ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced:
A Complete Comparison of ElectricKit Aga Conversions
The choice between the ElectricKit Classic system and the ElectricKit Advanced system can be a tough one. Both conversion systems offer much more flexibility compared to traditional Aga Cooker models, but they have slight differences which are important to know before choosing your new system.
We're proud leaders in ElectricKit Conversions and know these systems inside and out. On this page we'll walk you through the real differences between the two choices - with honest pros and cons - so you can make the right choice for your home.
For those who are short on time, here's a quick answer, without the long paragraphs of text! You can also scroll to the bottom of this page for a quick comparison table.
Choose ElectricKit Classic if manual dials, simplified tech and controllability are your priorities.
Choose ElectricKit Advanced if you want additional control/tech, more potential ambient heat and slightly faster heat up times.
ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced - Which is which?
ElectricKit is an electric conversion system made by an independent UK manufacturer, available in two versions - the ElectricKit Classic and the ElectricKit Advanced. The previous 'Original' edition had a silver control panel and was discontinued with the rise in popularity of the newer systems.
ElectricKit has been on the market since 2003 and is the most widely installed Aga conversion system in the UK. We're proud specialists in ElectricKit systems - supplying and installing hundreds across the UK.
Unlike traditional Aga Cooker models, the internals are upgraded from the older 'single-burner' design, to multiple electric elements placed around the cooker to allow complete control and flexibility.
What is ElectricKit Classic?
The ElectricKit Classic offers a more simplified conversion system, without sacrificing too much control.
The Classic was introduced in 2023 as an updated version of the older 'Original' ElectricKit system. With additional heating elements above the top oven and below the bottom oven, it offered vastly improved temperature regulation, increased control and faster heat up times.
On 2 and 4 oven models, there is one digital display screen showing the top oven temperature, and manual numbered dials for the other ovens and hotplates. The two hotplates must be manually turned down (or off) after use, to prevent failures with the thermostats inside.
What is ElectricKit Advanced?
The ElectricKit Advanced was released in 2024 and offered even faster heat up times, more flexibility and a full touchscreen control panel.
The oven elements are mainly the same as the Classic system (apart from the 3 oven models), but you gain visible temperatures across each oven zone and hotplate.
It also benefits from integrated WiFi control, ceramic hob upgrade options, a high-temperature hotcupboard option for 3 and 5-oven models, and automatic hotplate temperature reduction to prevent possible failures.
ElectricKit Classic vs Advanced - Running Costs
Both systems represent a dramatic reduction in running costs compared to oil, gas or traditional electric Aga Cookers. The difference between the two systems is smaller than most people expect.
With flexible use (running the top oven at roasting temperature for 3hrs a day) an ElectricKit converted Aga Cooker runs from approximately £1 per day.
The oven elements are similar in wattage so there is no considerable difference in the running costs of both systems.
When the top oven is set to 220c for 3hrs a day, you can expect running costs of approximately £7 per week (24kWh).
If you preferred to leave your top oven at baking temperatures 24/7 (inc overnight), your running costs would be £20 per week (83kWh).
Your hotplates would consume around 0.15kWh per hour when left at simmering temperature.
If you were looking to get the lowest possible running costs from ElectricKit systems, you would use them flexibly once a day, and upgrade your left-hand hotplate to an induction hob. If you wanted more ambient heat into the room and 'always on' convenience, you could one oven on constantly (usually your top oven), and your hotplate at simmering temperature with the lid closed. Whenever needed, you could leave more ovens on, or increase your hotplate temperature to 'boiling'.
ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced - Temperature Control
Both systems offer something traditional Aga owners could previously only dream of: independent temperature control for each oven and each hotplate.
You can run your cooker flexibly - using one oven in the summer to regulate the heat into the room, or switching more ovens and hotplates on constantly in the cooler months, to boost room heat and convenience.
The main practical differences between the ElectricKit Classic and ElectricKit Advanced in day-to-day use, are with the control panel interfaces.
The ElectricKit Classic offers a stripped-back, manual control panel with physical dials, temperature indicator lights and one digital temperature display for the top right oven.
The ElectricKit Advanced uses a full touchscreen with clear current and target temperature displays, and the option of upgrading the left-hand ovens on 4-oven models to allow roasting temperatures, rather than the standard simmering temperatures.
The ElectricKit Classic has WiFi capability as an additional upgrade, which gives you basic on/off control of your ovens.
The ElectricKit Advanced has WiFi integrated as standard, with on/off control and remote temperature adjustments of the ovens.
- For the most intuitive, all round user experience, with impressive reliability, most of our customers prefer the ElectricKit Advanced.
- For a more physical control panel, with less technical control boards and wiring inside, the ElectricKit Classic is best.
ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced - The Hotplates
Both of the systems give you two separate circular hotplates - each capable of reaching boiling temperatures, and hidden under the traditional chrome Aga lid domes.
