Amana Radarange

[danemodsandy]

I've been looking for an old Amana Radarange- one of the early models with the analog dials. I used to have one (the RR-4D, first Radarange with defrost), and now I cannot seem to find another.

Any pointers on where these beasties might live? I have scoured eBay, Craigslist, Google, thrifts, you name it. For MONTHS. I am interested only in the RR4-D- I need defrost. I occasionally see a Touchmatic, but have no interest in those (I think the Touchmatic panel was the beginning of the end for appliances, the inspiration for today's cheap soft-touch keyboards for everything).

I'm up for leads, advice, etc. Thanks.

 

[danemodsandy]

RR-4D Control Panel

Here's a photo of the RR-4D's control panel- it differs from earlier models in that it has the slider control at the top for the automatic defrost. It also has buttons for Start, Stop, and Light- earlier models didn't have that exact same setup.

 

[hoover1060]

I just saw one this past weekend...

in Michigan, in an antique mall in Saugatuck. I don't remember what the controls look like, but the door opened down instead of to the side.

I don't remember the exact name of the store, but I can try and get it for you if you like

 

[hoover1060]

this is it...

it was a big place, but that should be easy to find

http://bluestarantiquepavilion.com/

 

[swestoyz]

Hey Sandy,

I think a bit of patience and one of these will pop up for you soon. There was a time when there was a '4' series RR on ebay every other week! Keep looking, and I'm sure you'll stumble across one. If you need any info - take a look at Cory's site. While he has obtained quite a few more units since his last update, there is still a lot of great info on his page.

Ben

http://www.eldocountry.com/radarange/radar.html

 

[danemodsandy]

Thanks!

I'll check it out.

On the off chance that someone doesn't know what I'm NOT looking for, here's a shot of the dread Touchmatic controls. Don't want this. Nonononono. Uh-uh. And feh.

 

[danemodsandy]

Cory:

Ben:

Thanks! I've been thinking of contacting Cory, but he seems a little overwhelmed with all his projects. He's got a link to our site (Jetsetmodern.com) on his, so maybe it would be okay.

 

[rickr]

I bought one of those a few years ago. It's a 1974 model, and I LOVE it! The knobs light up when it is cooking.
Only one thing I do not like about it. The "done" buzzer is horrible! It has to be one of the loudest and most annoying sound I have ever heard! And it buzzes until the door is opened. Any suggestions on changing this?

 

[hydralique]

This site has some information: www.eldocountry.com/radarange/radar.html The owner is evidently just another collector so I don't think he sells them, but maybe it would be a useful site for you.

Those old Radaranges are tough! My sister's Touchmatic lasted 20+ years but did eventually die. I suspect the really early ones are mostly gone because they quit working and got sent to the curb. I do have an old friend with a beautiful matched set of a late round-dial unit and the first Touchmatic. He had the round-dial one for years and toyed with the idea of buying a Touchmatic to go with it, but put it off until he saw the first "flat front" second generation Touchmatic. He totally panicked, and managed to find one of the last old-style Touchmatics to match the round-dial one. No one will get his Radaranges until he is cold and dead . . .

Good luck hunting, you know you will find one eventually!

 

[danemodsandy]

Buzzer:

"it buzzes until the door is opened. Any suggestions on changing this?"

I would suggest putting it farther away from you, so it's not so annoying. Atlanta should do nicely. ;-)

 

[rickr]

Good one Sandy!

LOL!!! Apartment 7E by chance??

 

[danemodsandy]

Yep.

Right next door to where the Castevets used to live.

 

[rickr]

<: I thought so.....

 

[petek]

I still have my dial model..forget now what it is..I left the Touchmatic behind in Calgary sadly. Our new kitchen only has place for one full size MW and I can't convince my dear other half I'd rather have the RR in here !!! He likes our old GE, and I do as well, but it just doesn't look as nice, plus it's totally totally automatic, probably one of the best sensor mw's ever made.
So right now the radarange is still sitting over at moms garage.. I've been too lazy to drag it over to our garage LOL

 

[gadgetgary]

I've been too lazy to drag it over to our garage LOL

Drag????

More like get a forklift. Those babies were heavy!

I just happened to rescue one out of the neighbor's 'trash'. Was almost as heavy as rescuing the KA last fall.

 

[veg-o-matic]

I'll be getting one soon, right Fred?

WINK

veg

 

[cadman]

You guys crack me up! eldocountry.com is actually my website (the one Ben linked to above, the one hydralique mentions and the one the pics are lifted from).

The RR-4 and 4D are the last (and most) prevalent of the early analog machines. There is a digital version with analog controls that came out a few years later that's built like a tank, but is a bit more contemporary in appearance.

Sandy, keep an eye on ebay, a 4D will pop up sooner or later!
-Cory

 

[hydralique]

Hey . . .

at least give us points for knowing old appliance websites! It is a nice site, BTW

 

[danemodsandy]

Cory:

Thanks, and I hope you didn't mind my illustrating the 4D and Touchmatic panels with those pics!

Oy, how I'd love to find one of these babies!