It’s always good to get feedback and reviews. As comments come in I’ll post them here.
Alan in Northern Ireland June 2024.
The kit arrived very quickly and was very well packaged. Although I have not used the kit yet, as it was bought after I’d just serviced the aga, and felt that lifting the barrel by standing on the aga was getting beyond my years. I did unpack it and set it up in front of the aga without lifting the core, and all looks good and such a simple idea.
The kit is of a very high standard of build and assembly easy. Instructions are clear, I had already watched your video before buying. The one thing with this kit, it will encourage to carry out 6 month services where as before, lifting the core would mean putting if off until required.
John in Dumfriesshire, June 2024
Hi Rob. I received the kit quickly in good condition. I used it within the week since the Aga was in need of a service, previously I have done all my own servicing. I was finding the lifting of the barrel hard, it is a converted solid fuel Aga, so the barrel is deeper. The lifting kit worked a treat and everything went smoothly. I wish I’d had the lifter years ago, brilliant work Rob.
June in Camridgeshire June 2024
Hi Rob. My husband used the AGA lifting kit as soon as it arrived. He was very impressed buy the quality of the manufacture and the extensive and easy to follow instructions. After a few small and quick adjustments the drum was out and he could change the wicks put everything back and was soon working perfectly again. As the Aga and my husband are not getting any younger I was relieved that you have made it safer and less stressful for me and my husband who likes to do everything himself.
I would highly recommend this kit for anyone who likes to work on their Aga themselves.
Tom from Lichfield February 2024.
Hi Rob. Thanks so much for sending the lifting kit – what a lovely piece of engineering.
Alex from Cheshire. Feb 2024
Everything went well with no leaks and I’ve got a good blue flame. The lift does make it so much easier without the worry of looking after your back! Onto our other Aga next door now. Happy days!
Graham from Kent. January 2024
Just to let you know that it arrived this morning. Great packaging. And am impressed with the build/quality of the tool.
looking forward to using it. – Many Thanks. –
Its a bit late but HAPPY new year.
UPDATE 28.01.24Just to let you know – Your Lifting Tool was great. – used it for the 1st time a fortnight ago. – it makes cleaning so much easier – so Thanks !
Sewyn from Chesterfield Dec 2023.
Hi Rob, I got the lifter (next day) and set it up and just used it.
It is very well made and perfect for the job. The box is a nice touch. Thanks again. Kind Regards, Selwyn.
Warren from Doncaster Dec 2023
HI Rob,
The package arrived OK from ParcelForce, exactly as they predicted.
It was a bit heavier than expected, until I opened it and saw just what a good job you had made of packaging.
Brilliant. As an engineer myself I must congratulate you on the very high quality job you have made.
Well thought out for a specific operation. It doesn’t put the cat out , just does one thing and does it par excellence.
Curtis from Gwynedd, Wales. Aug 2023
Unpacked and set up. This is a great piece of engineering and manufacture. No more sprained backs! Thanks. Curtis
Ian in Cornwall, Aug 2023
Morning Rob,
Many thanks for the lifter kit which arrived the other day but only got opened last night.
I’m very impressed with both quality and detail and am looking forward to using it. The re-usable delivery and storage box is also a very nice, thoughtful touch! Thanks again and kind regards,
Curtis in Wales, Aug 2023
Unpacked and set up. This is a great piece of engineering and manufacture. No more sprained backs! Thanks.
Peter from Bolton. July 2023
As promised the kit arrived in 48 hours from ordering.
Very prompt service and an excellently engineered tool.
I have lifted the barrel on my Aga with no difficulty and serviced it.Job done!
Patrick from Somerset. June 2023
I was an engineer for 46 years at Westland Helicopters in Yeovil, I’m now 77. I’ve been servicing my AGA myself for 47 years and must admit that even though I am still capable of lifting it out, I don’t want to risk injuring my back. Your lifting kit will be a welcome addition to my servicing.
John from South Wales. March 2023
Thank you for the barrel lifting tool, it is a simple and effective design, simple to use with little effort. Ideal for anyone with a bad back such as mine. It merits 5 out of 5 stars.
James from Somerset. February 2023
Rob hi I’ve just got home and your package has arrived, thank you so much it looks really well made and love the packaging so it can be put away between services. Thanks again good to see some great British engineering!
James from Berkshire. November 2022.
Dear Rob,The lifter arrived just before 3pm this afternoon.
Great instructions and easy set up, the barrel was out in double quick time.
Thank you, I can see this is going to be a great boon to servicing. James
John from Gloucester. September 2022.
