The aga cooker, a great invention that appeals to many people, for it’s great abilities of cooking big meals easily. Not only that, but it is viewed by many as a stylish addition to the family that has many uses, from warming up the house to helping with the laundry. Have you ever wondered where the aga cooker came from and who had this fantastic idea?
The Man Behind The Aga cooker
Dr. Gustaf Dalen, a Swedish man, and also a Nobel Prize Winner, was the great mind behind the aga. He was an unfortunate man, and it was this unfortunate incident that begins the story of the aga. It was an earlier invention, and a rather large explosion that left him blind that encouraged him to go about the invention of the aga cooker.
Being blind, he was rarely out of his house, leaving his wife to take care of everything. It was during this period that he realised his wife was seriously stressed and very tired from cooking, heating the house, cleaning and everything else that comes with a home. Dalen wanted to design something that could help his wife out with all of these things, to leave her in a better mood, and give them more time together.
It was this design that lead to the aga, and also the foundation of the AGA company. AGA actually stands for Aktiebolaget Gas Accumulator, the name of the company. It was the year 1922 when the design was complete, and it was the aga cooker. A kitchen appliance that could handle every culinary technique, heat the house with it’s constant heat and also aid with the washing, drying and pressing of clothes. The hotplate and the rails on the front of the aga enabled the quick drying of clothes, and it could also allow for the clothes to pressed. It was on constantly, heating the house during the cold months and could also be used to heat water for washing, not just dishes and laundry, but for personal washing as well.
The Introduction of the Aga cooker to England
Aga was introduced to England seven years later, in 1929, and to date, there are three main models of the original aga. There are two, three and four oven types and it can run on a wide variety of fuels. Kerosene, diesel, propane gas and natural gas amongst others. The newer models also have the ability to burn solid fuels, and has been proven to be much more economical than conventional ovens. It uses less fuel, which means that not only was it very economical in 1922 in the first years of it’s history, but it is also cheaper to run than most gas and electric ovens to date. Due to the way it retains heat, the more you use it, the more economical is it.
The aga cooker was loved back then, and it still loved today, and it is because of it’s stored heat, it means that less fat is needed for cooking. (Saving money again!) The food keeps it moisture, flavour and texture and also doesn’t lose any vital nutrients and it’s appearance is not affected. This means that not only is the aga useful, economical and stylish, but it is also better for your health and makes food taste and look much better.
The Aga cooker design
The design, shape and build of the aga cooker has changed very little since it’s invention. The only real things that have changed is the design to make it burn fuel that is more convenient for today’s lifestyles and also to make it burn cleaner.
It’s simplicity has made this an appliance that has needed very little modification and the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” comes to mind.
It is this simplicity that has ensured that the aga has lasted this long, and I’m sure will make sure it stays around for many years to come!
For more information about Aga cookers, finding the right one for you and your home, contact us now and we will get back to you, and give you the advice you need, at the price you’ve hoped.
