Cooking with tradition: an introduction to cast-iron cookers

Written by

01 November 2023

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4 min read

In an era filled with high-tech culinary gadgets, the AGA cooker has stood the test of time as an icon of British tradition and simple elegance for over a century, earning a revered status at the heart of many kitchens. Beyond its rich history and eye-catching rainbow palette of finishes, the AGA cooker offers a unique culinary experience – all thanks to its cast-iron radiant heat cooking.

What is an AGA Cooker?

The AGA cooker's history is a tapestry woven with threads of necessity and innovation. The AGA brand emerged during the early 20th Century, coinciding with the onset of World War I. In those challenging times of food rationing and unreliable heating, the AGA cooker was a beacon of warmth and nourishment for many families.

The AGA served as a multifaceted household companion – not just a cooking appliance – it warmed the house, heated water, toasted bread, cooked rice, and even dried and ironed clothes. Always on, it became an essential member of the household.

“We find people still love the cosy warmth they bring to the kitchen,” says Simone Blamey from AGA Australia. “Along with the ease of a multi-purpose cooker, an AGA makes food that looks and tastes superior.”

The benefits of cast-iron in cooking

Unlike conventional ovens, AGA cookers utilise cast-iron to store and emit heat. Cast-iron is renowned for its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking results and enhancing the flavours of dishes. Unlike non-stick coatings used in modern cookware, cast-iron is a natural and safe cooking surface, free from harmful substances and requiring minimal oil or fat for cooking.

“Cooking with cast-iron cookers offers several benefits. The radiant heat of cast-iron ensures the flavour of food is optimised, providing succulent and tender results – and this gentle way of cooking means the nutritional value of food remains intact,” says Simone.

“AGA cookers can be left on if needed, providing warmth to the kitchen – also ensuring the cooker is always ready for use.”

AGAs are produced with up to 70 per cent recycled materials with a unique and patented radiant heat technology.

“The AGA's warming oven is ideal for keeping food warm until ready to serve or dehydrating fruit and herbs,” says Simone. “With an AGA, there’s need for fewer appliances – toaster, rice cooker, bread maker, pizza oven, to name a few – and there’s no need to ‘blind-bake’ when cooking pastry.”

Proven to enhance flavour

The gentle heat of the AGA cooker does more than just cook food; it elevates the dining experience by locking in the natural juices and flavours of the food. AGA-cooked dishes are celebrated for their taste and succulence-– whether a slow-cooked roast, freshly baked bread or a spicy curry, the AGA consistently delivers an incredible culinary experience in the comfort of home.

“AGA’s radiant heat envelops the food, cooking it from all sides and resulting in exceptional taste and texture,” says Simone.

This claim of enhanced flavour isn't merely anecdotal. Scientists from the National Centre for Food Manufacturing conducted an 18-month study comparing food cooked in an AGA cooker to dishes prepared in conventional ovens. Dr. Wayne Martindale, Associate Professor of Food Insights and Sustainability, says the study's results validate what AGA owners have always believed – the AGA cooker imparts a unique, consistent and unforgettable taste to every dish.

The ritual of homecooked meals is timeless, much like the radiant cast-iron heat that has made AGA a cherished part of kitchens for over a century.

How do AGA stoves work?

When considering purchasing an AGA cooker, it's important to understand that AGA offers two main types of cookers, each with distinct operating features.

The traditional AGA cookers are designed to be left on constantly, providing a steady source of gentle, radiant heat. This means there's no need for preheating, and the cooker is always ready for use.
Some newer AGA models have the flexibility to be turned on and off as needed, allowing you to control your cooking schedule more effectively.

“Cooking with an AGA is about understanding basic heat principles and, rather than turning a knob, placing food in the right spot to achieve desired results,” explains Simone.

“It’s very tactile, and for anyone new to AGAs, it may require tweaking ‘normal’ cooking techniques, but well worth the effort, for the rewards are infinite.”

The AGA cooker remains a persistent symbol of tradition, style and culinary excellence. It serves as a reminder that the ritual joy of homecooked meals is timeless, much like the radiant cast-iron heat that has made AGA a cherished part of kitchens for over a century.

View to extensive range of AGA cookers on ArchiPro.

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