Rob. I’m an AGA owner. I had previously used something vaguely similar that I knocked up from some bits of timber. It worked after a fashion but spooked Mrs T, hence something more professional was needed.
I used it for the first time on Monday this week, and it proved to be perfectly satisfactory, thank you. John
David from Yourkshire. September 2022
Hi Rob, thanks for the barrel lifting kit. It worked a treat. I am a Aga user, not an engineer, but I do know Richard Hardy (Aga Service Engineer), and he has had one for years, and swears by it. Regards. David
Michael from Bristol. May 2022
Hi Rob. The Aga barrel lifting kit arrived safely today. I’m very impressed with the quality of build and ease of use. Have used it today and not suffering from any back aches. Would recommend it to any diy fanatics.
Dean from Carlise. Feb 2022
Hello Rob. All arrived ok, and put it to use at the weekend. One word, magnificent.
Great product, well made with quality components and good instructions on how to use.
Not quite sure how you do it for that price. Made removing the “barrel” very easy.
Probably paid for itself already as I shall be able to clean and service the AGA/burner myself from now on.
John from Republic of Ireland. Feb 2022
Hi Rob. That is a magic tool that I got today. I set it up against the aga today and it will be perfect for the job that I hope to do in about a week’s time when I turn out the aga.
Nigel from Kent Feb 2022
Hi Rob. I used the lifting kit yesterday to service the AGA and it worked perfectly – instructions spot on and the whole build quality is fantastic. Definitely saved my back trying to lift it out manually.
Peter from Guernsey. January 2022
“I have recently purchased a barrel lifting kit from Rob which arrived in a very strong cardboard box which was well packed and ensured the kit arrived safe. I carried out a dry run after unpacking the kit to ensure that I had no problems putting it together when putting the Aga out for me to carry out the service. I was very impressed with the quality of the kit and by following the instructions it is put together very quickly. I was able to lift the barrel with little effort and place it on the cool plate while carrying out the service, replacing the barrel is very easy and if you have the kit set up as the instructions supplied it just lowers into the Aga with no problems. This will save anybody carrying out their own service damage to their back etc.”
George from Mid Wales. January 2022.
Hi, received my barrel lifter today thanks, must say I’m really impressed with the quality of the product. Very good quality.
Martin, from Cork ROI December 2021
Thanks Rob for the excellent device which has removed a lot of the hassle, stress and backache that normally comes with servicing our 1950’s Aga. It’s now a far faster and safer process.
Delivery to Cork in Rep. of Ireland with DPD with hardly any delay.
Regards and best wishes
Michael from Co. Wicklow Republic of Ireland. December 2021
Delivered Monday morning. Tested Monday afternoon, works perfectly, very pleased.
Mark from Suffolk. Deceember 2021
Dear Rob,
The aga barrel lift arrived yesterday thank you. I am so impressed with the quality of the product and obvious care that had been taken in every aspect of the product design and packaging. I am afraid I am so used to dreadful quality foreign products these days – this was a very pleasant surprise!
I tried it out today to service my 1958 aga and it worked perfectly. Getting the pot out was effortless. The last time I serviced the aga I ended up with three trips to the osteopath and that prompted this purchase! I am pleased to say that will now be a thing of the past.
Well done producing such a fantastic product. It is money well spent and I quite often don’t think that!
Ann from Belfast. October 2021
I can’t thank you enough for your wonderful invention. The Aga lifting kit is the cleverist thing l have ever seen. If you have any more fabulous inventions that make life easier or problem solve please let me know.
What a brilliant mind you have, l am so impressed and so thankful to have found out about you
Alistair from Truro. August 2021
Dear Rob,
Thank you for your barrel lifter.
I have used it twice now. Our oil burner gets carboned up very quickly.
It is brilliant. The last time I used it the barrel was still quite hot.
But that was not a problem.
All done in less than 2 hours!! Thank you.
Joel from York. (AGA Engineer)
I’m really pleased with the barrel lifter!!
Very impressed with the quality of the product, it’s easy to use and makes light work of what is usually an awkward job. It really makes a difference when having to lift several barrels a week- I’m sure it will do my back a world of good in the long run!
Martin from Republic of Ireland.
June 2021
I actually only opened the parcel for the first time this morning and immediately was impressed by the engineering and finish of the kit. And of course it worked perfectly too. I reviewed your YouTube video last night in preparation, but was also happy with your included written instructions. Its made the job so much easier, but most of all, that fear of doing my back in is gone! Brilliant. Having recently turned 60, and more aware of my mortality, I’m happy to know that I’ll continue to DIY this job for the years to come.
