A Seasonal Guide to AGA or Range Cooker Ownership
By Andy Mills of ARCS
As an engineer with years of experience in servicing and maintaining AGA and Range Cookers, I've witnessed the importance of regular maintenance to keep your beloved appliances running efficiently.
In this guide, I'll walk you through a year-round plan for maintaining your AGA or Range Cooker. By following this guide, you can ensure your cooker remains in top condition while avoiding the winter and festive season rush.
SPRING
Preparing for summer shutdown
Spring is the perfect time to prepare your AGA for a summer shutdown. Consider the following tasks:
Begin by giving your cooker a thorough cleaning. Remove any grease or residue from the hotplates and clean the flues.
Check for issues or things that have been nagging at you over winter. Inspect the cooker for anything noteworthy to report to your engineer. Make a note of any issues. If you notice any sign of any fuel leaks or issues, address them immediately.
Before you shut down for the summer, turn off your AGA to save energy.
SUMMER
Ideal time for maintenance and repairs
Take advantage of the summer months when the AGA is turned off and the weather is warmer to schedule significant maintenance and repair jobs. This is the perfect time to address any issues or make necessary upgrades without disrupting your daily cooking routine. Whether it's replacing worn-out parts or renovating your AGA, summer is an excellent time to tackle significant maintenance and repairs:
Maintenance Tasks: Take advantage of the AGA being off with tasks like resealing doors, replacing worn-out components, and addressing any issues that may have arisen during the year.
Deep Cleaning: Use the summer months to give your AGA a deep clean. Remove and clean the hotplates, inspect the burners, and ensure the flues are clean and free from obstructions.
Book your annual service end of summer/ early autumn.
AUTUMN
If you haven’t already, book your annual service
To avoid the rush and ensure a smoothly running appliance, it is recommended to book your annual service early. As an engineer, I experience the highest workload from September to Christmas due to the high demand for AGA servicing before the festive season. By booking your service in advance, you can secure a spot during this busy period and have peace of mind knowing that your AGA will be in top condition for the festive season.
Preventing Breakdowns: Early servicing can help prevent unexpected breakdowns during the winter months when you need your AGA the most. (Heaven forbid Christmas Day!)
WINTER
Keeping your AGA/Range Cooker running smoothly
As winter approaches, it's important to ensure that your AGA or Range Cooker is ready to handle the increased workload. Check the insulation and seals to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency. It's also a good idea to stock up on fuel and perform any necessary adjustments to the temperature controls to ensure consistent and reliable cooking during the colder months. Here are some tips to keep it going:
Regular Checks: Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly. Inspect the flue for obstructions to ensure proper ventilation.
Fuel Levels: Keep an eye on fuel levels, and don't let them run too low! Cold winter nights are no time to run out of fuel.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YEAR-ROUND MAINTENANCE
Maintaining your AGA is a year-round commitment. Here are some additional tips:
Regular Cleaning: Clean your AGA's hotplates and oven doors regularly to prevent build-up.
Monitor Performance: Pay attention to the performance of your cooker. If you notice irregularities, it may be time for maintenance.
SEASONAL CLEANING
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the efficiency and appearance of your AGA or Range Cooker. However, certain cleaning tasks can be performed more effectively during specific seasons. For example, spring is a great time to deep clean the interior and exterior of your appliance, while autumn is ideal for cleaning the flue and chimney to prepare for the colder months ahead.
Day to day cleaning
One of my clients recommends Purdy and Figg natural multi-surface cleaner :
“I have an Electric Converted AGA with controllable on/off hotplates, so if there is a fried food smell lingering about I like to use Purdy and Figg spray when the hot plates have just been switched off. I use either Purdy and Figg’s citrus or vetiver scent. The residual heat means the scent permeates quickly and makes the kitchen smell amazing!”
Deep Cleaning your AGA
A great cleaning paste for AGA and Range Cookers is Pink Paste for deep down cleaning, especially doors and hot plate lids.
Another client’s favourite is Bar Keepers Friend which you can buy in supermarkets and good household & DIY shops.
Years ago I found this great blog by Ask Charlie with a step by step guide to giving your beloved AGA a deep clean. In this blog, Ask Charlie has written the ultimate guide to cleaning your AGA, with time-saving techniques, trusted cleaning products, and expert tips for achieving a thorough and sparkling clean. So grab yourself a coffee and give it a good read.
AGA Groups & External Resources
I've scoured the internet for more great tips and tricks to help with AGA Ownership and here are some great Facebook Groups to join:
Facebook Groups:
CONCLUSION
With this seasonal guide, you can keep your AGA or Range Cooker operating efficiently throughout the year. By following the suggested maintenance schedule and tips, you'll not only prolong the life of your appliance but also avoid the headache of last-minute servicing during the winter and Festive season. Your well-maintained Aga will reward you with delicious meals and cosy warmth for many seasons to come.
If you are looking at ways to maintain your AGA or Range Cooker or make it more efficient, please get in touch!