Relationship between GE & Hotpoint?

[mom11]

I'm sure this has been discussed before here somewhere but I haven't seen it yet. But can someone explain to me the relationship between GE and Hotpoint, particularly in the 1950's and 60's. I am particularly interested in this because I am going to be buying a 1956 Hotpoint range. Were these made by GE in GE plants of GE parts and just badged Hotpoint? Did they use GE parts? Are the parts interchangeable? Or were there separate Hotpoint factories? I think I heard the pastels are the same tint.
Thanks for any insight.

 

[launderess]

Yes, story has been covered here in the group

Before as well as on the Internet.

Long story short Hotpoint merged with General Electric then became wholly owned.

The lynchpin to all this was Earl Richardson and his inventions and patents for "Calrod" heating elements which totally revolutionized everything from electric irons to toasters.

http://www.toaster.org/hotpoint.html

Hotpoint - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[circlew]

Lisa, up until the early 70's, Hotpoint had its own manufacturing plants. At that time, most production moved to Appliance Park in Louisville, KY or other locations. Hotpoint products were then made on the same lines as GE, with only minor differences (usually trim parts).

The '56 range you're interested in buying most likely was made at Hotpoint's complex located at 5600 W. Taylor St. in Chicago (meaning it's a REAL Hotpoint).

As for common parts, the Calrod surface units are the same, but I don't know for sure about oven elements and switches. Hotpoint and GE did not share cabinet parts until production moved to Louisville.

 

[mom11]

Fasinating

how the company "Hotpoint" got it's name from the 'hot point' on the iron. I'm a real nerd about these things. That little factoid just made my night. Thanks for the help on this. I'm going to continue to search the site for more of the story. I learn so much every day here. You all are great. ...But keep me up waaaaaaay to late.

 

[norgeway]

RE Hotpoint switches...

The pushbutton switches were the same, im not sure about oven thermostats, but I think they were basically the same..

 

[turquoisedude]

Yes, the oven thermostats were the same.  It's not unusual to find a 50s GE range with a Hotpoint oven thermostat in as original equipment.  

 

[firedome]

up until the late '50s or so...

Hotpoint was the more "deluxe" of the 2 nameplates, we've had the TOL ranges from 1956 from both GE and Hotpoint, and the GE Liberator was not as fancy in materials and finish, but both did have about the same features available, at least optionally and "Automatic Calrod" was GE's name for what Hotpoint called "SuperMatic".

 

[mom11]

calrod

I was wondering what the 'calrod' burner mrsnd. Can someone explain that? Is it the type of coils? I've noticed that my '53 Frigidaire 'Thrifty Thirty' the coils are very wide while the ge's and other brands are narrower. Does that have something to do with it?
Thanks

 

[alr2903]

Mom11, 2 front calrods, back is ceramic nichrome

 

[firedome]

"Calrod" ...

was just GE's name for their electro-ceramic burner elements, originated by Hotpoint back in the 20s/30s. Frigidaire used the much wider "RadianTube" elements, and both have their merits, but GE's are much easier to find as replacement parts today!

 

[alr2903]

** Thanks Firedome,  LOL, we were posting at the same time.