AGA Cookers

AGA Cookers. I love them. I love them. I love them. However, between accusations of environmental unfriendliness, rumours that you need a PH.D to master them and the fact that they cost a small fortune, are they worth it? While many celebrities and chefs have supported the company, they have also been under attack, as the cookers are somewhat associated with an elite  group and labelled as an unnecessary luxury. Here's the scoop...  

First of all, in terms of inefficiency, AGA cookers do have a higher average consumption (425 kWh/week for the gas model and 220 kWh for the electric model) compared to other gas ovens (580 kWh/A YEAR!!). Arguments from the pro-AGA party include the fact that they are handmade out of recycled material and are designed to last decades longer than all other household appliances combined. Statistics support those claims.  The oldest working cooker actually dates from 1932! Also, in response to attacks, the company is constantly working on reducing fuel consumption for future models. 

As for mastering the functions of the stovetop and oven, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Gustaf Dalen actually designed this cooker in order to simplify the daily cooking tasks of his wife.  The cooker uses radiant heating, meaning that the settings are always on and ready to use. This explains the high energy consumption, but also provides convenience and incredible precision for even the most finicky of chefs. Most models include a boiling plate, a simmering plate, a roasting oven and a baking oven. 

Reviews of AGAs are VERY mixed.  Some people  have fallen madly in love with this new style of cooking and brag about its endless advantages, claiming that it is worth every penny (prices vary depending on models, between 5000 and  8000$).  On the other hand, some have been very frustrated with their purchase and unhappy with the size of the oven,  the customer service and the complicated settings of the cooker.  It simply appears that there is no grey zone and that the cooker is a love or hate luxury item like many others.  

It is my belief that a certain knowledge of food preparation and passion for cooking would be necessary in order to justify the cost of the cooker and appreciate the full potential of its functions.  Based on my research, it doesn't appear to be too much of a complicated piece of machinery. I still love them.