It’s been about 6 months since we had our range hooked up as part of the big kitchen reno. I’ve had a lot of questions and comments about our show-stopper range so I wanted to do a review. So here you go, an in-depth Aga Elise range review from my perspective. I’m addressing some of the questions I’ve recieved and added some of my own.
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Aga Elise Range Review
What range is that?
We have an Aga Elise 5-element, dual-fuel range in matte black. It features a true convection oven, a 7-mode multi-function oven and a pull-out broiler. Aga’s have been around since the 1920s. The first models were cast iron and were the worlds first ever heat-storage cookers. They were invented in Sweden but manufacturing moved to England in the 1930s where they gained popularity. The original cast-iron versions of the Aga (like the one below) are still made today and come in a variety of color options.
Why did I choose this range?
When it came time for choosing our new kitchen range, I had three priorities: dual oven, gas-powered and pretty to look at. Originally, I wanted an infamous La Cornue. They are so beautiful but the price tag is steep and would have been $4k more than the Aga, with a longer lead time. Then I found the Aga Elise and it checked all the boxes. It is less expensive, comes in several color options, and it has a French-inspired look to it. I had never seen an Aga used in kitchen design so I liked that it was unique. Through my research, it seemed that people are pleased with its cooking performance so we decided it was a good fit for us.
Where did you get it?
We purchased our range via Lowes to take advantage of our 10% military discount but it’s also available via Build.com. I purchase the range and the corresponding matte black range hood vent during a 2-day sale during which Lowes was offering an extra 10% off so we saved over $1500 on the pair.
How much did it cost?
The Aga Elise retails for around $10k but I’ve seen it priced $8300-$9100. We scored 20% off saving us a pretty penny.
Do you like it?
YES! I love our range and I have zero regrets. Aside from it being a gorgeous statement piece in the kitchen, the thing is a powerhouse. The convection oven is AMAZING! It cooks so fast and evenly I find myself using it more often than the multi-function oven. We cooked our Thanksgiving turkey in the convection oven and it came out perfectly. It was a learning curve in the beginning because it’s so powerful but we’ve learned to reduce the recommended temperature and cooking time on recipes. We typically reduce the cooking temperature by 10 degrees and cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Are the ovens large enough?
A few followers were concerned about the size of the ovens and wondered if they are large enough. The answer is yes. I will say, however, that we had to purchase new cookie sheets because the ones we had did not fit. The new cookie sheets are not small by any means and I haven’t yet had an instance where something didn’t fit. The cookie sheet in the image below measures 15.5″ x 11″ and fits well.
What’s up with that little drawer on the top left?
The Aga Elise has two ovens and a pull-out broiler. The broiler rack is adjustable to allow for different distances from the heating element. Admittedly, we’ve only used the broiler a few times but I do think it’s a cool addition. Hubby has cooked beef in the broiler and the fish I prepared was cooked in a flash and came out great. It’s also great for browning, although the multi-function oven has a browning function as well.
Do you miss being able to see inside the oven?
Nope! I’ve learned to really just trust the ovens and let them do their thing. And when we need to check, it’s not a big deal to open the door and peek inside the oven. I definitely prefer the seamless look of the exterior of the range over being able to see inside without opening the oven door.
Is there anything you don’t like about the range?
One burner on the range is a bit testy and requires it be held to the ignite position for about 10 seconds before it will hold a flame. I believe this is something we can get adjusted we just haven’t been in a hurry to do so yet. When we do, we’ll probably adjust the gas output flow too because the “low” setting on the burners is more like a medium-low. Again, not something that has interfered with our cooking and is something that can be modified so it hasn’t been a big deal I just wanted to include that.
Other notes about the Aga Elise:
- On the bottom right of the range is a storage drawer. The range comes with a wok holder so that’s where I keep it. I haven’t used it yet because I don’t own a wok.
- We hired out for install. Our gas company converted the range from natural gas to liquid propane (LP) since we don’t have access to natural gas in our area. We had a propane tank installed as part of our kitchen reno in order to have a gas range. However, neither Lowes nor our gas line installers were capable of installing the range. The range has to be somewhat assembled and installed when you receive it so we hired a licensed luxury appliance installation company to do the install and appropriate hookups. It cost $250 and took two guys less than an hour.
Shop Our Kitchen:
There you go, friends! A thorough Aga Elise range review of our experience so far. I’m beyond happy wiht this range and I get compliments from people that come into our home. If you have any additional questions about it let me know and I’ll do my best to answer.
