What are the Best Alternatives to an Aga cooker?
For decades the Aga has been a kitchen icon. It’s warm, solid, and instantly recognisable. For many families, it has been the heart of the home. But here’s the thing: it’s not right for everyone. The running costs can be high, the fuel options limited, and not everyone wants background heat in July.
So what do you do if you like the idea of an Aga but not the reality? The good news is, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from, and they’re not poor imitations either. Some are even better suited to modern living.
Everhot 160i
Why look beyond the Aga?
It’s worth being honest about why people go looking for Aga alternatives.
Energy bills: A traditional fossil fuel Aga is always on. That’s lovely in winter, less so when the meter’s whirring.
Lifestyle: Some households need heat 24/7. Others just want a cooker when they’re actually cooking.
Style: Cast iron has charm, but not every kitchen wants a heritage look.
Cost: Even if you opt for a more modern electric Aga, any model wider than 90cm will cost over £10,000 to buy new!
If any of those ring true, then you’re in the right place.
Everhot – warmth without the guilt
Ask anyone who’s swapped their Aga for an Everhot and you’ll probably hear the same words: “It just works for modern life.”
Runs on electricity: Well-insulated and surprisingly efficient.
Flexible sizes: A neat 60cm for cottages or a full 160cm for busy family kitchens.
Smart features: You control the Everhot with Wi-Fi.
Eco bonus: Pair it with renewable energy and you’ve got a very green cooker.
But it’s not just about efficiency. Everhot is also a great cooking machine. Each model has ovens that bake beautifully, grills that heat quickly, and hobs that are easy to manage. Owners often say they love how predictable it is: no more waiting for a cooker to “settle,” just reliable heat when you need it.
It feels like the natural choice if you love the cosiness of an Aga but want something a little easier to live with day to day.
Everhot 120
Lacanche – the cook’s dream
If constant background heat isn’t a must but serious cooking is, then Lacanche is the range to beat. These French beauties are built in Burgundy, in the same village where they’ve been produced for decades, and they’re often chosen by professional chefs.
Powerful and precise: Mix gas, induction, electric ovens, even a plancha.
Switch-on cooking: Unlike an Aga, you fire it up when you need it. That’s a big win for efficiency.
Custom look: More colours and trims than you’ll know what to do with.
Built to last: These things are made to be part of your kitchen for decades.
What really sets Lacanche apart is its flexibility during the buying process. You can configure it to your exact cooking style. Love roasting? Add an extra oven. Do a lot of stir-frying? Choose a wide gas hob with powerful burners. The level of personalisation is unmatched.
They’re also stunning to look at. With dozens of enamel finishes and trims, you can go classic cream and brass, or bold burgundy with chrome. It’s a cooker that makes a statement as much as it makes dinner.
Lacanche Vezelay
Bertazzoni – Italian flair
Not every kitchen wants a farmhouse feel. If you prefer something sharper, Bertazzoni could be right up your street.
Design-first: Sleek lines, bold colours, or cool stainless steel.
Fast and efficient: Perfect for busy households who don’t have time to wait.
Plenty of options: Various widths and fuel types mean there’s a model for most kitchens.
Bertazzoni ranges are known for their style, but they’re not all show. They’re highly responsive, easy to use, and versatile. For modern homes, especially open-plan ones where you don’t necessarily want a constant heat source, they tick a lot of boxes.
Bertzzoni Professional Cookers
Rayburn – Aga’s close cousin
It would be wrong not to mention the Rayburn. It’s made by the same company as Aga, but with a twist.
Some models heat water and central heating as well as cooking.
Available in different fuels, from oil to electric.
Keeps that heritage look but adds more flexibility.
Rayburn is a good middle ground. It has the same aesthetic charm at a lower price-point:
How to decide which heat storage cooker is best for you?
So, how do you actually choose which heat storage cooker is best for you? Here are a few real-life questions to ask yourself:
Do I want a cooker that doubles as heating? If yes, then Aga or Rayburn still hold appeal. If not, look at Everhot, Lacanche, or Bertazzoni.
What’s my cooking style? Serious foodies might lean towards Lacanche. If you just want everyday ease, Everhot or Bertazzoni may suit better.
What about summer? Constant background heat is a joy in winter, but can feel oppressive in July. If that bothers you, pick a switch-on model.
What’s my budget? Aga alternatives vary widely in price. Everhot cookers in particular are excellent value for money if price is a big factor for you.
Answering these questions usually narrows things down pretty quickly.
Want to Replace your Aga? There’s Plenty of Options
The Aga will always be a classic, but it’s not the only option anymore. Everhot gives you warmth without the running costs. Lacanche is the cook’s choice, with power and customisation to spare. Bertazzoni blends style with practicality. Rayburn keeps it traditional but adds extra uses.
Want to know which one really fits your home? The easiest way is to see them side by side. At Fornello’s showroom in Forest Row, East Sussex, you can do exactly that. Touch the handles and get a proper sense of how each cooker works, we even offer range cooker demonstrations if you want to see the cookers in action. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you find your Aga alternative.