AGA AIMS EC3 Use and care manual

03/10 EOPI 515925
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS APPLIANCE
For use in GB and IE
Users
Instructions
&
Cooking
Guide
AGA ELECTRIC - AIMS
EC3 COOKER

SECTION PAGE
HEALTH & SAFETY 3
THE AGA COOKER 4
HEAT INDICATOR 5
OPERATING THE AGA 6
BAKING OVEN 7
FITTING OF OVEN SHELVES 8
REMOVAL OF OVEN SHELVES 9
GUIDE TO AGA COOKING 10
POWERED OVEN VENTING 10
AIMS SET-UP 11
AIMS CONTROLLER HANDSET 11 - 12
INFORMATION (MAIN MENU) SCREEN 13
SETTINGS DATE/TIME SCREEN 13
AIMS PROGRAMME SCREEN 14
HOLIDAY SCREEN 115
CARING AND CLEANING 16
AIMS HANDSET CARE 17
SERVICING 18
2
CONTENTS

Consumer Protection
As responsible manufacturers we take care to make sure that our products are designed and
constructed to meet the required safety standards, when properly installed and used.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their
safety.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING WARRANTY.
Any alteration that is not approved by AGA could invalidate the approval of the appliance,
operation of the warranty and could also affect your statutory rights.
APPLIANCE
YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD BE KEPT AWAY FROM THE APPLIANCE AS SURFACES CAN
BECOME HOT TO THE TOUCH.
Deep Fat Frying
IMPORTANT
zUse a deep pan.
zNever fill the pan more than one-third full of fat or oil.
zNever use a lid on the pan.
zImportant: Oil is a fire risk, do not leave pans containing oil unattended.
zIn the event of a fire, cover the pan with a lid and turn OFF the appliance.
Smother the flames on the hob preferably with a fire blanket, rather than attempting to
remove the pan to the outside.
Burns and injuries are caused almost invariably by picking up the burning pan to carry it
outside.
zDo not hang clothes over the left hand side of the AGA hand-rail, because the
electrical controls are behind the top left hand door, and will prevent easy access to
the controls.
HEALTH & SAFETY
3

4
THE AGA COOKER
This appliance is a heat storage cooker with a 13 amp element which will keep the temperature
of the cooker constant when not in use and return it to constant temperature after use or in
accordance with pre-set AIMS programme.
TheAGAEC3 cooker has three ovens, namely, the Roasting Oven, Baking Oven and Simmering
Oven. ‘Grilling’ and ‘frying’ can be done in the top and floor positions in the Roasting Oven.
The AGA is supplied with the following accessories:
1 Large roasting tin with grill rack
1 Half-size roasting tin with grill rack
3 Oven grid shelves
1 Plain shelf
1 Toaster
1 AGA book
1 Wire brush
Samples of enamel and chrome/stainless cleaner
In addition there is a guarantee registration card which should be completed and returned to
AGA.
A full description of cooking with the AGA is given in the AGA Book.
DESN 514197 A
Fig 1

5
The heat indicator is located on the AIMS handset ‘INFORMATION’ screen. When the indicator
is within the black band, the cooker is at correct working temperature. The purpose of the heat
indicator is to show whether the cooker contains the full amount of stored heat when the cooker
is in normal operational mode.
During cooking the indicator will drop back below the band. This is normal and the heat will be
automatically restored, this could take up to 2 hours depending on the amount of use.
Also during AIMS ‘LOW’ and ‘SLUMBER’ setting the indicator will drop back outside of the black
band.
NOTE: After several hours the heat indicator should be within the black band on the AIMS
handset ‘INFORMATION’ screen. It may be necessary to adjust the temperaturecontrol knob to
achieve this, allow the cooker to stabilise for at least 4 hours before attempting any further
adjustment.
THE HEAT INDICATOR
Fig. 2 DESN 515934
BLACK BAND - CORRECT
AMOUNT OF STORED HEAT
HEAT INDICATOR

