Stove/oven safety help needed

[olddog]

I recently got this '56 G.E. range (great deal, estate sale). In general the stove works great. The oven heats up pretty quick and the top of the stove over the oven gets really hot to the touch. Much to hot to touch actually. I checked the temperature, it heats up then stays constant in the temp. but the top getting so hot is a great concern. Any ideas what to check to how to correct would be greatly appreciated. I do know the stove was in use in the household I got it from but nobody running the sale could tell me anything about it other than it was in daily use. It's really clean and well cared for, no rust, just one chip on the top left corner which happened in moving.

 

[norgeway]

If the oven door

Is slightly out of adjustment,and doesent close tightly, the heat will build up under the edge of the top and make it very hot, also make sure the oven vents are in the correct position and are not blocked, I saw a stove once that had this problem, turned out the rear unit drip pan was covered with foil blocking the vent and letting the heat build up under the top.

 

[frigilux]

That's a beautiful range. Congratulations! Hope Hans's easy-to-correct diagnosis takes care of the issue.

 

[combo52]

Surfaces Of An Older Range Running Too Hot ?

Differently try Hans good suggestions, but keep in mind that older ranges often run hotter on the outside surfaces than newer ranges. Current ranges are only allowed to get to about 200 F. on the front of the oven doors, there is NO MAX temp standards for the cook-top areas even on current ranges however.

 

How hot is your range getting? and the good thing is there are no plastic parts on this old range to be damaged so it is not dangerous to operate like this.

 

This is why when we were young children our parents taught us not to touch the range, older ranges could run very hot on the outside.

 

[norgeway]

Something I did

To a old GE once, I thought it was too hot, so I took the top loose, and added about 5 or 6 more inches of insulation over the oven...no more hot top and it was very easy to do. most GEs didn't have but 2 inches of insulation back then.

 

[ken]

I got this 1967 GE range in Oct 2015 for $25.00. It was very dirty. I disassembled it to do an extensive cleaning. The top was held on by just two screws located in the front corners. After removing the screws the top slid back to disengage two hooks at the back. After removing I was surprised to see no cover of any kind over the fiberglas insulation that covered the oven liner. There were only the two drip trays that spanned from front to back under the burners. Between and to the outside of them the insulation was completely exposed.

Before disassembling I had tested it and found the top got pretty hot with the oven on. I did realize that was normal but thought I could do something about it while I had it apart. I added more insulation on top of the factory insulation. I then covered the insulation with aluminum covers for large disposable aluminum serving pans purchased at a Dollar store. They were just the right thickness. Heavy enough to not rip but thin enough to cut with a scissor and mold to the shape needed to fit under the drip trays.

I had also taken the outer and inner door panels apart to get the window out. I added more insulation between the panels before putting back together. It definitely made a difference after it was back together and the oven operating. The top didn't get near as hot as originally.

 

[olddog]

Thanks, I will

check the insulation. I checked the oven temperature to see if it was over-heating. It proved stable. The door does not close tight so that may be the only issue but I will check all the areas suggested. I appreciate all the good suggestions and information. I really like this stove and hope to keep it in service for many years to come. By the way, I meant to post this in the Imperial section and put it here by mistake. Thanks for the replies folks.