Should you ever rip out your AGA or Rayburn? It’s a question that’s been simmering in kitchens across the country for decades – and one that rarely comes with a straightforward answer.
On one hand, these cast-iron range cookers have achieved near-iconic status in British design. The hallmark of a ‘proper’ country home, they make easy work of heating a kitchen while simultaneously slow-roasting Sunday lunches and giving everyone an excuse to hover with a cup of tea. But rising energy costs, changing cooking habits and the rise of flexible, switch-on appliances are prompting homeowners to take a harder look at that ever-glowing, always-on appliance.
Is an AGA an irreplaceable centrepiece worth adapting for modern living, or an expensive relic that no longer fits how we live and cook today? To find out, we asked kitchen designers and range cooker specialists whether ripping out an AGA or Rayburn is a savvy move or an expensive mistake.
Why are homeowners questioning their range cookers?
Rising energy costs have made permanently-on kitchen appliances harder to justify, particularly in homes that no longer rely on them for central heating. Exactly how much an AGA or Rayburn costs to run depends on the model and fuel type, but older oil-fired versions typically cost between £1,000 and £3,000 per year, depending on usage. Gas models tend to be slightly cheaper, while newer electric versions are generally more affordable, though they still vary according to tariff and usage.
Running costs alone don’t automatically make them impractical – in some homes they still provide valuable background heat. But they are prompting more homeowners to reassess whether the comfort and character justify the outlay.
That shift isn’t just theoretical. Marta Pawlik, co-founder and director of Laik.co.uk, which manages more than 50 luxury properties in the Lake District, has seen attitudes change in real time. “Two years ago, most of our property owners viewed their AGA as a selling point,” she says. “Now about a third of them have asked us about removal or replacement.”
While aesthetically these appliances remain appealing, practicalities can tell a different story. According to Marta, kitchens where an AGA is the only cooking option average 0.4 stars lower on facilities ratings across Laik’s portfolio – a small but significant difference in a review-led market. The issue, Marta notes, isn’t necessarily the range itself, but how it functions in a wider context. In large open-plan kitchens, it can feel generous and characterful. In small kitchens, however, it may dominate valuable prep area and limit flexibility.
Maintenance is another important consideration. Oil and gas models usually need an annual service, often costing a few hundred pounds. Over time, parts such as thermostats, elements, seals and fire bricks may also need replacing. AGAs are built to last – many run for decades – but they aren’t maintenance-free.
Marta and her partner Niall have develop a portfolio of more than 50 luxury holiday properties throughout the Lake District. With a background in interior design and hands on property management, she's seen the AGA debate play out in real kitchens and real guest reviews on a weekly basis.
The argument for repair or conversion
“My advice is almost always: don’t rip an AGA out unless you absolutely must,” says Will Frankling, co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers. "AGAs are built like tanks and ripping them out is heavy, messy work that often requires structural repairs to the floor afterwards."
Instead, he suggests exploring less drastic options first. “If the issue is cosmetic – chips, an outdated colour or worn chrome – they can often be re-enamelled or refurbished,” he explains. “There are specialists who can even change the colour of your AGA on-site to complement a new kitchen scheme.”
For homeowners concerned about running costs, Franklin advises looking into electric conversion – particularly 13-amp models. “This allows you to control the heat more effectively and avoid burning fuel 24/7,” he says. “It keeps the heart of the home beating, without the massive gas or oil bill.”
Electric conversion typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000, depending on the model and the condition of the cooker. The process usually involves removing the existing oil or gas components, installing electric heating elements and upgrading controls for more precise temperature management. Most conversions can be completed in a few days by a specialist engineer, but you may also need a qualified electrician to check your home’s wiring and ensure your consumer unit can handle the additional load.
Will Frankling co-founded Kitchen Makeovers in 2018. With over 30 locations across the UK, their kitchen makeover service is a cost-effective, sustainable solution providing a quick and efficient way to update the heart of your home.
