Pans For An Aga: The Essentials

If you're the proud owner of an AGA cooker, you'll need to invest in some high-quality cookware to get the best from it. AGA is known for its cast-iron cookware, which performs well and looks gorgeous. You'll also want to look for items that are flat-bottomed and stackable to make the most of your oven space. Essential items include roasting tins, baking trays, frying pans, saucepans, and casseroles.

Stainless steel pans

Stainless steel pots and pans are a safe choice for Aga cookers, especially those with heavy bottoms. They are suitable for all parts of the cooker and can be used on any heat source, including induction.

Aga's Swiss-made stainless steel pans are designed to create perfect dishes and retain their stylish appearance for years to come. The superior 18/10 stainless steel pans feature a heavy 6mm Superthermic encapsulated base, which moves towards the heat source to give perfect contact with the Aga hotplates. The Superthermic wave profile base conducts heat evenly and quickly, offering superior performance on any cooker and heat source. The pans are also dishwasher-safe.

The Aga stainless steel collection includes casseroles, saucepans, sauce pots, saute casseroles, and preserving pans. The casseroles feature large, easy-to-grab handles with exclusive Aga branding. The unique lid design allows you to stack your pans inside the simmering oven, maximising oven space. The flat lids also enable you to stack the pans on top of each other without scratching. The brushed bodies feature a striking, modern look that beautifully contrasts with the polished furniture.

The Aga stainless steel pans come in a range of sizes, with capacities from 1.5 litres up to 6 litres. The set includes 16cm (1.5Ltr), 18cm (2Ltr), and 20cm (3Ltr) saucepans. The encapsulated base enables movement towards the heat source, creating a completely flat surface for even heat distribution. This is achieved through the aluminium core sandwiched between the layers of stainless steel. The pans also feature internal markings in both pints and litres.

Aga's stainless steel pans are a great investment, offering superior performance, durability, and a 25-year guarantee. They are a functional and stylish addition to any Aga cooker.

Roasting tins and trays

Full-size roasting tins and trays are ideal for larger items, such as a whole chicken or joint of meat, while half-size roasting tins and trays can be used for smaller items or for cooking multiple things at once. Roasting tins and trays come in a variety of materials, each with its own benefits. Hard anodised roasting tins, for example, are known for their durability and even heat distribution, making them a popular choice for AGA owners. Enamelled steel roasting tins are also a popular option, as they are easy to clean and maintain.

When choosing roasting tins and trays for your AGA, it is important to select high-quality, durable options that can withstand the high temperatures of the oven. Look for tins and trays that are specifically designed for use with AGA range cookers, as these will fit properly in your oven and provide the best cooking results. Some companies also offer non-stick roasting tins and trays, which can make cleaning easier. Additionally, consider investing in a trivet to cool your food directly on top of your AGA.

There are several reputable companies that offer roasting tins and trays specifically designed for AGA range cookers, including AGA's own Cookshop, Blake & Bull, and WOLL. These companies offer a range of products to suit different needs and budgets, so you can find the perfect roasting tins and trays for your AGA kitchen.

Cast iron cookware

Cast iron is a great choice for Aga cookware. It is perfect for good cooking as it accumulates and retains heat, radiating it into food and sealing in flavour. Cast iron is also superb as oven-to-tableware, keeping food warm for second helpings.

Aga's cast iron collection is handcrafted in France using 80% recycled material. Each piece is unique as the mould is broken after use. The range is suitable for all heat sources, including induction, and the casseroles feature a heat-resistant stainless-steel knob. Cast iron is a buy-once item, so the collection comes with a lifetime warranty.

The cast iron collection includes a range of casseroles, a griddle, and a square grill pan. The casseroles come in a range of sizes, from 16cm to 30cm, with some featuring an olivine colour. The griddle and grill pan are also available in olivine.

Baking trays and tins

Blake & Bull offer a range of baking trays and tins that are designed to fit directly onto the runners in your AGA oven, providing more space and flexibility when cooking. Their products are UK-made, durable, and won't buckle under the heat of your AGA. They offer both full oven and half oven sizes, so you can cook multiple things at once. Their aluminium-based baking trays are also highly conductive, lightweight, and easy to handle.

You can also purchase non-stick liners from Blake & Bull, which are designed to fit inside their baking trays, making cleaning up easier.

Other companies such as AGA Cookshop and Aga-Range Cookers also offer a variety of baking trays and tins in different sizes and finishes, including enamelled steel, hard anodised, and stainless steel. These products are also designed to fit your AGA oven, ensuring efficient and even cooking.

When choosing baking trays and tins for your AGA, consider the size of your oven and the types of dishes you plan to cook. Full-size baking trays are ideal for larger dishes, while half-size trays are perfect for smaller portions or for cooking multiple things at once. Additionally, look for products that are durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.

Silicone lids

When it comes to choosing the right pans for your AGA, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, AGA ovens reach high temperatures, so your cookware needs to be extremely strong and durable. Cast iron cookware is a popular choice for AGA owners as it is made to last. Non-stick cookware is also a good option for easy cooking and cleaning. Some essential pans for AGA owners include roasting tins and trays, frying pans, saucepans, casserole dishes, and griddles. Now, let's talk about silicone lids and how they can be a useful addition to your AGA cookware collection.

• Waste Reduction: Silicone lids help reduce waste by eliminating the need for single-use aluminium foil and plastic wrap.
• Airtight Seal: Silicone lids create an airtight seal, trapping steam and keeping food fresh.
• Temperature Resistance: High-quality silicone lids, such as the GIR Platinum-Grade Silicone Universal Lid, can withstand temperatures up to 550°F without warping or peeling.
• Ease of Use: Silicone lids are flexible and easy to work with, making them a convenient option for covering hot pans or bowls.
• Variety of Sizes: Silicone lids come in a range of sizes, including round, rectangular, and square shapes, to fit different containers.
• Space-Saving: Silicone lids are thin and flexible, taking up less space in your kitchen cabinets compared to traditional lids.
• Cost-Effective: With proper care, silicone lids are durable and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective investment.

When choosing silicone lids, it's important to consider the quality and temperature resistance. Some cheaper options may warp or discolour at high temperatures, so investing in a reputable brand like GIR or Le Creuset is recommended. Additionally, look for lids that offer a variety of sizes to ensure a tight seal on your AGA cookware. Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity of your silicone lids. Hand washing is recommended, as dishwasher cleaning may cause damage or discolouration.

Frequently asked questions