Types of Detachable Small Appliances Cords

[rp2813]

I'm wondering if there are more than two sizes of detachable cords for small appliances with heating elements. 

 

I'm familiar with the standard percolator cord, which has a receptacle with holes spaced 1/2" apart on center, and the larger type for roaster ovens, with holes spaced 1-1/16" apart on center. 

 

Is there a size in between these?  I saw a nice looking small (6-quart maybe?) Nesco roaster at a thrift store today, but the cord was missing and the prongs on it seemed to be spaced more than 1/2" apart, but clearly less than 1-1/16" apart.

 

An on-line search produced only those two sizes, but there was one oddball cord listed on eBay that indicated spacing of 3/4" on center.  I'm feeling a bit skeptical about the accuracy of the seller's measurement on that one.

 

I'm unsure of the vintage of the Nesco I saw, but I'm going to guess it's mid '60s.  If anyone owns one of similar vintage, can you advise if a standard percolator cord will fit?

 

The Nesco pictured is very similar, but probably newer than the one I saw today.

 

[rp2813]

I bought the Nesco

It's more or less identical to the one above, but the cooking chart is a light metallic blue.

 

There are two sizes that fall in between large roaster and percolator cords:  11/16" and 3/4".  The prongs on the Nesco are 3/4" on center.  It sure seems crazy for these two sizes to be only 1/16" different, but so it is.  I checked my Corning burner and it takes the 11/16" size, so I'm going after a 3/4" cord on eBay.  Per a local appliance parts house, the 3/4" size hasn't been manufactured for around ten years, so anything out there is NOS at this point.

 

 

 

[ovrphil]

So that's a NESCO ...I've never seen the brand(oh well) , but it's a quality-looking roaster. Good luck with acquiring a cord and getting some current back to the old boy/girl.

 

[rp2813]

Well, it seems the 1-1/16" is really common, but the 11/16" less so, and the 3/4" even less than that.

 

I came across a cord on eBay which the seller measured as "around" 3/4" on center and I'm thinking it may actually be 11/16".  I may end up having to buy a receptacle I saw listed and described as 3/4" and wire my own cord to it. 

 

Nesco roasters have a few different looks to them.  My mom had a 1940's one that was very different looking from the one above.

 

[polkanut]

Phil,

Nesco brand roasters were/are de rigueur for most homes, churches etc.  The most popular sizes are like the one Ralph pictured above, and the large 18qt size.  Ralph's Nesco is a great size for a small household.  In my neck of the woods they're still popular wedding gifts.

 

[ovrphil]

We have three crockpots - but no roasters, and no room for the big Westinghouse bubba's that roast turkeys, etc. So....

What's different, unique, preferred with these over a standard crockpot? (I know , some company got the name Crockpot copy-writed)

 

[launderess]

Yes, there are a few different sizes for detachable cords.

It goes by the space between the pins. Found this out when looking for cords for various irons.

My best choice are the "snap it" cords with on/off switches. This means you can turn whatever the cord is powering "off" or "on" without having to unplug the thing. You have no idea how many vintage heat generating appliances have no "off" setting. My Westbend "Ovenette" only goes to 150F, not "off". So if the thing is plugged in and one is not careful it can cause burns/damage.

Then there are irons that don't have thermostats much less on or off switches.

 

[rp2813]

Yes, I saw the switched type of recptacle as I cruised eBay.  In the Nesco's case, the temp control goes to "OFF" so a switched type isn't necessary, but agree that on heaters, etc. which should have a switch but don't, the switched receptacles are the way to go.

 

Phil, the Nesco above is about the same size as a 6-quart slow cooker.  The main differences are, 1) The insert is porcelain coated metal and not stoneware (so the unit is much lighter), and 2) The Nesco has a thermostatic control with temperature range from 200 to 500 instead of just the "LOW" and "HIGH" settings found on a slow cooker, which makes it more versatile and puts it in the "roaster" category.