ElectricKit vs eControl:
A Complete Comparison of Electric Aga Conversions
Converting your Aga Cooker to electric is one of the best upgrades you can make. The lower running costs, full temperature control, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels are all huge advantages. But with two leading conversion systems in our offerings, (ElectricKit and eControl), choosing which one is right for you, can be a little overwhelming.
We're one of very few companies across the UK authorised to install both systems, which means we can give you truly unbiased advice, rather than pushing you towards one or the other. On this page we'll walk you through the real differences - 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 if ambient warmth, reliability and the traditional 'AGA feel' are your priorities.
Choose eControl if you want the lowest possible running costs and maximum flexibility on 2-oven models.
ElectricKit vs eControl - Which is which?
What is ElectricKit?
ElectricKit is an electric conversion system made by an independent UK manufacturer, available in two versions - the ElectricKit Classic and the ElectricKit Advanced.
Rather than replacing your Aga Cooker, your cooker remains as-is, but the internals are upgraded from the single-burner design, to multiple electric elements placed around the cooker to allow complete control and flexibility.
The ElectricKit Advanced is the most popular system we offer, adding a full touchscreen control panel, WiFi connectivity, app control, and programmable on/off schedules.
The ElectricKit Classic offers the same conversion with manual dial controls at a lower price point, with some limitations when compared to the Advanced.
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.
What is eControl?
eControl more recently entered the conversion market in 2021, with their systems available as the Series X and the newer Series X2.
Like ElectricKit, it replaces your Aga Cookers original burner with electric elements, but uses slightly smaller elements designs and placements of higher-wattage elements - giving you slightly reduced running costs and fast heat up times.
The eControl Series X2 currently features a small external touchscreen on/off controller, physical dials on the main control panel, WiFi integrations with on/off app control, and programmable schedules.
The Series X is the entry-level version with a more basic design, lower wattage elements and no WiFi as standard.
eControl's design means slightly faster oven heat-up times compared to ElectricKit, and marginally lower running costs when used on flexible settings.
ElectricKit vs eControl - 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.
eControl can achieve slightly lower figures due to its element configuration, but the gap narrows significantly in real-world use where the cooker is kept warm rather than cold-started each day.
With constant 24/7 use (the top oven at baking temperature, bottom oven at simmering temperature), you can expect running costs between £20-25 per week.
The biggest factor in running costs for either system is how you use it, not which kit you choose. We're happy to walk through your specific usage pattern and give you a realistic figure before you commit.
The best way to reduce the running costs of the ElectricKit and eControl systems, is by turning off the hotplates and using them as and when needed. You can also upgrade your boiling plate to an induction hob for increased efficiency and instant cooking - without losing the traditional look of your Aga Cooker.
ElectricKit vs eControl - 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 and eControl in day-to-day use, are with the control panel interface.
ElectricKit Advanced uses a full touchscreen with clear current and target temperature displays. 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.
eControl X2 combines physical dials with visual temperature displays for the right-hand ovens. Both systems include WiFi app control on their premium variants, with ElectricKit systems allowing remote adaptability with oven temperatures, and eControl giving you on/off functionality.
- For the most intuitive, all round user experience, most of our customers prefer the ElectricKit Advanced touchscreen.
- For a more physical control panel, with less technical control boards and wiring inside, the ElectricKit Classic is best.
- For those who prefer the feel of physical dials, but are also looking for the most technology inside, eControl X2's "hybrid" approach works well.
ElectricKit vs eControl - 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 Hotplates
The standard hotplates included with the ElectricKit system are made of blasted steel. They are the original "drop-in" hotplate design, which utilises an expansion ring - either thin chrome on the advanced systems, or cast iron on the older classic systems.
- 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. They will heat up to boiling temperature in around 13 minutes.
- The ElectricKit Classic Hotplates have the same 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 burning the thermostats which would require an out-of-warranty repair. These heat up to boiling temperature in around 19 minutes.
ElectricKit Hotplate Upgrades:
- Induction Hob Unit (to replace left-hand boiling plate).
- Ceramic Hob (to replace either hotplate, 'Advanced' only).
- Higher Power Hotplate (higher-wattage hotplate, 'Advanced' only).
The eControl Hotplates
The standard hotplates included in the eControl systems are made of either machined steel with expansion ring, or slightly larger cast iron versions. Earlier versions were built up onsite, as part of the cooker assembly procedure, but the design was changed to match ElectricKit's 'drop-in' style, after issues with elements burning out.
- The eControl Series x2 Hotplates have a tubular heating element, which reaches 370c. These can be left on ECO mode if preferred, which sets both of them to approx 200c. We recommend using them as and when needed to reduce running costs and reduce the risk of possible element failures. They will automatically switch to ECO if accidentally left higher. The x2 hotplates heat to boiling in around 10 minutes.
- The eControl Series X hotplates have a similar design, and are machined steel with a steel expansion/supporting ring. They can also reach 370c, but must be manually turned off, or to ECO when the lids are closed. If they're accidentally left higher, there is a risk of the heating element bursting - requiring out-of-warranty repair costs. The Series X hotplates heat to boiling in around 15 minutes.
eControl Hotplate Upgrades:
- Induction Hob Unit (to replace left-hand boiling plate).
- Ceramic Hob (to replace the right-hand hotplate).
ElectricKit vs eControl - 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. We'll use our 2 oven models as an example for the below information.
The ElectricKit systems have a 700w element above the top oven, a 1800w element in-between the ovens and a 500w element below the bottom oven.
When the top oven is set to 220c, you will naturally have an unregulated cooler baking oven (approx 145c) in the bottom oven, due to conductive heat from the big element in-between the ovens. This temperature may rise depending on how long the top oven is on for. On 2-oven models, you can set your top oven to 180c, which would give you a simmering oven below. This bottom oven temperature can be boosted up to 250c if needed.
The ElectricKit Advanced uses thermocouples (and thermocouples on the older classic system) 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 Advanced oven display shows the current and target temperature inside the oven. The classic system displays the current top oven temperature, with the target temperature shown/set with the press of up and down buttons.
The Advanced has the option of a "high temperature" hotcupboard section on 4-oven models, allowing the traditional 'simmering' and 'warming' ovens to go up to roasting temperatures.
Your ElectricKit top oven will reach 220c, from cold in 50 minutes.
The eControl system has a 1750w element above the top oven, a 1750w element in-between the ovens and a 750w element below the bottom oven. A metal baffle plate is provided to slow down the heat from the top oven element, to help stop food crisping too quickly.
When the top oven is set to 220c, you will naturally have an simmering oven (approx 100c) in the bottom oven, due to conductive heat. This temperature will rise the longer the top oven is on (as the heat builds up). This bottom oven temperature can be boosted up to 220c if needed.
The eControl x2 system uses thermocouples (and thermostats on the older X model) to control the temperature. 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 eControl Series x2 oven displays show current temperatures, which can be adjusted using a control dial with sliding scale. If adjusted, they will display the target temperature. The older Series X displays the target temperature, with a green indicator light turning off when the temperature is reached.
Your eControl series x2 top oven will reach 220c, from cold in around 45 minutes. An additional 30 minute stabilisation period is recommended by the manufacturer.
ElectricKit vs eControl - The Control Panels
The eControl and ElectricKit Control Panels are hidden behind the control door day-to-day. Each have individual controls and displays for flexible temperature adjustment when it comes to controlling the electric elements.
The ElectricKit Control Panels:
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.
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.
The eControl Control Panels:
The eControl Control Panel has a focus on controllability. There are temperature displays for each oven, with control dials and an ECO mode, for reduced, pre-set temperatures.
There are mechanical thermostats and small digital display screens inside.
The hotplate controls have sliding scales, with no fixed temperature markings.
For 4 oven models the left-hand ovens are controlled via a push on/off button with non-adjustable temperatures.
The eControl temperature indicator lights
are behind frosted glass and are hard to see clearly.
The eControl Series x2 Control Panel is an updated version of the series x. There are temperature displays for each oven, with control dials for manual and remote modes as well as an ECO mode, for reduced, pre-set temperatures. An external control is included as standard for easier on/off access for ovens and hotplates. A full external control screen is available as an optional extra.
The x2 has printed computer boards inside, as well as other components.
The hotplate controls have sliding scales, with no fixed temperature markings.
For 4 oven models the left-hand ovens are controlled via a push on/off button with non-adjustable temperatures.
The eControl temperature indicator lights are bright and easy to see. You'll also see the current temperatures of the ovens.
The grill button engages the normal top oven element only, to provide a 'grill' experience.
ElectricKit vs eControl - A Summary
Steven has made the below table as a summary of features.
As we've mentioned, both of these Electric 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 | eControl x2 | ElectricKit Classic | eControl x | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Established / Kit Released | 2003 / 2024 | 2021 / 2025 | 2003 / 2023 | 2021/ 2022 |
| Models Available | 2, 3, 4 and 5 ovens | 2, 3 and 4 ovens | 2, 3 and 4 ovens | 2, 3, 4 and 5 ovens |
| Controls Panel | Full Touchscreen | Physical Dials / External Touchscreen | Physical Dials | Physical Dials |
| Hotplate Temperature Controls | Numbered Settings | No Temperature Markings | Numbered Setting | No Temperature Markings |
| Temperature Indicator | Displays Current and Target Temp | Displays Current and Target Temp | Bright LED indicator | Dim LED Behind Frosted Glass |
| Hotplate Material | Blasted Steel | Metal or Cast Iron | Blasted Steel | Machined Steel or Cast Iron |
| Max Temp When Lids Are Closed | 325c / 325c (boiling) | 200c / 200c (lower than simmering) | 230c / 230c (Simmer) | 165c / 200c |
| Automatic Temp Reduction Fail-Safe | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Hotplate Max Usable Temp | 370c | 375c | 370c | 370c |
| Induction Hotplate Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ceramic Hotplate Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Metal Baffle Required in Top Oven | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hotcupboard Dual Hob Available | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hotcupboard Temp Controls | Digital Controls | No Controllability | Manual Dial | No Controllability |
| Hotcupboard Element Placement | Hidden (occupies space on 3 and 5 oven models) | Occupies Oven Space | Hidden | Occupies Oven Space |
| High Temp Hotcupboard Available | Yes | No | No | No |
| Top Oven (0c - 180c) | 48 mins | 35 mins | 48 mins | 45 mins |
| Top Oven (0c - 220c) | 60 mins | 44 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| Hotplate (0c - 200c) | 10 mins | 7 mins | 13 mins | 10 mins |
| Hotplate (0c - 325c) | 13 mins | 12 mins | 19 mins | 15 mins |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| Wifi Integration | Yes | Yes | Optional Extra | No |
| Remotely Control via App | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Set On/Off Schedules | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Remotely Adjust Temperatures | Yes | No | No | No |
| External Screen | Upgrade Option | Upgrade Option | No | No |
| 2 Oven Model Power | 1 x 32amp | 1 x 32amp | 2 x 13amp or 1 x 32amp | 1 x 32amp |
| 3 Oven Model Power | 1 x 40amp | 1 x 40amp | 2 x 13amp or 1 x 32amp | 1 x 40amp |
| 4 Oven Model Power | 1 x 32amp | 1 x 32amp | 1 x 32amp | 1 x 32amp |