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84 Responses
Hi Becky,
Thank you so much for your review! I fell in love with AGA Elise a few months ago, but haven’t been able to find much information until now. I do have one question, how do you like the Matte Black? It looks so beautiful, but does it scratch easily? Does it attract dust and fingerprints? How do you clean it?
Thank you,
Tia
Hi Tia! I love the matte black!! The range itself does not scratch easily at all and does not attract dust. The black vent hood does attract dust but I wipe both down with a homemade vinegar spray regularly. I hope that helps!
That does help! Thank you, Becky! I’m going back and forth between ivory and black, I have two little ones and easy clean up is a must 🙂 Congratulations, btw, I hope the third trimester is not too hard on you and you are able to get lots of r and r!
Thanks for this review, Becky, and the accompanying photos. You say that you were able to cook a turkey. I assume it was in the right oven. Do you recall how many pounds the turkey was? We’re looking at Aga stoves but the oven dimensions suggest even the larger right oven might not fit a 25 lb turkey. Your input would be appreciated. While it sounds like you’ve had little problem with this model, have you looked into if there are qualified repair specialists in your area? Thanks for fielding these questions.
Hi Michael! Our turkey last year was quite large and we didn’t have a problem, I think it was 20lbs. We cooked him in the convection. This year we used the multi-function oven and although it was a smaller turkey it cooked much faster than the typical recommendations. This range is a workhorse! The trick is a turkey roaster pan that fits, we had to change ours out and while it’s tight on the width, I still wouldn’t go back.
I’m probably going to purchase this. Can you share which roaster you bought? It’s been my main concern! Thank you for reviewing!
HI Becky, We are very interested in the induction version of the Elise for our new place (we jhave a traditional cast iron AGA now) and in addition to the smaller oven sizes to what we have now we are also concerned about it not having a self-clean function. We cook — and roast == a lot! Thanks for your input.
Hi Deena. Thanks for the feedback. That’s definitely something you’ll have to consider. I personally haven’t cleaned my ovens yet other than the drip pans at the bottom. Haha.
I just bought an Aga Elise and am having trouble baking cakes. What function do you use? Tried the conventional oven function and it browned the top too much and the bottom was gooey. Thanks
Kathy
Hi Kathy! I’m sorry to hear that!! Ours bakes wonderfully but I do adjust the suggested baking temperature down 5-ish degrees and also shorten the cooking time. I use the convection (right side) for all baking, and often a lot of cooking.
I have a question about the cooktop on the Aga Elise. How do the burners regulate the heat while cooking? And is there a burner that has a simmer? Or a good low setting that doesn’t scorch the bottom if you want to keep a large pot of soup hot for a while? Thanks! We are considering this model for our kitchen renovation. Have you still continued to enjoyed cooking and baking with your Aga since this post last year?
Hi Melissa! I am still loving my Aga! There is one burner that is smaller and good for simmering, and the center burner is larger. Once you learn it, it is possible to simmer a pot of soup for a while. You just have to learn it’s intensity and cooking capabilities, which is true for any range.
Hi
My name is Beth. I have bought an Elise Aga but, I’m concerned I won’t have enough oven space! I cook a lot and for a lot of people. Do you suggest I put a wall oven in my pantry or do you think just the Elise is enough.
Thanks for your help
Hi Beth! I find that I always have enough space. I’m not always cooking for a lot of people so it’s hard to say. The only adjustment I’ve found I have to make is smaller cookie sheets/pans. You still have the same amount of cu ft of oven space, just divided into 2 ovens + the broiler/grill. If you’re worried, maybe a range with a larger “main” oven and a smaller secondary oven would make you more comfortable.
Hi! How do you like the side hinge oven doors versus the bottom hinges more common in North America? Do they ever swing toward closed and burn your arm when you’re putting things in or taking things out?
Never been an issue. I love the side-by-side door look.
Thanks for the review! I am wondering if there is a griddle feature that can fit over the burners for pancakes, etc?
I don’t think Aga makes one that comes with the range but you could easily buy a cast iron griddle that sits on the burners.
Hi, So glad to have found this blog! Great information! I am looking at the Aga Elise…you mentioned cookie sheets…mine are 17.75″ and I have a 20″ roasting pan….would those fit? I do have a smaller roasting pan as well, so could use that if needed.
I defer to the Aga website where you can find detailed information about oven dimensions:
https://www.aga-ranges.com/sites/default/files/user_guides_uploaded/AGA-Elise-48-Inch-Dual-Fuel-Range-Product-Spec-Sheet-AEL48DF_0.pdf
Thank you!!!!
