Stop appliance genocide

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by radio nut

My friend just had his appliances tested for power usage and his 1956 freezer was more efficient than his 2 year old frig........go figure!

That's what I use my Watt-Watcher for. Some of that old equipment can really surprise you. Chest freezers are the best for operating economy.
As long as the door seal is good, those things should last forever.

[truetone36]

Well, another one dropped into my lap. I got a Servel from around 1940 or so for free from my boss. We're cleaning up around his shop and it's in his way, so I'm gonna take it.

[Kamakiri]

OMG . I have been looking for a Servel for YEARS!!!!!

Pictures, please!

[Ed in Tx]

Does that Servel run on natural gas?

That name to me synonymous with nat gas fired AC units.

[truetone36]

It does run on natural gas. Servels aren't hard to find around here, as some homes in rural areas near me didn't have electricity till the early 50's. The one I got is an apartment sized model, but I know where there at least 3 of the larger ones that I could probably get pretty cheap. It's funny, I started out collecting AA5 radios and records, and the things I got into have gotten bigger over the years. I'm even looking at a second 1950's mobile home now!

[Dude111]

Originally Posted by truetone36

Well, another one dropped into my lap. I got a Servel from around 1940 or so for free from my boss.

Wow what a treat!!!

Please if you get a chance,post some pics of it

[Kamakiri]

Those things command a premium on ebay, IF you can find them.

[truetone36]

I'll try to get a couple of pics when I get it home. I'll be taking them with a cell phone so I don't know how they'll turn out.

[KentTeffeteller]

I did the exact opposite at work, sold off a new refrigerator which liked to kill off the icemaker with it's PC board every power surge. Replaced that one with a 1950 Frigidaire. Which with care, keeps on cooling.

[DavGoodlin]

Lookee what I saved from the "to scrap" pile at the Harrisburg Salvation Army.
Westinghouse Roaster 1.jpgWestinghouse Roaster 2.jpg
This is a roasting-braising pan. These were fixtures in church basement kitchens, now its in mine, next to its 1947 cousin, the extremely efficient refrigerator.
I have seen these in Ant-eek stores for some$$$, so I gave SA $10. Its missing only one knob on the timer-clock and a its cord.

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by DavGoodlin

Lookee what I saved from the "to scrap" pile at the Harrisburg Salvation Army.
Attachment 177104Attachment 177105
This is a roasting-braising pan. These were fixtures in church basement kitchens, now its in mine, next to its 1947 cousin, the extremely efficient refrigerator.
I have seen these in Ant-eek stores for some$$$, so I gave SA $10. Its missing only one knob on the timer-clock and a its cord.

I remember as a little kid back in the late '50s some family friends we used to go visit, had one of those. Used to mystify me what it was for as I never saw it in action.

[Jeffhs]

Originally Posted by DavGoodlin

Lookee what I saved from the "to scrap" pile at the Harrisburg Salvation Army.
Attachment 177104Attachment 177105
This is a roasting-braising pan. These were fixtures in church basement kitchens, now its in mine, next to its 1947 cousin, the extremely efficient refrigerator.
I have seen these in Ant-eek stores for some$$$, so I gave SA $10. Its missing only one knob on the timer-clock and a its cord.

I would think cords for these old appliances should be easy to find, if you do some searching. The roaster you refer to uses the same type of cord as was (and probably still is) used on electric irons; however, the cord you're looking for should have a large female AC plug at the end opposite the line plug. This is the end that plugs into the mating male socket on the roaster. These cords are well covered by asbestos and other fire-resistant materials, due to the high current requirements of appliances using heating elements and/or large motors; they must be replaced, if necessary, with the same type of cord as originally supplied with the appliance, as a standard cord (such as a plastic-insulated extension cord) will overheat, melt and short, tripping the circuit breaker, soon after the appliance is switched on.

I would be extremely leery of using a 50+-year-old roaster, unless the appliance was overhauled first. The roaster probably has crumbling wiring to the heating element, thermostat, etc. and may be anything but safe to use. This is the same advice as is always given here on VK's forums before using an old radio or TV, except that with antique appliances there are usually no capacitors to replace; however, the wiring and thermostat may well need to be replaced before the roaster can be safely used. The usual warning regarding leaving an antique appliance (especially one with a heating element) unattended when in operation -- after the appliance is properly restored, of course -- applies here as well.

[tvtimeisfun]

Hello congrats on the new digs wish I was that lucky my grandmother had one of those roasters before she died my crazy uncle threw it away after I asked to take it...Timothy

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by tvtimeisfun

Hello congrats on the new digs wish I was that lucky my grandmother had one of those roasters before she died my crazy uncle threw it away after I asked to take it...Timothy

Sounds like some of the uncles I had.
One died owing me money, instead of me getting some of his.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

I would think cords for these old appliances should be easy to find, if you do some searching. The roaster you refer to uses the same type of cord as was (and probably still is) used on electric irons; however, the cord you're looking for should have a large female AC plug at the end opposite the line plug. This is the end that plugs into the mating male socket on the roaster. These cords are well covered by asbestos and other fire-resistant materials, due to the high current requirements of appliances using heating elements and/or large motors; they must be replaced, if necessary, with the same type of cord as originally supplied with the appliance, as a standard cord (such as a plastic-insulated extension cord) will overheat, melt and short, tripping the circuit breaker, soon after the appliance is switched on.

I would be extremely leery of using a 50+-year-old roaster, unless the appliance was overhauled first. The roaster probably has crumbling wiring to the heating element, thermostat, etc. and may be anything but safe to use. This is the same advice as is always given here on VK's forums before using an old radio or TV, except that with antique appliances there are usually no capacitors to replace; however, the wiring and thermostat may well need to be replaced before the roaster can be safely used. The usual warning regarding leaving an antique appliance (especially one with a heating element) unattended when in operation -- after the appliance is properly restored, of course -- applies here as well.

You're only partially right on some of your observations.
50 years is not old for an appliance. Furthermore, they didn't use rubber insulated wire on the inside of the roaster. They used asbestos insulated wire. All you have to do is remove the bottom cover and inspect it. You'll find a layer of fiberglass insulation. The t'stat is probably OK.
The power cord should be available in the older type hardware store, such as long established Ace stores. The plug used is known as a JUMBO plug.
I bought a few of them at thrift shops. The newer ones are neoprene rubber and 16 AWG, as these units are 1000 watts and better.