Can You Convert a Gas Aga to Electric? The Real Options

Yes, you can convert a gas Aga to electric, and we see it done regularly across the UK. The conversion typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000 depending on which system you choose, and takes one to two days to complete. Most gas Agas from the 1970s onwards can be converted successfully.

The main reason people convert is running costs. With gas prices rising, many owners find their bills dropping by 30-50% after switching to electric. You also gain the ability to turn your Aga off completely when you're away, something traditional gas models can't do.

What Are the Main Electric Conversion Options?

ElectricKit conversion is the most popular choice at around £3,000-£3,500. This system replaces your gas burners with electric elements whilst keeping your existing Aga shell and lids. It maintains constant heat like a traditional Aga but adds basic temperature control.

13amp conversion costs more at £4,500-£5,500 but gives you full control over each oven and hotplate independently. You can run just one oven if needed, saving energy. This system plugs into a standard socket, though we recommend a dedicated circuit.

eControl systems are the premium option at £5,000-£6,000. They offer smartphone control, programmable schedules, and the most efficient running. Perfect if you want your Aga warm for breakfast without leaving it on overnight.

Some older conversions used the AIMS system, but this is no longer available for new installations. If you have an AIMS-converted Aga, it can usually be upgraded to one of the current systems.

How Much Will I Save on Running Costs?

A gas Aga running 24/7 typically costs £35-£45 per week. After electric conversion, most owners see bills of £15-£25 weekly with similar usage. The exact savings depend on your tariff and which conversion system you choose.

With programmable systems, you can cut costs further by using off-peak electricity rates. Set your Aga to heat overnight on cheaper tariffs, then maintain temperature during the day. Some owners report bills as low as £10-£15 per week using this method.

Remember that electric Agas heat up from cold in 8-14 hours, compared to 4-6 hours for gas. But once hot, they maintain temperature just as well. Many people wonder if are agas expensive to run compared to conventional cookers, and the answer varies by fuel type and usage patterns.

What's Involved in the Conversion Process?

First, a Gas Safe engineer must disconnect and cap off your gas supply. This usually takes an hour and costs around £100-£150. Never attempt to disconnect gas pipes yourself.

The conversion engineer then removes your gas burner unit and flue liner. The electric elements are fitted in place of the gas burners, with new insulation added where needed. All the original castings, doors, and lids stay in place.

An electrician installs the new electrical supply. Most conversions need a 32amp or 45amp circuit, though some 13amp systems can use existing sockets. Budget £300-£500 for electrical work if you need a new circuit run from your consumer unit.

The whole job typically takes 1-2 days. Your Aga will be out of action during this time, then needs 8-14 hours to heat up once the conversion is complete.

Will My Aga Cook the Same After Conversion?

Electric Agas cook very similarly to gas ones. The ovens maintain steady heat, and the cast iron retains temperature just as well. Most owners notice little difference in day-to-day cooking.

The hotplates work slightly differently. Gas gives instant response when you lift the lid, whilst electric hotplates take a few minutes to recover full heat. In practice, this rarely causes problems.

One advantage of electric is more consistent temperatures. Gas flames can vary with pressure changes, but electric elements maintain steady heat. Your roasting oven will stay at exactly the right temperature.

Some people worry about power cuts affecting electric Agas. Yes, you'll lose your cooking during an outage, but the cast iron holds heat for hours. A two-hour power cut might drop oven temperature by 20-30°C, recovering quickly once power returns.

Which Agas Can and Can't Be Converted?

Most two-oven and four-oven gas Agas can be converted to electric. This includes Standard, Deluxe, and most Special Edition models. Pre-1974 Agas may need additional work but can usually be converted.

Models that CAN be converted:

• All post-1974 gas Agas

• Most oil Agas (see our guide on can you convert an oil aga to electric)

• Solid fuel Agas (though less common)

• Previous electric conversions needing upgrade

• Most Rayburn models

Models that CAN'T be converted:

• Aga Total Control (already electric)

• Aga Dual Control (already part-electric)

• Some pre-1970 models with non-standard frames

• Severely damaged or modified Agas

If you're considering other fuel options, you might wonder can you convert a gas aga to solid fuel. This is technically possible but rarely done nowadays due to the work involved.

Is It Worth Converting or Should I Buy New?

Conversion makes financial sense if your Aga is in good condition. A new electric Aga costs £8,000-£15,000, so converting saves thousands. Your existing Aga already fits your kitchen perfectly, and you keep the patina and character you love.

Buy new if your Aga needs major refurbishment anyway. Cracked tops, damaged frames, or severe rust problems might tip the balance. Add up conversion costs plus repairs, and a new model might work out similar.

Consider your kitchen plans too. If you're renovating soon, it might make sense to choose a new model that fits your updated space. But for a simple switch from gas to electric, conversion wins on cost every time.

Common Problems After Conversion and How to Avoid Them

The most common issue is expecting instant heat like a gas Aga. Electric models need planning ahead. If you turn yours off for summer, remember to switch on the day before you need it.

Some conversions develop hotspots where elements sit slightly proud. A competent installer levels everything properly, but always use a conversion specialist rather than a general electrician. Check their previous work and ask for references.

Tripping electrics plague some installations where the electrical supply isn't adequate. That's why we always recommend a dedicated circuit rather than using an existing socket, even for 13amp systems.

Warranty varies by system. ElectricKit offers 2 years, while eControl gives 5 years on most components. Keep your paperwork and register the warranty properly. Most problems occur in the first few months if at all.

Choosing the Right Installer for Your Conversion

Always use an approved Aga conversion specialist. They understand the quirks of different models and have the right parts in stock. A proper specialist completes the job in 1-2 days, while general engineers might take a week figuring things out.

Check they're Gas Safe registered for the disconnection and have qualified electricians for the wiring. Ask to see examples of previous conversions and speak to past customers if possible.

Get quotes from 2-3 specialists. Prices vary by region, but be wary of quotes significantly below £3,000. They might be cutting corners or quoting for second-hand parts. Equally, there's no need to pay over £6,000 unless you have an unusual model requiring extra work.

Most installers cover their local region rather than working nationwide. That's fine, but ensure they'll return quickly if any issues arise. A specialist based 200 miles away might not prioritise your callback.