Electric Aga Conversion: Costs, Kits, and Process Guide
More and more people are choosing to run their Aga on electric. It keeps the character and warmth of the range whilst making it much more efficient and controllable. At Castelle we fit the ElectricKit system because we believe it is the most reliable and versatile for the customer.
If you're interested in converting your Aga, you can reach out to us using the button below.
An Evolution in Aga Cooking
The Aga cooker was invented by Swedish physicist Gustaf Dalen in 1922 after he lost his sight in an industrial accident. During recovery at home, he observed how exhausting and inefficient cooking was for his wife. So he designed a safer and easier to use heat storage cooker with a heavy cast iron body gently absorbing heat from a single source. Originally powered by coal or anthracite, in more recent times these have been converted to other fossil fuels such as Oil & Gas, and in more recent years, Electricity.
AGA themselves created their own range of ovens powered by electric: the EC range has evolved into the eR range.
Why Modern Chefs Prefer Electric
Cooking with electric is becoming increasingly popular as it is clean, efficient and more adaptable. Controllable elements are located under each steel hob plate and modern induction hobs are up to 90% more efficient than gas as they heat the pan directly not the burner or the air beneath the pan.
A Look at Electric Aga Conversion Kits
The industry is seeing a surge in popularity of the retrofit conversion kits. A retrofit electric conversion kit for aga models makes an aga electric cooker conversion possible without buying new, and many households opt for an electric aga conversion kit as a practical upgrade. Choosing an aga electric conversion kit lets you retain your existing cooker while adding modern control and efficiency.
These are installed into your existing oven by qualified installation engineers meaning that you can convert the oven you own rather than purchasing new. Just as traditional agas were converted from coal to oil, they can now be converted to electric.
This progression means that the agas can be constantly recycled and evolve whilst keeping the original ideals of being simple, easy to use, efficient cookers using cast iron ovens and the option to be 'always on' creating gentle room heat, further supporting the broader aga electric conversion trend.
Having the ability to be powered by free solar energy and utilising modern technology such as apps whilst costing a fraction of the price of the new AGA range is giving the retrofit conversion kits a real edge.
Step by Step Conversion Process
Preparing Your Aga for Conversion
We will help you along every step of the process. Starting by identifying your aga model and fuel type. We will explain, and also send you full details of what is required for the conversion. Here are the main things to know:
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The existing gas or oil supply to the oven must be disconnected before we arrive. The aga must be switched off in advance so the ovens are cool. A switched/fused electrical supply must be in place and located close to the aga prior to our arrival.
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Good knowledge of access and van parking is useful.
Detailed Breakdown of Electric Cooker Conversion
During an aga electric oven conversion, the core structure is retained while modern electric components are added. On the installation day we start by laying down floor covering and explaining to the customer what we will be doing. All electrical connections are safely disconnected.
The aga is then carefully dismantled and the loose fill insulation removed using an industrial hoover. We do our best to reduce any dust in the room but some is inevitable.
All unwanted parts are removed and the oven is then built back up piece by piece but with the new ElectricKit parts being added as we go, including the elements, temperature sensors and ceramic blanket insulation.
The new hobs are installed and the control box is wired, including connection to the already installed mains supply. Time now to switch on and test all components. The final job is to give the customer a full demonstration and answer any questions.
Analysing the Aga Electric Conversion Costs
If you're assessing the aga electric conversion cost, it's helpful to compare it to traditional running expenses. A traditional always-on oil or gas Aga is usually far more expensive to run than a modern controllable electric conversion like ElectricKit.
This is because a gas or oil burner has to be constantly burning fuel. The main reason is that so much heat is lost throughout the cast metal and loose fill insulation that the burner has to be on all the time to keep the roasting oven hot. This creates more room heat from the aga but at what cost?
Also, large amounts of heat are wasted by being vented outside due to the flue requirements for combustible fuels. With electric conversions any heat that is vented out of the ovens is directed back into the kitchen.
The total cost to convert a 2 oven to a standard Classic system would cost £3500 inc Vat. Annual costs will be reduced due to no regular servicing and replacement parts such as thermocouples, wicks and burners being required. This alone can often cost between £200 to £1000 per year.
Using these figures, it is entirely likely that the cost of an electric conversion could be recouped in less than 2 years.
Comparing Operational Costs: Electric vs. Traditional
Traditional oil/gas Aga: £40 to £60 per week.
Typical annual cost of servicing and replacement parts: £200 to £1000
Annual cost based on £40 fuel p/w and £500 servicing etc: £2580
Modern ElectricKit conversion: £7 to £20 per week
No servicing required.
Annual cost based on £12 electric p/w £624
The annual cost of fossil fuel usage, servicing and repairs is variable and unique to each household due to factors such as the room temperature, quality of the insulation and burn quality.
The use of an electric oven is fully controlled by the user so can be switched off when not required. The figure of £12 p/w is based on an average figure throughout the year but this could be reduced depending on usage.
Is Electric Conversion for you?
The ever-growing demand for electric aga conversions is fuelled by a need for a more sustainable lifestyle. Being able to switch on any part of your oven as and when you require coupled with the use of modern technology to pre-program switch on times remotely make the ElectricKit a smart option.
It is entirely possible for your aga to be powered completely for free over the course of a year using solar power and batteries.
More and more aga owners are realising that the initial investment can be recouped quickly, and they are able to continue using their beloved aga for years to come for little cost. Turning a potential burden for future users into a valuable asset.
