Electrickit Classic Aga Conversion: Benefits, Costs, Setup
The ElectricKit Classic Aga conversion transforms your existing cooker into a fully electric range. It does this by removing all the fossil fuel burning parts and loose fill insulation and installing heating elements around the ovens and under new hotplates.
The retrofit electrickit aga kit is installed into your existing Aga in your kitchen without having to move the cooker, ensuring you keep the original look and charm of your Aga. Many owners also refer to this as the electrickit classic or electric kit classic conversion.
If you're interested in an Electrickit Classic, reach out using the button below.
Benefits of Using an ElectricKit Aga
Once installed the user is able to control each oven and hob independently. The ovens can safely be left on all the time as they are now. You still get the benefit of room heat when the ovens are on but reduced slightly as the new insulation wrapped around the ovens is so much better than before.
You are able to dial up each hotplate individually, getting hotter than the traditional hobs.
You are able to control each oven separately, reaching roasting temperatures from ambient in less than an hour. Temperature uniformity within each is much more stable than before, giving the chef much more reliable baking temperatures.
Physical dials on the control panel and digital controller for top oven.
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No servicing costs
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Keep the Aga look and the cast iron ovens
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No external flue required, keeping more heat within the home
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No fuel required
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Much lower running costs
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Fast heat up from cold
Electrickit Efficiency
The Classic Aga conversion is super-efficient compared to your existing cooker.
Traditionally the burner needs to be running 24/7 to maintain a constant heat in the ovens and hobs. Heat loss occurs though the internal loose-fill insulation and hobs. Getting progressively worse as the insulation in the lids and chamber deteriorate over time.
The modern conversions have the elements located directly on or under each oven, the heat from these elements is then transferred directly to the ovens and stored much more efficiently using a wrap of ceramic insulation. This combination of factors enable owners to use the Aga and save up to 80% on energy costs compared to oil or gas.
Eco-friendliness
It goes without saying that making decisions now to save fossil fuel usage can only be seen as Eco-friendly. Therefore the sooner we make these decisions, the better. Keeping the cast iron aga in your kitchen and future proofing it for generations to come may also be seen as adapting and re-using an original cooker, saving the cost and future landfill of new appliances.
Electricity is the only sustainable source of power available to use right now in our homes. Using technology such as solar panels, running our converted Agas in our homes could potentially be completely free from cost, harmful emissions, fuel transportation and storage and service visits.
That's surely an Eco success?
Features of an ElectricKit Classic
We offer both the ElectricKit Classic and Advanced options.
For users who already have an ElectricKit Original conversion we can also offer a retrofit upgrade kit where we add extra elements that boost the heating power in line with the newer Classic system.
Compatability with Aga Models
The Classic system is compatible with virtually all aga models inc, solid fuel Standard & Delux Pre & Post 74 and Purpose-Built Pre & Post 74.
Control Panel Overview
The control panel is located behind the aga control door and includes a digital temperature controller for setting the top oven temperature.
An on/off switch to easily isolate the top oven.
Thermostat dials to control the hot plates, the bottom oven and the hot cupboard oven if required.
The 3 oven models do not have a digital controller but use all dials instead.
Indicator lights to show when the ovens and hobs are on.
Preparing for a Conversion
Firstly, and most importantly, we will help you every step of the way.
Your Classic system for a 2 oven model needs an electricity supply which can be 2 x 13A switched fused spurs (one for the hobs and one for the 2 ovens) or ideally a single 32A supply where possible.
The 3 & 4 oven models require a single 32A supply only.
Any 32A supply must have a connection point and isolation switch near to the aga.
Gas and oil supplies to the Aga must be disconnected by a qualified engineer.
The electric and disconnected fuel supply must be in place prior to our installation visit.
If you have a hot water boiler inside the aga, the two 28mm pipes will also need to be cut and capped.
Finalising Setup
We will contact you before the installation date to discuss site access, proof of electric installation, proof of fuel disconnection and any questions you may have.
Operating your ElectricKit Classic Aga
On an Electrickit Aga, the top oven is controlled by setting the temperature using up/down buttons on a digital controller on the control panel. The top oven can also be switched on/off using a separate switch on the panel. So one option is to set the controller to, say, 180deg C and simply switch on/off when needed. No need to touch the controller unless you want to alter the temperature. Simple.
The other ovens are set by turning a dial to the required setting.
The hotplates are also easy to use, simply lift the lid, turn the dial to the required setting and wait a few minutes to get hot.
If you have an Induction hob upgrade, place your magnetic pan (cast iron or most steel pans work) on the surface and set to the required setting. Heating using the Induction hob is instant and very efficient
Running Costs & Maintenance
Comparing Costs: Electric vs Gas/Oil:
The modern electric conversions give owners the ability to turn hotplates and ovens on and off, giving you the complete control of your costs.
You can use your aga whichever way suits you best, costing as little as £1 per day.
Owners often run the ovens constantly at a lower 'eco' temperature such as 100degC then ramp up to cooking temperature when needed, this would cost more like £10 to £15 per week.
The cost of running oil and gas agas can be £30 to £50 per week.
Runnings costs for fossil fuel agas include regular servicing, breakdowns and spare parts.
ElectricKit control parts are guaranteed by us for 5 years and include 2 years labour warranty also.
Maintenance Tips for ElectricKit Classic
Very little maintenance is necessary with an ElectricKit Converted aga.
We suggest not closing the lids down onto a hotplate after use until the temperature is back down to setting no5 at least. This prolongs the life of the stat.
Occasional checks of door seals, good seals help to reduce heat loss.
Customer Experiences
"It was a pleasure to deal with Castelle from start to finish. From the initial site visit through to completion, even phoning weeks later to check up on me!"
"Dan & John came and removed my aga ready for a new kitchen installation, fab communication. Clean and tidy. Great service. Wish I'd had it converted now!"
"The team at Castelle were awesome. Turned up on time and worked brilliantly, Exceptionally tidy and very helpful, would recommend to anyone thinking of a conversion."
Case Study of Successful Conversion
Our client was looking to future proof her aga so she could pass it to her children one day without any hassle or cost to them. I have a 4 oven and its being used all the time, still offering lovely warmth to the kitchen. The family saw it as very clever investment whilst keeping the aga at the heart of their home.
Our client wanted a simple to use, no fuss oven that was quick to heat up. They were delighted with being able to just flick a switch an hour before meal times and have the top oven reach 200degC and bottom oven become a warming/simmering oven using the heat from the top oven. The induction hob enabled instant heating of a pan of water. They were so impressed that they could keep the aga and yet use it to suit their busy lifestyle.
