Aga advice

[magnummum]

Moving house in Jan and new house has an Aga. Just wondering what special equipment I definitely need for it and what I can use that I've got already if that makes sense. There isn't another oven (or hob!) so will have to bite the bullet with it all straight away. I was thinking of getting a kettle but not sure about pans/dishes etc and the official aga starter kit is £500! Any advice much appreciated.

Agas are FAB.
Tbh I'd stick with your electric kettle as using the hotplates is not a v efficient use of them and lets heat escape and (I'm too impatient to wait for it to boil)
They do look LOVELY though.

Get a Mary Berry book (xmas/library) as she really is aga guru and will tell you what's what.
You just need heavy bottomed pans for the hot plate (hob) tbh
And you can use most bakeware in the ovens. but it is useful to have ones that stick in the rails.
HTH

Or use a shelf that fit on the rails, and place your bakeware on that. Roasting dishes are OK on the floor of the oven, but cake pans should be raised off it.

There's plenty of tips on here for making best use of your aga - the main thing is to make the most of the ovens and only use the hot plates to start things off.

eg, bring veg to the boil on the hot plate then tip out most of the water then put in bottom oven with lid on to steam till done.

Aga Toast!! Check to see if you have a toast bat (like a wire tennis racket) when you move in.

The only true aga cookware I possess is a toast bat and the large roasting tin (completely fills the oven). I have cooked on agas for all my life. In this kitchen we have an aga - no electric kettle, no toaster, no microwave.

I manage!

Thanks everyone - can't wait to get started now!