How To Identify Your Aga Cooker
We can refurbish, convert or supply a fully renovated model in any of the below versions.
Age is but a number - We use Aga Cookers originally forged from anywhere as early as 1941, up to present day. The castings are still full of life and can work for generations after we've had our hands on them!
The traditional model of Aga Cooker was originally called the "Standard" model. They used to be strictly available in Solid Fuel and cream in colour, but now, we have efficient electric models and our range of 60+ colours to choose from.
Introduced in 1956 as a 'modern' upgrade to the Standard design, the Deluxe is our most loved model of Aga Cooker. The Deluxe models of Aga Range Cooker mainly come in three different 'versions'. These have very slight deviations but all follow the same design features. We'll list the differences below that will help you identify your own cooker, or choose the model of your 'new' reconditioned model!
A quick note: If you already own an Aga Cooker, there is a chance that it may have been refurbished at some point in its lifetime. In these cases, some engineers and refurbishing companies/engineers mix features of different models.
Popular "mixes" include a 4 oven Post-95 top plate on a 4 oven Post-74 Aga Range Cooker, for example. This offers better aesthetics, easier installation and increased longevity. You might find some towel rails mixed too, and enamel lids installed on earlier models, or chrome lids on trad models. It really depends on who refurbished the cooker and what the customer requested. Most of the features are purely for looks, and won't affect the running of the cooker, but it's something to keep in mind if you're looking to identify your own model.
(1941-1973) Standard Aga Cooker
The standard models (or 'trad' models as we call them!), have the classic 'Aga Cooker' look, with the badge built into the enamel front, chrome lever and vented cover on the front plate. They were all originally made for solid fuel, which is why they have an 'air lever' and 'fire door' on the front plate.
Original models would be filled with a fine 'Kieselguhr' (fullers earth) powder insulation which is VERY messy to remove. On these older models, the only possible asbestos insulation is inside the lid seals or some internal seals - the loose-fill insulation is non-toxic.
Any converted to gas/oil with a copper pipe running along the front of the cooker and into the fire door/grill, will most likely still have the original powder insulation inside. Many have been converted properly, with half, or all, of the original insulation and seals replaced with modern alternatives (vermiculite and glass rope seals).
The doors latch onto enamel 'nibs' built into the cast iron front.
The resale value of these are nil and engineers will charge a high fee for dismantling, removal and disposal.
Pre-74 Solid Fuel Deluxe Aga Cooker
These models were originally solid fuel, similar to the Standard Traditional Models, but many have since been upgraded or converted. Original models would be filled with a fine 'Kieselguhr' (fullers earth) powder insulation which is VERY messy to remove. On these older models, the only possible asbestos insulation is inside the lid seals or some internal seals - the loose-fill insulation is non-toxic.
Identifiable by the "Air Wheel" or blanking plate at the top left hand side of the front plate, as well as the Pre-74 towel rail and wide shelf at the back of the top plate.
The doors latch onto enamel 'nibs' built into the cast iron front.
These models also have a small fire door or opening behind the large control door. The resale value of these are nil. Engineers will charge a fee for dismantling, removal and disposal.
Pre-74 Deluxe Aga Cooker
These models were originally available in Oil and Gas. Most models would be filled with vermiculite loose-fill insulation, with a layer of Rockwool under the top plate.
Identifiable by the towel rail sitting on top of the enamelled brackets, and the wide shelf at the back of the top plate. The shelf makes this a popular model for those who like the traditional look, as well as functionality of resting kettles etc on the back shelf. 4 Oven models had one-piece top plate, with a long towel rail, spanning the width of the cooker.
The lids are sometimes matched in colour with the front plate enamel, and have deep chrome domes.
The cast iron castings are slightly thicker than newer models, offering slightly better heat retention but also may take longer to fully saturate with heat from cold.
These models have a big control door and big opening behind it, with the same size as the oven doors. The resale value of these are nil. Engineers will charge a fee for dismantling, removal and disposal.
Post-74 Deluxe Aga Cooker
The Post-1974 ovens are slightly smaller than Pre-74 models (A negligible size difference really!). Originally Oil or Gas, many have since been converted to electricity for efficiency or practicality. Most models would have been filled with vermiculite loose-fill insulation, with a layer of Rockwool insulation under the top plate.
The top plate is mostly flat, with a small up-stand right at the back - not big enough to put anything on, but offers a clean look. The lids are hinged by a lid pin, with shallow chrome domes for a modern look.
The towel rail is seated in-between two enamelled brackets, and there is a small strip of enamel visible above the thermometer.
The doors latch onto enamel 'nibs' built into the cast iron front.
4 Oven models will have two separate towel rails, with an additional joining strip in-between the two top plates. Early models had a one-piece top plate (similar to pre-74 cookers), but these were quickly discontinued, so these are extremely rare.
The resale value of these is usually minimal if anything. Engineers will charge to remove, with some refurbishing companies potentially offering a few hundred pounds for parts depending on their stock levels, or to remove for free, depending on market demand, and the condition of the cooker.
Post-1995 Deluxe Aga Cooker
Our standard offering for traditional Oil and Gas Aga Cookers. Originally available in Oil, Gas or 13amp Electric, these models had the small updates from the Post-74 models. The top plate remains the same, with springs usually incorporated into the lid hinges, to make them appear lighter and easier to lift. Fully enamelled lids are available as an alternative to the chrome lids.
The towel rail is seated in-between two brackets, and there is a small strip of enamel visible above the thermometer.
The doors have similar enamelled door catches as the Post-74 models, with a 3-vented control door on 2 and 4 oven models. Very early 3-oven models will have enamelled door latches, instead of the chrome from later post-2000 models.
4 Oven models will have two towel rails, joined by a claw bracket holder. The 'joining strip' for the top plates is built into the casting on the hotcupboard side. We tend to offer this Post-95 hotcupboard top plate as standard on all models for ease of install, improved aesthetics and increased longevity.
Engineers will charge to remove, with some refurbishing companies potentially offering a few hundred pounds for parts, or to remove for free, depending on market demand, stock levels and the condition of the cooker.
Post-2000 Deluxe Aga Cooker
VERY similar to the above Post-1995. The only noticeable differences are the lids and door laches.
The lids are usually wider than the early Post-1995 models, with no springs inside the hinges and wider lid handles. The door latches are metal/chrome and the doors usually have thicker metal hinge pins, with adjustment grub screws.
3 Oven models are also available (originally gas, oil and 13amp - the oil models were quickly discontinued). Early 3-oven models may have enamelled door latches, from the 1990's/early 2000s.
Engineers will charge to remove, with some refurbishing companies potentially offering a few hundred pounds for parts, or to remove for free, depending on market demand, stock levels and the condition of the cooker.
Limited Edition Millennium Aga Cooker
Effectively the same cooker as Post-2000 models, but with the edition of an all-chrome badge and chrome surrounds around the openings of the ovens.
Originally it was only available in black, but we can now re-enamel these models in any of our colours.
Limited Edition Classic Aga Cooker
Effectively the same cooker as Post-2000 models, but with the edition of decorative chrome lever and finishings on the front plate, to mimic the design of the trad models.
Originally it was only available in cream, matching cream badge and enamelled lids, but we can now re-enamel these models in any of our colours.
Post-74 AGA Cooker
Refurbished Post74 AGA
Fashion Magazine
Post95 AGA Cooker
Reconditioned AGA Cooker
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Some Further Reading:
