Westinghouse Baconer

[paulg]

I am a sucker for new-old-stock gadgets. Well I ended up with the BACONER while estate saleing today.
Don't have a pix handy. Oh well, you know what it is.
The instructions were missing. Do you keep the doors open or closed when baconing?
I also ended up with the music for the Liechensteiner Polka.
Bacon and Polka anyone??

Any info on the use of this device is welcome.

 

[arbilab]

I've never seen a Westinghouse baconer. Guess dad figured we didn't need one, we had an electric skillet.

Whose version of Liechtensteiner is it?

 

[xraytech]

I dont know a thing abouta Westinghouse Baconer, I am however quite interested in the Liechensteiner Polka

 

[arbilab]

Yah, das ist die Liechstensteiner polka, mein schatz......

 

[launderess]

Lichtensteiner Polka

You guys need to get out more! *LOL*

 

[launderess]

Baconer

Actually in pig farming is the name given to pigs killed at about 80kg used for ham and bacon.

One has no idea if Westhinghouse knew that bit of information.

Posted on Chowhound.com

" I never owned one, but back in the '70s, Westinghouse marketed the "Baconer"--a countertop electric gadget about the size of a large toaster that could only cook bacon because of its quirky design. When Consumer Reports tested it, they noted that the amount of bacon grease that accumulated in the bottom of this thing could cause a fire after cooking a relatively small amount of bacon. Just what everyone needed--a space-grabbing one-use appliance that was also a fire hazard!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86626236/rare-vintage-baconer-by-westinghouse?ref=tre-1181822095-1

 

[paulg]

Perfect

Glad to hear the unit was considered a potential fire hazard by Consumer Reports. I'm going to look up that report for sure.
Don't know if I've mentioned this, but my job requires I evaluate consumer product safety issues. This unit is PERFECT for me! I may give it a spin but I'll have the fire extinguisher ready! It won't get regular use but it'll make a great conversation piece.
Or maybe I'll give it to a friend who has a forensic lab. He might appreciate it..

The Liechtensteiner Polka I ended up with is by Edmund Kotscher and Rudi Lindt. Forgive the missing umlauts. Published by Minerva-Music.
Enjoy polkaing
and remember...
NICHT ZU SCHNELL!

 

[kenmore58]

Paul,

I grew up with one of the Westinghouse Baconers; and, of course, had to find one of my own.

I picked one up a few years ago, and frankly was disappointed after I used it. To answer your question, though, yes, the doors or covers, whatever they are, are closed while cooking the bacon.

As far as a fire hazard, we used it for years and never had a problem.

Hope this helps.

Ron

 

[112561]

You CAN be sure if it's Westinghouse!

Kitteh sez so......

 

[launderess]

Westinghouse

Had the misfortune of launching the Baconer not very long before the nitrate scare began putting people off bacon in droves. Thus sales that weren't brisk to begin with dropped further off a cliff.

Besides households already had so many other portable choices for making bacon. Stand alone electric fry pans, grills, griddles, convertible waffle irons/griddles, and so forth. Then there was the microwave oven that was fast becoming a part of kitchens in America. Using either paper towels and or special pans one could make bacon inside such ovens without the grease, splatter and clean-up of other methods.

Methinks Westinghouse was going for a smaller, faster and perhaps "cooler" version of the old method for cooking bacon; in the oven on a flat pan. So many then and now swear by oven bacon, especially if doing up the stuff for a crowd.

 

[combo52]

Baconer

Hi Paul I was always intrigued by this appliance and then a few years ago I found a NIB Hamilton Beach-Scovill Baconer. I think it is the same appliance that you are talking about. I used it a dozen times or more and found it fun to use and effective. To clean I put the sides and the black bottom tray in the DW. I very seldom buy anything but the healthier turkey bacon, but I did try it with the real stuff once or twice. I can't imagine it being a fire hazard and it works well. I agree with laundress though if you are cooking for a crowd I just put the bacon on top of a broiler pan and place it in the oven, that way there is no mess as my Thermador oven is not only self-cleaning but vented outdoors.

 

[paulg]

Thanks for the info!

Thanks for the info. Kitty picture is fun.
We're not big bacon eaters but the notion of a device that drains off (what appears to be) a considerable amount of fat sounds good.
I did run its first test today. Cleaned it and cycled it with no bacon load. Boy did it smoke but I expected that.
It timed down. All seems well.
I've got some old eggs and bacon in the Frigidaire. Maybe I'll set the West Bend egg cooker and the Baconer on its cycles and make deviled eggs.
While they do the work I'll read the paper and enjoy being freed of my apron strings!

 

[paulg]

Launderess

Were you involved with product launch for Westinghouse?
If so I'm interested in your story! What all did you do?

 

[launderess]

Product Launch?

Not unless Westinghouse offered nap and potty training breaks! *LOL*

Sorry luv, not at all involved with Westinghouse. Just am blessed with a good nose for doing research. Once you are taught how it does not matter if one does it via books or Internet, it's all in where and how one looks.

L.