Aga's.........work all that money?

[Coco H]

My grandmother's aga lasted 30 years in her house with just servicing - it is now in a friends house - done another 20 years.

My parents aga has done 20 years. It does need servicing twice a year. I think the key thing is to have a normal oven and hob as well. You need the space for this. Come the summer months - we always let the aga out and save a fortune in fuel and keep the kitchen cool.

[NDA]

I don't know why they're so expensive, the technology is out dated.

However, we have one and Mrs NDA loves it. Happy wife, happy life?

[AstonZagato]

Mrs AZ wouldn't be without one. We changed the kitchen last year and put in some "summer cooking" as a backup to the faithful Aga. When it got hot in July, we turned off the Aga (only the second time ever other than servicing). A day later she turned it back on again. Didn't like cooking on an electric hob and the oven made the wrong type of heat or something. Glad I spent that money on the new hob and oven then...

[wiffmaster]

NDA said:

I don't know why they're so expensive, the technology is out dated.

However, we have one and Mrs NDA loves it. Happy wife, happy life?

Well, a barbecue is positively prehistoric technology, and that still does a lovely steak.

You're right though, they are pretty basic pieces of kit - but then again why complicate something that works so well? They seem to be getting more expensive now they're seen as fashionable, but at least it'll be the last cooker you ever need to buy.

Once people have had an Aga, they seem to hate going back to conventional ovens. My mother practically entered a state of mourning when we were between houses and renting a place which didn't have one. Luckily resolved now!

[john_p]

Wikipedia said:

..the smallest two-oven gas AGA providing simple cooking functions (e.g. no water heating or central heating) consumes almost as much gas in a week than a standard gas oven/hob does in nine months

[Graham E]

Clearly, the best thing about an AGA is the way it makes the AGA's owner somehow all smug and superior to the rest of the population, that just don't "get" agas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WUuqDOgrT8
1m 40s in.

and 5.22

and 8.30

Edited by Graham E on Tuesday 4th August 01:33

[NDA]

wiffmaster said:

NDA said:

I don't know why they're so expensive, the technology is out dated.

However, we have one and Mrs NDA loves it. Happy wife, happy life?

Well, a barbecue is positively prehistoric technology, and that still does a lovely steak.

A BBQ is a tad cheaper than an AGA.

[benmc]

Paul - Who did you use in the end?

Paul Drawmer said:

benmc said:

Just looking at Agas as well and could not justify the 8.5k Aga want for a new one.

Found these guys

http://www.moorlandcookers.co.uk/

Ben

Our last Aga was reconditioned.
Looking at that site, I'm reminded that AGA have some really awful colours!

Do go and see what the finish is like, I found one company that shot blasted everything back to the casting, and then re-enamelled. Trouble was, the finish had that shot blasted 'giant orange peel' effect.
It doesn't have to look that that.

If you are going for gas, DO NOT accept a 'gas conversion' the flame height is wrong in the fire drum, and you'll never get the hot/warm oven balance right. Make sure it's made into gas with the proper AGA original burner kit, and that the flue ways inside aren't for solid fuel, else the draft will be too great.

I'm not convinced that there aren't suitable alternatives, but I do know the Rayburn is not a comparable bit of kit. It works on a different principle with multiple or adjustable burners, and may well be more effective if you want hot water as well.

[DavidY]

Alternatives

Alpha
Sandyford

Raeburn are now owned by Aga, and are really only suitable for the smaller home.

davidy

[Nurburgsingh]

NDA said:

Happy wife, happy life?

that should be over in the profound saysings thread.

[NDA]

Nurburgsingh said:

NDA said:

Happy wife, happy life?

that should be over in the profound saysings thread.

Along with 'one up the bum, no harm done'




I'll get my coat.