1976? Litton Microwave 418

[classiccaprice]

I hadn't planned on buying anything like this today, but I was at my local goodwill outlet and I spied this 'little' beauty hiding. It had knobs, a lovely retro look, and it was $5. Sold! It is a 1976? Litton microwave model 418. It didn't come with the book or a temperature probe or most importantly the glass plate for the bottom. I tried it out when I got home with the plate from my similar vintage Radarange. Still works like a champ. Does anyone happen to have a glass plate, probe or book for one of these?

Forgive the mess in the pictures, it doesn't appear to have been cleaned since Carter was president. Pictures were taken mid cleaning.

 

[petek]

I had a similar but earlier model bought new, just that timer/clock thing along the top and an on/of defrost button and a start button. I'm really trying to think now but I don't remember it ever having a glass tray.

 

[classiccaprice]

Really? I thought they were standard practice back then. Intreating!

 

[goatfarmer]

That's the twin to the first microwave we had growing up.

 

[classiccaprice]

We had a mid 80s Kenmore push button model. It was nice, but I've always preferred knobs. I still want one of the first 4 models of Radarange with the big knobs eventually. On my long term list, but not right now unless they are nearby and crazy cheap!

 

[brib68]

Not much help, but...

I think '76 is at least in the right neighborhood. My family's first microwave was probably bought around 1979 or so ('78 at the very earliest, but unlikely).

It was a Litton, and the graphics are similar/same--I remember the Vari-Cook graphic for the power level knob. Ours must not have had the temp probe, or else the probe operated differently, as we didn't have the Vari-Temp control. I do remember that I was aware of the concept of the probe--either from looking at the manual or maybe we actually had it. I think ours had a metal rack for cooking two things at once (but maybe I'm mixing it up with my first microwave/toaster oven combo). Our Litton had two big dials, kind of like a TV: one for the timer and one for the power level.

Mom's second microwave was also a Litton--mid-80's with touchpad controls. The same model as in the 2 Broke Girls' kitchen. IIRC, they bought it for their lake cottage, and when they sold the cottage, it replaced the original Litton at home.

 

[brib68]

oh yeah...

This one probably wouldn't have had a glass plate. Ours just had the plain "floor". I don't really recall the plates except on Carousel-type microwaves.

 

[classiccaprice]

My Amana has a glass plate without the carousel... But you could be right on this one.

 

[mattl]

Had the step up model with the electronic controls, no glass plate.  Actually upgraded it 4 or 5 years after we bought it- the touch panel went out and installed the much newer version, work well for years after until we remodeled the kitchen when with otr ge.

 

[classiccaprice]

November 1, 1976 price $439.95 ($1,825.92 with inflation today)

The Pittsburgh Press - Google News Archive Search

 

[alr2903]

We had a Litton eye level microwave (2 oven stove).   True the microwave had a  metal rack it was "meal in one".  It also had a temp probe.   The bottom floor had a  sealed in place tray, it always looked like  pyroceram to me.  I still have the book that came with it.

 

[classiccaprice]

Could you take a few pictures or scan some related pages for me?

 

[alr2903]

Yes, I will.  In about 2 hours. 

 

[classiccaprice]

Thank you!

 

[appnut]

My parents bought the exact same model when I was a junior in college.  It didn't have a glass tray.  The nice thing about Littons back then.  Nothing to break.  It was integral to the oven cavity.  Unfortunately, my parents got rid of it in 2002 when they sold the house and moved into a retirement apartment.  It was still going strong then.  And it was heavily used--actually cooked things.  I have the cookbook that came with my model 510 I bought in 1978, but I'm not giving it up.  Your microwave is what's pictured on the front cover.  I love the chocolate moose recipe in it.  It's the only recipe I use and was the only way to make da mousse. 

 

[classiccaprice]

I'll double check what I have when I get home. I'll take copies if you are willing to share!

 

[appnut]

Glass tray standard practice?

Not back then.  GE, Litton, Panasonic didn't have glass trays. Amana was the only one in my college years that had glass tray (that could be broken) and I considered that a major knock against Amanas at the time--so did my parents.  Neighbor across the street had already shattered hers and had to replace it.  I always viewed a glass tray as a sign f being cheap rather than having the "glass" integral to the oven cavity floor.   Hence, my disdain for turntables in microwave3s that have become so common.  It's just another "cheapening" because Litton had very even heat distribution at the time. 

 

[xraytech]

I grew up with a 1984 JCPenney TOL microwave that was clearly a rebadged Litton with the touchpad. Ours lasted until 2007. Ours did have a glass tray.

 

[alr2903]

classiccaprice , here you go

Litton 1