Hi Becky, We are researching the Aga Elise now for purchasing, but the dimensions on the user guide don’t make sense. They say that the two larger ovens are 17 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 14 1/2 inches high. If they’re only 14 inches deep, that makes the oven only 2 cubic feet instead of 2.8. considering that the full oven unit is 26″ deep from front to back, it seems like that would be a typo. This may be the recommended cooking space within the oven, but can you shed any light on whether the ovens are deeper than listed? I’ve asked a rep, and they just keep sending me the pdf, which isn’t helpful. Any information you can provide is incredibly appreciated!
They are both more like 16″ deep. The convection is approx 16″ high and 18″ wide. The multi-function oven is approx 14.5″ high b/c the top coil takes up some space. I measured the actual size of the inside, not the doors.
Hi. My wife and I are looking at the Elise, but we can;t find out from Aga the actual usable size in inches (Width x height x depth) of each of the larger ovens. Would you have those dimensions?
Thanks
Peter
becky: hi! love the look of the elise, but can’t find out the actual interior dimensions of the two larger ovens. I’d buy it in a second if I knew they were big enough (h x w x d).
If you measured, you’d be my wife’s hero!
Detailed dimensions can be found via Aga’s website (page 2) see here:
https://www.aga-ranges.com/sites/default/files/user_guides_uploaded/AGA-Elise-48-Inch-Dual-Fuel-Range-Product-Spec-Sheet-AEL48DF_0.pdf
Great review!
A few questions:
1) did you consider the Aga Mercury? If so why did you choose the Elise?
2) did you consider the induction cooktop? We’ve been reading about health concerns of gas.
3) I can’t find anywhere that would service this. What do you plan to do for service?
Thanks!
I prefer the antique-y look of the Aga, the Mercury is too modern for our taste and my kitchen. I did not consider induction just because I prefer gas cooking but I know many people love induction! For service, any high-end luxury appliance repair person should be familiar with the Aga. You could try researching to see if there is an Aga dealer in your area, if so call them and see if they can recommend someone to service.
Hi! Thanks so much for your review, it’s the only one I can find on the AGA Elise! We love the look and are considering it for our kitchen re-do. I noticed you paired matte black with a stainless fridge, do you like the way they look together? We are keeping our current fridge and dishwasher (both stainless) but I was worried it might look a little disconnected.
It doesn’t bother me at all! The Aga has stainless accents on the range so it all flows! Nothing wrong with an accent range and stainless appliances 😉
We have the Aga Elise Induction LOOOOVVVEEE it. Mom of 6 and one of our boys is autistic and coming home finding our gas on was a NIGHTMARE! We did a renovation back 3 almost 4 years ago when we had to have ours shipped in from England. But dealt with a local rep that’s homebase is in MI. We are in GA due to shifting on the boat a few induction rings under the glass had to be replaced. There is a local company that repairs high-end appliances and the repair man said they NEVER have to work on these and that all the women in the l9cal office are saving to get one. Hands down the best purchase ever and wirth ever penny. I will say we lucked out price has gone up we “only” paid 4k. Yes that’s a lot but not compared to what my friend was quoted. Def. read instructions on cooking it can be a learning curve. The other awesome purchase was a GE Advantium oven…it is a microwave, convection, speed cook, broiler you name it it does it. So glad to come across your blog so I can share it with others. Was just telling a sales guy he needs to carry them. Any suggestions on a freezer? We want an upright our sidekick failed weve had two in 4 years I’m done. No more made in China appliances ughhhh. If you can suggest a good one that lasts I need it bad…
Thanks for your feedback Tara! Glad you’re loving your range!
Hi, Tara! We are also in Georgia but are concerned about needing repairs if we get an AGA. Do you mind me asking where in Georgia you are, who you bought it through, and which local company you use for repairs?
It really tells you something when this thread continuously gets visited. AGA really needs to share more information. 🙂
Thank you for your review. I, too, have the exact same range you do. I’ve had it for a year now. We have a continuous issue with water dripping out of the bottom of both ovens. Whenever I open the doors, they dribble water onto my new hardwood floors. Sometimes, the convection oven drips so much, it dribbles water into a little pool in the storage compartment. Have you had this issue?
I’m terribly disappointed with the AGA customer service as well. I have been going back and forth with them since we got the range. In desperation, I’m dealing with the retailer,, trying to get them to prompt AGA now. The oven creates a great deal of steam, but for whatever reason, that is creating moisture that drips.
Also, I’ve used the broiler feature twice and both times it started a fire with splash back from the fat in the pan. You haven’t had that issue?
I am so frustrated with this. I have my “dream range” that we paid a lot of money for and my old KitchenAid worked better.
