For anyone who has ever stood next to one, cooked on one, or dreamed of owning one, the AGA is a presence. While the exterior keeps its classic cast iron silhouette, the interior of a modern AGA is a highly engineered, flexible cooking system. Today’s models are built for contemporary homes, offering precision, efficiency, and customisation while keeping that signature warmth and reliability.

The Core: Cast Iron Construction

Every AGA begins with cast iron. That choice matters. Cast iron soaks up heat and releases it slowly and evenly, which is why food cooks gently and stays moist. Unlike standard ovens that cycle on and off, an AGA holds a steady temperature. Better insulation around the ovens and under the top keeps heat where you want it. Enamelled doors close against robust seals to prevent loss, and polished lids cover the hotplates when not in use. The enamel finish is durable and wipes clean with a soft cloth.

Multi Zone Cooking: Dedicated Ovens

Instead of changing the temperature in one large cavity, you move dishes between ovens that are already set for the job. The roasting oven runs hottest for joints, bread, pizzas, and high heat tray bakes. The baking oven sits in the middle for cakes, biscuits, pies, and gratins. The simmering oven is low and gentle for casseroles, slow braises, meringues, and overnight stews. Many models also include a warming oven to hold food ready to serve. The result is precise, intuitive cooking without constant tweaks.

Hotplates and Hob Options

Boiling and Simmering Plates

The classic layout puts the boiling plate on one side and the simmering plate on the other. Use the boiling plate for searing, flash frying, and fast pans of pasta. Use the simmering plate for sauces, porridge, melting, and gentle toasting on a rack. Keep lids down between tasks to save heat.

Induction Zones

Many modern AGAs add induction on top. Induction heats the pan directly, brings water to the boil quickly, and wipes clean in seconds. It is ideal for breakfast, late night tea, and any job that needs fine control. Induction pairs well with the cast iron plates, giving you speed during the week and classic radiant heat when you have time.

Gas or Ceramic Hobs

Selected ranges or companion units offer a gas hob for visible flame control, or a ceramic hob for a smooth, easy clean surface. Both sit comfortably alongside the heat storage ovens.

Controls and Smart Features

Independent zone control is one of the biggest changes in recent years. On electric models you can heat ovens and plates separately, set timers, and bring zones up to temperature only when you need them. Simple digital panels offer presets for roasting, baking, and simmering so you can repeat results without fuss. Some models add app control for schedules and quick checks from another room.

Power and Efficiency

Most modern AGAs are electric. That means simple placement in kitchens without a chimney, quieter running, and better insulation for reduced heat loss. Gas and oil versions remain available in specific ranges and work well where a flue is practical. Whatever you choose, good habits make a difference. Heat only the zones you need, keep lids down, match dishes to the right oven, and batch cook to make full use of stored heat.

Optional Modules and Companions

If you entertain often or cook for a crowd, you can add capacity without changing how you use the main cooker. An AGA Module sits beside or away from the AGA and runs as a conventional cooker. Typical layouts include a fan oven, a slow cook oven with an integral grill, and either a gas or ceramic hob. Some ranges offer companion units or extra induction zones that expand hob space while the cast iron ovens carry on with the main meal.

Built In Features You Will Use Often

• Infrared grill on select models for fast browning and cheese on toast
• Timers and simple schedules to preheat before you arrive home
• Cold shelves and plate racks to manage distance from heat in the ovens
• Warming plate or rail to keep plates and serving dishes ready

Design and Colour Choices

From Cream and Pewter to Salcombe Blue, Blush Pink, and Linen White, the palette is broad enough to suit rustic cottages and sleek town apartments. The vitreous enamel finish keeps its depth of colour and shine with simple care. Plan space for lids and doors to open fully, and ensure a level, load bearing base for the weight of the cooker.

Cleaning, Care, and Safety

Wipe enamel with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. Brush crumbs from door seals and use a gentle polish on stainless trims. Avoid harsh abrasives. Handles are designed to stay comfortable in normal use, and clear status lights show which zones are active. Gas and oil installations should be serviced yearly by qualified engineers. Electric models need only occasional checks.

Feature Checklist

The Modern AGA Experience

An AGA has always been more than an appliance. It is a warm focal point that makes cooking calmer and more consistent. You get heritage design with the control and efficiency that suit today’s homes. Perfect for roasting on a Sunday, slow cooking overnight, or even boiling pasta in minutes on induction. Reliability, craftsmanship, and beautiful results remain at the heart of the experience.

FAQ

Do I need special pans? Most heavy base pans work well. For induction, choose pans that are induction compatible.

Will an AGA overheat my kitchen? Modern insulation and independent controls keep background heat manageable. You can run only the zones you need, or use induction in hot weather.

Do I need a flue? Electric AGAs typically do not. Gas and oil models require the correct flue and clearances. A site survey will confirm what is possible in your kitchen.

How can I reduce energy use? Heat only the zones you need, keep lids down, match dishes to the right oven, and batch cook to make full use of stored heat.

We hope that this guide helped you understand a bit more about the components and features inside a modern AGA! We recommend reading our introduction to AGA blog if you still have a lot to learn!