In their own words, some well-known owners tell us why they believe the Aga is really rather special

An Aga is the heart of the home – it makes life so much easier and warrmer
Jasmine Guinness model

The kitchen is my favourite retreat. It’s got a fireplace where I’ve put the Aga. It’s transformed my attitude to cooking
Martin Clunes actor

The kitchen was the centre of my family's life when we were growing up. And at the centre of the kitchen was the Aga
Mary McCartney photographer

All those clichés are true – it really is the heart of the home
Sophie Conran food writer

My perfect weekend would be spending it at our farmhouse having a big breakfast, reading the papers and listening to the Archers omnibus edition. Then going for a long walk and coming back to eat something that’s been cooking slowly in the Aga
Janet Street-Porter writer/presenter

We had an Aga when I was growing up. My mother won’t cook on anything else. She simply refuses.
Tom Parker-Bowles writer and broadcaster

The Aga is an iconic part of British life. I’ve cooked on an Aga, since the day I was born, or at least my mother did. I’m very enthusiastic about it... This is Britain – you’ve got to use an Aga
Rick Stein chef

My cat Nigel loves sitting in front of the Aga, so I need to find him somewhere else to sit so I can keep it clear when I’m cooking
Antony Worrall Thompson chef

I think the Aga makes people better cooks; they’re generally technically better cooks because they understand cooking.
Jamie Oliver food writer

I use my Aga every day. It's nice, warm and the heart of the home. I love it to bits.
Alex James musician

I’ve had an Aga all my life. I could talk for hours about Agas I have known
Emma Bridgewater designer

There’s something about an Aga that makes it like a best friend always there, never complaining
Susan Hampshire actress

And I’ve got my Aga, so I love it. Alastair Mackenzie actor

I was brought up around the Aga. It has always symbolised for me such wonderful things: good food, warmth and protection I guess. I have this abiding memory of a terrible storm in ’86 or ’87 and the power being down all around us. But we were all huddled around the Aga feeling safe and protected.
Jodie Kidd model

My first home had an Aga. It was a modern home, but I love the Aga – everyone does. There are strong emotions about it. It warms the house and warms the room like a great big friend
Raymond Blanc chef and food writer

When we're in the country, I'll put things in the Aga in the morning and take them out in the evening - a low, slow organic roasting thing.
Viscount David Linley designer

Some other well-known Aga owners:

David Cameron, Conservative Party leader
Chris Evans, broadcaster
Sting and Trudy Styler, musician and film director
Claudia Schiffer, model
Jade Jagger, designer
Madonna and Guy Ritchie, musicians
Jonathan Ross, broadcaster
Elle McPherson, model
Robert Carlyle, actor
Colin Firth, actor
Elizabeth Hurley, model
Shania Twain, singer/songwriter
Jeremy Clarkson, broadcater and writer
Jilly Cooper, novelist
Robbie Coltrane, actor
Rio Ferdinand, footballer
HRH Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall
Kate Winslet, actress
Sharon Stone, actress
Rachel Allen, food writer and broadcaster
Billy Joel, musician
Chris Beardshaw, writer and gardener
Julia McKenzie, actress
Mary Berry, food writer
Cristiano Ronaldo, footballer
Alan Titchmarsh, writer and broadcaster
Raffaella Barker, novelist
Thomasina Miers, food writer
Kate Muir, novelist and columnist
Julie Walters, Actress