Radiant heat is at the core of an AGA cooker's cooking mechanism. Unlike conventional ovens that rely on hot air circulation, AGA cookers use cast iron radiators to emit consistent and gentle heat. This radiant heat method ensures that food is cooked evenly and locks in natural flavours and moisture, resulting in mouth-watering dishes every time.

Warming Food & Cookware

The residual radiant heat from your AGA can be utilised as a gentle warming station. When you finish cooking and switch off the AGA, use the remaining heat to keep prepared dishes warm until mealtime. Place cooked food or serving dishes on the hotplate or in the warming oven to maintain their temperature without drying out.

Proofing Dough

If you love baking bread and pastries, the residual heat from your AGA can be a valuable ally. When the oven is switched off but still warm, it creates an ideal environment for proofing dough. Simply place your covered dough on the oven racks, and the gentle heat will help it rise to perfection.

Click here to watch AGA Demonstrator Naomi Hansell talk all things bread

Drying & Dehydrating Fresh Produce

Take advantage of the AGA's residual heat to dry fresh produce from your garden. Slice any fruits or vegetables to ¼ inch thickness and allow them to dehydrate for 6-8 hours or more.

You can dry anything from apples, carrots, beetroot, strawberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit, which also serve as delightful additions to potpourri. It's as simple as laying out the produce on a baking tray and placing it in the oven after the AGA has been turned off.

If you're using herbs, simply spread them out on a baking tray or tie them in a bunch and suspend them in the oven or above your AGA cooker to dry out. The warm, dry environment will facilitate the drying process, preserving the flavour of your herbs for later use.

Then, when they are fully dehydrated, you can store the herbs in containers, so you always have the right seasoning at your disposal, whatever the time of year. You can also do the same with lavender, to create soothing lavender pillows.

Another great option is to use your AGA for creating dried flower arrangements; the AGA cooker is a great way to dry out flowers while still retaining their colour.

Pet Corner

While your AGA will quickly become the hub of the home for the warmth it provides, your pets will love it too. So much so, that placing dog or cat beds here will ensure your pets are always warm and cosy. So much so they’ll never leave. Even Mary Berry dutifully places the dog beds for her pets in front of the AGA every night.

Quick-Drying Kitchen Utensils

After washing large kitchen utensils or drying damp cloths, place them on the AGA's hotplate or in the warming oven. The residual heat will help expedite the drying process, keeping your kitchen tools ready for the next culinary adventure.

Drying & Ironing

Tumble dryers are notorious for being expensive to purchase and operate, often contributing to hefty energy bills. But did you know that you can cut costs and reduce your energy consumption by using your AGA to dry clothes? Yes, that's right! Your AGA can be a convenient and efficient alternative for drying laundry while providing added benefits.

The most effective method for drying clothes on your AGA is by using an AGA dryer rack placed over the hob. The rising hot air inside the AGA creates the perfect drying environment, allowing your items to dry quickly and efficiently. It's essential to avoid placing clothing directly on the hob surface, as this can lead to damage.

To maximize the drying process and eliminate the need for excessive ironing, pre-fold your clothes and lay them flat on the dryer rack. Not only will this technique ensure your clothes dry thoroughly, but they will also come out beautifully flat, ready to wear without a single wrinkle.

Another option for drying clothes on your AGA is by using a towel rail placed strategically in front of the appliance. Ensure the towel rail doesn't obstruct the air intakes, allowing the hot air to circulate freely. Hang your slightly creased clothes on the rail, and by the next morning, they'll be wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

Besides drying clothes, you can also use it to dry shoes and boots after rainy outings, dry washed-up dishes, dry dog towels and blankets after a muddy adventure, and even prepare logs for your wood burner. Its utility extends far beyond the laundry room!

Infusing Oils and Liquids

Harness the gentle residual heat of your AGA to infuse oils, syrups, or spirits with delightful flavours. Fill a glass jar with the liquid or oil of your choice, add your desired flavourings (e.g., herbs, spices, citrus zest), and place the jar on the warm AGA. The subtle warmth will facilitate the infusion process, creating delightful homemade infusions.

Homemade Yoghurt

Making yogurt at home is simple with the AGA's residual heat. Heat the milk and starter culture to the desired temperature, then turn off the AGA and let the remaining heat incubate the yogurt mixture. The steady warmth ensures a perfect batch of homemade yogurt.

Click here to read Nigel Slater Homemade Yoghurt Recipe

Conclusion

The AGA cooker's radiant heat is a gift that keeps on giving, even when it's switched off. By harnessing the residual warmth, you can transform your AGA into a multi-functional tool that aids in warming, proofing, drying, infusing, and so much more. Embrace these tips to make the most of the radiant heat when your AGA is not actively cooking, and you'll discover a whole new world of possibilities with this iconic appliance.

To find out more about these beautiful range cookers call us on 0118 939 3046 or email sales@edwardsandgodding.co.uk