
all the best, hopefully an Aga expert will be along to give you a more helpful answer...

merlotgran Sat 15-Mar-14 15:56:16

They're a way of life, Grannyknot, We had one years ago when we lived in a large farmhouse and I still miss it. If the kitchen is large enough you can still have an ordinary oven and hob to use in the summer when you don't need the Aga for heating.

Mary Berry has written an Aga cookery book and depending on how many ovens it has you just use the correct one for the temperature you require. The slow oven is wonderful for casseroles, jacket potatoes etc. The kitchen in winter is where everyone will want to be.

ffinnochio Sat 15-Mar-14 15:55:52

Well, you can lean on it and keep warm wink

A friend has an electrical Aga - I call it the 'beast' but she loves it and I'd love to have it as well! She also has a gas hob set into the work surface beside it for instant cooking. Best of both worlds.

jinglbellsfrocks Sat 15-Mar-14 15:52:14

I think it is the cast iron oven that is supposed to cook in a specially delicious way. I would love to try one.

janeainsworth Sat 15-Mar-14 15:45:14

I've often thought the same as you, GK. I wouldn't know where to start with an Aga or Rayburn.
Could you sell it and get a hob and built in oven instead, or it is part of the decor too? Is there an independent heating system?

Grannyknot Sat 15-Mar-14 15:23:06

Please help with comments or info about why I should want to have an Aga! We've been toying with the idea for a while to move out of London, and went house-hunting this morning in a Surrey village, and husband has fallen for a place and wants us to make an offer (unless I absolutely hate a place, I'll live anywhere smile - jokes aside, I do like it too).

However - there was a rather intimidating Aga in the kitchen. Eep, I know nothing about them. It is "on gas". Is it just like an ordinary stove but also doubles up as a heater? We will have a second viewing but my first thought was that I would miss my modern hob and built in oven but everyone always oohs and aahs about an Aga. So what makes an Aga so wonderful?

All views much appreciated.