GE 40 inch range with P7 self-cleaning oven, avocado green

[Silverm]

Just looking for information, suggestions, opinions about this stove. We are trying to decide whether to keep it or sell it and get something newer. We are not collectors but find it super interesting. It seems to be in very good condition and completely functioning.

 

[sudsmaster]

That oven is excellent and will probably last many more years. I have a P*7 wall oven that also works just fine. The entire range seems to be in excellent shape, very clean. If you like electric range tops then I don't see why you couldn't just use it for a while to see how you like the range. The color is not exactly contemporary now, but who knows maybe it will come back some day.

 

Otherwise I'm sure there is a collector who would be interested, maybe even in your area.

 

[chachp]

Beautiful Stove, looks almost unused...

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">....given how well that stove has been cared for I can only imagine what the rest of the kitchen looks like.  Did you just buy a house with this stove?  Did the former owners ever use that thing?</span>

 

[goatfarmer]

I'd keep it.

 

[Silverm]

Yes

Yes the stove came with the purchase of the house. We wondered too if the owner has ever used the stove because of how clean and on scratched it looks. The house itself is a smaller three bedroom ranch that was built in 1960. We can find all of the original paperwork on this stove except for a receipt showing the date it was purchased so we are not sure the exact age of the stove. However, there is a Maytag electric dryer in the same color that is in basically the same kind of shape. The original paperwork is there for the dryer and shows it to be purchased in 1969. The house had been meticulously maintained over the years. All of the floors were carpeted with good carpet and even better padding with a thick moisture barrier. Underneath the carpet were oak floors in pristine condition. Along with the paperwork on the stove there are a couple of receipts showing that they purchased replacement drip pans and a few other items over the years. They even have notes written on index cards with model numbers for the replacement parts. They must have cleaned this stove thoroughly after each time they used it. That's all we can figure.

 

[alr2903]

Please keep the Stove.   Browse the new ones on the sales floor.   I think you will be very happy with your decision.

 

[chachp]

It's a BUTE!!!

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Personally I am not a big fan of the Avocado but I'd sure make an exception with this one.  It looks like new.  I'd probably have another stove hidden away somewhere that I'd actually use for messy baking just to keep this one so nice.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">I hope you keep it.</span>

 

[xraytech]

That stove is from the 1970s as it has the knob controls for the cooktop instead of the earlier push button setup.
It also looks to be without the auxiliary outlets so I'm guessing mid 70s

 

[Silverm]

What a Dilemma!

Thanks for all of your input! Much appreciated. In answer to chachp: That's the problem. It's so nice that I don't want to use it knowing there is no way it will stay that way at our house. With a really busy life, I will just not be committed enough to keeping it this nice. It seems a shame to make a mess in it after this many years. We just bought the house and so far have not yet used it.

xraytech: I found a decoder for the serial # that seems to indicate 1977 if the decoder is right. Serial # is GA281789 G

If we decide to sell it, would it be best to just put it on Craigslist or does anyone have other suggestions for where to post? Does anyone have a suggestion for a starting price to list it at? Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Silverm]

Picture of the metal tag

Based on the serial #, is this from 1977?

 

[mattl]

To be honest if you are selling, post it here first.  As for price, you wont get rich, just what someone is willing to offer.  Downside is the color, please don't post it on CL with make an offer.  If you do that it will be gone to the scrap yard quickly.  This should be saved and appreciated, it' obviously been well cared for.

 

the issue I see is that it's a 40" range and if you replace it with a modern range you will have a 10" gap to deal with.  You might just want to use it, take as much care with it as you can and enjoy it, nothing today is really comparable in terms of build.

 

[norgeway]

ONe thing is FOR SURE!

If you USE it...You will be spoiled for anything else, and it has features you cant buy today....All porcelain finish..not just the top like new stoves,sensi temp, thermostatically controlled unit, a fluorescent light, a self cleaning oven with about twice the insulation of new stoves, quality Calrod units that are far and away better than ANYTHING made today...and best of all, its darn near new!!Of yeah, the famous GE P-7 oven cleaning that is MUCH better than any made today..if it wasn't vomicado id be all over it!

 

[pulltostart]

What a beautiful range

Amazing that all of that original paperwork was preserved.  Definitely a keeper!

 

lawrence

 

[jkbff]

With this range being kept as pristine as it is, please keep it and use it.

It is begging to serve a busy family that needs all of its features. Mom and dad took it out for church on Sundays, it needs someone to take it down the freeway with a fully open throttle!!!

I sell appliances. I sell ranges every day. I wished the new ones were built like what you've got here. Parts are still available for this unit.

 

[Silverm]

We'll give it a try!

For the time being (and because we will have to have something to cook on), we are going to try it out. We will be renovating the kitchen - hopefully sooner rather than later - and will decide by then how we like it. In the meantime we will do our very best to keep in in really good shape so that if we sell, the condition will be just as nice. I have packed away the manuals to keep them in tip-top shape. I notice that it has a connection for a meat thermometer but I don't find the probe anywhere. Is this a part that would be available if I went in search of it?

 

[sudsmaster]

I have a similar oven in the wall version and have been unable to locate a replacement meat thermometer probe. Mine also has a rotisserie setup but those accessories are gone as well.

 

Here's one way to help keeping a range clean: get a good quality covered propane powered BBQ with rotisserie/back burner option. Put it out on a patio, preferably under some cover if you  can. Use that for roasting meats and such. It will help keep the range clean and also keep those cooking odors out of the home. Lately I got a large Lodge cast iron grilling pan, and have been using that for roast/grilling chicken thighs/legs. It works great.

 

And, these days, one can do a lot of cooking in the microwave, such as vegetables and reheating stuff. That will also keep it off the stove.

 

 

 

 

[chorgan4498]

i have almost the same

Hi I was wondering if the owner of this oven still has possession? I have virtually the same oven, but my model number does not match and I even called GE and they have no records of my oven. I just want to be able to clean it well and I do not know how to carefully wash this completely porcelain gas top... my self cleaning latch will not click into place so it’s going to have to be all manual. But yours is the closest version to my oven i have seen, down to the same avocado color!! I love this thing, i just want to be able to keep it in a better condition i found it in, and any tips and tricks to removing the pieces to clean? i want to be carful with such an antique and amazing appliance! you can’t find stuff like this anymore

 

[luxflairguy]

A GE 40" With a gas top? Pics would help!

 

[circlew]

Your model number is J487, and the additional digits just indicate the version and color. The next number (16.2 kw) is the electrical rating. The serial starting with VM indicates a manufacture date of November 1971.

I can guarantee everyone this range didn't leave the factory with a "gas top", as GE didn't make gas ranges at that time.