Aga - yes or no?

[cashmerecardigans]

We're planning a kitchen extension and I am trying to decide whether to put an Aga in or not. It's on mains gas and I'm looking at the 3 oven one. Can anyone advise in running costs, as that's the only thing holding me back. I'm thinking of putting in one of those clothes airers that you can raise and lower - thinking would offset tumble drier costs??? Realise am clutching at straws now, but seriously any thoughts very welcome.

Yes yes yes! People who don't own an Aga don't understand them to be honest. Before I got mine I really wanted one and didn't really believe all the hype from owners about it being a lifestyle blah blah blah but it's fecking amazing and I would sell my soul for one now that I know what having one is like.

To the poster who's gran couldn't get crispy shepherds pie.... Maybe she should have turned it up a tad? The only thing the Ava doesn't do well so far is bacon. But let me tell you that it does the other million things you could make so much better than a normal cooker.

They can prise the Aga off my cold dead body sooner than they can separate us.

Except it wouldn't be cold. Because I have an Aga.

Pollyput Why doesn't yours do bacon? I get delicious bacon from mine! Lay out the bacon in the large roasting pan, slide it onto the top set of runners of the roasting oven, leave it for 8-10 minutes, then it's done. I use smoked streaky bacon and it is cooked so it is slightly crunchy round the edges but not so much that it shatters. Breakfast at ours every Saturday -- unhealthy but delicious.

Oooh am v excited now, as the costs sound ok to me. I think DH will be fine as it means more pie cooking and the dog will love it and if the dog is happy, DH is happy too
We're looking to buy my parent's house (my childhood home) so my Mum can move to a flat, then we'll do it all up and build a new kitchen. Obviously it's a very sentimental place for me and the Aga would make it perfect (plus can use mums airer that she has in the kitchen already - result!)

Cashmere, I can promote se you that I you would never regret it!

Alde, I'll give bacon another try, your way.

Pollyput I'm pleased you'll give bacon a go. You won't regret it. And you can pair the bacon with American-style pancakes cooked directly on the simmering plate. And for the full unhealthy experience, add lots of maple syrup!

I have a Stanley, which does ch, hw and cooks as well. It has the larger ovens than a Rayburn, and you can program the central heating, hot water etc to your requirements, so the heating can be off in summer, but you can still cook on it.
Stanley are owned by Aga/Rayburn.