My neighborhood has a yearly "cleanup day" where the trashmen will pick up bulk trash like tree limbs, old furniture, and yes, even old appliances. It was done in late October. It's great to roam the streets with my van and find some nice old gems to take home. This year, I didn't fare too good on the "white goods" (fridges, washers, stoves, etc) department, but I DID find this wonderful gem of a microwave oven!. I brought it back to the shop, cleaned it up, opened it, checked it for problems, and found absloutely nothing wrong with it! So, it's now where a nice microwave like this should be...in the kitchen!!! I can't fathom why someone would throw out a perfectly working cool appliance like this, especially one that makes one helluva nice bag of popcorn! The nice thing is that it has a "stirrer" in it, to distribute the radiation more evenly. Much better than those stupid turntables in the newer ovens
Check out my trashcan find!
- Thread starter Cybrvanr
- Start date
maytagbear
Well-known member
You hit the jackpot, buddy!
Vintage Amana RadarRanges, like this one are the BEST microwaves, ever.
My Amana RR700 from 1986 is still going strong.
You done real good.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
Vintage Amana RadarRanges, like this one are the BEST microwaves, ever.
My Amana RR700 from 1986 is still going strong.
You done real good.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
Great find! Do you know what year this is?
Pat
Pat
partscounterman
Member
I love Amana microwaves the best
The chrome front on these is too cool!
My folks bought one in @1979- I still remember it was a BIG purchase, close to five bills. You can now buy cheeeeep micros for under 50 bucks. I remember going with my Mom to a special cooking class at the dealer. They succeeded in getting my mom to buy all sorts of useless cookware, including an unglazed pot that one would soak in water before use. This pot would then release steam while cooking to tenderize meats. Mom got it and never used it-ever
She made a cake in it-once. Only a machocist would try a microwave cake a second time.
My Father always says "Until we got a microwave, I had no idea there were so many leftovers
I also remember that it takes two men and a boy to lift one of these. Are you getting fitted for a truss soon?
The chrome front on these is too cool!
My folks bought one in @1979- I still remember it was a BIG purchase, close to five bills. You can now buy cheeeeep micros for under 50 bucks. I remember going with my Mom to a special cooking class at the dealer. They succeeded in getting my mom to buy all sorts of useless cookware, including an unglazed pot that one would soak in water before use. This pot would then release steam while cooking to tenderize meats. Mom got it and never used it-ever
She made a cake in it-once. Only a machocist would try a microwave cake a second time.
My Father always says "Until we got a microwave, I had no idea there were so many leftovers
I also remember that it takes two men and a boy to lift one of these. Are you getting fitted for a truss soon?
Amana radarange
Steven:
The appliance gods are smiling on you
What a beautiful find!! What's the wattage on this baby? How heavy was it? I must admit, I've been eyeballing them myself. One that I looked at weighed 85 pounds. Hope you had your back support belt on when you gave this one the heave ho!!
I remember when Barbara Hale (Della Street on Perry Mason) used to be their spokeswoman. My mom was afraid to have one because they were "radioactive". Go figure ;-)
Good luck. Let us know how she cooks.
Venus
Steven:
The appliance gods are smiling on you
What a beautiful find!! What's the wattage on this baby? How heavy was it? I must admit, I've been eyeballing them myself. One that I looked at weighed 85 pounds. Hope you had your back support belt on when you gave this one the heave ho!!
I remember when Barbara Hale (Della Street on Perry Mason) used to be their spokeswoman. My mom was afraid to have one because they were "radioactive". Go figure ;-)
Good luck. Let us know how she cooks.
Venus
I've made microwave cakes. Had a recipe for yummy cream cheese swirl brownies, too.
Are those honest-to-goodness glass touchpads?
The kind that use the bioelectric current in human skin to complete the circuit? One way to tell is to touch it with the back of your fingernail. If nothing happens, it's the real thing, not an imposter like today's plastic film "touchpads".
The kind that use the bioelectric current in human skin to complete the circuit? One way to tell is to touch it with the back of your fingernail. If nothing happens, it's the real thing, not an imposter like today's plastic film "touchpads".
Radaranges
Hi Cybrvanr, Great find!Looks to be in great condition too! Your Radarange looks to be the same model as the one I bought a couple of weeks ago. You got a much better deal than I. Mine cost $10.00 at a thrift store! The tag on the back of mine said 1979. They sure work nice. A co-worker said he had one in the 1970's. Paid big $$$ for his. One time he made mv popcorn in it and the glass tray broke. The new tray cost $35.00. The counter person at the parts store told my co-worker that the isolated heat from the mv popcorn broke the glass,and he had heard of this happening before. Has anyone else had this happen?
Thanks,
Rick
Hi Cybrvanr, Great find!Looks to be in great condition too! Your Radarange looks to be the same model as the one I bought a couple of weeks ago. You got a much better deal than I. Mine cost $10.00 at a thrift store! The tag on the back of mine said 1979. They sure work nice. A co-worker said he had one in the 1970's. Paid big $$$ for his. One time he made mv popcorn in it and the glass tray broke. The new tray cost $35.00. The counter person at the parts store told my co-worker that the isolated heat from the mv popcorn broke the glass,and he had heard of this happening before. Has anyone else had this happen?
Thanks,
Rick
I've always heard to nuke popcorn by sitting the bag in a plate first rick, I imagine that's why, to keep from breaking your bottom tray.
Yep, this one of those glass touchpads Joe! Unlike the newer microwaves, this one doesn't have the thin plastic membrane over the buttons. Tapping the buttons with a pencil eraser doesn't work. I do have a minor problem with the "3" button. It frequently regesters multiple times. Cleaning the touchpad helps it out. I can always tell when the pad is getting a little dirty, because the button response gets erratic.
All I can say is that this beast is HEAVY!!!! In case any of you all didn't notice...THIS THING IS SITTING ON TOP OF A REFRIGERATOR WHEN THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN
Although I was able to pick it up out the trash pile and heave it into the back of my van easily, getting it up on top the fridge required the assistance of a friend. It weighs as much as one of those big-tube TV's. I put it on top of the fridge for a while until I rebuilt my microwave shelf above the range to hold it. With an 1000 watt magnetron, this thing cooks!
You guys crack me up with all your stories of attempting to bake in a microwave! That's just plain funny! Well, my story comes from when my mom tried to bake bread inside her G.E. spacemaker 600 watt microwave. It didn't really bake it, it just turned to dough to rubber. And I mean some serious rubber!!!! I imagine she could get a patent on this stuff she created and sell it to Goodyear to make automobile belts, hoses and tires out of!
Yep, this one of those glass touchpads Joe! Unlike the newer microwaves, this one doesn't have the thin plastic membrane over the buttons. Tapping the buttons with a pencil eraser doesn't work. I do have a minor problem with the "3" button. It frequently regesters multiple times. Cleaning the touchpad helps it out. I can always tell when the pad is getting a little dirty, because the button response gets erratic.
All I can say is that this beast is HEAVY!!!! In case any of you all didn't notice...THIS THING IS SITTING ON TOP OF A REFRIGERATOR WHEN THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN
Although I was able to pick it up out the trash pile and heave it into the back of my van easily, getting it up on top the fridge required the assistance of a friend. It weighs as much as one of those big-tube TV's. I put it on top of the fridge for a while until I rebuilt my microwave shelf above the range to hold it. With an 1000 watt magnetron, this thing cooks! You guys crack me up with all your stories of attempting to bake in a microwave! That's just plain funny! Well, my story comes from when my mom tried to bake bread inside her G.E. spacemaker 600 watt microwave. It didn't really bake it, it just turned to dough to rubber. And I mean some serious rubber!!!! I imagine she could get a patent on this stuff she created and sell it to Goodyear to make automobile belts, hoses and tires out of!
Usually there is a mfg. date on the data plate.Nice find!
You know what would look great, sitting right next to it?
A mint-condition Frigidaire Touch 'N' Cook electric range.
I'll bet there's at least one still in its crate in a forgotten corner of an odd-lots freight warehouse SOMEWHERE on the planet, complete with its original set of CorningWare CookMates for use on the Pyroceram cooktop.
A mint-condition Frigidaire Touch 'N' Cook electric range.
I'll bet there's at least one still in its crate in a forgotten corner of an odd-lots freight warehouse SOMEWHERE on the planet, complete with its original set of CorningWare CookMates for use on the Pyroceram cooktop.
Accessories
Look at all these goodies. I like the popcorn popper. I need the glass dish for the bottom as mine didnt have one. I did find the cookbook for it at a Goowwill a couple weeks ago for 25cents!
http://search.ebay.com/amana-radara...tionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch
Look at all these goodies. I like the popcorn popper. I need the glass dish for the bottom as mine didnt have one. I did find the cookbook for it at a Goowwill a couple weeks ago for 25cents!
http://search.ebay.com/amana-radara...tionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch
That is a beautiful microwave! It's interesting that there is interest in these older models, they were workhorses and performed about the best of any made - even now. I saw one identical to it at a thrift store the other day and didn't get it. I have a Touchmatic in the garage and thought I didn't need another, but went back today ;-) and it was gone. Too bad as it was mint condition and very clean - better than mine. Oh well, they pop up quite often at the thrifts and estate sales.
Do you guys remember the Panasonic with the sensor technology? A friend of mine gave me a demo of theirs when it was new and it seemed to work very well. It was a huge monster as well, but what style!
That's the last thing I need is another "collection!"
Do you guys remember the Panasonic with the sensor technology? A friend of mine gave me a demo of theirs when it was new and it seemed to work very well. It was a huge monster as well, but what style!
That's the last thing I need is another "collection!"
Panasonic Genius.
Sharp, GE, Panasonic, and others have models with auto-cooking sensors. My current Sharp (Platinum Collection, with touchpads across the top of the door) has several sensor selections, as did the Sharp I had previous to it (the Platinum doesn't have sensor cooking for bacon, which I miss). The GE Profile OTR that happens to be in the new house has sensor functions for some cooking & reheating selections as well.
Sharp, GE, Panasonic, and others have models with auto-cooking sensors. My current Sharp (Platinum Collection, with touchpads across the top of the door) has several sensor selections, as did the Sharp I had previous to it (the Platinum doesn't have sensor cooking for bacon, which I miss). The GE Profile OTR that happens to be in the new house has sensor functions for some cooking & reheating selections as well.
Anyone remember Litton?
I'll concede that Amana made a darn good microwave, but so did Litton. My mother bought a Litton touch panel microwave in the late 1970's from a co-worker, and it worked like a charm for years. It had no turntable or stirrer, so you had to rotate the food every so often. But it was a good oven that was built to last!
I'll concede that Amana made a darn good microwave, but so did Litton. My mother bought a Litton touch panel microwave in the late 1970's from a co-worker, and it worked like a charm for years. It had no turntable or stirrer, so you had to rotate the food every so often. But it was a good oven that was built to last!
The first micro that I recall in the family was an aunt's Litton MemoryMatic. Quite impressive at the time, and they did have it for many years.
My wife bought a new Litton in 1980.It's still being used at her dad's lake cottage.
kennyGF
kennyGF
I see Litton ovens every now and then, just saw a Litton-Aire OTR micro/hood combo at the Habitat store yesterday. I think the little hardware store in Iowa we hauled a bunch of washers out of has some Litton ovens and a Litton micro/range brand new in the box still.
Ah yes, Litton....
Don't even talk to me about Litton. I had one in the early 80's and it was the BEST microwave that I ever owned! We had to get rid of it because our new house had an over the range microhood that was about two inches narrower than the Litton. We sold the Litton and bought a Magic Chef (also a great microwave) which matched the gas stove in the home. We kept that Magic Chef for many years. I'm sure the seals had deteriorated and the microwave was "nuking" us! LOL
I still keep my eyes opened for a Litton or Amana Radarange. There are several Litton and Magic Chef microwave cookbooks at our local thrift store. If anyone's interested.....I think they cost $1.00 each.