The case for replacing your range cooker
Modern range cookers – including newer electric AGAs and alternative brands – are designed with improved insulation and greater temperature precision in mind. Graham Duke, sales director at eco-friendly range cooker brand Everhot, explains:
“Traditional heat storage cookers are often seen as old-fashioned and expensive to run, but the latest generation offers control and versatility. Gone are the days of having a cooker chugging away in summer with owners opening doors and windows to cool the kitchen down. Temperatures can now be controlled independently.”
Beyond controls, newer models are also built with longevity in mind. “A modern, efficient heat-storage cooker will outlive most other kitchen appliances,” Graham says. With robust construction and fewer disposable components than many standard ovens, they’re often designed as long-term fixtures rather than short-cycle appliances.
Energy compatibility has also come a long way. Some newer models even feature Wi-Fi-enabled technology, allowing for precise temperature control whenever it is needed – whether that's for cooking or while you’re away for night. "They even integrate with flexible energy tariffs and can be scheduled to work in harmony with microgeneration, such as solar panels and home battery storage," adds Graham.
So, if you still love the idea of a range cooker as a focal point, upgrading to a newer generation model may offer the familiarity of a classic centrepiece with far greater control than older versions ever allowed.
Graham Duke is Sales Director at Cotswolds-based, eco-friendly range cooker brand Everhot. He regularly speaks on modern range cooker design and energy efficiency, and has appeared in interiors and appliance features offering practical guidance on kitchen appliances and how they fit into everyday homes.
Shop electric range cookers
Newer, fully electric AGA models offer faster heat-up times and require no servicing, flue or plinth for installation. Featuring two cast-iron ovens for roasting and simmering, a warming oven, storage space and a two-zone induction hob, they provide flexible, energy-conscious cooking all year round.
This spacious electric range cooker features a 5-zone induction hob, two multifunction ovens and handy storage. Its responsive induction top and flexible cooking space make it easy to tackle everything from everyday meals to weekend roasts.
This luxurious electric range cooker features a sleek induction hob and versatile multifunction ovens. With precision heat control and generous cooking space, it’s ideal for serious home chefs seeking style and year-round culinary flexibility.
The argument for removing a range cooker
One of the clearest signs it might be time to part way with your range cooker is ongoing reliability issues. If your range is decades old and needs repeated callouts for faults – whether that’s failing elements, inconsistent temperatures or parts that are increasingly hard to source – repair costs can quickly add up. A one-off fix is one thing, but a pattern of breakdowns is another. If you find yourself spending significant money just to keep it running, it’s worth stepping back and asking whether that investment would be better directed towards a replacement oven.
There’s also the question of how much you actually use it. If you’ve stopped relying on your AGA and found yourself defaulting to the air fryer or a separate hob because it feels too slow or too difficult to control, that’s a sign it might be time to say goodbye. A range cooker should feel like a pleasure to use, rather than something you actively work around.
Major kitchen renovation projects can also tip the scales. If you’re already replacing your kitchen flooring, redesigning cabinetry or upgrading your heating system, it may be more practical to reassess the cooker at the same time rather than designing around it.
That said, ripping out a range cooker isn’t always straightforward. Traditional AGAs are heavy and often integrated into the structure of the kitchen, which can mean additional labour and repair work once they’re taken out. It’s worth factoring those costs into your plans from the outset.
So, should you rip out my AGA or Rayburn?
According to the experts, the answer is rarely black and white. If your range cooker is structurally sound and you love using it, repair or conversion could extend its life without sacrificing character. If you’re drawn to the look but frustrated by running costs, a newer generation electric model may offer greater control. But if it no longer suits your space, your lifestyle or your budget, removal can be a practical – if disruptive – reset.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to alignment. Does your range cooker support the way you cook and live now? Or are you holding onto it because you feel you should? An AGA or Rayburn can still be the heart of the home. But only if it’s working for you, not against you.
The choice between freestanding vs integrated appliances comes down to how visible you want your cooker to be and how you use the kitchen. A range cooker will naturally become a focal point, whereas a modern integrated oven – conventional or convection – might be a better fit for your space and everyday needs.