The following points are intended to help during the change-over from a previous cooker to the
AGA. TheAGABook and the AGA new user guide video provide a very useful introduction to the
cooker.
After the AGA has been installed
When first switched on, the AGA will emit an odour for a short while. This is simply due to
protective oil burning off the hotplates. Wipe the inside of the lids whilst theAGA is heating up to
avoid a film of this oil being deposited on the inside of the lids. Also, condensation may occur on
the top and front plate whilst the AGA is heating up. This should be wiped away as soon as
possible.
For most effective operation of the cooker the following points should be carefully observed:
1. Close the insulating covers whenever the hotplates are not in use.
2. Clean the hotplates regularly with the wire brush.
3. Utensils with ground flat bases must be used to make perfect contact with the hotplates.
4. Have the cooker serviced at regular intervals by your AGA Specialist.
5. Take care when closing the oven doors, to lift them on to the catch.
6. Cook as much as possible in the ovens, so that heat is conserved and cooking smells and
condensation are reduced.
The Roasting Oven can also be used for ‘grilling’ at the top and shallow ‘frying’ on the oven floor.
Keep the insulated covers down when the hotplates are not in use so that the heat stored in the
cooker is conserved.
zFor optimum cooking performance, use the AGA utensils and cast iron cookware. They
have thick ground bases which give the best contact with the hotplates.
zThe AGA pans can be stacked in the Simmering Oven. This is especially useful for
steaming vegetables and keeping sauces warm.
zStore the Plain Shelf out of the AGA. Use it cold in the Roasting Oven to deflect the heat
from the top of the oven, creating a more moderate oven temperature underneath. It can
also be used as a baking sheet.
zA guide to AGA cooking is given on Page 10. Ask the AGA Specialist for an invitation to an
AGA demonstration.
OPERATING THE AGA
6

BAKING OVEN
WHEN USINGALL OF THE OVENS AND HOTPLATES TOGETHER FORALONG PERIOD OF
TIME i.e. full meal.
In the above case, the Baking Oven temperature may rise, it will therefore be necessary to adjust
the cooking procedure, the following suggestions may prove useful:
1. When placing the food in the Baking Oven, ensure that the cold Plain Shelf is set directly
above the dish, for the whole of the cooking time.
2. In addition it may be necessary to lower the shelf position.
3. When baking food, such as very rich fruit cakes, which require a long period of cooking
time, place the cake on the fourth grid shelf position of the oven with the cold plain shelf
set directly above, for 3/4 hour approximately. Move the plain shelf to the middle of the
Simmering Oven. Transfer the cake to this shelf and bake until cooked through.
4. Alternatively, allow the Baking Oven to cool for approximately 4 hours before using.
NOTE: A loose metal perforated plate is positioned in the top of the Baking Oven in order
to optimise cooking performance. It must remain in place at all times while the cooker is
in operation.
7

8
FITTING OF OVEN SHELVES
DESN 512403
DESN 512404
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
When using the oven shelves for the first time follow Figs. 3 - 6.

9
REMOVAL OF OVEN SHELVES
DESN 512405
DESN 512406
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

10
Top - grilling
2nd runner - scones, small pastries;
3rd runner - bread rolls, Yorkshire
pudding;
4th runner - roasts, poultry, small cakes in
cases in the large meat tin.
Grid shelf on oven floor - loaves.
Oven floor - shallow frying, quiche.
GRILLING
SCONES
PASTRIES
BREAD
YORKSHIRE PUDDING
ROASTS
SHALLOW FRYING
For casseroles, stock, milk puddings,
bring to heat elsewhere on the AGA then
transfer to Simmering Oven. (One
exception is meringues). Rich fruit cakes
can be cooked for a long time here
CASSEROLES
STOCK
MILK PUDDINGS
MERINGUES
RICH FRUIT CAKE
CAKES
BISCUITS
FISH
SOUFFLÉS
SHORTBREAD
CHEESECAKES
Towards top - whisked sponges,
some biscuits, small cakes
Middle - fish, soufflés.
Grid shelf on oven floor - Victoria
sandwiches, shortbread and cheesecake
OVEN TEMPERATURE AGA OVENS
HIGH
MODERATE
LOW
ROASTING OVEN
SIMMERING OVEN
BAKING OVEN
GUIDE TO AGA COOKING
POWERED OVEN VENTING
Roasting, Simmering and Baking Ovens
This feature is fitted to your cooker, it should be used as follows:
After placing the food to be cooked in the oven, depress the switch on the remote control, a light
will appear behind the bottom left hand door, the fan will be activated and the cooking smells will
be vented to outside.
REMEMBER: SWITCH THE FAN OFF WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED COOKING.
As the AGAis heated differently from an ordinary appliance, exact conversions are not possible.
Look in the AGA book for a similar recipe. Below is a quick guide to oven usage.

