Frigidaire Electric Range, Model RS-35

[marge]

Hi, all, first-time poster here after lurking here for a few days. I recently picked up this vintage Frigidaire electric range (model RS-35, according to the installation and wiring diagram on the back) from Craigslist and am trying to find out what year it is. I’ve looked through the archives and done some Googling, and I think it might be from around 1953, but I’m having a hard time finding anything definite. I thought maybe someone here might know or have some ideas.

The person I bought it from didn’t know the year, but they assured me it works—my husband and I have yet to find out if it actually does because we need to install a new cord on it that’s compatible with our house before we can test it out. But it seems to be in overall very good condition, minus a few small chips and the worn lettering on the knobs.

If anyone has any restoration tips, I’d love to hear! I’m a total newbie at this. Thanks!

 

[norgeway]

53

I have a 52 that is slightly different, great baking ranges, you will love it

 

[mikael3]

I love and adore my ’54. I have an RT-38—R means range, and T means 1954.  S means 1953.

 

In ’53, Frigidaire had two “chassis” for the 30″, the older 35 model and the newer 38 model. 

 

Other people here know more about these than I do. 

 

[marge]

Thank you! That is immensely helpful! I think I’ve even found the right manual online. I was a bit confused about the Cookmaster feature until I was reading about it. Seems pretty neat.

That’s so great to hear it’s a good baking oven—I bake a lot of bread and can’t wait to try it this weekend. Fingers crossed it actually works!

 

[mikael3]

I’d like to offer a thought.  Units that have been in storage, even for what seems like a short time, often stink very badly when they are heated up for the first time.  They’re burning off dust, I suppose, but it can be really bad.  I recently switched out my daily driver, and I had to run the “new” one for about an hour, opening the door a few times and fanning it out pretty aggressively.  And it was a very clean-looking unit.

 

[marge]

Thanks for the tip! It did smell a little bit when we heated it up, but nothing too bad. Everything seems to work, minus the clock and the timer, which is no biggie. I don’t know how hard those would be to repair, anyway.

There is a little bit of rust inside the bottom storage drawer. Any tips for removing that? I read somewhere that distilled white vinegar and a brush should work, which seems easy enough.

But I do love it so much already! It heats up much faster than our old glass-top range and cooks much more evenly. Very pleased with it so far!

 

[yesterdog]

I just bought the same stove,but the wiring diagram is missing. Any chance you could share a picture and also share where you purchased the manual? Many thanks!

 

[combo52]

Getting dust out of the storage drawer

I would try a vacuum cleaner and then a damp cloth with a little bit of detergent or other cleaners, be very careful about vinegar it can ruin the painted surface and doesn’t do much anyway.

The inside of the oven should be wiped out with a damp cloth maybe even a fairly wet cloth if there’s any residual oven cleaner in any cracks and crevices, oven cleaner can really make a smell if it’s not all rinsed away.

You can use a small amount of vinegar in the water to wipe out the inside of the oven since the inside of the oven is porcelain enamel.

John L

 

[fisherpaykel]

Raymond Lowey designed

American industrial designer Raymond Lowey is responsible for this icon of sleek design, the one piece cooktop and backsplash so simple and functional. Maybe Hans, norgeway will share any tips re top burner use to ensure even longer life. I also found one of these, minus the cook master clock, on Craigslist for a friend who was very happy to replace his burnt out control board modern Kitchenaid range. Yesterdog, maybe check the ephemera section, the far right icon at top of page, for a wiring diagram.

 

[combo52]

To get longer element life

Don’t let large areas of the burner glow red hot for extended periods of time.

When using high or medium high setting if more than a small area the burner is glowing red hot the burner or the pan you’re using is too warped and you need to turn down the heat or get a different pan, in some cases the burner needs to be straightened or replaced as well.

John L

 

[mikael3]

Someone years ago, maybe combo52, warned about warped elements. I wasn't sure what he was talking about back then, but now I see the problem. A perfectly flat element with a perfectly flat pan will NOT turn red, even on high. Any part of the pan that does not make contact will glow red. Keeping the element flat is an impossible task, but using heavy pans will help, and setting the element on high only long enough to get the heat started will inhibit warping, in my experience.

One thing I do every once in while is bend the arms of the three-pronged support piece, to make the element sit up a little higher. The first heavy pan than goes on the element flattens it out, and that takes care of things for a little while. I've thought of looking for a blacksmith to make me a support out of iron, but the few blacksmiths I knew long ago are retired. I also have no idea if that would work or be safe!!

 

[robcar]

Looking to buy a Frigidaire model RS -35

Hi
Looking to purchase a Frigidaire Model RS-35- identical to the stove in this post. It is for a TV show. Does not need work.
You can contact me at [email protected] or call or text 902 476 8224.
Thank you

[email protected]

 

[steved]

One on Facebook

In Prospect, PA. $50

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