Fred from Nottingham. March 2021
Hello Rob. Having done my back in I invested in your barrel lifter kit to save my spinal discs – best thing ever. It is superbly engineered, easy to use and “does exactly what it says on the tin”. Many thanks.
Dave & Gill from Sheffield. Feb 2021
Hello Rob, just to say many thanks for sending the Aga barrel lifter so quickly to us in North Yorkshire, we are very grateful – especially my husband who now doesn’t need to struggle with lifting out such a heavy weight! He had a practice and is very impressed with the ease of the operation, also the quality of the construction, many thanks
Peter from Chester.
Hi Rob. Lifting kit works like a dream. Brilliant design, extremely well constructed. Almost makes servicing the AGA a pleasure. I say ‘almost’ because of my carbonisation problem – if servicing was like it used to be – once every six to nine months I would be very happy, but my current batch of oil is making servicing almost a weekly chore. But at least my back is saved from injury thanks to your device!
Just so pleased I found you on the internet. Don’t stop supplying this brilliant kit – anybody who services an AGA, professional or amateur should have one!!
Richard
Excellent piece of kit, as an engineer I have used mine on over 200 different Aga’s now!
Only wish I’d had it 10 years ago!
Randal wrote;
Hi Rob, We’ve been servicing the aga here for 20 years, struggling each time with a restricted lift. Used the barrel Lifter in anger for the first time at the weekend, and just wanted to say what a great bit of kit. Easy to assemble and use, also giving the ability to centralise the barrel as required. Revolutionary as Mrs B described!
Anita from Yorkshire, May 2020.
Hi Rob, Received my lifting kit today, my husband put it to use straight away (as Aga needed a service).
What a fantastic kit! Thank you so much for the fast delivery too.
Declan from Republic of Ireland April 2020
Just a quick one to say I have used your wonderful invention today, helping my Dad service his Aga. Having done the whole ‘weightlifter technique’, perched nervously over the barrel with a pair of gloves, hoping neither gloves nor back gave way, this is a game-changer.
Andrew from Cornwall April 2020
Dear Rob, Just to say arrived safely today, brilliant bit of kit and excellent quality – wish I had one of these years ago!
And thank you for a fast efficient service despite these troubled times.
Mervyn from York. April 2020
I received the AGA lifter well packed and in good order.
Well it performed beyond my expectations which my wife videoed.
The morel to my gratitude is that £150 spent on your lifter would barely pay for an AGA service engineer to get out of bed for one visit.
Many Thanks Rob a very well constructed piece of kit.
Fred from Nottingham. April 2020
Rob, The barrel lifting kit has just arrived. I’m highly pleased – superb materials, easy to use and very well packed.
Also clear instructions. Can’t wait for the AGA to need a de-coke! Many thanks, worth every penny.
Scott from Scotland – Feb 2020
Hi Rob,Received my kit today thanks. The barrels seem to be getting heavier every year (ha ha) this is going to make my job so much easier..and save my back.
Judy and Alan from Kent – Dec 2019.
Just to say thank you. My husband has just serviced our 60 year old Aga that he converted about 40 years ago to oil!
He is nearly 92 years old and using your amazing device is still able to do this all by himself!
Ann from Scotland – November 2019.
Thank you for sending the Aga lift kit. All arrived safely and with the help of a friend I serviced the Aga. The lift kit has already paid for itself! Aga going great guns and I am now confident I can service it on my own next time.
Nick from Warwickshire – November 2019
Hi Rob. Had it, used it and very happy. Many thanks
Peter from Newmarket – Feb 2019.
Rob,I just wanted to say that I just have used a newly purchased crane for lifting the centre from my AGA . I am glad to report it worked extremely well and I was most impressed with the quality of the engineering. Thank you
Peter from Haverfordwest – January 2019.
Rob, all received and job done! Excellent product for Dragons’s Den?
HI Rob, Just a quick E to let you know “WHICH” magazine have asked Aga owners to submit articles on their Agas! As I found your Barrel Lifter such a great bit of kit I have included your info in my article so hopefully you might get some enquiries/sales Hope you don’t mind but thought I ought to let you know just in case!!
Ian from Guernsey – Dec 2018.
Thank you – The Aga lifter kit has arrived and is excellent. As a clockmaker I really appreciate you attention to detail – you are a star!
The packaging was also excellent – even the reinforced corners on the box!
Timothy from Taunton – Oct 2018
Greetings Rob Your lifting kit arrived this morning in good order and I have just finished using it to service the Aga which is now lit and warming up nicely. What a good tool it is and I have been admiring the way it has been made and the finish of it – quite a work of art in its own right.
Jon from Somerset – October 2018.