Hi Tara, I am so sorry to hear all of this! We haven’t had any of the issues that you mention. In all fairness, we don’t use the broiler very often but I have not had any of these issues. I am sorry to hear Aga isn’t providing better customer service.
hi Becky, thanks for sharing this review with us! I love the look of the Elise and am considering this or the Ilve Nostalgie (but worried about repair issues) – I wondered if you could confirm that all the knobs and trim on your range are stainless steel – not plastic to look like stainless or anything? I’m assuming not given the price but thought worth checking! Thanks so much
The knobs are not plastic.
We are considering buying an AGA. Does it stay on all the time, and throw heat into the room? If so, is it a problem trying to keep a cool-enough kitchen in summer?
This model does not stay on all of the time.
Hi Becky! Are lights provided inside the oven cavities and, if not, does this make it hard to check for doneness? Also, any feedback on how loud the cooling fan is and how long it stays on after the oven turns off? Can you comment on how long it takes to pre-heat oven to 425? Many thanks!
Hi there! There are no lights inside the ovens. It drives my husband crazy but I don’t mind so much. I just pull out the rack to check and it doesn’t bother me. The cooling fan is not very loud at all. It takes the convection (left side) oven about 10 mins to heat to 425 but the multi-range oven takes double the time. I hope that is helpful!
Hi Becky, we just moved in to our new build and had fallen in love with the AGA Elise ordered it and about 2 weeks before we moved in our sales rep said it was on backorder for another 60 days. They since provided us with a Blue-Star range and it works very well. Super powerful. My wife is really liking it. She is now concerned that she might not like the Elise when it finally gets here. I was hoping maybe you have heard any feedback from people whom have a blue star and have seen your Elise. We live in East Tennessee and there are none in stock anywhere with in a few hours drive to go see. I know it’s a long shot but I thought it would not hurt to ask.
Hi Paul, I’m sorry I have no experience or feedback to share with the Blue Star. Sounds like she’s happy, keep it!
Hey Paul, I live in East Tennessee as well. I’m curious, what was it about the Bluestar your wife liked so much and did she keep it?
Hi! Loved your review. We just purchased the same range and are wondering how you like the hood? Is it 44 inches? We are concerned that it’s too small for the 48 inch Elise???
Hi! In retrospect, we would have gone with a different hood. I don’t love the Aga one. It’s a bit too small and looking back, I prefer a built-in/hidden hood vent. Also, it’s quite loud when on full speed.
Thanks so much!
Hello, thanks for your review! Two questions:
Is there a proofing drawer?
I had wanted to purchase a range with brass/ gold knobs; I see you have combined metals- silver on range and brass in fixtures- how do you like that combo?
Thanks!
No proofing drawer, just a storage drawer under the convection oven. I am a fan of mixed metals in a kitchen or any space for that matter to add depth and dimension.
Hi Becky, why about your dishwasher? Do you have SS? My dishwasher is SS and the fridge I’m planning to get the kind behind a cabinet door.
We have a stainless fridge and dishwasher. Our kitchen reveal can be seen here: http://dalydigs.com/our-home/kitchen/farmhouse-kitchen-remodel-reveal/
Sorry, I meant what about your dishwasher? I want the matte black Aga Elise but couldn’t find a floor model to see. The tiny sample the dealer had made the matte black look almost dark dark grey. Do you agree it’s not a true black?
I’m thinking matte black stove, stainless hood and keep my stainless dishwasher.
I don’t have experience with other Aga appliances other than the Elise. I have a stainless dishwasher and fridge.
Would you mind sharing what brand and size of roasting pan you bought? I just got my AGA Mercury installed and none of my ovenware fit. I’m a little surprised on the small size of the ovens. I thought they would be bigger.
Our all-clad lasagna pan fits.
Hi Amy, our Induction AGA Mercury arrives in a week and a half. We’ve waited 17 months for it!! I’m both excited and nervous!! I’d love to hear all about your Mercury and what things you’ve liked and disliked, any tips, things you’ve leaned etc. -if you get a chance and want to share!
Learned*
Hello!! I agree with a previous poster that AGA needs to put more information out there. This is by far the most information I can find. I too am struggling to bake. I tried putting a thermometer the oven to check temps (using the multifunction oven) and I found that when set to 325 the oven fluctuation was outside what I think is reasonable. It went from 318 to 365 within a 30min time frame. The oven kicked back on to heat when it had only dropped to 341. Obviously this wide of a range makes consistent baking almost impossible. So far I’ve only tried cookies with various approaches of adjusting time and temperature with no success. I love the look of the Elise but I really need to get a grasp on this. If a you have further suggestions please send them my way, I’m kind of desperate.
