What type of defrost system did this GE fridge use?

[ken]

Would this 1960s GE have used a resistance heater or hot gas system for defrost function? When were both systems introduced? Were they both used during the same time period but in different models? Ive read here the hot gas system was the better of the two. When would have been the last models to use the hot gas system?

Thanks

 

[ken]

GE

2

 

[ken]

GE

3

 

[ken]

In contrast

heres another GE that looks almost identical but must be a lower model that isnt frost free. Im guessing this model must have used two evaporators? Freezer and fresh food. Theres no air circulation system.

 

[danemodsandy]

Whatever It Used:

OH, how I would love to have that top fridge complete and in good shape.

Yellow is one of my favorite vintage appliance colors. A complete set of yellow majors would be a terrific thing to own.

 

[ken]

Well Sandy

it can be yours for the very reasonable price of $1,900.00. Its still on ebay along with its matching range. I originally posted them here 12/23/13. Thread #50045. Price hasnt dropped one penny since then. I just cant understand why no one has jumped on these outstanding, spotless, complete and like new examples! LOL.

I wonder just how much they'll end up selling them for in the end? If at all.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[combo52]

Defrost System In Mid 60s Top Freezer Refrigerators

These used a glass heater that went side to side in the middle of the evaporator coil laying under the freezers floor, all in a Styrofoam compartment. These worked fairly well for 10-15 years but usually developed severe defrosting problems, I would not brother with one of these GE refrigerators today unless you really want to get very creative and rebuild the evaporator compartment.

Whirlpool was the class act among TF refrigerators in the 1960s, although few FF refrigerators are going to last much more than 30-40 years max. The hot-gas defrost GE bottom freezer refrigerators of the 1960s are a big exception.

John L.

 

[arbilab]

Cursory survey since mid 50s, hotgas/heatpump defrost is the exception and resistance defrost heat is the rule.

 

[danemodsandy]

Ken:

The range by itself, for perhaps $200, would be interesting.

That fridge is too far gone, unless you've just won the lottery and can hire John combo52 to come live with you until all its issues are fixed.

Even then, you'd need to find a parts machine for all the missing interior bits and bobs, including the broken door liner for the refrigerator compartment.

Anyone who pays $1900 for these is not taking their Thorazine.

 

[polkanut]

My Grandma Wilde had the exact same model shaded coppertone GE fridge as in post #731036.  Even though it wan't a frost-free model it didn't need defrosting very often.  It was bought new in 1964 when the kitchen was remodeled, and she also got a matching 30" Monarch gas range. 

 

[toggleswitch]

Two-door non frost-free are amazing. Frozen foods last longer without a pesky fan!

 

[norgeway]

Blowing air over food..

Is a silly idea anyhow, thats why old fridges kept produce better, its a more moist cold,also, things left uncovered didnt smell up the whole box, My Hotpoint smells awful after the defost cycle is over, not to mention half thawed ice cream.