Hi Rob. The lifter arrived in good order yesterday. A very nice piece of work. I used it yesterday and it worked perfectly.
Thank you very much for your speedy service.
Neil from France – Oct 2018.
Hi Rob. Used the lifter today,Absolutely brilliant thanks. Sadly I need a new inner barrel (not quite yet but it’s 50% split apart).
It looked ok last year. I’ve sourced a replacement used one. So I’ll need the lift again in a few weeks.
John from Lincoln – March 2018.
Hi Rob. Just dropping you a note in relation to the lifting tool. I’ve used it over thirty times now and find it quick and easy to set up.
I’m very happy with the quality and the design and have recommended it to another AGA engineer.
Martin in Dorset – January 2018.
Just to let you know lifter kit arrived in good order yesterday morning, thanks for supplying such a well engineered and thought out product, following your instructions everything assembled and was able to carry out Aga service with ease despite burner and supply pipe needing the carbon drilling out, now back together and up to temp.
Hi Rob. Just to let you know I used the lifter Tuesday to do a particularly difficult AGA conversion fitted under an inglenook. My usual method of climbing on top and lifting out the barrel between my legs (not a pretty site) was not possible. The lifter was assembled in minutes and lifted out the barrel with ease. This is the best £150 spent for a while as I am still walking upright with all my tackle in the correct place. I would definitely recommend this to anyone doing AGA servicing and to think that 2 AGA services will pay for it. There aren’t many tools bought these days that are paid for as quick as that.
As you know this is the second one I have bought as I left the last one with my previous employer and I think the design changes you have made are very good. For the money I would say this is a great product 10 out of 10.
Chris from Hampshire 2017
Just a long overdue note to say that many services later, the kit is still working well, thank you. I use it every six months and it’s more than paid for itself.
Henry in Chichester – Nov 2017.
Lifting kit arrived safe and sound and I have checked it all. I am impressed with the quality of the materials of the kit, its design and its speedy delivery. Many thanks for your excellent service – and thanks from my back!
Ann in Argyl – Nov 2017
SO pleased with the lifter. I have just returned home from Edinburgh to find that my husband has serviced the Aga while I was gone and can still move!! It is a wonderful device and will take the pain and dread out of the process.
Dear Rob,
Just wanted you to know how very grateful I am for your crane design Aga barrel lifter. Every time we use it I feel most tremendously thankful to you for your most superb invention which enables us to service my Aga, (which is set into a recess with cupboards above ) .It has made such a huge difference to be able to service the Aga ourselves as soon as there is any problem. With many, many thanks.
Steve from Somerset – Sept 2017
Many thanks for your recent dispatch. A superbly engineered device which meant I could service the Aga yesterday
Mike in N Yorks – May 2017
Hi Rob, just to let you know I finally got round to using the lifter and it was great, works brilliantly, and well-engineered.
Andrew from Monmouth – 2017
Hi Rob, Just to say thanks for your prompt service. Your plate lifter is really well made and does the job excellently. Just what I need and I wish I had come across your website a long time ago.
Steve from Suffolk.
I purchased your lifter several years ago (Nov 2013) when I had broken a couple of ribs. I use it daily for work it’s brilliant.
Andrew from Suffolk – June 2016.
Dear Rob, Have just carried out service on my Aga and used your Hot Plate Lifter. It worked brilliantly and was very simple to use. My back and I are very grateful!
John from Isle of Man – March 2016.
Hello Rob, Many thanks or the Aga Barrel Lifter parcel, which arrived this morning.
Erica from Essex – Feb 2016.
Just to let you know our kit has arrived and Alan is very pleased with the quality and finish. The aga is still running well and we can’t believe that it is still going after over 6months but now we will be able to service it without breaking anyone’s back! Thank you,
It is clearly a very well made high quality product, and I send you my congratulations on that.
Stuart from Dorset – Dec 2015.
Hello Rob. I used the AGA barrel lift yesterday and the stove is now serviced and back in use.
Your AGA barrel lift MK 3 was a delight to use. The quality and design of the various components being first class. The kit was easy to assemble and clearly marked for the assembly and use. I would like to complement you on producing such a well designed item – and of a very reasonable cost.
Simon from Chelmsford – Aug 2015
Hi Rob. Just put the Aga back together and so impressed with your device!!!
Simple to assemble and operate. No more taking several minutes to pluck up courage to lift the beast and just hoping that the back would hold out and same again putting it back. Wish you much success with this very ingenious and well manufactured piece of equipment
Matthew from Suffolk.
Dear Rob. The lifter arrived, I have tried it and it’s excellent.
