Aga's.........work all that money?
Discussion
We have got through 3 cookers in 8 years, one I cracked the hob on and one the glass fell out of the door and the replacement cost was more than a new cooker. Our current one has been in about 3 years and is looking tatty already ( numbers rubbing off the controls, ignition button broken).
I have always like the look of the Aga but OMG have you seen the price? Even second hand a good 4 one is over £3K.
So thoe of you with Aga experience, are they worth the cost?
Four Cofffee said:
We have got through 3 cookers in 8 years, one I cracked the hob on and one the glass fell out of the door and the replacement cost was more than a new cooker. Our current one has been in about 3 years and is looking tatty already ( numbers rubbing off the controls, ignition button broken).
I have always like the look of the Aga but OMG have you seen the price? Even second hand a good 4 one is over £3K.
So thoe of you with Aga experience, are they worth the cost?
Yes they are worth the expense, a little tip for you , watch e-bay like a hawk we picked up a oil/solid fuel one in excellent condition for £700 delivered to our door.I have always like the look of the Aga but OMG have you seen the price? Even second hand a good 4 one is over £3K.
So thoe of you with Aga experience, are they worth the cost?
For flues etc have a look at dohertys online we bought all the kit from them and got flue regs off local government website carried out work as instructed, notified council on completion and they passed first time.
Bonus also you can get a grant for using renewable fuel too Ie waste wood etc
HTH
Had one 7 years and not a chip anywhere,they can be expensive to run perhaps,ours keeps the kitchen dining room and 2 bedrooms above warm, so never need the radiators on in those rooms so that saves on that.
You do need to learn how to use it properly,steaming vegetables instead of boiling on the tops,because having the lids up a lot is what looses the heat the most.
You do need to learn how to use it properly,steaming vegetables instead of boiling on the tops,because having the lids up a lot is what looses the heat the most.
Edited by netherfield on Thursday 23 July 22:55
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
Found these guys
http://www.moorlandcookers.co.uk/
Ben
Brilliant things. Aside from producing absolutely beautiful food (once you've tried a Christmas Dinner made in an Aga, you'll be converted) they also keep the house nice and warm, dry clothes and can even be made to heat water. Best thing ever in winter, though in the height of summer we turn our's off and use the conventional oven instead. Never had a problem in twenty odd years with our gas ones, just keep them serviced and they're bulletproof. Heard bad things about the new electric version though...
With an Aga you are paying for the name, there are other range cookers that offer better value for money and are built just as well. We installed a Sandyford 7 years ago, and it's been great, uses a lot less oil than the previous Rayburn.
http://www.sandyford.co.uk/frame.htm
davidy
http://www.sandyford.co.uk/frame.htm
davidy
Weve installed AGAs in three of our houses. A new oil one, a used oil the converted to gas, and a used gas one. In all we've lived with an AGA for about 30 years. And my parents had one as well.
We are both keen cooks, and we have had two boys and cats and dogs and all that sort of stuff.
Now we have moved to a smaller house and have got used to using a conventional cooker and hob.
After about a year, I've learnt to turn off the hob and cooker when I've finished using it!
Things we loved about an AGA.
It really makes the kitchen the centre of the home, that old warm lump does so many things that can't be done any other way. Towel dryer, instant ironing of smalls just by flattening them on the hob top. Plate warmer, hand warmer, something to lean, cry and laugh on. Always ready for work, never having to plan to put the oven on. Really easy for most cooking, but it is a technique that needs mastering to get the best out of it. great for dying boots, pets and children. Not having to clean the ovens. Always having soft butter, making brilliant toasted sandwiches.
Things I like about not having the AGA.
Low fuel bills - blimey what a difference!
Being able to add more heat into the cooking, especially if I need to brown something off.
I really don't think an AGA cooks better, and whatever people say, it's crap at grilling compared to a grill.
If you don't have a reasonably busy kitchen, it'll be an expensive lifestyle accessory. If you and your family live in the kitchen, you'll love it if you can afford to run it.
We are both keen cooks, and we have had two boys and cats and dogs and all that sort of stuff.
Now we have moved to a smaller house and have got used to using a conventional cooker and hob.
After about a year, I've learnt to turn off the hob and cooker when I've finished using it!
Things we loved about an AGA.
It really makes the kitchen the centre of the home, that old warm lump does so many things that can't be done any other way. Towel dryer, instant ironing of smalls just by flattening them on the hob top. Plate warmer, hand warmer, something to lean, cry and laugh on. Always ready for work, never having to plan to put the oven on. Really easy for most cooking, but it is a technique that needs mastering to get the best out of it. great for dying boots, pets and children. Not having to clean the ovens. Always having soft butter, making brilliant toasted sandwiches.
Things I like about not having the AGA.
Low fuel bills - blimey what a difference!
Being able to add more heat into the cooking, especially if I need to brown something off.
I really don't think an AGA cooks better, and whatever people say, it's crap at grilling compared to a grill.
If you don't have a reasonably busy kitchen, it'll be an expensive lifestyle accessory. If you and your family live in the kitchen, you'll love it if you can afford to run it.
king k on a cooker.Paul Drawmer said:
Weve installed AGAs in three of our houses. A new oil one, a used oil the converted to gas, and a used gas one. In all we've lived with an AGA for about 30 years. And my parents had one as well.
We are both keen cooks, and we have had two boys and cats and dogs and all that sort of stuff.
Now we have moved to a smaller house and have got used to using a conventional cooker and hob.
After about a year, I've learnt to turn off the hob and cooker when I've finished using it!
Things we loved about an AGA.
It really makes the kitchen the centre of the home, that old warm lump does so many things that can't be done any other way. Towel dryer, instant ironing of smalls just by flattening them on the hob top. Plate warmer, hand warmer, something to lean, cry and laugh on. Always ready for work, never having to plan to put the oven on. Really easy for most cooking, but it is a technique that needs mastering to get the best out of it. great for dying boots, pets and children. Not having to clean the ovens. Always having soft butter, making brilliant toasted sandwiches.
Things I like about not having the AGA.
Low fuel bills - blimey what a difference!
Being able to add more heat into the cooking, especially if I need to brown something off.
I really don't think an AGA cooks better, and whatever people say, it's crap at grilling compared to a grill.
If you don't have a reasonably busy kitchen, it'll be an expensive lifestyle accessory. If you and your family live in the kitchen, you'll love it if you can afford to run it.
Pretty much agree with Paul's comments.We are both keen cooks, and we have had two boys and cats and dogs and all that sort of stuff.
Now we have moved to a smaller house and have got used to using a conventional cooker and hob.
After about a year, I've learnt to turn off the hob and cooker when I've finished using it!
Things we loved about an AGA.
It really makes the kitchen the centre of the home, that old warm lump does so many things that can't be done any other way. Towel dryer, instant ironing of smalls just by flattening them on the hob top. Plate warmer, hand warmer, something to lean, cry and laugh on. Always ready for work, never having to plan to put the oven on. Really easy for most cooking, but it is a technique that needs mastering to get the best out of it. great for dying boots, pets and children. Not having to clean the ovens. Always having soft butter, making brilliant toasted sandwiches.
Things I like about not having the AGA.
Low fuel bills - blimey what a difference!
Being able to add more heat into the cooking, especially if I need to brown something off.
I really don't think an AGA cooks better, and whatever people say, it's crap at grilling compared to a grill.
If you don't have a reasonably busy kitchen, it'll be an expensive lifestyle accessory. If you and your family live in the kitchen, you'll love it if you can afford to run it.
I'll only add that if you have dogs or cats, they will adore it as well.
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.Found these guys
http://www.moorlandcookers.co.uk/
Ben
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.
renmure said:
eldar said:
Paul Drawmer said:
We are both keen cooks, and we have had two boys and cats and dogs and all that sort of stuff.
I know its wrong to quote out of context, but that sentence made me laugh
Whoops.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff