The eControl Aga Cooker Conversion

CONTROLLABLE FOR SUMMER. FLEXIBLE COOKING STYLE. FULL AMBIENT HEAT.


We offer the eControl as a Fully Refurbished Aga Range Cooker, or a retro-fit conversion for existing cookers.


The new kid on the block when it comes to Aga Range Cooker Conversions, the eControl Kit utilises electric elements above and below the cast iron ovens to allow even distribution of heat, with unprecedented heat up times. The kit has been tested and approved as UK Conformity Assessed, and comes with its own 5 year parts guarantee, direct from the manufacturer.


The eControl Conversion is controlled via the sleek control panel, allowing you to manually control the temperatures of each hotplate and oven.


Each hob can be individually turned on and off (with user-set temperatures), plus the extra option of an Eco Mode (low heat) for lower running costs and improved heat-up times.


Each oven temperature can be adjusted to allow Roasting/Simmering, Roasting/Baking or Baking/Warming - yes, you can have a baking oven on the 2 oven model!


When the ovens are switched on, the temperature is dictated by the temperature dials and the target temperature is shown on the displays.


When ECO MODE is activated, the Top Right Hand oven automatically turns to a baking temperature and all other ovens switch off. Some residual heat will transfer down to the bottom oven for gentle warming.


ECONTROL HEAT UP TIMES

With your traditional 'always on' Aga range cooker, you don't have to worry about heat up times. With the eControl, you have the option to use your range 24/7, or (for even lower running costs), use it as and when needed. This is probably the steepest learning curve when it comes to post-conversion life! To make the transition easier for you, you could start by running your ovens on ECO MODE (baking oven temperature in the top right hand oven) 24/7. This is the most efficient way of keeping an 'always on' oven, with cheaper energy bills.


Everybody will use the eControl system differently. Some users will opt to keep the hotplates on for ambient warmth, others will turn them off completely, turn the Aga Range Cooker to ECO, and focus on running as cheaply as possible.


For the most efficient running of the eControl system, we recommend turning your cooker off at night, and using the hotplates as little as possible (also turning them off completely). If you're using your ovens or hotplates more than 3 times throughout the day, we recommend keeping one on constantly, to save heating from cold each time. Even running them at a lower 'slumber' temperature and turning up before use would be sufficient. Make sure you check your energy supplier tariff to get the best kw/hr price available.


Top Oven

(from cold) – Roasting (220c) in 62mins.

(from cold) - Baking (180c) in 44mins.

(from Eco) – Roasting (220c) in 20mins.

Hotplates

(from cold) – Cooking temp in 8-10mins.

(from cold) - Boiling in 14mins.

(from Eco) – Full Temperature in 5mins.

INSTAHOB is a circular electric ceramic hob that replaces your right-hand steel hotplate, giving you instant heat when you need it.


As you can see from the heat-up times, utilising ECO mode in-between cooking times can reduce your waiting times whilst still reducing your running costs vs 24/7 full temperature usage.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES?

Advantages of the eControl Conversion:


  • British-Made and Built in England.
  • Option to leave on full power for ambient heat.
  • Eco-Mode available for quick access to reduced ambient heat and running costs.
  • Cooks like a traditional Aga Range Cooker (radiant heat).
  • Three oven elements for improved heat distribution and traditional cooking style (vs ElectricKit's one oven element).
  • Option to reduce running costs vs traditional models.
  • Keep your Aga Range Cooker on, even in the Summer.
  • Fastest heat up times out of all the conversion options.
  • Integrated, automatic grill for browning or crisping dishes.
  • Larger 350mm steel hobs vs standard 290mm cast iron.
  • Ability to have two boiling hotplates if needed.
  • Electric Ceramic Hob option available for instant heat.
  • No Servicing costs.
  • Option to leave your hobs on full with lids down (vs ElectricKit limitations).
  • No Flue Required (can be located anywhere).
  • No more reduced oven temperatures when using the hot plates.
  • UK Conformity Assessed.
  • 5 year parts warranty and 1 year labour warranty for peace of mind.
  • Fully Controllable Temperatures.
  • Choose Roasting, Simmer, Warming or Baking Oven, even on 2 oven models.
  • Temperature Display for ovens.
  • 2, 3, 4 and 5 Oven Models Available.
  • Option for external fan functionality.