Venus
Don't even talk to me about Litton. I had one in the early 80's and it was the BEST microwave that I ever owned! We had to get rid of it because our new house had an over the range microhood that was about two inches narrower than the Litton. We sold the Litton and bought a Magic Chef (also a great microwave) which matched the gas stove in the home. We kept that Magic Chef for many years. I'm sure the seals had deteriorated and the microwave was "nuking" us! LOL
I still keep my eyes opened for a Litton or Amana Radarange. There are several Litton and Magic Chef microwave cookbooks at our local thrift store. If anyone's interested.....I think they cost $1.00 each.
Venus
My first and only Litton
The first microwave i bought was a Litton "prestige",it was a compact model. I think 0.6 cubit ft.I really liked that little oven,the floor in it was ceramic i believe and it was a really good cooker.
This was in about 1988 when i got it,Litton wasn't around too much longer after that.They seemed to do well in CR's ratings at the time.
I had it for about 5 or 6 yrs. before the electronic touchpads were malfuntioning.I got it repaired and it only lasted about another year before i ditched it for a ge.
Looking back i wish i had held on to it.They did make a great microwave.
The first microwave i bought was a Litton "prestige",it was a compact model. I think 0.6 cubit ft.I really liked that little oven,the floor in it was ceramic i believe and it was a really good cooker.
This was in about 1988 when i got it,Litton wasn't around too much longer after that.They seemed to do well in CR's ratings at the time.
I had it for about 5 or 6 yrs. before the electronic touchpads were malfuntioning.I got it repaired and it only lasted about another year before i ditched it for a ge.
Looking back i wish i had held on to it.They did make a great microwave.
Microwave quiz
Does anyone know out there when the first home microwave ovens were sold? Also who were the first manufacturers to offer these early ovens.Thought this might be fun.
Does anyone know out there when the first home microwave ovens were sold? Also who were the first manufacturers to offer these early ovens.Thought this might be fun.
Nice find!
I love my Amana! And I love telling people it was their first countertop unit so it used Uranium to make the microwaves! I just get looks of amazement even from my father the Scientist! Then I have to reveal the joke to them.
But people can see they are sooo solid that they think the early units used some kind of rare voodoo to cook unlike todays "toss'em out when the oven gets dirty" microwaves at BB.
When I worked at Magic Pan in the 70's all they used were Litton Commercial touch pad microwaves! It was soooo modern! No one was using them as much as Magic Pan because they heated sauces so well. Litton even programmed them at the factory for the Magic Pan recipies , there were ten SS pads across the top and each one was for a specific dessert crepe or dinner crepe.
I had never seen touch pads before.
I love my Amana! And I love telling people it was their first countertop unit so it used Uranium to make the microwaves! I just get looks of amazement even from my father the Scientist! Then I have to reveal the joke to them.
But people can see they are sooo solid that they think the early units used some kind of rare voodoo to cook unlike todays "toss'em out when the oven gets dirty" microwaves at BB.
When I worked at Magic Pan in the 70's all they used were Litton Commercial touch pad microwaves! It was soooo modern! No one was using them as much as Magic Pan because they heated sauces so well. Litton even programmed them at the factory for the Magic Pan recipies , there were ten SS pads across the top and each one was for a specific dessert crepe or dinner crepe.
I had never seen touch pads before.
Oh Litton...
Litton was pretty good (and early in the MW industry too) but I'm amazed at the lack of styling and sometimes wonder what they were thinking for the home market. Guess it's like the Betamax thing. All I can say is Cybrvanr got a great machine. I spent today removing the little black strip from below the exhaust vent, and cleaning the glass tray from an identical machine. This tray has the 'early' writing on the front warning about the items that can be put in the MW and how the glass tray cannot be absent. Gotta finish up my RR4 and update the webpage!
http://www.eldocountry.com/radarange/radar.html
Litton was pretty good (and early in the MW industry too) but I'm amazed at the lack of styling and sometimes wonder what they were thinking for the home market. Guess it's like the Betamax thing. All I can say is Cybrvanr got a great machine. I spent today removing the little black strip from below the exhaust vent, and cleaning the glass tray from an identical machine. This tray has the 'early' writing on the front warning about the items that can be put in the MW and how the glass tray cannot be absent. Gotta finish up my RR4 and update the webpage!
http://www.eldocountry.com/radarange/radar.html
kenmore1978
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2004
- Messages
- 2,119
First microwaves
I've seen a Tappan wall oven microwave that I think was from the 50's. The first time I was aware of microwave ovens was from little ads (looked like little classified ads)in the back of magazines like Popular Science in the 60's with sensationalistic prose like "miracle oven bakes a potato in only 8 minutes!"
I've seen a Tappan wall oven microwave that I think was from the 50's. The first time I was aware of microwave ovens was from little ads (looked like little classified ads)in the back of magazines like Popular Science in the 60's with sensationalistic prose like "miracle oven bakes a potato in only 8 minutes!"
Amana collection
Cory:
That is an amazing collection. Those Amana radaranges were so futuristic in appearance. With all that chrome, you would almost expect to see it on a space station. Amana knew how to combine function and style. I'll keep my eyes opened at the thrift stores for one.
Jon (Jetcone)
Can't believe you worked at Magic Pan! They used to have one in Houston. It was one of my husband's favourite places. I wish crepes would make a comeback.
Venus
Cory:
That is an amazing collection. Those Amana radaranges were so futuristic in appearance. With all that chrome, you would almost expect to see it on a space station. Amana knew how to combine function and style. I'll keep my eyes opened at the thrift stores for one.
Jon (Jetcone)
Can't believe you worked at Magic Pan! They used to have one in Houston. It was one of my husband's favourite places. I wish crepes would make a comeback.
Venus
First Home Microwave Oven
The first microwave oven, for the home, was made by Tappan. They were first introduced in 1955. Amana was the first to market a "countertop" microwave.
I have a 1.3cu.ft.Tappan microwave oven that I purchased in 1983. It is still going strong after all of these years. The sucker weighs a ton. It has always cooked great. I never needed to rotate the food and it does not have a turntable. It uses a reflector fan to distribute the waves.
The first microwave oven, for the home, was made by Tappan. They were first introduced in 1955. Amana was the first to market a "countertop" microwave.
I have a 1.3cu.ft.Tappan microwave oven that I purchased in 1983. It is still going strong after all of these years. The sucker weighs a ton. It has always cooked great. I never needed to rotate the food and it does not have a turntable. It uses a reflector fan to distribute the waves.
old sharps
I know of a few people who have sharp microwave ovens from the early 80's that are still going strong,they also weigh a ton.This is my second sharp in 5 years.They are nowhere the quality they used to be.Won't buy another one from them.
I know of a few people who have sharp microwave ovens from the early 80's that are still going strong,they also weigh a ton.This is my second sharp in 5 years.They are nowhere the quality they used to be.Won't buy another one from them.
kenmore1978
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2004
- Messages
- 2,119
Sharp microwaves
I have a Montgomery Ward microwave oven made by Sharp in 1978 and it's still going strong. Door latch is getting sorta funky, and the original glass tray broke, and the interior light burned out (you have to remove the shell to replace it) but otherwise it works perfectly. Only had one repair, an internal fuse blew. It was TOL for 1978, browning element, temp probe, electronic digital controls. My only complaint is that it's a little slow by today's standards (650 watts was a lot in 1978, but not now) so usually have to cook for the maximum time stated in most package directions.
I have a Montgomery Ward microwave oven made by Sharp in 1978 and it's still going strong. Door latch is getting sorta funky, and the original glass tray broke, and the interior light burned out (you have to remove the shell to replace it) but otherwise it works perfectly. Only had one repair, an internal fuse blew. It was TOL for 1978, browning element, temp probe, electronic digital controls. My only complaint is that it's a little slow by today's standards (650 watts was a lot in 1978, but not now) so usually have to cook for the maximum time stated in most package directions.
Similar threads
