Happy 100th Birthday AGA
The rich history of the AGA
AGA stands for Aktiebolaget Gas Accumulator, originally developed in 1922 by the Nobel Prize Swedish physicist Gustaf Dalen.
He developed the AGA to help reduce the workload for his wife who was exhausted by cooking all day.
Using his skills and knowledge he created the AGA adopting the principle of heat storage, combining heat sources with two large hotplates and two ovens into one unit.
The AGA was born.
The requirements for the AGA were simple, to create a clean, economical to run, easy to use that produces great food and minimal fuss. Ovens with set temperatures that were on all the time, allowing for heat storage and the oven to be ready all day and night.
AGA’s introduced to the UK in 1929
Manufactured at the Coalbrook Foundry, the birthplace of the industrial revolution where all AGA’s were still manufactured until 2017
Cast into moulds, the cast iron is left to cool for three days before multiple coats of enamel paint are applied, ensuring the longevity of the AGA.
Made famous in the 1930’s
The AGA was made famous in the 1930’s
A key figure in this was David Ogilvy. He wrote the first sales manual for AGA’s sales force, described as the ‘finest training manual ever written’ by Fortune magazine, he went on to open the leading advertising agency.
Creating the tools so the general public could see the benefits of owning this amazing cooking appliance.
Not only was this sought after by families, during the war, the government placed its orders too, they wanted AGA in the munitions works, communal feeding centres and hospitals.
Around this time, if you wanted an AGA the waiting time was around 6 months.
Sought after by all
The AGA was sought after by all.
Only produced in one colour, cream, in the 1950’s-19670’s they developed new colours, pale blues, and greens, white and black were loved by AGA owners.
It was around the same time, chrome plated lids were also introduced, also the development of different fuel sources was introduced.
Solid fuel was no longer in fashion leading to the launch of oil and gas fired AGA’s..
In 1985 the launch of the first electric AGA
The EC2, this has 2 ovens, followed a couple of years later by the EC4, a beautiful 4 door AGA, looking the same but with no flue
Sort after and loved by the masses, it is championed by Mary Berry who in the 1990’s wrote a book called The AGA book.
Over the years that followed, consistent development have led to the 3 door models, AGA Total Control, the Aga Duel Control, the AGA 60, the largest 5 oven AGA.
Today’s AGA
The introduction of induction hobs, temperature settings that can control the setting, helping to manage energy and fuel cost.
Enhanced control panels and WR7 series have kept AGA current and loved by all. This is the ultimate luxury item in the home.
My favourite AGA is the City 60, designed to fit into any home, no matter how big as it takes the same space as a normal oven.
Cleaning and Maintaining an AGA is important.
Oven Loving has cleaned hundreds of AGA’s all in very different states, some loved, some not so much.
It is different to cleaning a standard oven, the metal is softer and they are easy to damage.
When maintaining it at home, following manufacturers instructions.
Ovens are self cleaning, but do require attention at times, the use of a wire brush and regular wiping out to remove debris is required.
The soft metals on the doors and plates, require a gentle hand, wipe over regularly with a damp cloth.
Your AGA will require professional maintenance yearly and at the same time book a professional clean to bring it back to its full glory.
Always ensure the oven is turned down to 100 degrees or turned off.
Can last forever
Your AGA can last forever, cooking after it is essential to great quality cooking and efficient use of energy.
Book your professional AGA clean today online or call
