Opinions on vintage GE ranges

weed30 · Jul 7, 2023

I am having some electrical work done and have the option to switch from a gas range to electric. I really like vintage GE ranges, and would go with a 40" because I like the extra "counter" space and they're just beautiful. What are the pros and cons of the styles below, or what is the "best"? Or would all of them be great?

I really love the first one, but of course it's far away and would be very spendy to get it. Still not ruling it out...haha

tomturbomatic · Jul 7, 2023

I am firmly in the electric cooking camp. I think #4 would be your most trouble free range.

bradfordwhite · Jul 7, 2023

As much as I love the pastel pink...

#3 and #4 appear to have self cleaning main ovens and functional second ovens.

#2 appears to be the newest of all these with #3 being the next newest.

If #2 has an automatic locking self clean oven I would probably consider that first.

If it's the pink color you want, remember a light color appliance can be wrapped with that film that's used on autos to give a special retro 60s look.

circlew · Jul 7, 2023

Range #2 is not a true GE product, but rather one made for them by WCI. It is a Kelvinator design from the mid 60's, also sold as Kenmore, Gibson, Frigidaire, and perhaps other brands. My neighbor Ruth had a Kenmore version, and despised it.

I certainly wouldn't recommend putting a vinyl wrap on a range, or anything thing else that gets that hot. Sounds like a mess waiting to happen. Lordy!

bradfordwhite · Jul 8, 2023

The wraps are supposed to endure uv rays, wind, rain, and snow. I would think they could handle being inside on an appliance that gets warm-hot on occasion.

We should ask if anyone's done this and what the results are/were.

Regardless of where #2 was built, that is a late 70s to 80s GE badge on the console. I would judge that range to be from around 1985.

weed30 · Jul 8, 2023

Thanks!

Tomturbomatic - I really do like #4 and it's only 45 min from me which is a huge plus. I added more photos. The worry with it is that the seller said "the people we bought it from said it worked great". I'd rather hear that they tested it themselves. On the other hand it appears very clean. They said it's a 1973 and have the manual. I wish it had the push button controls because I think they are so cool, but I also read here that maybe the knobs work better - infinite control? 

What about the front left and right rear burners? They appear to be tipped up and might not lay flat. I read about that here, forgot which thread, and I think it's fixable but can't recall exactly.


Do you know if this one might have a light for the cooktop right under the top chrome trim? I see that in older models but can't tell on this one. I plan on contacting the seller today for a picture of the model number plate.


I see that the accessory outlets are 3 prong - any worries about plugging in vintage 2 prong appliances there? (Toaster and can opener, only on occasion.)

Overall, do you think this range is fairly easy to fix if things are broken? 

CircleW - great info about #2 - I couldn't decide if having the "work space" in the middle was better than having it on one side, but knowing it's not a true GE eliminates it completely.

daveamkrayoguy · Jul 8, 2023

Vinyl ON the sides, correction needed--hmmm, will it work?

I like the counterspace on the right that the true GE ranges offer, and some makes of ranges have the burners there and the counterspace on the left...

I don't care for the wider center from the burners put out wider to the left and right some brands do their range tops with...

Two ovens are nice and what your 40" is best to come with, a bonus if one is self cleaning and capable of cleaning parts from the second oven--just make sure you keep up with the maintenance the automatic operation of clocks, timers and automatic burners these top of the line models offer...

Those are all great ranges, and with General Electric being the leading brand and most reliable, surely parts and service will be easy to keep up with...

-- Dave

weed30 · Jul 8, 2023

Thanks Dave - I do like the small oven. I have a Maytag Gemini in my basement and the small oven at the top is my favorite thing about it. No need to heat up the big one when you only have one or two items.

Honestly I have never used self clean on any range I've owned. I'm mainly a cooktop kinda girl so my ovens don't get very dirty. I also feel like that kind of heat for hours (?) isn't great for the components. Not sure if that is actually true though.

I'm liking this white one more and more - I hope things work out with it. (although I LOVE the style of the pink one - just too spendy to get it here.)

circlew · Jul 8, 2023

#3 and #4 have better insulated ovens, being that they're the P*7 self clean models. That is the original self cleaning oven system.

The accessory outlets are the same 3-prong configuration as used in wall receptacles, and are designed to allow either 2 or 3 prong plugs to be inserted. GE and other range manufacturers began using that type around 1963.

