How to Use the Simmering Oven on an AGA

If you are new to cooking on an AGA, the simmering oven can feel like the mysterious one.

Most people quickly get their head around the roasting oven and the baking oven, but the simmering oven often raises a few questions. What is it actually for? Is it just for slow cooking? Can you cook a proper meal in it?

The good news is that once you understand how the simmering oven works, it often becomes one of the most useful parts of the whole cooker.

If you are still learning how your cooker works, you might also find my guide to how AGA cookers work helpful.

What Is the Simmering Oven on an AGA?

The simmering oven is the gentlest oven in a traditional heat-storage AGA. It is designed for low and steady cooking, which makes it ideal for dishes that benefit from time rather than fierce heat.

It is commonly used for:

• Slow cooking casseroles and stews
• Cooking soups and stocks
• Braising meat until tender
• Keeping dishes warm before serving
• Cooking puddings and other gentle baked dishes

Think of it as the AGA equivalent of a slow cooker, but built into your range cooker and ready whenever you need it.

What Temperature Is the Simmering Oven?

The exact temperature can vary a little depending on your AGA model, but the simmering oven is generally around 120 to 140°C.

That gentle, steady heat is what makes it so useful. It cooks food slowly, helps flavours develop beautifully, and is very forgiving for dishes that need a long cooking time.

What Can You Cook in the Simmering Oven?

The simmering oven is surprisingly versatile. It is perfect for everyday comfort food and meals that can be left to do their thing with very little effort.

Popular options include:

• Casseroles
• Stews
• Chilli
• Soups
• Rice pudding
• Slow-cooked meats
• Pulled chicken
• Overnight porridge

It is also handy for warming plates, keeping side dishes hot, melting ingredients gently, or holding cooked food until you are ready to serve.

How to Cook in the Simmering Oven

Cooking in the simmering oven is simple, but there are a few tips that can make things easier.

• Use a lidded casserole dish where possible to help keep moisture in
• Bring soups, stews, or casseroles up to heat on the hob first if you want to speed things up
• Use the oven floor for the gentlest cooking
• Use the shelf if you want slightly more heat

One of the joys of the simmering oven is that it is low-fuss. You can get something started, close the door, and leave it alone for a while. Very civilised.

How Long Does Food Take in the Simmering Oven?

Cooking times will vary depending on the recipe and the dish you are using, but here are some rough guides:

• Casseroles and stews: 2 to 3 hours
• Soups: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Rice pudding: around 2 hours
• Slow-cooked meat dishes: 3 to 5 hours

If you like the sort of cooking where you can get dinner going and then wander off for a walk, get on with work, or put your feet up with a cup of tea, this is the oven for you.

Why AGA Owners Love the Simmering Oven

The simmering oven suits real life. It is ideal for busy days, batch cooking, and meals that do not need constant checking.

Many AGA owners use it every day because it helps with:

• Easy family meals
• Gentle cooking with great flavour
• Less last-minute stress
• Making use of the AGA throughout the day

Once you get used to it, it often becomes the oven you wonder how you ever managed without.

Helpful for Everyday AGA Cooking

If you use your AGA regularly, it also helps to keep the lids protected from splashes, marks, and general kitchen chaos. That is why many people like to use Chef’s Pads on the hotplate lids while cooking.

If you fancy a look, you can browse my collection of Chef’s Pads for AGA cookers here.

Final Thoughts

The simmering oven on an AGA is not just for the occasional casserole. It is one of the most practical and useful parts of the cooker, especially if you enjoy easy meals, gentle cooking, and food that tastes like you have made far more effort than you really have.

If you are still getting to know your AGA, the best thing to do is experiment. Start with something simple like a casserole, soup, or pudding, and you will soon get a feel for how useful the simmering oven can be.