More Advice? Microwave over gas rangeTappan...

[ladorosh]

Hi all,
First I wanted to thank you all for giving me advice about the two 1950's gas ranges I was considering in an earlier thread (the Hardwick and the Dixie). I appreciate the encouragement and offers of technical advice (norgeway). Unfortunately, Massachusetts law is a PITA. Not only can I not install a stove that doesn't have an oven pilot (like the 50's ranges), I can't install anything with a standing pilot. Everything has to be electronic ignition. If I just go ahead and install it myself I void my homeowner's insurance (I can just see some pointy headed insurance adjuster coming to my house to assess some damage, seeing the vintage stove and promptly rejecting my claim.)

Anyway....

I need a range that works unlike my POS modern Frigidaire with fried OEM and peeling surface coating.
I do not want an OEM the gets fired every time I clean the oven.
I do NOT want sealed burners - takes 20 damn minutes to boil a pot of water for pasta!
It needs to be 30" to fit in the kitchen.
It needs to be gas as I can't afford to add the extra breaker I'd need to add an electric stove (old farmhouse wiring).
AND it needs to meet stupid Massachusetts code.

I can't afford thousands of dollars for a fancy modern gourmet range that meets my specs nor can I afford a $5000 vintage stove that has been overhauled with an modern ignition system. So to my mind that limits me to stuff from the 80's and later.
To that end I found this practically unused Tappan microwave over range gas stove on CL. The owner has the manual and says it's called a "Continental" and is from 1986.

Questions are:
Is this range a decent quality? I know it's nothing like the ranges from the 50's and earlier but will it serve it's purpose or will it fall apart the moment I touch it?
Do stoves from this time have electronic ignition?
Is there another option/brand I should consider holding out for?

BTW the closest I could come to another of these was a GE model (see last pic) - is this because branding was essentially meaningless by '86?

Thanks!
Lauren

http://nh.craigslist.org/app/5186634465.html

 

[goatfarmer]

Those things are VERY heavy, takes a crowd to move one. Personally, I like Tappans of that era, decent enough ranges. I would want to pay less than half of what they're asking. Closer to the $125-150.00 range, at most.

 

[pulltostart]

If it fits your program requirements and your budget, consider making the seller an offer.  He/she has already reposted the ad once, bumping it up in the listing.  You might end up spending more than mentioned above, but less than the asking price, and be happy with what you get in the process.

 

lawrence

 

[washdaddy]

The stove does look like it's in great shape. Looks like it did only see very light use. One thing you might consider, is the size of the oven. That oven isn't overly large and the broiler for the stove is in the oven. It is self-cleaning but is it large enough to take care of your needs. By the looks of it I would say that stove has electronic ignition. The current owner should be able to tell you yes or no on that.  Also note that there is an exhaust unit on the top of that stove. Do you have the clearance in your kitchen for the height and the ability to install it because of the vent. And is the stove completely functional.

 

Lastly, I agree with everyone else on the price. I'd go a little bit higher than the lower price that was mentioned here earlier but I wouldn't pay what they are asking for it. The stove is almost 30 yrs old. You should be able to negotiate a better deal.

 

[appnut]

I built a house in Houston that had the non-over-the-microwave version of this, including the SC oven.  I loved it!!  I'd jump on this.   Pilotless everything so meets modern code. 

 

[ladorosh]

Thanks Everyone!
The oven capacity is fine - I love to bake and roast but not in huge quantities at a time. As long as I can squeeze a medium turkey in I'm good!
I spoke to the seller and got the measurements and it will fit in my space. Yay!
I am going to see the stove tomorrow and will double check the measurements. If all looks good, I'll make an offer.
Any one have any experience moving a unit like this? It seems as if it might be very vulnerable at the join between the stove and microwave. I was thinking the safest thing might be to rent a u haul with a ramp and appliance dolly. Of course that costs about $150 with gas so I'd have to consider that when making my offer. Does anyone think it would be safe on it's side in the back of a van?

I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks again!
Lauren

 

[goatfarmer]

It should ride OK on it's side. Remove the loose parts, like the burners, the grates, etc. The oven door should lift off.

Not only are they heavy, they are top heavy, with the microwave oven on top. Very easy to tip over when moving it. Be very careful, and have several people to help.

 

Good Luck!

 

[ladorosh]

I bought it! It was truly immaculate - not even a speck of dust or a crumb anywhere - not even under the stove top. The house was a vacation cottage and the owners always ate out.
I paid $200 and will pick it up next week.
One nice thing that I noticed was that the cooktop height is a bit lower than my current stove. I like that it will be easier to see into the pots while cooking.
I will miss the cast iron grates that my current Frigidaire has but the light weight porcelained ones will be easier to clean and I can just through the drip pans into the dishwasher.
All in all a good, inexpensive replacement for my current stove and one that should last longer than the five years the Frigidaire has made it.

Now, does anyone want a free 5-burner black and stainless gas Frigidaire range with convection oven and second warming oven? The coating on the stainless steel that prevents smudges is peeling off due to the use of the self-cleaning function and the OEM is fried also due to over heating during a clean cycle. Replacement OEM and face plate are $250 plus labor if you don't want to do the replacement yourself. I'm not going to fix it because it'll just break again if I use the cleaning function and I'll be damned if I will manually clean a self-cleaning oven

I'm in Massachusetts just south of Nashua, NH.

Thanks again everyone!
Lauren

 

[goatfarmer]

Good deal!