Also, GE did make a few models that had the workspace in the middle, but they tended to be the more basic ones without any fancy features.

rp2813 · Jul 8, 2023

I like #1 for its looks, but #4 is in beautiful shape and gets extra points for the small oven and P7 self cleaning feature. You'll be happy with it, and if there's anything that needs attention or repair, you'll have an easier time finding what you need for #4 than #1. I wouldn't consider #2 even if it was a true GE due to the burner layout, which I don't care for. #3 seems to be well used, so going with #4 makes the most sense.

I see no reason to worry about two-prong plugs or the wattage of a toaster in those outlets. They're fed from the stove's 240 volt supply, and GE likely designed them for toasters, percolators, and other high wattage appliances.

weed30 · Jul 8, 2023

Model Number

Seller sent me the model number: J479002 WH

edit: Serial number is HM2926900 - The letters indicate it was built in 1971 or 1983.

[this post was last edited: 7/8/2023-17:12]

daveamkrayoguy · Jul 8, 2023

I wish #3 was more viewable--lots of clutter around that range, otherwise although devoid of a few features there, #4 is what I would go with too, so that's the best choice there...

The push-buttons on #1 it looks like are needed to go through great length to put there on top where they can accidentally get pressed so along with the meh of #2 I would rule that one out with safety in mind there...

-- Dave

combo52 · Jul 8, 2023

Best GE 40 inch range of the four you have

Definitely skip number two that’s a Kelvinator built one is has already been mentioned. It’s a piece of junk

Of the three others. The green one is the most reliable and it’s the newest its self cleaning system is better perfected for reliability.

Number for the white one is definitely pretty And could be a good range. It’s no newer than 71 it could be as old as 69.

Definitely do not try to put final wrap on the outside of a range. Many parts for range get up to 300° or more on the surface especially on older ranges

Areas around the burners and get up to over 800° easily.

John.

weed30 · Jul 8, 2023

combo52, thanks - I am going to look at the white #4 tomorrow or Tuesday. I think it's nice looking and appears to be in beautiful condition. I am concerned about the front left and right rear burners - both look tipped up. When I see the range I'll take closeups of them for further advice. I bookmarked an old thread with comments about this issue.

I'm also hoping that the cost to run power to my kitchen isn't outrageous.

I should have that quote by Monday. Of course my breaker box is in the NW corner of my basement and the kitchen is in the SE corner of the house, with a tricky area to fish the wire through. Nothing's easy.

I will absolutely not be wrapping the range in vinyl - who would ever do that?!

qsd-dan · Jul 8, 2023

Why did GE source a Kelvinator range when their own designs were some of the best in the industry? Cheaper pricing?

bradfordwhite · Jul 8, 2023

#14

The model above being from the 80s, It was probably after GE stopped making the slow selling 40" models so they contracted out to someone else.

bradfordwhite · Jul 8, 2023

The second range looks very sleek for an 80s range. I doubt it's that bad as it's been there for 35+ years and still working.

If one is looking for a "true" GE range that harkens way back to when 40" ranges were popular, it might not be the best choice.

As for WHO wraps their appliances- who would ever do that?! Oh my. A smart, creative, and cost conscious person uses such a product. It can handle temps up to 400 deg. As long as a person is using their retro range sparingly as the decorative item that it is, rather than as a slob that fries everything daily, one shouldn't have any problems. More durable than paint and you've already indicated you won't be using the self clean (high heat) feature so.... but I'm sure basic white will be best for you.

How to Wrap an Oven

how to wrap an oven. Are you sick of your old and ugly stove? Well I have a tutorial for how to do a DIY makeover for a retro look without paint!

athomewithashley.com

daveamkrayoguy · Jul 8, 2023

Yes GE would even brand those WCI built 40" as GE though clearly phased out as that trend building wide two oven ranges like that was clearly on the wane...

Sears even sold a gas and electric range of 40-inches during that last gasp as well...

-- Dave

combo52 · Jul 9, 2023

Putting a vinyl wrap on a range is absolutely a disastrous idea and I’m sure the final company does not recommend it.

The edges of the oven door even on a non-self cleaning range pictured can easily hit 500° the person obviously doesn’t cook.

At least they did it on a cheap ass range that could be thrown away when the vinyl starts to melt and burn at the edges.

GE stopped building 40 inch ranges in the early 80s demand had fallen so much so only Kelvinator/WCI was left building 40 inch ranges for everybody after that time, whirlpool, Kenmore G E, and all the WCI brands. John

John

Opinions on vintage GE ranges

Help Support :

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads