How to cook with an AGA Cooker
‘Our magic kitchen companion’
By Lee & Fraser Mowlem - AGA owners Anglesey
If you're new to the world of AGA cooking, you may find their unique charm a bit overwhelming at first. But fear not! We were rather daunted with the prospect of cooking with an AGA the first time, which felt like the equivalent of learning to drive a steam train. Four years on we can’t imagine life without our beloved AGA!
In this blog we try and unravel some of the mysteries of these incredible pieces of engineering and help you make the most of your AGA cooker. So, strap in and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other…
Our red AGA - Four years on its our magic kitchen companion
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR AGA COOKER
The first step in mastering the art of cooking on an AGA cooker is understanding the different components and their functions. Unlike conventional cookers, AGA cookers have multiple ovens and hotplates, each with its own temperature. Traditional models are always on and up to temperature, ready to use 24/7. (Fuel models such as oil, gas and even solid fuel) On the other hand, controllable electric models offer individual temperature control in each oven and hotplate.
To harness the full potential of your AGA cooker, it's essential to understand how heat is distributed within the appliance. AGA cookers use conduction and convection to move heat around their cast iron parts. The heat is stored inside the castings, including the ovens and hotplates, and food is cooked using radiant heat. This unique cooking method ensures that the moisture in your food is retained, resulting in amazing flavours and tastes.
“Our first taste of roast chicken made us realise why so many people wax lyrical about the fantastic cooking properties of their AGA cookers.”
NAVIGATING THE TEMPERATURE ZONES
Finding the right temperature on an AGA cooker can be a bit different from your usual cooking experience. Since AGA cookers rely on radiant heat rather than conventional fan ovens, the temperatures can vary depending on the oven and the placement of your dishes. However, with a little practice, you'll quickly become a master at navigating the temperature zones.
The heat indicator on your AGA cooker's front plate shows the operating temperature of the entire appliance. (It's important to note that this is not an oven thermometer.)
While exact temperatures may be challenging to achieve due to the nature of AGA cookers, you can use a manual oven thermometer (or a laser thermometer like this ) to get a rough idea of the temperature. Remember, each AGA cooker is unique, but here are some approximate temperature ranges for the different ovens:
Roasting Oven: 220-240°C
Baking Oven: 170-190°C
Simmering Oven: 120-140°C
Warming Oven: 60-70°C
THE 80/20 RULE OF COOKING
One of the golden rules of cooking on an AGA cooker is to follow the 80/20 rule. This means that approximately 80% of your cooking should be done in the ovens, while the remaining 20% can be done on the hotplates. This approach ensures efficient use of the heat and maximises the capabilities of your AGA cooker.
When using the hotplates, it's important to keep in mind that repeatedly lifting the hotplate covers can cause heat to dissipate rapidly, affecting the temperature of the ovens as well. To conserve heat, it's advisable to start boiling or cooking on the hotplate and then transfer the pan to the oven to finish cooking. This technique not only saves energy but also frees up space on the hotplates.
HARNESSING THE HEAT ZONES
Understanding the heat zones within your AGA cooker is key to achieving culinary perfection. Each oven has its own temperature gradient, with the top of the roasting oven being the hottest and the bottom of the simmering oven being the coolest. By utilising these heat zones strategically, you can harness the full potential of your AGA cooker.
For items that require browning or grilling, place them at the top of the roasting oven to cook quickly while also shielding items cooking at lower levels. To achieve longer, slower cooking, opt for the middle-bottom of the simmering oven. And don't forget the power of the floor of the roasting oven for frying, pre-heating pans or toasting bread!
Some of the wonderful feasts and new skills we have acquired cooking with our AGA
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR AGA COOKING
Cooking on an AGA cooker is not just about following recipes; it's a way of life. Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you make the most of your AGA range cooker:
Shielding: Since AGA cookers use radiant heat, it's important to shield delicate items from excessive browning. Use cold shelves or other barriers to prevent unintentional over-browning.
Partial Offsetting: Jiggle the positioning of pans on the hotplates to maintain the desired temperature. For example, you can keep water boiling by placing the pan half on the boiling plate and half on the enamel.
Start and Transfer: Start cooking on the hotplate and transfer the pan to the oven to free up space and continue cooking with the door closed.
Embrace the AGA Lifestyle: AGA cookers offer so much more than just cooking. Use the ambient heat to dry clothes, replace electric appliances with AGA alternatives, and explore the multitude of recipes and cookbooks dedicated to AGA cooking.
📝RELATED CONTENT: ‘AGA Cooking Tips’
EMBRACING THE MAGIC OF YOUR AGA COOKER
You are now equipped with the knowledge and confidence to conquer the world of AGA cooking. Embrace the magic of your AGA cooker and explore its limitless possibilities. From succulent roast dinners to delicious cakes and bakes, your AGA cooker will become your kitchen companion for life.
Remember, cooking on an AGA cooker is a journey of discovery. Don't be discouraged if there are a few burnt roast potatoes or minor mishaps along the way. With time and practice, you'll become a true AGA aficionado, delighting family and friends with your culinary creations.
So, put on your chef's hat, grab your favourite recipe book, and let the adventure begin!
If you are looking at ways to maintain your AGA or Range Cooker or make it more efficient, please get in touch!