I am so sorry you’ve already done more advanced temperature tracking than I have. I just reduce the temp by 5-10 degrees and cooking time.
We are having trouble finding someone to assemble this! We are in the Boston area. We got one quote for $600!!
I’m sorry to hear that. I don’t know how to help. We paid a few hundred. Perhaps search for a few different luxury/high-end appliance techs.
We have AGA Mercury and love it but like other people are having problems finding a roasting pan that fits. Do you have a link to a turkey roasting pan that you find that fits?
We use an All-Clad lasagna pan.
We love the look of your kitchen. We found you because we are most likely using the Aga Elise range (but induction). I think your counters are quartz? And love the mix of whites in your backsplash tile…adds nice texture…can you share brand? Can I also ask the colors of your warm white cabinets and then putty colored island? Thanks! Your home looks lovely and inviting. 🙂 Hoping ours will be, as well!
The backsplash is zellige from Cle tile. It’s from a limited edition kiln load so you can’t get this exact one but their weathered white is close. Cabinets are stock colors from Semihandmade that they no longer carry but the perimeter is an antique white and island is a putty/greenish-gray tone.
I plan to order the AGA Elise in either matte black or gloss black. Are you happy with your choice of matte? Do you think it shows hand/water marks easily? My stainless steel dishwasher seems to always have hand marks and I hope to avoid that with my range. I am not sure if matte or gloss black would be better at hiding hand prints, water drips etc. Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
I love the matte. It doesn’t get many water marks, not as many as a dish washer may. I wipe it every once in a while but not a lot.
Hi Becky,
Can you tell me approximately how long the Aga Elise range takes to heat the ovens to temperature, say to 400 degrees F? I’ve heard that Aga ranges need eight hours to heat and I’m not sure if that’s the cast iron ranges or all Aga ranges. Thanks so much.
It definitely does not take 8 hours!! I don’t know exactly, but it’s comparable to a typical range. 🙂 Maybe 10 mins or so.
Thank you for your review. I’m considering it for my new build.
Hi my Aga Elise gets delivered this coming Friday. Super excited! Saw someone asked about assembling stove and wondered what did they mean assemble? Does it show up in pieces? Cause I will be in trouble if that’s the case. I have waited 5 months for this. Kim
Hi Kim! You will need someone to install it. It doesn’t show up in pieces, per se, but needs to be properly installed and prepped for cooking. You will need to look up a luxury appliance store in your area and find an installer.
Thank it’s in and working beautifully!!!!!
HI Becky,
I have the AGA Elise36 inch single oven.
It is lovely and super fast.. only i am having issues with finding the right simmer temp on the stove top. Aside from turning all the way on and they going back past the start are there any other ideas? Even the small burner is too hot for simmer! thanks!
I’m not sure I can help, I do what you mentioned, turn all the way on and then go down from there.
Sandy, I recommend that you contact your supplier. Ours had the same issue, and needed adjustment after installation. I can simmer now.
Thank you so much for this review! We are all desperate for ANY information about AGA. I’ve been waiting since April but I have word that my induction Elise is in stock & on its way to the shipper, yay! I was back & forth between Ilve & AGA but oh the horror stories on the Ilve FB groups… I just couldn’t risk it. I just noticed you mentioned a fan… is it a cooling fan or a heating up fan and how long is it on for abouts? Have you needed any service thus far? Thank you!!
P.S. Your kitchen is just lovely!!
Hi Tanya, I haven’t needed any service. I think both ovens of our Elise have fans. The convection side and the regular side for fan-assisted baking/thawing/etc.
Hi Tanya or others, can anyone confirm whether a standard half sheet pan (18″ x 13″) will fit into the racks on the 48″ Elise ovens?
Sorry, I should have addressed Becky and clarified I was asking whether the half sheet pan fits when placed so that the 18″ is the width.
Hi Becky. I just got an Aga Elise and love it but my only nit with it is where the oven vents are in the back. I don’t know how to clean back there when splashes fall through the vents. Have you found a way?
I have not I just do my best reaching inside the oven to get what I can in the back.
Becky if you still check this, how do you feel about the 5 burners instead of 6? My husband is hung up on this because 6 burners is pretty standard. I can’t say I disagree, but I can see that the middle burner is the big powerhouse. I told him we’ve never cooked with 6 burners at once, ever, lol. But we do use a griddle often and that would have to go on one side or the other, instead of the middle like you’d have in most high-end ranges. Any feedback you have on the 5 vs 6 burners would be great to hear.
I have never wished for a 6th burner. I have wished for a griddle but never a 6th burner. The most I’ve used at once is 4. And I cook often.