Myths About AGA Ovens – Part Two
When making a purchase the buyer should investigate all the options available and gen up on the pros and cons. The same goes for buying an Aga cooker although an Aga should be considered more of an investment than a purchase because it’s likely to be in your possession for a lifetime. As a range cooker it is quite simply second to none and any current owner will tell you they can’t live without it.
While researching which model to buy – whether it be a heat storage gas range cooker or a a duel-fuel – you’ll find plenty of positive reviews, but also a few negative ones. The fact is, not everyone will extol the virtues of an Aga but a lot of the opinions you’ll read are based on misinformation or from poor operation of the appliance. Many myths can be dispelled by learning how to operate the cooker correctly and the best way to learn is to book yourself on an Aga demonstration.
Some of the common misconceptions about Agas are listed, and answered, below.
“They’re dangerous if you’ve got kids. The hotplates are always on and give no indication or warning so horrible burns can occur.”
It’s true they’re always on but you’re aware of that because it gives off heat. The same goes for the hotplate so if a child lifts the lid they will feel the heat from it. If your child is tall enough to lift the lid, chances are they’re at an age when they know hot things can burn.
“You’ll have to throw out all your old pots and pans. Agas need flat-bottomed, thick base cookware and will ruin anything that isn’t.”
This isn’t true. Aluminium and stainless steel pans work fine and don’t have to have a thick base. Most pans these days are flat-bottomed anyway but if yours aren’t they’ll still be okay. Of course, if you’re buying a quality oven it’s a good idea to include some quality Aga cookware.
“The hotplates are so large but you can only really get one pan on satisfactorily. What if you need to put more pans on?”
Owning an Aga does require you to learn new ways of cooking and that includes relying less on the hotplates and more on the ovens. An Aga cookery demonstration will teach you how to do this. However, if you prefer cooking with pans there are other models available that will provide up to six gas burners.
“You can’t control the temperature so all your old cookbooks become redundant. You have to buy Aga cookery books.”
Not at all. You’ll learn where to find the different temperatures of the ovens. For example, slow cooking is done in the simmering oven, pie crusts are best on the floor of the top oven and the roasting oven changes temperature from top to bottom. Once you know where to put things, you can use your old cookbooks as well as your new ones.
“There’s no timer. What if you want to have something ready for when you return home?”
That’s true about the timer, but you can slow cook your dinner so it’s ready when you get in. And don’t forget, the oven will already be up to temperature so when you come in from work there’s no pre-heat waiting times and you can start cooking immediately.
Myths about Aga Ovens – Part One
Many people would like to own an Aga oven and with the selection of models available these days it’s possible to enjoy an iconic range cooker from one of the world’s most well known manufacturers. Regardless of whether you are considering a classic heat storage cooker or a dual-fuel option, there’s the perfect oven to suit your needs. For those people looking for the simplicity of a traditional Aga you may have stumbled upon a few naysayers as to the benefits.
To begin with, owners believe that there’s no better method of cooking food and the background heat from the oven keeps much of the home warm for seven or more months of the year. And who could resist leaning against the towel rail on a nippy winter’s day? Nevertheless, several doubts associated with these kind of cookers still remain and many stem from a lack of information about how to operate them. If that’s the case then going to an Aga demonstration is time wisely spent.
Below is part one in a list of typical misconceptions about Agas and the specifics that should help to put your mind at ease should you be thinking about making a purchase.
Advice on Buying a Range Cooker
When it comes to buying the ultimate cooking appliance that will add a touch of class and quality to your kitchen there is no better oven than a range cooker. For amateur and professional cooks alike, range cookers provide all the necessary features to ensure food is cooked to its absolute best. There are a number of manufacturers of range cookers such as Aga, Rangemaster, Brittania and Falcon, but before you go investing in a new range cooker there are a few things to take into consideration.
Range cookers
Modern range cookers are built with the latest intelligent technology to make sure your cooking experience is as easy and functional as possible. Advances in the systems used to operate range cookers means your oven will be convenient, versatile and economic.
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is the amount of flexibility you’ll require from your oven and hob. Consider what your cooking habits are likely to be and then choose a range cooker that will provide enough burner types, sizes and numbers as well as enough ovens to cope with the demands placed on it. Make sure that the size of range cooker you buy can fit in the space allocated in your kitchen.
Once you know how big your range cooker needs to be, you’ll have to make a decision on fuel type. In many respects this will be dictated by the supply to your home but you should also consider what best suits your cooking needs. Gas and electric cookers – known as dual fuel range cookers – are the most common type with gas burners on the hob and electric ovens. Gas offers the best controlled heat when cooking on the hob and electric ovens are best for speed and multi-functionality. If you go for a four oven range cooker you’ll have the option of using a conventional oven, fan oven, simmering oven and ceramic grill.
Your range cooker should have a variety of systems to aid your cooking experience. One of the most practical pieces of technology fitted into modern ovens is the electronic programmer. This is of great benefit to people with busy lifestyles or families as you have the option to program when the oven is to start and finish cooking. Features such as fast pre-heat can bring the oven up to cooking temperature quicker than conventional ovens saving you both time and money.