Can I Convert My Gas Aga to Electric? What Actually Happens

Yes, you can convert your gas Aga to electric. The two main conversion options are a 13amp system (around £4,500-£6,000) or an Electrickit retrofit (£2,500-£3,500). Most conversions take 1-2 days and reduce running costs by 30-50% compared to gas.

We've removed hundreds of Agas over the years, and conversion questions come up constantly. With gas prices climbing and more homeowners wanting programmable heat control, electric conversions have become one of the most practical upgrades for traditional Aga owners.

The good news? Modern electric conversions keep everything you love about your Aga while adding features that make daily life easier.

What Are Your Electric Conversion Options?

When converting your gas Aga, you're looking at two main routes. Each has distinct advantages depending on your budget and how you use your cooker.

13 Amp Conversion

The 13amp conversion is the premium option. It replaces your entire internal heating system with individual elements for each oven and hotplate. You get full temperature control, programmable timers, and the ability to turn individual sections on and off.

This conversion includes new insulated lids and upgraded door seals. The result is an Aga that heats up in 40-60 minutes rather than hours, and you can switch it off completely overnight. Installation typically takes two days, and most 13amp systems come with a 10-year warranty.

Electrickit Retrofit

The Electrickit is the budget-friendly option that works with your existing Aga structure. It replaces your gas burner with an electric heating element but keeps your current castings and insulation.

You won't get individual oven control or programmable features, but you will eliminate gas bills and gain basic on/off functionality. Installation takes one day, and the kit comes with a 2-year warranty. It's ideal if you want to move away from gas without the full conversion cost.

Some older Agas aren't suitable for Electrickit retrofits. Pre-1970s models often need the full 13amp conversion due to their internal design.

How Much Does Converting Gas Aga to Electric Cost?

Real conversion costs vary by your Aga model, location, and which system you choose. Here's what we're seeing in 2024:

13 Amp Conversion Costs:

• 2-oven Aga: £4,500-£5,500

• 3-oven Aga: £5,000-£6,000

• 4-oven Aga: £5,500-£7,000

• Installation and VAT included

• 10-year parts warranty

Electrickit Retrofit Costs:

• 2-oven Aga: £2,500-£3,000

• 3-oven Aga: £2,800-£3,300

• 4-oven Aga: £3,000-£3,500

• Installation and VAT included

• 2-year warranty

Additional costs might include electrical supply upgrades (£500-£1,500 if you need a dedicated circuit) and removal of your old gas supply (£150-£300).

For context on running costs, we cover detailed comparisons in our post about whether Agas are expensive to run.

What Happens During the Conversion Process?

Understanding the conversion timeline helps you plan around the disruption. We work with conversion specialists regularly, so we know what actually happens.

Day One Morning:

The engineer disconnects your gas supply and removes the old burner system. For 13amp conversions, they'll also remove internal flue ways and heat distribution plates. Your Aga gets a full clean while it's apart.

Day One Afternoon:

New electrical elements go in. For 13amp systems, this means individual heaters for each oven and hotplate. Electrickit installations fit a single element where your gas burner sat. New insulation gets added around the elements.

Day Two (13amp only):

Engineers fit the programmable control system, new lids, and upgraded door seals. They test each zone individually and programme your timer settings. You'll get a full demonstration of the new controls.

Final Testing:

Every conversion ends with safety checks and temperature calibration. The engineer ensures each oven reaches the correct temperature and that all safety cut-outs work properly.

Your kitchen will be out of action during conversion. Most people eat out or use a temporary cooking setup.

Will My Aga Work the Same After Conversion?

Your converted Aga will work differently, and that's mostly a good thing. Here's what changes:

Heat-up time improves dramatically. A 13amp converted Aga reaches cooking temperature in 40-60 minutes. Even Electrickit versions heat faster than gas, typically ready in 90 minutes. Compare that to 4-6 hours for traditional gas models.

Temperature stability actually improves with electric. No more temperature drops on windy days or when your gas pressure fluctuates. Electric elements maintain steady heat regardless of external conditions.

Cooking performance remains excellent. Your roasting oven still hits 240°C, simmering ovens hold steady at 115°C. The radiant heat cooking that makes Aga food special doesn't change. Many owners say their baking improves with more consistent temperatures.

