What Happens During an Electric AGA Conversion?

4 Sept

Converting an existing oil or gas AGA to electricity allows you to keep its traditional cast-iron appearance while gaining independent ovens, controllable hotplates and modern programmable controls.

But what actually happens during the conversion—and how much disruption should you expect?

Although the exact process depends on the cooker and chosen system, this guide explains the main stages from initial assessment through to commissioning.

1. Identifying and Assessing the AGA

The first step is confirming exactly which cooker you own.

We’ll normally ask for photographs showing:

The complete front of the cooker
The number of oven doors
The burner or control compartment
The hotplates and top
Any existing programmers or controls
The data plate, if accessible
The surrounding kitchen area

We’ll also need to know its current fuel type, whether it heats water and which conversion features interest you.

This allows us to assess compatibility and recommend an appropriate ElectricKit or eControl system.

2. Choosing the Conversion System

The right system depends on how you intend to use the cooker.

Options may include:

ElectricKit Classic
ElectricKit Advanced
eControl Series X-Squared
Manual or touchscreen controls
Wi-Fi and smartphone operation
Programmable heating schedules
Induction or radiant hob upgrades
Upgraded warming ovens or plates
Remote wall or worktop controllers

Some customers want the simplest possible conversion, while others prefer comprehensive temperature control and smart scheduling.

We’ll explain the available options for your particular cooker rather than recommending unnecessary features.

3. Checking the Electrical Supply

A suitable electrical supply must be available before the conversion is commissioned.

The required circuit depends on:

The number of ovens
The conversion system
The hotplate specification
Optional hob upgrades
The property’s existing wiring
Available capacity at the consumer unit

A qualified electrician may need to install a dedicated cable, protective device and local isolation switch.

It’s important to arrange this in advance. A standard socket may not be suitable for a full multi-zone conversion.

4. Preparing for Conversion Day

The cooker must be switched off and allowed to cool completely before work begins. We’ll advise when to turn it off based on the model and fuel type.

Before the engineer arrives:

Remove cookware and trays from the ovens
Clear the hotplates and surrounding worktops
Provide access to the cooker and electrical controls
Move delicate items away from the working area
Provide access to the oil or gas isolation point
Ensure the new electrical supply is ready, where required

AGA cookers retain heat for a considerable time, so don’t leave switching it off until the morning of the appointment.

5. Protecting the Kitchen

AGA conversions involve working with heavy cast-iron components, old insulation and fuel-burning equipment.

Before dismantling begins, the working area should be protected. This may include covering nearby flooring, worktops and kitchen units.

The cooker is normally converted in its existing position, avoiding the disruption and cost of removing the complete appliance from the property.

6. Disconnecting the Existing Fuel System

For an oil or gas cooker, the existing fuel supply must be safely isolated and disconnected.

Depending on the cooker, this may involve:

Removing the oil or gas burner
Disconnecting associated controls
Safely terminating the fuel connection
Removing components no longer required
Assessing the existing flue arrangement
Confirming whether the fuel supply serves anything else

Gas work must be completed by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Oil equipment and supply components should be handled by a competent oil technician.

If the AGA currently heats water or radiators, alternative arrangements must be agreed before removing that function.

7. Opening and Inspecting the Cooker

Parts of the top and internal assembly are carefully dismantled to provide access for the conversion.

This also creates an opportunity to inspect areas that aren’t normally visible.

The engineer may identify:

Deteriorated insulation
Worn door seals
Damaged internal components
Poorly fitting doors or lids
Previous unsuitable alterations
Soot or contamination from the old burner
Parts that should be replaced before reassembly

Minor work may be completed during the conversion, while more extensive repairs should be discussed before proceeding.

8. Installing the Electric Elements and Controls

Purpose-designed electric elements, thermostats, sensors and control equipment are installed inside the existing cooker.

The exact arrangement depends on the chosen system, but it can provide control over:

Main ovens
Lower or warming ovens
Left-hand ovens on larger models
Individual hotplates
Optional warming plates
Induction or instant-response hobs

The aim is to retain the AGA’s characteristic cast-iron cooking while giving the owner much greater control over when and where energy is used.

9. Replacing or Upgrading the Insulation

The condition of the existing insulation affects heat retention and efficiency.

Depending on the cooker and conversion package, insulation may be renewed or upgraded around the internal components. This helps direct heat toward the ovens and hotplates while reducing unnecessary losses.

If the cooker requires a full repack, this can often be combined with the conversion to avoid dismantling it again later.

10. Reassembling and Connecting the Cooker

Once the conversion components have been fitted, the cooker is carefully reassembled.

The electrical connection is completed, controls are configured and each heating zone is checked individually.

Where smart controls are included, this stage may also involve:

Connecting the cooker to Wi-Fi
Pairing a smartphone or tablet
Setting the date and time
Configuring operating schedules
Setting resting or economy temperatures
Demonstrating remote controllers

11. Testing and Commissioning

Before the installation is handed over, the engineer checks that the system operates correctly and safely.

This typically includes:

Testing each oven and hotplate
Checking temperature controls and sensors
Confirming electrical safety
Checking the operation of safety devices
Verifying optional upgrades
Demonstrating the controls
Explaining heat-up and recovery times
Providing relevant operating information

You should understand how to turn each zone on and off, adjust temperatures and use any timer or app before the engineer leaves.

How Long Does an Electric AGA Conversion Take?

Many straightforward conversions can be completed on site within a working day.

However, additional time may be required when:

The cooker needs extensive cleaning or repair
Insulation is being replaced
Re-enamelling or refurbishment is included
The electrical supply requires alteration
Fuel pipework needs additional work
The cooker has a boiler or unusual configuration
Optional hob and oven upgrades are being installed

We’ll explain the anticipated timescale when preparing your quotation.

Will the AGA Look Different Afterwards?

The traditional cast-iron front, doors, lids and enamel can normally remain unchanged.

Most conversion equipment is concealed inside the cooker or behind its existing control door. An additional controller may be fitted to the wall or worktop if selected.

If you want a more noticeable transformation, the conversion can be combined with new enamel, chrome components, seals and other refurbishment work.

What Changes After Conversion?

After conversion, you can choose which ovens and hotplates operate instead of keeping the entire cooker at full temperature continuously.

Depending on the system, you may be able to:

Heat individual zones
Programme cooking times
Use reduced resting temperatures
Control the cooker remotely
Reduce heat during summer
Warm the kitchen when desired
Monitor current and target temperatures

The best settings will depend on your routine, electricity tariff and how quickly the selected system heats.

Request an Electric AGA Conversion Quote

Modern Ranges supplies and installs ElectricKit and eControl conversions across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and the wider Midlands.

To request an assessment, send us: