need advice. PLEASE=)

[maytog77]

alright, just as many of you on here. i am the type of person that INSISTS on only vintage appliances in my home (well those in my control since im living in a rental duplex, but rules are bout to be bent like a nail). so i need to get a deep freeze. can anyone suggest a good vintage brand that's no newer than 1979, is easy to use, safe, reliable, and that i can have repaired relativity easy in the matter that should come up. inflation of food has gotten MAD, and i need to start stocking up.

now problem number 2. i need a stove that actually does what it suppose to. yes i could tell management ,but id be stuck with another cheap Hotpiont. mine smells like mouse, from a past mouse problem. and i know the thermostat is going. so what would you all again recommend? there is a Frigidaire Flair on CL right now that i like the idea of getting. and i know someone who has had a GE push button stove since 1963 and loves it. so let me know of any better ideas...=)

 

[tomturbomatic]

There is no real advantage in demanding an old freezer. Newer foam insulation, run capacitors etc make new ones more efficient and the old ones are heavy to move. So buy a new one to hopefully get the most efficient freezer to save on electricity.

If you do much baking, don't get the Flair. The ovens are smaller than in a cabinet range. GEs are good ranges as are Frigidaires & Westinghouses; it just depends on which type of surface unit and controls you like better, although once you get used to fat Radiantubes or 5 heat controls, you will be able to cook with one as easily as with another. I was a little frightened of Radiantubes before I had much experience with them, but found them very easy to cook on once I started. Of course I don't turn my back on anything over high heat so I can see when the heat needs to be switched. If you do much stir frying, the thermal mass of a Radiantube can work to your advantage by keeping things really hot.

Have fun finding a vintage range and keep us informed of your project's progress.

 

[volvoguy87]

Range.

If you have to have electric and you're new to vintage appliances, I'd go with a GE range. GEs are good quality ranges that perform well. They also have some pretty darned good parts availability, even today. If you've got little experience fixing old appliances and/or little time to track down parts, GE is definately the vintage range for you.

I know less about vintage freezers. Freezers are pretty simple, however, and should provide minimal complexity. A chest freezer tends to be more efficient than an upright, however. Relaus and capacitors can be replaced and tend not to be too expensive. The disadvantage of a freezer is that you have to pay the utility comapny to run it. You also have to be extremely careful to package your food properly and keep track of it so you don't forget it's there.

Good Luck,
Dave

 

[coldspot]

You could turn any new chest type freezer to look older. You could easy take say a wood grain contact paper to the top of the lid for that 70's look. But the looks of a chest freezer have not changed much over the years.

Also I would not have a older freezer that is just my take. I be worried it would die on me and I not know it and then have a bunch of rotted food. Only way I would have a older one is to have some type of light set up to come on if it lost power.

 

[cadman]

Jason, I hear ya, I wouldn't take a new chest freezer on a bet. The only thing they have going for them is that it doesn't take an army of men to move one.

I can't say as there's any one particular brand that would be superior to another. They were all pretty much built to last with oversized compressors that are much quieter than today's. If I were you, I'd search craigslist; oftentimes they're available free for the taking because of their size/weight. Try to find one that's been recently used and not sitting for years unplugged with seals drying out. A common theme is a new family moves into an older home, decides to remodel the basement or make some "improvements". First thing to go is that old deep freeze.

If the insulation has gotten wet and is no longer effective, then that's a different story, but otherwise I can't imagine a classic would cost any more to run than a new one. (the old fridges certainly cost less) The motor may be less efficient, but it also runs for less time.

Best of luck!

 

[maytagbear]

Freezers

historically speaking, have been one of the most, if not the most reliable of major appliances.

There are lots of brands, but currently only two manufacturers at the moment, Whirlpool and Frigidaire.

I am seriously thinking about getting a SMALL upright freezer (that is, about 5 cubic feet), and sacrificing a chunk of my counter space for it.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[lotsosudz]

Stick With A Chest Type

I one a 20 Cubic foot chest type freezer, mines a Frigidare. If you stick with a manual defrost type, you will have much longer meat shelf lives, as well as very little defrosting to do. Mine is about 13 years old, and has been cleaned, maybe 3 times in its life (interior with bleach and soap). You generally only have ice build up on the top 1 foot ring, just below the lid, and can be easily, without much fuss! The other beautiful thing about them is, when you open them, the cold stays in, thus keeping the temp. consistent. Also if you live in a area that has power failures, for short term, you food will stay safe. My opinion is, if you have the space, the chest is definately the way to go!
David

 

[maytog77]

thank you all for such insight......=)

i found a Philco freezer on CL for 60 bucks, that i will probably repaint. but its small and compact and a chest....=)...which i want a chest freezer any way. i don't have anything agenst a upright, but i just find a chest to be more convenient.

hers the link to the Philco, http://wichita.craigslist.org/app/3364640926.html