kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
And also like the 1970 Westinghouse USA made 120 volt Iron that I purchased in US was.....
Vintage Steams Irons
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retromania
Well-known member
You Guys
Are way over my head. I will have study! Better yet a home demo by an electrician would be good also. I can see it now: 'Yes, I was wondering if you have anyone in your employment that could come to my house and re-wire an old steam iron for me while I watch...? ....Click!' LOLLLL
Are way over my head. I will have study! Better yet a home demo by an electrician would be good also. I can see it now: 'Yes, I was wondering if you have anyone in your employment that could come to my house and re-wire an old steam iron for me while I watch...? ....Click!' LOLLLL
xraytech
Well-known member
These are my irons of choice, I also have NIB ones just in case.
The iron on the left aswell as middle iron are both the same model, General Electric model F-92, the black one belonged to my great aunt Thresa, the white variation is my favorite, my grandma Diamond used to have one, about 13 0r 14 years ago it was replaced with an iron she won in an Avon sales contest in the mid 70s.
The far right one is a Hoover, its a nice heavy iron and the stainless steel soleplate glides effortlessly, I don use steam on it because it is a leaker.
Overall my favorite and most used iron is the white General Electric
The iron on the left aswell as middle iron are both the same model, General Electric model F-92, the black one belonged to my great aunt Thresa, the white variation is my favorite, my grandma Diamond used to have one, about 13 0r 14 years ago it was replaced with an iron she won in an Avon sales contest in the mid 70s.
The far right one is a Hoover, its a nice heavy iron and the stainless steel soleplate glides effortlessly, I don use steam on it because it is a leaker.
Overall my favorite and most used iron is the white General Electric
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Anyaway well if you'll ever be at a choiche for wires to bring to electrician to replace at your house while you watch LOL just base on this, if you'll be about to get some EU wires and you're unsure about amps an watts related to voltage this is a simple mathematical operation:
Watts are: Amps x volt= wattage
So 15 amp on 120 volts= 1800 watt
So if an European wire says 5 amp 220-230 volt it will be intended to support: 5 x 220= 1100 watts, if it says 8 amp: 8 x 220= 1760 watts, and so on.
Watts absorbption is a metric value that does not change and is calculated thanks to amps, while amperage changes based on the voltage....appliances like irons usually report both amps and watts on their "labels"....
Just be aware of the fact that a LITTLE difference in size does not make the difference if used on a different voltage it works without probs anyway, they always tend to put wires way more bigger and thicker than needed for a certain wattage and so amperage and this is a standardized thing on everything, actually you could "load" them more without any probs, just be sure it is not TOO little like half the size, compare them the prior one you took off.....
[this post was last edited: 9/2/2012-11:09]
Watts are: Amps x volt= wattage
So 15 amp on 120 volts= 1800 watt
So if an European wire says 5 amp 220-230 volt it will be intended to support: 5 x 220= 1100 watts, if it says 8 amp: 8 x 220= 1760 watts, and so on.
Watts absorbption is a metric value that does not change and is calculated thanks to amps, while amperage changes based on the voltage....appliances like irons usually report both amps and watts on their "labels"....
Just be aware of the fact that a LITTLE difference in size does not make the difference if used on a different voltage it works without probs anyway, they always tend to put wires way more bigger and thicker than needed for a certain wattage and so amperage and this is a standardized thing on everything, actually you could "load" them more without any probs, just be sure it is not TOO little like half the size, compare them the prior one you took off.....
[this post was last edited: 9/2/2012-11:09]
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
LOVE the white one!!!
I had it in light blue! It unfortunately dropped and broke. It was an awesome iron!
I had it in light blue! It unfortunately dropped and broke. It was an awesome iron!
I see Hoover's logo's back on irons over here.
Well, on steam-generator irons anyway.
Well, on steam-generator irons anyway.
retromania
Well-known member
Freddy
You have gone above and beyond. Thank you! ThAnk you!
You have gone above and beyond. Thank you! ThAnk you!
retromania
Well-known member
Sam
I like that black one on the end. What make is it? Has a dial on it a little like a Hoover.
I like that black one on the end. What make is it? Has a dial on it a little like a Hoover.
xraytech
Well-known member
Andy, that model you like is a Hoover iron
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
LOL
Just wanted to make things a little clear, you know, looked like by offering sending and suggesting you to put those cords I would have sent you to hospital with an electric shock or burn your house, I know what I do and suggest.....
Just wanted to make things a little clear, you know, looked like by offering sending and suggesting you to put those cords I would have sent you to hospital with an electric shock or burn your house, I know what I do and suggest.....
retromania
Well-known member
Freddy,
I worry about my house burning down anyway. It's a 1941 dwelling with original wiring. Just can't afford to have the wiring replaced right now. No overhead attic, so there's no easy access to between the walls without trenching into the walls. They're plastered walls too and someone told me they would have to trench into the walls to replace the wiring. That's why I am so super careful!! An electrician did tell me once that as long as no one messed with the wiring it should be ok.
I worry about my house burning down anyway. It's a 1941 dwelling with original wiring. Just can't afford to have the wiring replaced right now. No overhead attic, so there's no easy access to between the walls without trenching into the walls. They're plastered walls too and someone told me they would have to trench into the walls to replace the wiring. That's why I am so super careful!! An electrician did tell me once that as long as no one messed with the wiring it should be ok.
retromania
Well-known member
petek
In the photo of your iron with the hammered metal surface. what is that sticker on the handle that is partially removed?! It looks like a UL sticker.
In the photo of your iron with the hammered metal surface. what is that sticker on the handle that is partially removed?! It looks like a UL sticker.
I'm not sure.. I just went to look for the darned thing and can't find it. I know it's here somewhere. In the meantime I found an old GE Featherlight with box. I've got so much stuff now I can't even remember half of it anymore
The iron is a Steam O matic, just noticed it as a file name on my pc lol
The iron is a Steam O matic, just noticed it as a file name on my pc lol
@appliguy - No worries, glad we were able to clean up that misunderstanding. Now let's go play with the other children, shall we? *LOL*
@Mr.X - Don't know if your only referring to max power for 15amp only sockets, but American homes have 20amp sockets as well. Usually one finds these circuts for high power draw appliances but not 220v, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. I like to run my ironers, presses, and even irons off the 20amp circuts as it gives a bit more wiggle room in terms of power.
In general found that by "vintage" steam irons one didn't like anything say before the 1960's or 1970's as they didn't put out nearly enough steam to properly iron things unless they were dampened. Well if one is going to go through all that might as well stick with dry ironing. By about the late 1950's or so appliance makers seem to have come up with ways to produce more steam and things got better. That was until some darn fools decided irons were getting "too" hot and wattage was reduced.
Cloth cords versus plastic:
Most of my NIB vintage irons with a cloth cords state not to twist the cord into "loops" and wrap closed (as they usually come from the factory) after use, but to loosely wrap around the iron after it has cooled. Apparently the former method wears out cloth cords faster and or causes fraying.
Had to replace the cloth cord on one of my Presto "Vapor-Steam" irons and am here to tell you yes, the stuff frays and creates "dust" as cut and messed about to put on a new plug for instance. Became worried about this out of fears of Asbestos which was routinely used for insulation and other purposes back in the day. Happily vintage replacement appliance cord sets for irons are easily found at estate sales or Fleapay, so stick to ready made.
This brings up another point, if replacement appliance cord sets were so widely sold there must have been a great need. So either the irons out lasted the cords or the latter could be counted on to wear out.
Have found the earlier black/white cloth cords a bit less durable than the later blue and other colours from the 1960's or so.
@Mr.X - Don't know if your only referring to max power for 15amp only sockets, but American homes have 20amp sockets as well. Usually one finds these circuts for high power draw appliances but not 220v, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. I like to run my ironers, presses, and even irons off the 20amp circuts as it gives a bit more wiggle room in terms of power.
In general found that by "vintage" steam irons one didn't like anything say before the 1960's or 1970's as they didn't put out nearly enough steam to properly iron things unless they were dampened. Well if one is going to go through all that might as well stick with dry ironing. By about the late 1950's or so appliance makers seem to have come up with ways to produce more steam and things got better. That was until some darn fools decided irons were getting "too" hot and wattage was reduced.
Cloth cords versus plastic:
Most of my NIB vintage irons with a cloth cords state not to twist the cord into "loops" and wrap closed (as they usually come from the factory) after use, but to loosely wrap around the iron after it has cooled. Apparently the former method wears out cloth cords faster and or causes fraying.
Had to replace the cloth cord on one of my Presto "Vapor-Steam" irons and am here to tell you yes, the stuff frays and creates "dust" as cut and messed about to put on a new plug for instance. Became worried about this out of fears of Asbestos which was routinely used for insulation and other purposes back in the day. Happily vintage replacement appliance cord sets for irons are easily found at estate sales or Fleapay, so stick to ready made.
This brings up another point, if replacement appliance cord sets were so widely sold there must have been a great need. So either the irons out lasted the cords or the latter could be counted on to wear out.
Have found the earlier black/white cloth cords a bit less durable than the later blue and other colours from the 1960's or so.
General Mills Tru-Heat Steam Irons
There must have been millons if not billons of those irons made as they are everywhere, often NIB. Estate sales, thrifts, FleaPay, you name it.
Replacing/Rewiring Iron Cords
Local high end appliance shop's (Gracious Home) repair department will put a new cord on a iron and or rewire most electircal appliances from lamps to vacuum cleaners. Problem is most of what is made today isn't worth the bother appliance wise.
Best of the modern steam irons IMHO are the offerings from T-Fal starting back in the 1980's onwards. The ceramic soleplate just glides over fabric and most hold enough water for nearly an hour of steaming time. Sadly pour moi they have plastic housings and my first (purchased just out of college and when setting up house) lasted about five or so years before being knocked off the ironing board. It never heated after than and worse leaked. Local T-Fal repair said it wasn't worth sending in to fix, so that was that.
There must have been millons if not billons of those irons made as they are everywhere, often NIB. Estate sales, thrifts, FleaPay, you name it.
Replacing/Rewiring Iron Cords
Local high end appliance shop's (Gracious Home) repair department will put a new cord on a iron and or rewire most electircal appliances from lamps to vacuum cleaners. Problem is most of what is made today isn't worth the bother appliance wise.
Best of the modern steam irons IMHO are the offerings from T-Fal starting back in the 1980's onwards. The ceramic soleplate just glides over fabric and most hold enough water for nearly an hour of steaming time. Sadly pour moi they have plastic housings and my first (purchased just out of college and when setting up house) lasted about five or so years before being knocked off the ironing board. It never heated after than and worse leaked. Local T-Fal repair said it wasn't worth sending in to fix, so that was that.
retromania
Well-known member
Yes.
Laundress,
That is the problem with my vintage 1960 GE steam iron. The cord was wrapped so tightly around itself and was stored that way for years. I have to be so very careful with that cord. That's why I want to replace it. While I've got you, my aunt had a steam iron when I was a child and I can barely remember it. It had a big glass container with a rubber squeeze thing on top. Can you tell me about that? I remember it looked awkward. I don't remember the brand.
Laundress,
That is the problem with my vintage 1960 GE steam iron. The cord was wrapped so tightly around itself and was stored that way for years. I have to be so very careful with that cord. That's why I want to replace it. While I've got you, my aunt had a steam iron when I was a child and I can barely remember it. It had a big glass container with a rubber squeeze thing on top. Can you tell me about that? I remember it looked awkward. I don't remember the brand.
You've Got Me
Have never heard nor seen such a contraption, and can imagine it must have been a nightmare to use.
Early steam iron designs were all over the place and many housewives either purchased them and or received them as a gift only to promptly put them away in favour of "dry ironing" dampened laundry. The early steam irons didn't produce the results many were used to and required too much effort for that they did get.
Even though one owns enough steam irons both commercial and domestic to probably open up a shop at this point, nearly 90% of my ironing is dry ironing dampened wash. Find it goes much faster and is less bother to *Moi*. However if one has the odd shirt, blouse or pant to touch-up and or certain lightweight cottons,then will haul out a steam iron.
OTHO anyone seriously into steam ironing should consider purchasing a good steam boiler system. Now there one can iron dry cottons and even heavy linens in a snap.
Have never heard nor seen such a contraption, and can imagine it must have been a nightmare to use.
Early steam iron designs were all over the place and many housewives either purchased them and or received them as a gift only to promptly put them away in favour of "dry ironing" dampened laundry. The early steam irons didn't produce the results many were used to and required too much effort for that they did get.
Even though one owns enough steam irons both commercial and domestic to probably open up a shop at this point, nearly 90% of my ironing is dry ironing dampened wash. Find it goes much faster and is less bother to *Moi*. However if one has the odd shirt, blouse or pant to touch-up and or certain lightweight cottons,then will haul out a steam iron.
OTHO anyone seriously into steam ironing should consider purchasing a good steam boiler system. Now there one can iron dry cottons and even heavy linens in a snap.
retromania
Well-known member
Launderess
Wow. I thought you would know, but ok, thanks just the same.
Wow. I thought you would know, but ok, thanks just the same.
retromania
Well-known member
I Forgot One!!
I forgot to mention one very important iron in my small collection. I saw it in the linen cabinet last night when I put some towels away: My GE travel iron World Wide edition. This iron I don't believe was used more than once or twice. It steams well for it's size and the fact that it only has three steam holes. I know, but it's cute and a joy to look at. Again, I am impressed with the quality and workmanship that went into the little iron. My quess is it was a graduation gift or the like and was shoved in a drawer and forgotten. It (you guessed it) has a cloth cord, but in excellent condition.....
I forgot to mention one very important iron in my small collection. I saw it in the linen cabinet last night when I put some towels away: My GE travel iron World Wide edition. This iron I don't believe was used more than once or twice. It steams well for it's size and the fact that it only has three steam holes. I know, but it's cute and a joy to look at. Again, I am impressed with the quality and workmanship that went into the little iron. My quess is it was a graduation gift or the like and was shoved in a drawer and forgotten. It (you guessed it) has a cloth cord, but in excellent condition.....
For Andy..
a better pic of the irons behind the Tru-Heat plus a third.
All are General Electric.
Models, in order, 10F71, 86F60, 149F40.
a better pic of the irons behind the Tru-Heat plus a third.
All are General Electric.
Models, in order, 10F71, 86F60, 149F40.