The handset is designed to operate within the kitchen area.
When transferring information from or to the controller always operate the handset in
front of the cooker, this gives the strongest signal.
If the handset indicates ‘OFFLINE’, press the back button firmly, this will activate the
communication link between the cooker and handset.
Should the handset continue to show ‘OFFLINE’, allow one minute for the handset to
“automatically”, re-connect itself with the cooker.
AIMS SET-UP (SEE FIG. 7)
AIMS (AGA INTELLIGENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)
CONTROLS
Fig. 7 DESN 515282
11
AIMS CONTROLLER HANDSET
1. Connect the electricity supply.
2. Turn the right hand control knob from the OFF setting to the Normal manual control
setting. The cooker will heat up until it reaches the Normal temperature as
indicated by the black line on the heat indicator.
3. The left hand control knob will alter the oven temperature. Turn it clockwise to increase the
temperature and anti-clockwise to decrease the temperature.
To obtain the required roasting oven temperature the control knob will need to be set about
halfway. We recommend that the cooker is run on the Normal manual setting for two days,
before switching to AIMS (automatic control).
4. When the Normal temperature has been set with heat indicator within the black band, it
should not be necessary to alter the temperature control again.
REMEMBER: If adjustment is made, to leave the cooker to stand for at least 4 hours before
attempting further adjustment.
5. The cooker can now be switched to AIMS (automatic control), by turning the right hand
control knob from the setting to the AIMS setting.
6. The AIMS hand set can then be used to programme the required settings (see AIMS
(automatic)) control instructions.

Fig. 8
12
DESN 515271
The handset has 10 buttons and a display screen.
NOTE: If the AIMS handset is unused for an extended period of time, the display screen will
automatically turn OFF to conserve battery power. The controller is designed to be operated
within the kitchen area.
Press firmly any button on the handset to turn the display back on, and the Information (main
menu) screen is automatically displayed.
The AIMS Controller handset has four display screens:
1. The Information (main menu) screen
2. The Date/Time setting screen
3. The AIMS Programme screen
4. The Holiday Setting screen
See each section for details.
The AIMS has one or two programmable events:
The two events programme will enable the AGA to be at ‘Normal’ in the morning, (ie to cook
breakfast) drop to a lower temperature during the day, and return to ‘Normal’ temperature in the
evening (ie: to cook dinner) and drop to ‘Slumber’ later in the evening and throughout the night.
The one event programme will enable the AGA to drop to ‘Slumber’ during the night and return
to ‘Normal’ throughout the day.
This will be shown as Once or Twice on the AIMS programme screen. (See Fig. 11).
The ‘Normal’ temperature for those two events can be set using the cooker thermostat.
The modes in between the events can be set at ‘Low’ or ‘Slumber’ depending on personal
preference.
If a mistake is made when setting the date or time on any of the screens, use the back button
to go back to previous setting.
When the oven vent fan button is pressed the oven vent fan will be switched on and a blue
light will appear.
SELECTING HANDSET LANGUAGE
Language options are selected during the Handset to Base Unit Signal Check/Language
Selection procedure, see page 17.

Press the button to move between the date and time.
Press + or - to alter date and time settings.
Press the button to confirm the settings and move to the
next action
This indicates the current cooker mode,
(Normal, Low or Slumber). If an arrow is
showing this indicates the cooker is
heating up from Low or Slumber to Normal.
INFORMATION (MAIN MENU) SCREEN
Fig. 9
Indicates that the cooker is operating
automatically (AIMS) or manually
(according to switch position on main AGA
control panel)
Icon indicating
the current time
and day
This icon shows if
the vent fan is
on or off
DESN 515272 A
13
Press the button to activate this screen
This will only show if
the Holiday mode has
been set
Fig. 10
THE SETTINGS DATE/TIME SCREEN
Press the button to activate this screen
DESN 515273
1.
2.
3.
2
1
Black band -
correct amount of
stored heat
Heat
Indicator

This screen shows that the ovens will be up at ‘Normal’ temperature between 07:00 and 10:00
the ovens will then go to the ‘Low’ mode.
The ovens will come up to ‘Normal’ once more in that day i.e. at 16:00 until 19:00. After the
evening the system will automatically enter ‘Slumber’ mode its lowest setting until next morning.
Boost
If cooking is required when the AGA is in the AIMS programme i.e ‘Low’ or ‘Slumber’, you can
boost the cooking temperature by pressing the Button which will bring the AGA upto
‘Normal’ operating temperature. This will take up to 2 hours from ‘Low’ and 4 hours from
‘Slumber’.
AIMS PROGRAMME SCREEN
2
2
1
4
Fig. 11 DESN 515274
3
4
3
14
Use the button to activate this screen and to move through the different actions
and set an AIMS programme. To go back a step at any time press .
1. Set the frequency of the programme Once or Twice daily using + and - buttons.
2. Press button to select start time for ‘Normal’ setting then use the + or - buttons to
set start time.
3. Press the button to select finish time then use + and - buttons to set finish time.
When a time is selected it will be highlighted in dark blue.
4. Press the button then press the button to alter the temperature setting to ‘Low’,
‘Slumber’, or ‘Off’. (Repeat steps 2 - 4 to set a 2nd event)
To copy this days settings for the next day press the button or alternatively press
the button to enter different settings for next day.
Each push of the copy button steps onto next day. When the desired days have been
programmed a return must be made to the main menu screen by pressing the button.
A‘Sent OK’ message will display to confirm changes are being sent to the base unit.
If the programme is not set for the whole week the programme for the remaining days will
revert to a default setting. ie: 8:00 am - 9:00 am and 18:00 - 19:00.
To change a setting within the AIMS program, press the button until the desired setting
is reached. Then change setting using either the +, - or buttons as appropriate.
If no other changes are to be made,push the button to transmit the change (s) and
return to main menu. A message saying ‘Sent OK’ will display, indicating that the changes
are being transmitted to the base unit. Unless this shows, the changes will not have been
implemented.

Power Cut
OK
Cancel
Holiday?
Yes No
If you wish to alter a holiday setting:-
Press , alter setting (use + or - then ), then after last setting press again to return to
main menu screen.
THE HOLIDAY SCREEN
Fig. 12 DESN 515275
15
Select YES using the button, then return to
main menu screen.
Press the button to activate this screen and to move through the different operations
and set a holiday programme.
Once a holiday mode has been set it will show as ‘Holiday Enabled’ on the main menu screen.
If you wish to cancel the holiday setting:
Press the button, then press the button and the following screen will appear:
1
2
3
1. Set a start date and time using the + or - buttons. Pressing the button after each
field has been entered to move you to the next field.
When a field is selected it will be highlighted in dark blue.
2. Set an end date and time using the + or - buttons. Pressing the button after each
field has been entered to move you to the next field.
3. Press the button to alter the temperature setting to ‘Low’, ‘Slumber’ or ‘Off’
When all the settings are completed press the button again to enable the Holiday
programme.
The display will return to the Main Menu Screen.
In event of a power cut
If mains power is lost/or disconnected for more than 15 minutes, when the power is restored
the handset will display:-
By then pressing the button, this will send the
correct time/date settings to the base.

REMEMBER: BE CAREFUL OF THE HOT APPLIANCE.
DO NOT USE A STEAM CLEANER TO CLEAN THIS COOKER.
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE PADS OR OVEN CLEANERS.
Top Plate and Front Plate
The easiest way to clean the AGA top plate and front plate is to mop up spills as soon as they
happen. Baked-on food is more difficult to clean but can usually be removed with the AGA
vitreous enamel cleaner or mild cream cleaners using a damp cloth, or, if necessary a nylon
scouring pad. If milk or fruit juice or anything containing acid, is spilt on the AGA, wipe it up
immediately. Also clean off any condensation streaks on the front plate around the oven doors
or the vitreous enamel maybe permanently discoloured.
All that is usually needed to keep the vitreous enamel surfaces of the AGA bright and clean is a
daily rub over with a damp soapy cloth followed immediately with a clean, dry cloth to avoid
streaks.
Remember the top plate and the polished covers will scratch if pans or utensils are dragged
across them.
Insulating Covers and Oven Doors
The linings of the insulating Covers and oven doors may be cleaned with a cream cleanser or a
soap impregnated pad.
Open the covers and lift off the oven doors to allow them to cool a little before cleaning. Do not,
however, immerse the doors in water as they are packed with insulating material which will be
damaged by excessive moisture.
Refer also to the Cleaning Section in The AGA Book.
Ovens and Hotplates
The cast iron ovens help to keep themselves clean, they merely need to be brushed out
occasionally with a long handled stiff brush.
The wire brush is provided for cleaning the hotplate and any burnt on spills in the cast iron ovens.
Roasting Tins
The enamelled roasting tins supplied with the new AGA should be cleaned in hot soapy water,
soaking if necessary. A nylon scouring pad can also be used. They may also be cleaned in the
dishwasher but, with constant use, the enamelled finish will become dull in appearance.
DO NOT use caustic cleaners or oven cleaners.
Important: AGA recommend Vitreous Enamel Association approved cleaners for cleaning
the vitreous enamelled surfaces of this product.
They are unsuitable for use on: chrome and stainless steel components, including the
insulating covers, hand-rails and their brackets.
The insulating covers should be cleaned regularly with a NON-ABRASIVE mild detergent,
applied with a soft (coarse free) cloth and lightly polished up afterwards with a soft
(coarse free) duster or tissue, to bring it back to its original lustre.
CARING AND CLEANING
16

Operating Distance
The Handset will only operate in the same room as the appliance and up to a maximum distance
of 4 metres from the appliance. If out of recommended operating range, the handset may show
“OFFLINE”. Move handset back to within the recommended distance and the handset should
correct itself. See note at foot of this page for “Handset to Base Unit Signal Check”.
Cleaning
The Handset should be wiped clean using a soft clean cloth.
Do not use abrasive cleaning products or submerge the Handset in water.
Batteries
The Handset is fitted with four 'AAA' batteries.
Batteries life will depend on usages.
Replace the batteries when the battery symbol on the Handset is down to one bar following the
instructions below.
- Remove the Handset from the backplate.
- Remove the battery cover plate from the rear of the Handset (fig 13)
- Carefully lever out the batteries commencing with the bottom one first pushing and pulling
out on the positive (+) end only (fig14).
- Repeat the procedure to remove the other batteries.
-Always use long life batteries for replacements.
- Replace batteries commencing with the bottom one working to the top (fig 15) Ensure that
the negative (-) end of the batteries is under the location pegs in the housing before
pushing the other end into position.
Handset Failure
In the event of Handset failure, the appliance would still be operational with the last selected
programme. The appliance can also be changed to manual mode if required using the control
knob (see fig 7).
If the Handset is damaged or lost, replacement can be obtained from AGA and re-programmed
to suit your appliance.
Handset to Base Unit Signal Check/Language Selection
Complete the following procedure to check the handset is communicating with the base unit and
to select a language option.
1. Press and hold the oven vent fan button on the control panel in the AGA until the blue neon
vent fan indicator flashes, then release button.
2. Immediately after neon starts to flash press and hold the + and -buttons together on the
handset until the blue neon goes out completely (handset display will briefly say connect),
then release buttons.
3. If the neon does not extinguish completely, but continue to flash with faint output, then repeat
steps 1 and 2 above.
4. When the connection has been made, the screen will display the language options, use the
+or -buttons to scroll through the options to the desired lanugage, then press the button
to confirm selection.
5. If the lanugage option needs to be changed at any time then the whole procedure must be
repeated from step 1.
AIMS HANDSET CARE
Fig. 13 Fig. 15Fig. 14
17

18
SERVICING
zIn the event of your appliance requiring maintenance, please contact AGA Service or your
AGA Specialist.
zYour cooker must only be serviced by a qualified engineer, from an authorised AGA
Specialist.
zDo not alter or modify the cooker.
zOnly the spares specified by the manufacturer, are to be fitted.
For continued efficient and safe operation of this part of the appliance, it is important that
servicing is carried out at regular intervals as recommended by your AGA Specialist, once every
5 years. The cooker should be turned OFF by the user the night preceding the day of servicing
so that the appliance will have cooled down by the following morning.
A HOT APPLIANCE CANNOT BE SERVICED.

19

For further advice or information contact your
local AGA Specialist
With AGA’s policy of continuous product
improvement, the Company reserves the right to
change specifications and make modifications to
the appliance described and illustrated at any time.
Manufactured By
AGA
Station Road
Ketley Telford
Shropshire TF1 5AQ
England
www.aga-web.co.uk
www.agacookshop.co.uk
www.agalinks.com
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