Buying an AGA Cooker
Without doubt there is one name that is synonymous with quality in the kitchen and that is AGA. Since its invention in the 1920s, the AGA cooker has not only provided a great way to cook food, it’s also offered a warming focal point in the kitchen for family and friends to gather around. Don’t just take our word for it, a recent survey revealed that sixty per cent of British women aged 25-35 would love an AGA cooker at the heart of their kitchen and celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Rick Stein and Antony Worrall Thompson swear by theirs.
An AGA oven is an investment that will last you a lifetime but what should you ask when buying an AGA ? Here are some questions to consider asking a supplier of AGA cookers before you buy.
Does the AGA cooker come with a guarantee and servicing?
AGA cookers are built with quality materials and the construction should last a lifetime if taken care of properly through regular servicing. However, there may be the rare occasion when your AGA develops a problem so you need to ensure that the company you buy your oven from has a guarantee in place to cover any unforeseen issues.
Make sure you’re covered by a guarantee and ask how long that cover will last. Will a replacement oven be provided if the malfunction can’t be fixed at your home and does the guarantee cover parts and labour? Is there emergency breakdown cover available for times when you’re left without a running AGA during difficult circumstances?
A regular AGA service is important to help keep it running efficiently and prolonging the life of your oven. Ask the supplier if they have qualified engineers who can visit your home and service your oven whether it’s an electric AGA , gas AGA or oil AGA . Be aware that servicing may incur additional costs such as an ongoing yearly charge.
Are there any accessories I should buy with my Aga?
Your AGA is a quality piece of kitchen equipment so wouldn’t you want some quality AGA cookware to accompany it? There are utensils, cast-iron baking dishes and kettles specifically designed for AGA cooking so ask your supplier what they stock and what they recommend.
Who installs my Aga cooker?
A gas or oil burning AGA oven must be installed by a properly registered and trained engineer for safety reasons so check that your supplier is able to do this after you purchase your cooker. An AGA is designed to be assembled once it arrives at your home but it may turn up fully assembled so again ask what will happen so you can prepare the area. A fully assembled AGA can be quite a size so bear in mind that access to your kitchen must be large enough for the cooker to fit through.
Are there any hidden costs when buying an Aga?
Make sure your supplier makes you aware of all the costs you will incur when buying an AGA . What will be the cost of delivery? Will there be an extra charge for assembly? AGA cookers are available in different colours so does that affect the amount you pay? Be clear about the overall costs so you don’t end up paying more than you first thought.
What sort of customer support is offered?
Even though you’re likely to get trouble-free use of your AGA there may be times when you want to speak with someone about a specific function or problem. Ask your supplier if they have customer support or an expert who you can get in touch with who can provide you with the information you need. It could be as simple as cleaning advice or a specific temperature setting, but after-sales support is important in helping you get the most out of your AGA .