As standard, both hotplates are solid metal replacement units with integrated heating elements underneath. These hotplates are best used as and when required, to drive down running costs and reduce ambient heat in the warmer months. You do have the option of leaving them on at a lower temperature if you prefer the 'always on' convenience and more ambient heat into the room.
The ElectricKit Classic Hotplates
The standard hotplates included with the ElectricKit Classic system are made of blasted steel, with a traditional cast iron expansion ring. They are 'drop in' units, with thermostats and overheat sensors inside.
- The ElectricKit Classic Hotplates have a dense coiled heating element inside, and can reach up to 370c. They also have a cast-iron expansion ring, making them visually similar to traditional Aga hotplates. These hotplates need to be manually turned off, or down to simmering temperatures when the lids are closed. If you accidentally leave them higher, there is a risk of the thermostats failing, which would require an out-of-warranty repair.
- These are 1.4kW each, and heat up to simmering temperature in 13 minutes, boiling temperature in 19 minutes and full temperature in 23 minutes.
ElectricKit Classic Hotplate Upgrades:
- Induction Hob Unit (to replace left-hand boiling plate).
The ElectricKit Advanced Hotplates
The standard hotplates included in the Advanced system are made of blasted steel with a narrow chrome surround. These are larger than the Classic hotplates, and those found in traditional Aga Cooker models. These are 'drop in' units with thermocouples and overheat sensors inside.
- The ElectricKit Advanced Hotplates have a dense coiled heating element inside, which can reach up to 370c (traditional Aga boiling plates are approx 320c). The hotplates on the 'Advanced' can be left at boiling temperatures if preferred, and will automatically reduce in temperature if they're accidentally left higher.
- As standard, the left-hand hotplate is 2.2kW and the right 1.4kW. The 2.2kW hotplate heats up to simmering temperature in 10 minutes, boiling temperature in 13 minutes and full temperature in 15 minutes. The 1.4kW hob has the same heat up times as the classic hotplates.
ElectricKit Advanced Hotplate Upgrades:
- Induction Hob Unit (to replace left-hand boiling plate).
- Ceramic Hob (to replace either hotplate).
- Higher Power Hotplate (higher-wattage 2.2kW hotplate on both sides).
- On/Off Warming Plate (to replace the standard warming plate on 4 and 5-oven models).
- Twin-Zone ceramic hob unit (to replace the standard warming plate on 4 and 5-oven models).
ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced - The Ovens
Both of the conversions keep the cast iron ovens aga cookers are known for. They both have individual elements placed above and below the ovens for even and quick heat distribution.
The ElectricKit Classic 2-oven models have a 700w element above the top oven, a 1800w element in-between the ovens (these two control the top oven temperature) and a 500w element below the bottom oven. The 4-oven models have an additional 550w element controlling the left-hand ovens and warming plate.
The Electric Classic 3-oven models have a 700w element above the top oven and an 1800w element below the top oven (these two control the top oven temperature). The bottom left-hand oven is essentially 'uncontrolled' since it doesn't have it's own heating element. The heat from the top oven will naturally conduct down into this bottom oven. The bottom left-hand oven has it's own heating element, rated at 1100w.
When the top oven is on, heat will naturally conduct down into the oven below. As a rough guide, this bottom oven will be around 30% cooler than the top oven temperature - although the longer the top oven is on, the more heat will build up in the bottom oven. For example, if your top oven is set to 220c, your bottom oven will sit at around 150c. On 2 and 4 oven models, you can 'boost' this bottom oven temperature if needed, using the dial on the control panel.
The ElectricKit Classic uses thermostats and (one thermocouple for the top oven) to control the temperatures. Thermostats can have a tolerance of 10-15c between actual oven temperature vs what is displayed. Thermocouples read current temperatures and have much better temperature tolerance.
The ElectricKit Classic oven display shows the current and target temperature inside the top oven. The other ovens have green indicator lights which illuminate when the oven is heating and switch off when the desired temperature is reached.
Your ElectricKit top oven will reach 180c in 48 minutes, and 220c in 60 minutes - including a 'temperature stabilisation' period. The standard hotcupboard (left-hand ovens) on 4 and 5 oven models will reach 120c in 85 minutes.
The ElectricKit Advanced 2-oven models have a 700w element above the top oven, a 1800w element in-between the ovens (these two control the top oven temperature) and a 500w element below the bottom oven. The 4-oven and 5-oven models have an additional 700w element controlling the left-hand ovens and warming plate. The upgraded 'high temp' hotcupboard replaces this 550w element with a large 1800w element. The on/off warming plate upgrade uses a small 250w element attached to the underside.
The ElectricKit Advanced 3-oven and 5-oven models have an additional 700w elements above and below the bottom left oven.
When the top oven is on, heat will naturally conduct down into the oven below. The same 'rule' as the Classic system would apply.
The ElectricKit Advanced uses thermocouples to control the temperatures. Thermocouples read current temperatures and have much better temperature tolerance over older thermostats.
The ElectricKit Advanced
oven displays show the current and target temperature inside the ovens. The left-hand ovens on 4-oven and 5-oven models show the top left oven temperature. The bottom left oven temperature is always 30c cooler than the top (since they share an element/the same oven space).
Your ElectricKit top oven will reach 180c in 48 minutes, and 220c in 60 minutes - including a 'temperature stabilisation' period. The high-temp hotcupboard upgrade on 4 and 5 oven models will reach 180c in 27 minutes, and 220c in 36 minutes.
ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced - The Control Panels
The control panels is where the ElectricKit system differ the most. As standard, they are hidden behind the normal control door. Each have individual controls and displays for flexible temperature adjustment when it comes to controlling the electric elements.
The ElectricKit Classic Control Panel is simple and easy-to-use. There are physical dials for the hotplates, and a temperature display for the top oven. The other ovens have their own physical temperature dials.
There are mechanical thermostats inside, with a simple PID controller, as well as some other small components.
For 3-oven models, the control panel has four dials. One for the left hotplate, one for the right hotplate, one for the top right oven temperature, and one for the bottom left oven temperature.
The hotplate controls are numbered, which correspond to relative temperatures. For example, Number 4 is traditional aga cooker simmering temperatures.
For 4 oven models the left-hand ovens are controlled via a numbered dial with corresponding temperatures, similar to the hotplate controls.
The ElectricKit temperature indicator lights are bright and easy to see.
The ElectricKit Advanced Control Panel is a full touchscreen tablet (fixed in place). The display has all the settings for hotplates and ovens. It shows current and target temperatures and a slumber/rest mode, similar to Everhot Cookers. A remote screen is also available as an extra upgrade for easier access. The remote screen is included as standard on the older 'traditional' STD models (1950's/1960's), and the 30amp models.
There's a PLC (programmable logic controller) inside which were originally made for assembly lines where reliability and function is key.
The hotplate controls are numbered, which correspond to relative temperatures. For example, Number 4 is traditional 'aga cooker' simmering temperature.
For 4 oven models the left-hand ovens are controlled via the touchscreen with temperature input control, to a maximum of 125c in the top left oven. The upgraded hotcupboard can reach temperatures of over 220c in both ovens.
ElectricKit Classic vs ElectricKit Advanced - A Comparison
Steven has made the below table as a summary of features.
As we've mentioned, both of these ElectricKit Conversion Kits are brilliant options to convert your traditional Aga Cooker. We understand that you might be confused with all of the information online about each controllable conversion model.
In line with our business ethos of honesty and transparency, we've listed the differences of each conversion kit below.
| ElectricKit Advanced | ElectricKit Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| System Release Date | 2024 | 2023 |
| Models Available | 2, 3, 4 and 5 ovens | 2, 3 and 4 ovens |
| Controls Panel | Full Touchscreen | Physical Dials |
| Hotplate Temperature Controls | Numbered Settings | Numbered Setting |
| Temperature Indicator | Displays Current and Target Temp | Bright LED indicator |
| Hotplate Material | Blasted Steel | Blasted Steel |
| Max Temp When Lids Are Closed | 325c / 325c (boiling) | 230c / 230c (Simmer) |
| Automatic Temp Reduction Fail-Safe | Yes | No |
| Hotplate Max Usable Temp | 370c | 370c |
| Induction Hotplate Available | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic Hotplate Available | Yes | No |
| Hotcupboard Dual Hob Available | Yes | Yes |
| Hotcupboard Temp Controls | Digital Controls | Manual Dial |
| Hotcupboard Element Placement | Hidden (occupies space on 5-oven models) | Hidden |
| High Temp Hotcupboard Available | Yes | No |
| Top Oven (0c - 180c) | 48 mins | 48 mins |
| Top Oven (0c - 220c) | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Hotcupboard (LH Ovens) to 120c | 85 mins | 85 mins |
| High-Temp Hotcupboard (0c - 180c) | 27 mins | N/A |
| Hotplate (0c - 200c) | 10 mins | 13 mins |
| Hotplate (0c - 325c) | 13 mins | 19 mins |
| Wifi Integration | Yes | No (Optional Extra) |
| Remotely Control via App | Yes | No (On/Off Optional Extra) |
| Set On/Off Schedules | Yes | No (Optional Extra) |
| Remotely Adjust Temperatures | Yes | No |
| External Screen | Upgrade Option | No |
| 2 Oven Model Power | 1 x 32amp | 2 x 13amp or 1 x 32amp |
| 3 Oven Model Power | 1 x 40amp | 2 x 13amp or 1 x 32amp |
| 4 Oven Model Power | 1 x 32amp | 1 x 32amp |
