Converting an Existing AGA Cooker vs Buying New: How Different Are They?
If you own a traditional oil or gas AGA cooker and want the flexibility of electricity, there are two main options:
Convert your existing cooker using an independent retrofit system.
Replace it with a new electric cooker manufactured by AGA Rangemaster.
Buying new gives you a completely new appliance built to the manufacturer’s latest specification. A conversion keeps the cast-iron cooker already in your kitchen and replaces its original heat source with independently controlled electric components.
They are not identical products—but in terms of appearance, cast-iron cooking and everyday flexibility, the practical difference may be smaller than many owners expect.
The difference in upfront cost, however, can be substantial.
How Much Does Each Option Cost?
For a sensible comparison, we need to look at similarly sized cast-iron heat-storage cookers rather than conventional range cookers or smaller 60cm models.
As of 31 July 2026, AGA’s official UK website advertised:
AGA Compact 100 models from approximately £10,500
AGA Classic 100 at approximately £13,500
AGA Signature 100 at approximately £16,500
By comparison, publicly advertised independent conversion prices commonly sit around £3,500–£5,000, depending on the number of ovens, conversion system and chosen upgrades.
For example, a three-oven ElectricKit conversion has been publicly advertised at approximately £4,125 including VAT and installation. Compared with the advertised £13,500 price of a new AGA Classic 100, that represents a headline difference of approximately £9,375.
This isn’t a precise like-for-like product comparison, and individual quotations will vary. However, it demonstrates why owners often consider converting before replacing an otherwise serviceable cooker.
Across current examples, retaining and converting an existing cooker can mean spending approximately £6,000–£12,000 less upfront than purchasing certain new 100cm cast-iron models.
What Additional Costs Should Be Considered?
The advertised appliance or conversion price may not represent the complete project cost.
A conversion quotation may also need to account for:
A new electrical supply
Safe disconnection of the existing fuel
Repairs discovered during dismantling
Replacement insulation
New seals or internal components
Optional induction or radiant hobs
Re-enamelling and new chrome components
Work to an existing water-heating connection
A new cooker installation may involve:
Removal of the old cooker
Delivery and installation requirements
Electrical alterations
Plinth or floor preparation
Kitchen or worktop alterations
Changes to ventilation or extraction
Always compare written quotations and check exactly what each price includes.
Will a Converted Cooker Look Different?
In many cases, very little changes externally.
An independent conversion normally retains the existing:
Cast-iron body
Enamelled front and doors
Insulated lids
Handrail
Oven configuration
Position within the kitchen
Most conversion equipment is installed inside the cooker or behind its existing control door.
Depending on the system chosen, an additional wall-mounted, worktop or handheld controller may be available. However, the main appearance of the cooker can remain substantially unchanged.
If the existing enamel and chrome are in good condition, many visitors may never realise that the cooker has been converted. If they are worn, conversion can be combined with re-enamelling and refurbishment.
Will It Still Cook Using Cast-Iron Radiant Heat?
A professionally converted traditional cooker continues to use its existing cast-iron ovens.
The electric elements heat the cast iron, which stores and radiates heat around the food. This retains an important part of the cooking experience associated with a traditional heat-storage cooker.
However, performance isn’t identical across every product.
Heat-up times, temperature ranges, oven relationships and control behaviour differ between:
ElectricKit Classic
ElectricKit Advanced
eControl
New AGA Classic models
New AGA Signature models
Other new electric AGA collections
Anyone considering either option should compare how the individual ovens and hotplates operate, rather than assuming that all electric systems behave in exactly the same way.
How Do the Controls Compare?
Both new models and independent conversions can offer considerably more flexibility than a traditional always-on oil or gas cooker.
Depending on the product selected, available features may include:
Independently controlled ovens
Individually controlled hotplates
Adjustable oven temperatures
Economy or resting modes
Programmable schedules
Current and target temperature displays
Wi-Fi and smartphone operation
Induction or instant-response hob options
A conversion can therefore provide many of the practical features that lead customers to consider buying new.
The exact interface and features differ, so customers should see the controls demonstrated and decide whether they prefer tactile dials, an integrated touchscreen or remote operation.
What Do You Get by Buying New?
A new cooker supplied by AGA Rangemaster offers benefits that an independent conversion cannot claim to replicate.
These may include:
A completely new appliance
New castings, enamel and internal components
A manufacturer-designed and tested system
The latest factory specification
A manufacturer-backed warranty
Official product documentation and support
A choice of current collections, sizes and configurations
No reliance on the condition of an older cooker
For someone who wants a completely new kitchen centrepiece, a different size or the manufacturer’s latest design, buying new may be the preferred option.
What Do You Get by Converting?
An independent conversion focuses on retaining and modernising the cooker you already own.
Potential advantages include:
A significantly lower upfront cost
Retaining the existing cast-iron cooker
Less disturbance than complete replacement
No need to dispose of a serviceable appliance
Independent control over ovens and hotplates
Modern timers and smart controls
Removal of the cooker’s reliance on oil or gas
The option to refurbish only the areas that need attention
Preservation of existing enamel and character
Conversion can be particularly attractive when the cooker fits the kitchen perfectly, holds sentimental value or remains structurally sound.
Is a Converted Cooker the Same as a New AGA Cooker?
No. It is important to be clear about this.
A converted cooker is an existing AGA-manufactured cast-iron cooker fitted with an independently manufactured retrofit system. It doesn’t become a current factory-manufactured AGA model, and its conversion system isn’t supplied or warranted by AGA Rangemaster.
The warranty will normally be provided by the conversion-system manufacturer and/or installer, subject to their individual terms.
A new AGA cooker is a complete current-production appliance manufactured, supplied and supported through AGA Rangemaster and its authorised network.
The two options can provide similar benefits in certain areas, but they remain distinct products.
Which Option Offers Better Value?
That depends on the cooker and the customer.
Buying new may offer better value when:
The existing cooker is seriously damaged
You want a different size or configuration
You want a completely new appliance
Manufacturer support is a priority
A full kitchen renovation is already planned
Conversion may offer better value when:
The existing cast-iron cooker is structurally sound
You like its appearance and position
You want independent electric control
You want to avoid the cost of complete replacement
You would prefer to reuse rather than discard it
You only need selected cosmetic or internal refurbishment
For many owners, spending several thousand pounds converting and improving an existing cooker can be more economical than spending over £10,000 on a new cast-iron model.
Get a Proper Comparison for Your Cooker
The fairest way to compare the options is to assess the condition of your existing cooker and prepare a complete conversion quotation.
Modern Ranges can help you compare:
ElectricKit and eControl systems
Required electrical work
Optional hob and control upgrades
Insulation and internal repairs
Re-enamelling and refurbishment
The complete conversion cost
Whether retaining the existing cooker is genuinely worthwhile
We’ll also tell you honestly if the condition or configuration of your cooker makes replacement a more sensible option.
To request an assessment, send photographs of your cooker, its fuel type, oven configuration and your postcode.
Call, text or WhatsApp 07787 295224, or email Sam@modern-ranges.com.
Important independence and pricing information
Modern Ranges is an independent business and isn’t connected with, authorised, approved or endorsed by AGA Rangemaster Limited. ElectricKit and eControl are independently manufactured retrofit systems and aren’t products manufactured or warranted by AGA Rangemaster Limited.
AGA is a registered trademark of AGA Rangemaster Limited. It is used in this article solely to identify and discuss the relevant cookers.
Prices are illustrative public prices checked on 31 July 2026. They can change and may not include identical products, specifications or associated installation work. Customers should obtain current written quotations and compare exactly what is included.