Henk from Surrey.
Dear Rob, Lifter arrived Saturday. I used it today. Excellent piece of kit. Saved my back!
Katherine from Kent.
Kit arrived today as promised. Already assembled and works very well. I can’t thank you enough for developing this. We always had a professional service our AGA but only because we couldn’t manage the lift. There will be no stopping us from here on in!
Adam from A B Engineering – May 2015
Thank you so much it’s a brilliant well made tool
Andy from North Yorkshire.
I had a call out to a sooted Aga from one of my customers this morning. Gave me a chance to use the lifter, and all worked just as it should do.
Great idea, and well put together. Just need to make a shelf in the back of the van for it to sit, then it’s all sorted.
Brendan in Republic of Ireland – Dec 2014.
Hi Rob. Received the kit and I am very impressed with design and construction. Thanks
Anne from Republic of Ireland – Dec 2014
Hi Rob. My Aga Lifter arrived yesterday evening. My husband was here and he was like a child getting an early Christmas present. He opened it all up and all I could hear was, (well fair play to him he knows what he is doing) he actually thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread.
Many thanks again, it was a pleasure to do business with you.
Ryder from Warwickshire – Dec 2014
Hello Rob The kit arrived this afternoon, and was put to use immediately. It is everything you said it would be – simple, sturdy, easy to assemble and use, plus it is very nicely finished and looks a long way from ‘home-made.
Having struggled for forty years to extract the wretched pot using exactly the same method but my own Heath Robinson equipment, I am delighted to tell you that your lifter has transformed the servicing of the Aga and made it (almost) a pleasure!
Thank you also for your prompt and courteous service. My wife adds heartfelt thanks; now that the kitchen is warm she has moved back in, and I’m looking forward to decent meals again
Roslyn from North Yorkshire – Sept 2014
Thank you for sending the hoist so promptly. It is beautifully constructed and it made our Aga servicing a thousand times easier! We wish we had spotted your product years ago! Many thanks.
Norman from Belfast – March 2014
Hi Rob, I just serviced the AGA yesterday. What a difference – superb product ! Well engineered and fit for purpose. It made the whole servicing job much easier and less stressful. Thanks again and Well Done
Brian from Devon- Jan 2014
Many thanks for the lifter – the best tool I’ve found in 30 years of servicing our Aga! Makes the whole job so much easier and safer. Well done – I hop you have a patent on it! Best wishes. Brian
Martin in Newcastle upon Tyne – Nov 2013
I can report that I am delighted with it and it worked like a dream. It was also a breeze to set up. Why every Aga service engineer doesn’t have one of these, goodness knows. Overall a first class product, Rob, so many thanks indeed.
From Brian in Scotland
Any way, congratulations on a splendidly engineered piece of machinery. The finish is great too!
I may not need to use it until the end of Summer but I no longer have the dread of lifting that core. (See also below)
From Felix in Republic Ireland
The lifter arrived at lunchtime today. Many thanks for your courteous and expeditious handling of the order.
Delivery is just in time for my ageing ‘Aga man’ to work his magic.
Brian in Scotland- Oct 2013
This message is a tribute to your engineering skills and the design of the lifting device. The machine is expertly engineered and so simple in use. It enabled me to effortlessly lift the Aga barrel and to complete the annual maintenance in under an hour with complete ease.
Steve in Monmouthshire – Sept 2013
Received the Aga barrel lifter and have used it for the first time today. Removing (and replacing) the barrel was effortless.
I suffer from a damaged back and cannot lift heavy weights, but I had no problems with removing the barrel.
Even my wife, who wanted ‘a go’ found it easy. Thank you for a well made and extremely effective tool. Well worth the money!”
Richard in Suffolk
Lifter arrived Friday, I’ve only just unpacked it and had a go at assembling, seems pretty straightforward and will be a great help nowadays.
Mark, also in Suffolk
Many thanks, the lifter arrived yesterday and I had a play with it last night. It looks great and I can see will work well.
Peter in Hampshire
Many thanks Rob. It arrived safely and works a treat. I lifted it myself first and then let my wife (8 stone) do it with ease. Kind regards Peter.
Will in Hertfordshire
Have now set it up and had a go – brilliant bit of kit!
Richard in Sussex (www.sussexoilboilerservices.co.uk)
Hi Rob. Many thanks for the barrel lifter which I received today. It works brilliantly and is so well made!
John in Gloucestershire – Oct 2013
I received the Mk3 crane yesterday and tried it out today. It is very well made and the best thing since sliced bread for getting the AGA barrel out for servicing! Many thanks for the prompt service. Well worth the money.