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Why Are AGA Stoves So Expensive?

AGA stoves are so expensive because of their extremely high quality. Each stove is hand made at a factory in Telford, England out of the finest materials. The brand was created in 1922 by the Noble Prize-winning Swedish physicist Dr. Gustaf Dalén, which makes it over 100 years old. That’s a lot of history, experience and expertise that goes into each and every range they produce. AGA stoves have a unique style that’s unlike any other range on the market. Many people have described them as a piece of art for the kitchen and a true design icon.

AGA stoves are one of the only ranges made out of cast iron, which makes them very heavy and expensive to build. But cast iron absorbs and transfers heat more evenly than other materials which results in a better cook.

It’s the cast iron design which sets AGA ranges apart from their competition. Electric heating elements warm the stove evenly and use indirect radiant heat to cook the food. This is very different from how almost all traditional ranges cook and doesn’t dry out the food.

An AGA range’s efficient radiant heat and well insulated design reduces fuel consumption and cooks without drying the food like direct heat ovens do. Gentle radiant heat locks in moisture which preserves flavor, nutrients, and the integrity of the food being cooked.

Why are AGA ranges so expensive? Mainly it’s the extremely high quality of all their parts and construction. But it’s also due to their size, colors, options, heritage, style, good name and loyal following.

Many AGA range owners love their ovens so much they actually name them like part of the family. This isn’t a brand loyalty you’ll find with other top brands like Wolf, Viking, Thermador, Miele or even La Cornue.

Why Is An AGA Range So Expensive?

AGA ranges are so expensive because of the extremely high quality of their parts, materials and construction. Each stove is built by hand at their factory in Telford, England. Their ranges are made primarily out of cast iron which is a very heavy and expensive material to work with. But they also use very high quality knobs, burners, grates, hinges, heating elements, electronics, paint, etc.

  • You won’t find cheap parts used on an AGA range. Everything used on and in the stove is professional quality that’s suitable for a commercial kitchen.
  • Another reason why they’re so expensive is the stove’s unique design. Many people consider them a work of art for the kitchen and a style icon with some owners even naming their stoves. This is an unmatched brand loyalty that’s taken over 100 years to build.
  • AGA ranges come in 17 colors, different configurations and multiple models. So there’s a lot of variations and choices to make when you buy one. This level of customization adds to the price.

Buying an AGA stove isn’t like other brands that offer just a handful of options and come in just stainless steel. It’s more like purchasing a car. You’ll have lots of choices to make including the color. And like a car, attractive options are generally higher priced.

AGA ranges have historically come in gas, kerosene and electric. But these days almost all are electric. The ranges heating elements heat up the cast iron which cooks food using indirect radiant heat. It’s a fantastic design that doesn’t dry out food, but it’s very expensive to operate a large electric oven.

why are AGA ranges so expensive - how they work 1.0

How AGA Classic Ranges Work

AGA ranges are built out of thick cast iron. This is a major difference when compared to other luxury ranges which are made from steel. It’s the cast iron design which sets AGA ranges apart and makes such a big difference when cooking. When an AGA range’s cast iron heats up, it radiates heat evenly which cooks food without drying it out.

Older model AGA ranges had a single heat source which heat the entire range at different temperatures. They were designed to stay on all the time so they were always ready to cook.

Classic ranges like the R7 are part of the radiant heat collection. They have insulated simmering plates on top with 3 ovens, a roasting oven, baking oven and slow cook oven. When the range was hot, all 3 ovens would be on and ready to cook. This is why classic AGA ranges are so expensive to operate. They’re always on and can’t control ovens independently.

However the eR7 has electrical elements embedded within each individual cast-iron oven and hotplate. This allows you to turn each element off and on individually when you want to use it.

The efficient radiant heat and insulated design of a cast iron AGA range creates an optimal cooking condition without drying out the food like direct heat ranges do.

Radiant heat locks in the moisture within every ingredient which preserves flavor, nutrients, and the integrity of the foods being cooked.

In terms of expense, newer models are definitely cheaper to operate than older AGA ranges because they can be turned off and on at will and don’t have to stay on 24/7. However, electric is very expensive at the moment so they’re still quite expensive to operate when compared to natural gas ranges.

AGA Ranges Are Expensive Because They Cook Better

Cast iron AGA ranges cooks better than a tradition stove because they use radiant heat to retain the food’s natural juices and flavor. Heat steadily radiates through the ovens and hotplates, creating dedicated cooking zones at pre-set temperatures that doesn’t dry food out like direct heat.

  • Heat is transferred to the cast-iron ovens and steadily released throughout the oven.
  • Radiant heat cooking is an altogether gentler process than the fierce hot air of conventional ranges.
  • AGA ranges preserve more of the food’s moisture, flavor and texture.

AGA cast iron ranges offers multiple ovens with multiple temperature settings.

  • Any one of its 3 cast iron ovens will fit a 28-pound turkey with ease all the while making available additional ovens so you may simultaneously bake, slow cook or roast other dishes.

The range’s high level of insulation within the outer casing and each hotplate lid ensures heat is used efficiently without much heat-loss.This efficiency can save money when compared to other, less insulated ranges.

Newer electric AGA models are more versatile. Yoy can have your AGA range on when you need it and off when you don’t. This is a huge improvement over older models that stayed on 24/7. Although they still manufacture their older style classic 24/7 cast iron ranges if you prefer them to the newer models. 

AGA Stoves Are In High Demand

One of the reasons AGA stoves are so expensive is their popularity. When a product is in high demand and supply is low, brands can charge a premium for that products. And this is definitely the case with AGA. Each range is hand made at their factory in Telford, England out of the finest materials. This type of production is not a fast process. There aren’t tons of AGA stoves on the market sitting in showrooms like other brands and if you want a custom built one, there’s a wait.

Pretty much every range AGA produces is already sold and if you want a custom range built there’s a wait. This level of demand coupled with the time it takes to make a high quality product by hand raises the price.

AGA ranges are among the best on the market. Being in such high demand is one of the reasons the price is so high and why they rarely go on sale.

  • One of the most beautiful ranges you can buy with an iconic design.
  • Available is 17 different colors.
  • Good depreciation rates for a luxury item.
  • Extremely well made and very durable.
  • High precision cooking with indirect heat that doesn’t dry out food.
  • Consistent temperature inside the oven due to their cast iron design.

One of the reasons why AGA ranges are so sought after is their reliability.

Their design is very simple, heating elements warm the cast iron which cooks food using indirect heat. As long as the heating elements are functioning properly there’s hardly anything that can go wrong. Which is why the ranges last so long and are such a great long term value.

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AGA Ranges Have Amazing Build Quality & Reliability

AGA ranges are extremely well made. In the building industry they’re known for their high quality and dependability in addition to having a unique vintage design. The stoves are almost entirely made out of cast iron which is incredibly strong and heavy. In addition, all the smaller parts like hinges, knobs, burners, grates and buttons are also very high quality. You won’t find any cheap parts on an AGA range.

It’s easy to go into an appliance store and compare stats like BTUs, oven sizes, number of burners and price. But build quality is an intangible that’s not so easy to see. It something you have to feel and experience for yourself.

If you’re considering a professional quality range, I recommend finding an AGA showroom and checking them out in person. Feel the knobs, pick up the grate and open the oven door. You’ll instantly see the difference between an AGA range and their competition.

One of the best things about an AGA stove is how reliable they are. The design is very simple and unlike other ranges. They’re made of cast iron which heats up and cooks the food with radiant indirect heat rather than direct heat. This method of cooking is better than a traditional range because it doesn’t dry the food out. And it’s very reliable. There’s no fancy gimmicks or electronics that can break.

Many people have vintage AGA ranges going back 50 years that are still working fine. And their new ranges are no different. If you’re in the market for a high end range that will last for decades, you may want to consider AGA.

Cast Iron AGA Stoves Are Expensive To Operate

AGA ranges have historically run on kerosene, coal or natural gas, but these days they’re almost entirely electric. They contain heating elements which get hot when an electric current is run through them. When the element heats up, it also heats the cast iron ovens and hot plates. Due to the current high price of electricity, operating an AGA range on a regular basis can get quite expensive.

Some owners have found their AGA range has become too expensive to run and are replacing them with a cheaper appliance.

  • The average cost to run an electric AGA ranges is around $50 per week for a standard 38 7/8″ wide model. That’s very expensive when compared to the price of natural gas range of the same size which costs around just $10-$20 per month.

Vintage gas AGA stoves can be even more expensive than the newer electric ranges because they’re designed to stay on all the time. Since you never turn them off they’re constantly burning fuel all day and night.