Heat output to your kitchen reduces significantly. Electric Agas lose less heat to the room, which is brilliant in summer but means less free heating in winter. If you rely on your Aga for kitchen warmth, this matters. We explore this more in our post about whether Agas heat the house.

The only real downside? You lose that always-ready aspect if you use timer controls. But most owners quickly adapt to switching on their Aga an hour before cooking.

How to Choose Between 13 Amp and Electrickit

After seeing hundreds of conversions, certain patterns emerge about which option suits which household.

Choose 13 Amp if you:

• Want individual control of each oven and hotplate

• Cook at different times throughout the day

• Need programmable timer options

• Plan to keep your Aga long-term

• Have budget for the premium option

• Own a newer Aga (post-2000)

Choose Electrickit if you:

• Want the lowest conversion cost

• Use your Aga mainly for big cooking sessions

• Don't need timer controls

• Have an older Aga in good condition

• Plan to upgrade your whole kitchen within 5 years

Age matters. Pre-1974 Agas often aren't suitable for Electrickit due to internal casting differences. Post-millennium models convert easily to either system.

If you're unsure about your Aga's suitability, check the serial number plate inside the top left oven. Models starting with 'R' or 'S' are prime conversion candidates.

Common Problems After Gas to Electric Conversion

Most conversions go smoothly, but we've seen enough to know what can go wrong. Here's what to watch for:

Electrical supply issues top the list. Older homes might need consumer unit upgrades or new dedicated circuits. Your existing wiring might not handle the 30-40 amp load. Always get an electrical survey before committing to conversion.

Door seal problems occasionally appear on older Agas. The conversion process can highlight existing wear that gas's higher radiant heat masked. Budget £200-£400 for new rope seals if your Aga is over 20 years old.

Uneven heating in the first month isn't unusual. Electric elements need time to 'bed in' and castings must adjust to the new heat source. Most temperature issues resolve themselves within 3-4 weeks of regular use.

Timer programming confusion catches out many 13amp converts. Modern controls offer multiple programmes and zone options that can overwhelm initially. Keep the manual handy and don't hesitate to call your installer for a refresher.

If you're dealing with an oil Aga instead, the process differs slightly. See our guide on converting oil Agas to electric.

Real Running Cost Comparisons: Gas vs Electric

Let's talk actual numbers based on 2024 energy prices. These figures assume typical usage of 10 hours daily for a 2-oven Aga:

Gas Aga Annual Costs:

• Gas usage: 30,000 kWh/year

• At 7p per kWh: £2,100/year

• Standing charge: £110/year

• Total: £2,210/year

13 Amp Electric Aga:

• Electric usage: 15,000 kWh/year

• At 25p per kWh: £3,750/year

• But only on 10 hours daily: £1,560/year

• No gas standing charge

Electrickit Aga:

• Electric usage: 18,000 kWh/year

• At 25p per kWh: £4,500/year

• Typically on 12 hours daily: £2,250/year

The key difference? Control. You can't turn a gas Aga down, but electric models switch off completely. Most households cut their Aga running costs by 30-50% after converting to 13amp, despite higher electricity unit prices.

Is Converting Your Gas Aga Worth It?

Based on what we see in the field, gas to electric conversion makes sense for most Aga owners planning to keep their cooker. The upfront cost pays back through lower running costs, better control, and elimination of gas safety concerns.

The 13amp conversion particularly shines for families who don't need constant heat. Being able to programme your Aga to warm up for breakfast, switch off during the day, then fire up for evening cooking transforms daily running costs.

Conversion also adds value when selling. Can you convert gas Aga to electric is one of the first questions potential buyers ask about older Agas. A recently converted model with warranty sells faster and for more money.

The main reasons not to convert? If your Aga needs major refurbishment anyway (respraying, new castings), or if you're planning a full kitchen renovation soon. In those cases, replacing with a new electric model might make more sense.

For households looking at alternative electric options, some are even exploring running electric Agas on solar panels to further reduce costs.

Whatever you decide, get multiple quotes and check installer credentials. Aga conversions aren't DIY jobs, and poor installation causes most post-conversion problems. A proper conversion transforms your gas Aga into a modern, efficient cooker that keeps all the cooking performance you love.