How to Light an Aga (Step-by-Step for Each Fuel Type)
Updated: Jul 10
Lighting an Aga for the first time can feel daunting, especially if you've just moved into a home with one or had yours serviced. We've removed thousands of these cookers over the years, and we know the lighting process varies significantly depending on whether you have an oil, gas or solid fuel model. Here's exactly how to light each type safely.
Before you start, check your fuel supply is connected and turned on. For oil Agas, ensure the tank has fuel and the supply valve is open. Gas models need the mains supply on at the meter. Solid fuel Agas need a supply of approved fuel ready.
How to Light an Oil Aga
What safety checks should I do first?
Always check for oil smells around the cooker before lighting. If you smell oil, don't attempt to light it. Call a qualified engineer as you may have a leak. Open windows for ventilation, check the reset button hasn't tripped (usually a red button on the control box), and ensure the oil supply valve is fully open. The cooker should have been off for at least two hours before relighting to allow any accumulated vapours to disperse.
Turn the control knob to the pilot position and press the ignition button. You'll hear clicking as it sparks.
Hold the control knob down for 15 seconds after the pilot lights. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and hold the gas valve open.
If the pilot goes out when you release the knob, wait five minutes and try again, holding for longer.
Once the pilot stays lit, turn the control knob to the minimum setting initially. Let the oil feed through for 15 minutes before turning up.
Why won't my oil Aga light?
Oil Agas commonly fail to light due to air in the fuel line, especially after running out of oil or servicing. The fire valve might have locked out (press the reset button once only), or the photocell that detects the flame might be dirty. Water in the oil tank can also prevent lighting, particularly after heavy rain. If it won't light after two attempts, call an OFTEC engineer rather than repeatedly trying.
Never use paraffin or any accelerant to help light an oil Aga.
After lighting, the Aga takes several hours to reach cooking temperature. The roasting oven won't be ready for at least four hours.
How to Light a Gas Aga
Do I need to light a gas Aga pilot?
Modern gas Agas have electronic ignition and light automatically when you turn them on. Older models have a pilot light that needs manual lighting. Check if you can see a small blue flame through the viewing window near the control valves. If there's no flame and no ignition clicking when you turn the control, you have a manual pilot model.
For manual pilots, turn the control to 'pilot' and push in. Press the piezo igniter button repeatedly while holding the control in.
Keep the control pushed in for 20 seconds after the pilot lights to heat the thermocouple.
Release slowly. If the pilot goes out, wait five minutes for gas to clear before trying again.
Once lit, turn to your desired setting. The main burner should light automatically from the pilot.
What if I smell gas?
If you smell gas, don't use any ignition source. Turn off the gas supply at the meter immediately, open windows and doors, and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Don't use light switches or any electrical equipment until the smell has completely gone.
How to Light a Solid Fuel Aga
What's the correct way to light a solid fuel Aga?
Solid fuel Agas need careful fire-building technique. Start with clean grates and empty the ashpan. You need good kindling, firelighters, and approved smokeless fuel (never use house coal).
Build your fire in this order:
Place two firelighters on the grate
Add a layer of dry kindling in a criss-cross pattern
Light the firelighters
Once kindling is burning well, add a thin layer of fuel
Gradually add more fuel as it catches, building to about 2 inches deep
Keep all air controls fully open during lighting. The spin wheel should be vertical and the flue damper pulled out.
Don't overload with fuel initially. Build gradually over 30 minutes to avoid smothering the fire.
When should I adjust the controls?
Wait until you have a good bed of red-hot fuel before adjusting any controls. This takes about 45 minutes. Then adjust the spin wheel to control burning rate and push the flue damper in slightly. The cooker needs several hours of steady burning to heat the ovens properly.
Never leave the ash to build up as it blocks air flow and can damage the grates.
Check if your solid fuel might need converting to another fuel type if you're finding it difficult to manage.
Common Lighting Problems Across All Aga Types
Why does my Aga keep going out after lighting?
Agas that light but won't stay lit usually have thermocouple problems. This safety device shuts off fuel if it doesn't detect heat. On oil models, check what colour the flame should be as incorrect burning can cool the thermocouple. Draughts from doors or windows can blow out pilots, and blocked flues prevent proper burning.
Poor fuel quality affects all types. Old oil develops water and sediment, mains gas pressure can drop in very cold weather, and damp solid fuel won't burn properly.
Servicing issues often cause lighting problems. Carbon build-up blocks burner jets, thermocouples wear out over time, and control valves can stick.
Should I keep trying if it won't light?
No. Two failed attempts is your limit. Repeated trying can flood oil models, cause gas build-up, or create dangerous conditions. Call a qualified engineer instead. OFTEC for oil, Gas Safe for gas, or a solid fuel specialist as appropriate.
Once lit and running properly, you'll soon be ready to start cooking. Try roasting a chicken as your first dish, or perhaps bake some bread to test the ovens. Come Christmas, you'll be confident enough to cook your turkey crown perfectly.
Seasonal Lighting Considerations
Is it harder to light an Aga in winter?
Winter brings specific challenges for lighting Agas. Oil thickens in cold weather, making it harder to atomise properly in the burner. Keep your oil tank above quarter full in winter to prevent condensation and water build-up. Solid fuel Agas need extra care as cold air is denser and can cause downdrafts in the flue, making lighting difficult.
Consider lighting early in the morning when outside temperatures are more stable.
If your oil Aga struggles in winter, the fuel line might need insulating, especially if it runs outside.
What about summer lighting?
Some owners wonder if their Aga works differently in summer. Lighting is actually easier in warm weather as oil flows better and flues draw more readily. However, you might choose to leave it off more often or turn it down at night to reduce heat output.
When to Call a Professional
Never attempt electrical work on electric ignition systems yourself. If your Aga won't light after two proper attempts, or if you smell fuel when it's not running, call an engineer. Annual servicing prevents most lighting problems, and engineers can spot developing issues before they leave you with a cold cooker.
Remember that Agas are designed to run continuously once lit. Frequent on-off cycling causes more wear than constant running and makes lighting problems more likely. If you need to switch off your Aga for any reason, follow the proper shutdown procedure to make relighting easier.
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