Thermostats on Countertop Electric Roasters

[revvinkevin]

 

 

I have 2 vintage electric roasters, this early 50's Westinghouse and the late 40's(?) Nesco in the 2nd photo. 

 

With Thanksgiving approaching, plus the fact we are hosting this year for 18(!), I decided it might be a good idea to test the Nesco roaster, as I could use it for one of the 2 turkeys I'll be cooking this year.   This afternoon I plugged in the Nesco, only to discover that the thermostat is kaput.  It heats nicely, however it won't stop heating once the set temp is reached.  (I used a laser thermometer to confirm temps).  And yes it still needs a thorough cleaning....

 

Last year I tested the Westinghouse only to discover it was the same story, the thermostat is no-bueno.

 

I have no idea about the thermostat or how it works on either of these.  Is it possible to repair, replace or retrofit a different thermostat in either of these beautiful roasters so they can be used and enjoyed again?  What type of thermostat do I need to look for and where should I look?

 

As for how we will handle the 2nd turkey, my sister (who is a chef) suggested roasting one the day before, carving, refrigerating, then reheating in chicken broth (as restaurants do) and serve with the other one cooked on Thanksgiving. 

 

Thank you in advance!

Kevin 

 

[launderess]

There are a few used (pulled from units) thermostats for Westinghouse roasters on fleaPay atm.

Bottom of unit is held on by four screws, then there is some rock wool insulation. With those out of the way you'll be able to see the thermostat and take things from there.

For one or both units another option would be to see if any modern offerings will fit. You'd probably have to take units apart to get at thermostats, then hunt around small appliance part repair places to see if there is a modern equal.

 

[rp2813]

Kevin --

I had to open up my 1945 GE roaster in order to repair a break in its nichrome heating element.  There's a mat of fiberglass to dig through on these vintage roasters, but it can easily be stuffed back into place.  Once you have it out of the way, it's easy to get at the thermostat in order to change it out. 

 

I don't think it's even worth trying to repair either thermostat unless you discover a loose wire or some other obvious issue that would provide an explanation for the malfunction (like I know what I'm talking about in this regard but it could happen, couldn't it?).  I would dig into the roasters before pursuing a replacement control for either of them just in case it turns out to be an easy fix.   From what Launderess posted above, it seems Westinghouse controls are relatively easy to come by. 

 

That's quite the schmancy Nesco, by the way.  I hope you can fix it!

 

[launderess]

Wouldn't say Westinghouse roaster parts are "easy" to come by. What you've got on fleaPay are two persons selling things from parted out roasters.

Since roasters are still being produced, it might be worth finding out if there is a modern substitution thermostat that works in one or both.

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Thank you Launderess and Ralph for the info!  I sent a message to the seller of one of the t-stats asking what vintage it's from.  They listed the roaster model # as RO-5411-1, but I don't know what year it is.

 

[revvinkevin]

Update....

 

 

I bought one of the 2 Westinghouse thermostats listed on fleapay which arrived yesterday.  I thought "Great, I'll be able to repair the Westinghouse roaster and use it for the 2nd Thanksgiving turkey after all"!   

 

So last night I turned my roaster upside down and removed the access plate under the thermostat.  After moving some if the fiberglass insulation I was able to see the thermostat AND that this one has a different mounting arrangement (a metal plate with 2 screws, vs. a tension wire for the "new" one).  Darn.  Well, I can make this work with some modifications. 

 

 Due to the mounting brackets being different, I put the thermostats and loose nuts, screws into a ziplock bag, then reinstalled the access plate. 

 

Then something else hit my like a ton of bricks and later I got scared thinking about it.  The wires connected to the t-stat are wrapped with a white, almost cotton-like looking substance - asbestos!   Crap!  I didn't move the wires around much, thought I did touch them.  Not sure how to proceed and am worried about the asbestos now.  

This Westinghouse roster oven will not be repaired in time for Thanksgiving this year... oh well.

 

Kevin 

 

[rp2813]

Kevin

I wouldn't worry too much about that very small amount of asbestos.  Unless you're actually tearing into it, there's nothing harmful being released to breathe.

 

Since the roaster may not be ready for next week (unless you pick up where you left off), is the other ebay thermostat the correct type?  If so, and as long as you're not going to use the roaster as planned, it might be worth it to return the one you got and buy the other one.  Otherwise, and again, don't worry yourself about the asbestos, handle it carefully, and make the modifications so the roaster can be deployed as you had hoped.

 

[launderess]

May not be the perfect low cost solution

But, sometimes you have to just grab another unit and deal with the broken later.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=roaster+westinghouse&sort=rel

https://slo.craigslist.org/app/d/westinghouse-roaster-oven/6720836050.html