The AGA 24/7 Radiant Heat collection are designed to always be on and ready to cook. Whilst the models may be more expensive to run, they also take the place of other electrical appliances such as heaters, an electric kettle, toaster and a tumble drier.

The Everyday Radiant Heat range of AGA cookers, which includes the AGA eR3 Series and the AGA eR7 Series, are much more controllable and are designed to be switched on and off as required. However they run on electric which is a lot more expensive than natural gas.

Which model AGA is the least expensive to operate depends on how you use it. But overall, they’re all very expensive ranges to cook with.

Electric AGA Stoves Are Expensive To Cook With

Brand new electric AGA ranges are more efficient than old models because they can be turned off and on as needed. The older gas, coal and kerosene models were designed to stay on 24/7. But electric models can take an hour to reach cooking temperature. Heating all that cast iron is a slow and expensive process. On average, a standard size 38 7/8″ AGA range costs about $50 per week to run.

However, if you cook more than the average person or live somewhere like California where electric is especially expensive, that price could easily be double per month. And that’s for the standard size range. The extra large 80″ models cost twice as much to operate if you’re using all the ovens and other accessories.

Overall, when compared to other similar sized premium ranges like Wolf, Viking and Miele, AGA ranges are the most expensive to operate.

Here are some thing you can do to keep operating costs down:

  • Cook at a lower temperature. It takes longer but costs less.
  • Do all your days cooking at one time. They take a long time to heat up so shutting them down at breakfast or lunch and restarting again for dinner costs a lot.
  • Use smaller countertop appliances like air fryers to cook small meals. Saving the AGA for larger meals also saves money.
  • Cut operating costs with solar. The high price of operating an AGA may not feel so bad if you’re getting electricity for free.

How Expensive Are Different AGA Range Models?

AGA range’s come in a few different designs which effect the way they operate and how much they cost.

  • If you’re looking for more flexibility and want to switch your AGA on and off as you need it, then models in the eR Series collections are the best choice. They still cook with radiant heat but can be turned off and on like a traditional stove. These are cheaper to operate because they’re not turned on 24/7 but they’re expensive to buy.
  • If you want a more traditional AGA that remains on all of the time, then the R7 Series ranges are the best choice. 24/7 AGA cookers do much more than just cook. They take the place of a toaster, bread maker and electric kettle and even help to warm the house. The kitchen being warm can even help with drying clothes. These models are more expensive to operate because they stay on 24/7 but you can get some good deals on a used model.

Both the newer, more flexible AGA ranges and the more traditional 24/7 models are very expensive to buy and operate. But they’re expensive in slightly different ways.

  • Newer more flexible models are cheaper to operate but typically cost more to buy.
  • Older models are more expensive to operate but you can get a good deal on a used one since lots of people are switching ranges due to the high cost to run them.

Which model is the better value will depend on factors like how you use the range and what you pay for electricity.

New AGA Models Are Getting Cheaper

New AGA electric ranges like their eR3 and 7 Series models now provide increased flexibility and greater control. This provides the opportunity to lower running costs thanks to faster heat up times and the ability to allow individual operation of ovens and hotplates.

In addition, adjustable temperatures and the ability to turn off functions when not required enables you to control how much energy you use. For example there is no need to leave hotplates on since they are designed to heat up in 10-12 minutes.

Individual operation of ovens and hotplates combined with faster heat up times and adjustable temperatures can all save significant amounts of money when operating an AGA range.

If you’re in the market for an AGA range I definitely recommend one of their newer more modern models.

However, buying a new range will all these options can be very expensive. Although they’re getting cheaper to operate, costs for a stove are going up. New models can cost anywhere from $15,00 to over $45,000 per stove.

why are AGA ranges so expensive - AGA Mercury Range 1.0

AGA Mercury

The AGA Mercury line of ranges is one of my all time favorite. It’s known for its bold design, contemporary style and zero-clearance façade. It’s truly a statement piece in any luxury kitchen which more closely resembles a traditional range design.

If you want an AGA range that looks and functions more like a traditional Wolf, Viking, Miele or Thermador range, then Mercury is what you want. It has a modern style with the same layout as a regular luxury range.

  • Every Mercury features a multifunction oven with seven settings including dual-convection cooking, fan-assisted baking, browning, thaw and serve function, convection broiling, warming, and conventional cooking.
  • The natural gas cooktop with five sealed brass burners are each topped with a porcelain-enamel finish and cast-iron flame spreader which provide superb heat distribution and retention.
  • The Glide Out Broiler System with Full Broil and Half Broil mode provides adjustable heights and an extendable gliding tray spacious enough to cook six 6-ounce steaks at once.
  • Nine beautiful control knobs deliver precise power to each burner and oven.

Mercury ranges are available in 6 colors: stainless steel, matte black, gloss black, white, ivory and blue. The AGA Mercury line of ranges is very expensive to buy but cheaper to operate than there 24/7 line of ranges. Most are in the $9,000 price range for a 48″ model.

why are AGA ranges so expensive - Elise model 1.0

AGA Elise

The AGA Elise is a re-imagining of the classic Elise design which takes inspiration from the modern farmhouse movement. Rustic yet refined, the Elise blends old and new with clean refined lines and beautiful new cruciform knobs with knurling.

If you want an AGA range that looks and functions more like a traditional Wolf, Viking, Miele or Thermador range, with a modern farmhouse style, then Elise is the range for you. It has a modern style with the same layout as a regular luxury range.

  • The Dual Fuel model features a continuous cast-iron cooktop with five powerful sealed-brass burners providing easy cleanup and preventing messy spills from reaching the oven or internal components.
  • The Induction model features a ceramic glass surface cooktop with five induction burners and integrated capacitive touch controls. The design efficiently uses, transfers, and captures 90% of the energy generated, as compared to only 55% with that of a traditional gas burner.

Both ranges are complimented by stunning new cruciform knobs with knurling. The knobs are shipped standard in Brushed Nickel, but are also available as after-market options in five hardware finishes.

Elise ranges are available in 6 colors: stainless steel, matte black, gloss black, white, ivory and blue. The AGA Elise line of ranges is very expensive to buy but cheaper to operate than there 24/7 line of ranges. Most are in the $9,500 – $10,500 price range for a 48″ model.

AGA Ranges Are Worth The Money

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a high end range is the quality of construction and durability of its materials. Poor quality thin steel and plastic parts will rust, bend, snap, break or deteriorate faster than thick cast iron. You can easily test this out by judging the weight and sturdiness of the oven. AGA ranges are made with thick and durable high quality materials inside and out.

AGA ranges are priced at the top end of the appliance market. Most models are expensive enough to be considered a luxury item. So they need to last in order to make that high price tag worth it. And AGA ranges do. Their simple design and high quality construction are why AGA ranges typically outlast just about every other stove on the market.

Every $10,000 and up stove will be well built and durable. But not every stove has the small touches that elevate it from good to great. The engineering and precision of a stove matters more than you may realize.

Lesser quality ovens, where the calibration is off even slightly, can’t heat up as quickly or hold heat as steadily. You can definitely tell the difference between an AGA range and the competition if you like to cook.

The doors, knobs, controls, paint, grates and other parts are all extremely well made and strong. You won’t be finding cheaply made parts on an AGA range.

Why are AGA ovens so expensive? Superior build quality and engineering.

Summary: Why Are AGA Stoves So Expensive?

AGA stoves are so expensive because of their extremely high quality. Each stove is hand made at a factory in Telford, England out of the finest materials. The brand was created in 1922 by the Noble Prize-winning Swedish physicist Dr. Gustaf Dalén, which makes it over 100 years old. That’s a lot of history, experience and expertise that goes into each and every range they produce. AGA stoves have a unique style that’s unlike any other range on the market. Many people have described them as a piece of art for the kitchen and a true design icon.

AGA stoves are one of the only ranges made out of cast iron, which makes them very heavy and expensive to build. But cast iron absorbs and transfers heat more evenly than other materials which results in a better cook.

It’s the cast iron design which sets AGA ranges apart from their competition. Electric heating elements warm the stove evenly and use indirect radiant heat to cook the food. This is very different from how almost all traditional ranges cook and doesn’t dry out the food.

An AGA range’s efficient radiant heat and well insulated design reduces fuel consumption and cooks without drying the food like direct heat ovens do.

Why are AGA ranges so expensive? Mainly it’s the extremely high quality of all their parts and construction. But it’s also due to their size, colors, options, heritage, style, good name and loyal following.

Many AGA range owners love their ovens so much they actually name them like part of the family. This isn’t a brand loyalty you’ll find with other top brands like Wolf, Viking and La Cornue.

If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time.

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