Replacing A Traditional AGA Cooker
Since the first one was made in 1922, the AGA has been heating up homes and become a statement piece within. With rising energy costs and changing lifestyles, many people are now considering replacing their traditional AGA for something that is a lot cheaper to run. Whether this is a modernised version of their stunning appliance or a range that is completely different, it can be a tough decision to get rid of a part of the home that has been so powerful and reliable.
AGA's iconic design and British heritage make the brand instantly recognisable. Not only do they cook perfectly, but they look fantastic as a focal point in any home. Warming your kitchen and beyond, they have been a consistent appliance for many years. So just how can they be replaced and why is now the right time?
A large AGA is now considered to be both expensive to run and a particularly un-environmentally friendly way to cook. Although the charm and warmth in the winter are unrivalled, the high gas bills and unwanted heat supply in the summer is starting to turn these machines into an inconvenience. They have their benefits, and AGA's one of a kind character may seem irreplaceable, but there are modern alternatives that will allow a more flexible and efficient way of cooking that can complement a traditional kitchen. The AGA Rangemaster brand themselves have created modern alternatives, meaning you can guarantee you won't be compromising on quality. Here are some of the best range cookers out there that could be the perfect replacement for your classic AGA...
The AGA Masterchef collection brings you the simple and timeless visual qualities associated with the iconic brand, but instead of an expensive-to-run cast iron monolith, you get a very usable modern range cooker with all the features and flexibility you could need.
Pressed from heavy-gauge steel and lusciously enamelled, the chunky bevelled doors feature very characteristic AGA towel rail handles, and this welcome simplicity is echoed by the cylindrical control knobs above. This understated approach suits the brand, but do not be deceived into thinking this is just a Rangemaster with an AGA badge. The build quality and specification of the Masterchef is much more enhanced. The materials and components throughout are noticeably sturdy, for example the gas hob uses the high-grade brass-bound burners designed to give professional power and endurance, and there is a meat probe in the main oven to allow you to cook meat and poultry by target temperature rather than time, giving perfect results.
AGA Rangemaster is one of the most prolific range cooker manufacturers. They have done a fantastic job in ensuring the Masterchef series meets the expectations of those who aspire to the AGA brand.
A Mercury range cooker brings a conventional AGA alternative with stylish design and versatility that performs all the tasks a classic AGA does. Also built by AGA Rangemaster, these cookers represent the performance end of the famous manufacturer’s spectrum with enhanced construction, heavy duty oven furniture and special Mercury hi-fi control dials. Large, powerful ovens with heavy stainless steel telescopic shelves and self-clean catalytic linings, and a particularly robust and impressive glide-out grill mark the Mercury range out as something very special. Offering the choice of a powerful gas hob, or a sleek induction top, the Mercury range provides you with ultimate control and superior performance.
The defining feature of a Mercury range cooker is its striking design, available in a variety of colours in their resilient vitreous enamel, contributing to the overall impression of quality and good taste.
The Rangemaster Elan Deluxe model mirrors the classic AGA with its understated doors and sleek chrome towel rail, but boasts a notably different design with spiral handles and elegant finish. It creates a traditional presence within a kitchen, with character and practicality. Available in sizes 90cm and 110cm, this collection is feature-rich and creates the perfect cooking experience with both multifunction and fanned ovens.
Available in a choice of Black, Cream, Cranberry, Royal Pearl, Olive Green or Stone Blue, there is something to suit all kitchen colour schemes. This 110cm model is an aspirational range cooker, with the unwindowed doors and chunky controls lending it a traditional kitchen presence including both warmth and character. It features a multifunction oven that offers a variety of heat sources for different dishes, plus an additional grill element. The separate grill cavity above features a glide-out grill tray with 4-way trivet and a dual circuit element. To the right is a fanned oven, which features a very handy proving drawer below.
Lacanche range cookers are practical, timeless and completely reliable. They are all about the cooking, with them being specially designed by this historic and impressive French brand. Longevity is guaranteed with a Lacanche, with them servicing a number of their range cookers still after 70/80 years.
Behind the striking exterior of a Lacanche range cooker is a smart and professional cooking platform that is built to perform to the highest of standards, just like an AGA. From the refined modern models to the simple but stylish classic models, a Lacanche could be a perfect replacement for your AGA. Lacanche have re-engineered their gas ovens to provide greater control, with an up-to-date thermostat included in the design to give you a range of 100 degrees at gas mark 1 to 260 degrees at gas mark 10. This flexibility is suitable for both roasting and baking at a lower scale.
With a variety of configurations and sizes, also including electric and dual fuel, there’s a Lacanche range cooker out there to suit every need. Solid and built to last, they offer years of truly professional performance, versatility and lots of great cooking.
The classic appeal of a Heritage model makes it a perfect AGA replacement in a more traditionally styled kitchen. The striking round chrome control knobs are familiar and comfortable to use, making them a key part of the design of the models.
Originally introduced to celebrate Bertazzoni’s 125th anniversary, the Heritage series takes its inspiration from their original wood burning stoves. All the usual Bertazzoni refinements are present to ensure you get the best results – triple-glazed doors which minimise heat loss and noise levels, and also provide low temperature external surfaces and enhanced insulation materials to maximise energy efficiency. On this dual fuel model, high quality gas burners provide power and efficiency on top, with very clean combustion which allows pans to be placed closer to the flame and therefore giving quicker boiling times and reduced gas consumption.
To find out more about any of these range cookers, or if you have any questions about replacing your AGA, call our team on 01244 402 975 or visit our website.
