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Oil Fired Models - Hearth

Flue/Chimney.
May require the Aga to be close to an existing chimney or against an outside wall. See separate sheets on flues/chimney/ventilation.

Floor/Hearth/Plinth.
The floor must be strong enough to carry the weight of the Aga, typically:

2 Oven 406kg (8cwt)
3 Oven 477kg (9.4cwt)
4 Oven 584kg (11.5cwt)

Where an Aga Electric or Gas Module is attached add 129kg (2.5cwt)

The hearth must be non combustible for a thickness of at least 12mm

A raised plinth is not essential, and there is no reason why an Aga shouldn’t sit on the normal floor ( providing it meets the above criteria).

If a higher working position is preferred, or the finished height needs to match adjacent work surfaces, then a cast concrete slab, usually 50mm thick, is the answer. The slab dimensions should be the same as the base of the Aga:

2 & 3 oven 987 x 679mm
4 oven 1487 x 679mm

The 679 dimension can be reduced slightly if the front of the plinth is to be tiled.

Alternatively, there are also three purpose made plinths available to suit 2 and 3 oven gas or oil fired Aga, the hot cupboard (for the 4 oven Aga) and another for the gas and electric Modules.

Whatever type of hearth is chosen, it must be absolutely level in all directions.

Clearances.
A 2 or 4 oven oil-fired Aga requires an oil control valve to be fitted on its left or right hand side. (Note. If an Aga module is also installed then the valve must be fitted to the R.H side) This valve requires easy access for adjustment and servicing, therefore if the Aga is to be installed in a recess, increased width clearances are needed, significantly larger than the actual Aga dimensions.

In particular, please ensure that the oil control box mounted to the side of the Aga, the fire valves, isolation valves and fittings are always accessible to ensure that they can be accessed for future service and maintenance. 

In this view the oil control valve is shown on the left hand side of a 2 oven cooker. Total Clearance required = 1303mm. (i.e. Aga width 987 mm + oil valve access 200 mm + door opening clearance 116 mm).

If the right hand wall does not protrude forward beyond the front of the Aga, then there is no need for a clearance here. In this case the Total clearance required would be 1187mm. (i.e. Aga width 987mm + valve clearance 200mm).

Had the valve been installed on the right hand side, there would be no need for a gap on the left, therefore the Total Clearance required = 1187mm, whether or not the right hand wall extends forward.

For a 4 oven Aga, add 500mm to cooker width in the above calculations.

Note that the diesel and 3 oven models do not have an oil control valve.

If the Aga is to be installed in a tight brick recess, then the minimum clearances should be increased by at least 10mm on either side, to allow for the walls being out of square and also for the natural dimensional variations found in castings.

If the Aga is not going into a tight recess, but merely between kitchen work units, then there is no reason why the units cannot be brought up to the side of the Aga, with the Oil control valve being actually located in the cupboard, the latter having a false wall. Zero clearances are then required.

Under some special circumstances, it may be possible to site the oil control valve remotely from the Aga, but the distance from the burner must not exceed 3 metres.

Work tops should however stop short of the Aga top plate and not actually touch it. A gap of 3mm each side of the top plate is important to enable the cooker top plate to be removed. Any slight gap can be filled with a silicone sealant.

If the surrounding walls are to be tiled, then this must be done before the Aga is installed, as the tiles must be taken down below the Aga top plate level, not finish above it.

The rear wall must be non combustible for at least 25mm thickness.

At least 60mm clearance should be allowed above the insulating covers in their vertical, open position.

Dimensions
Aga Dimensions:

Maximum depth over handrail etc 756mm
Maximum width, 2 oven 987mm, 4 oven 1487mm (see note above)
Maximum height with insulating lids open 1330mm (see note above)

Heat to Room.
The Aga releases a gentle warmth into the kitchen, which is not likely to give rise to any problems, unless the room is exceptionally small or poorly ventilated. The actual output varies slightly from model to model and in accordance with the type of flue system chosen. An average contribution to the room of 1 kW/hr should be allowed.