Disadvantages of the eControl Conversion:


  • Fairly new to the market (first release in 2021).
  • More electrical components, mean more possible repairs.
  • Reduced ambient heat to the room (vs traditional).
  • Reliant on Electricity (power outages will render it defunct).
  • Unable to work alongside an existing internal Aga Range Cooker Hot Water Boiler.
  • Top runner of the Roasting Oven is occupied by a removable metal baffle plate to dissipate heat.
  • Higher initial outlay than other conversions.
  • No temperature displays for hotplate temperatures.
  • 32amp or 40amp supply needed (some electric work may be required).
  • More difficult for engineers to replace elements etc due to the design (vs ElectricKit).
  • Longer installation time compared to ElectricKit (still within one day).
  • No internal WiFi option - only a third party ON/OFF timer available.
  • Hotplates may sit slightly proud of the black enamel top plate due to additional elements and insulation.
  • 4 oven models have an element cassette which occupies/reduces the space inside the warming oven.
  • No induction upgrade available, only the ceramic hob upgrade.


WHAT ARE THE ECONTROL RUNNING COSTS?


Each eControl Aga Range Cooker and family will have different running costs depending on how they use the cooker.

An automatic ON/OFF timer can be used turn the Aga Range Cooker on/off at set intervals.

This is particularly useful when the house is empty during normal working hours, and you have meals at roughly the same time.


There's always the option to use the cooker as and when you need it (or on 24/7!) that's the joy of eControl.


Use the below kw/hr figures to work out prices on your current electricity tariff and price per unit.

We've estimated using the 0.34p per kw price, but you will also have your daily standing charge.


ECO MODE ON 24/7

Top oven @ Baking Temp. Bottom oven OFF (with passive warming temp)

0.22 kWh or £12.57 per week


TOP OVEN ON 24/7

Top oven @ Roasting Temp. Bottom oven OFF (with passive simmering temp)

0.27 kWh or £15.42 per week


BOTH OVENS ON 24/7

Top oven @ Roasting Temp. Bottom oven @ Simmering Temp

0.34 kWh or £19.42 per week


BOTH OVENS ON 24/7

 Top oven @ Roasting Temp. Bottom oven @ Baking Temp.

 0.43 kWh or £24.56 per week


HOTCUPBOARD ON 24/7 (4 Oven Model)

Top LH oven @ Simmering Temp. Bottom LH oven @ Warming Temp.

0.26 kWh or £14.86 per week


HOTPLATE USED WHEN NEEDED

One Hotplate @ Boiling Temp

0.48 kw/hr or £0.16p per hour


HOTPLATE USED WHEN NEEDED

One Hotplate @ Simmering Temp

0.39 kw/hr or £0.13p per hour

 

BOTH HOTPLATES ON ECO MODE

LH Hotplate @ 200c. RH Hotplate @ 165c.

0.40 kw/hr or £0.14p per hour



HOW MUCH DOES AN ECONTROL CONVERSION COST?

About The Author:


Steven has been working with Aga Cookers since he was helping his father from the ripe old age of 10 years old! He created SALTIRECOOKERS with longevity and information in mind - a sustainable, family business, built to inform and be passed throughout the generations. His favourite parts of the job is meeting all of the dogs and seeing a good before/after.


About The Author:


Steven has been working with Aga Cookers since he was helping his father from the ripe old age of 10 years old! He created SALTIRECOOKERS with longevity in mind - a sustainable, family business, built to last throughout the generations. His favourite part of the job is meeting the dogs, seeing a good before/after and hearing great feedback.

Some Further Reading:


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19 Dec, 2023
One of our more challenging Aga Cooker conversions, but 100% worth it.
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