Cleaning and Light on American Range Crown Series

[gredmondson]

I just started renting a duplex in Burlingame, California, that has this neat, black "American Range Crown series" forty inch range with six burners and two ovens and two broilers. Except the clock and lights, everything works. It is grimy. I have two questions: 1) Does anyone know how to access the light bulb? I am suspecting that it is a fluorescent bulb that shines through the white strip; and 2) As far as cleaning the grime and grease on the back splash area, would a steam cleaner be better than oven cleaner? It has an extremely heavy duty cord, and I wonder why.

 

[gredmondson]

There is a screw behind the light buttons

It looks like it is a phillips head, but a little stripped.

 

[toggleswitch2]

The backsplash area by the vents appears to be aluminum, in which case oven cleaner is a no-no. It will discolor it.

Heavy-duty cord:
Is there an electric heating element in one of the ovens or the broiler/grille?

 

[peteski50]

American Range Crown series!

This is a real beautiful range. I hope you are able to fully restore it. Looks like from early 70's.
Best Wishes,
Peter

 

[laundromat]

Sunray?

My friend,It looks a lot like a Sunray.I haven't seen one of them in years and believe they ,like many other brands we knew and loved,were consumed by WCI(White Consolidated Industries) back in the 80's.I am trying to find some info. So far,no luck.

 

[laundromat]

However

It may be made by a now defunct "Crown"gas stove company.

 

[mattl]

The clock is a pretty standard issue, Ive seen it in many stoves from the 70's so that would not bee too difficult to replace, if the stove was yours... Some owners are touchy about renters tearing apart appliances, you'll have to judge that for yourself.

Over all I's say that would be a keeper, and you might want to offer to buy it if you are into collecting appliances, it's quite unique.

 

[gansky1]

There is still an American Range company, looks like they've now hopped on the pro-look ranges for residential sales. Check out their Hybrid range with gas and induction - very cool step-up cooktop like Westinghouse used to have.

This black Crown series does appear to be a Sunray or similar heritage.

http://www.americanrange.com/residential/36hybrid.html

 

[jetcone]

Oh I likey that Hybrid Range

It does look like the old 2 step Westy!!

My two favorite sources, induction and gaz!

 

[pturo]

I likey it too! Wonder how much $$$?

 

[bajaespuma]

We sold those Crown ranges

at Elgot on Madison avenue in the late seventies. They were very popular with the uptown East Side richies as they were one of the few companies that still made a 40-inch gas range with pilot lights that could easily replace some of those old classic Calorics, Magic Chefs, Ropers and Glenwoods. IIRC they worked reasonably well although I thought two identical ovens was not as useful as two different sized ones. You still see them around although once the affluent 80's came along most of the richies trashed them in favor of professional or professional-lite stoves.

I have a whole brochure on these. If you want to see it, lemme know.

 

[peteski50]

Crown ranges

Hi Ken,
I would like to see some more pictures. I believe their were smaller models. Some apartment size also. And some with continous clean ovens.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[gredmondson]

HEY, PEOPLE, THANKS FOR ALL THE FEEDBACK!

This range has igniters, no pilot lights anywhere. The landlord hinted that he may replace it, but I told him that I like it. He took the worn rubber (?) oven gaskets that were held in with clips. He manages 175 properties, most of which are in San Francisco's Marina District, and he has an appliance guy who does most of his work. He said that he could get the gaskets, but they haven't been put back yet. I wish I had time to play with this stove right now, but I am scheduled to leave for a vacation this Friday. I still can't figure out the reason for such a heavy power cord.

 

[laundromat]

I called American Range and I was right,that is a Crown Stove Works range and they went out of business a long time ago.At least 20 years ago.The owned Sunray and Brown Stove Works.They made all gas ranges no electric.The electric Sunrays were made by Tappan.I'd google and search for restoration/dealers for parts

 

[retro-man]

Not to be a smart ass but,

Have you tried plugging it in? I had an apartment once with a gas stove. Light and clock didn't work. Took the time and patience to to take apart the top and everything looked fine. I took out my voltmeter and there was no power going to anything. Pulled the stove out and there was the cord still taped to the back. Never had been plugged in. No power outlet near the stove. Ran an extension cord from behind the fridge to the stove and all ran great. Didn't realize there was a light in the oven.
Jon

 

[toggleswitch2]

R U sure there is no electic broiler (and/or bake element) in there, perhaps in the left oven's cavity?

is there an electic keep-warm feature in either/both ovens

It may be heavy-duty cord, but is the prong congifuration for 110v or 220v?

 

[gredmondson]

YOU ALL ARE THE BEST . . .

Yes, the cord (110v) is plugged in, and there are no light bulbs in either oven (yes, I bought the special appliance bulbs, but I don't know where they are right now). No, there is not an electric broiler (though I have seen such things on older gas stoves). Both broilers are below the ovens, and there is a long tube with holes on the sides for the gas to escape to heat the ovens/broilers. I turned on all the burners, then the right oven, and when I turned on the left oven, only one side of the gas tube lit. When I turned off the top burners, the other side of the tube lit. I am looking forward to getting TWO griddles and cooking lots of bacon on very low heat. It takes about 45 minutes, but there is no splattering, and it turns out just the way I like it, not crisp.

Oh, and I would love to see the brochure.

 

[peteski50]

Crown

Hey Bajasuma can you post the pictures of these types of ranges that we had spoke about.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[bajaespuma]

I've posted these before,

but here y'all go: