VINTAGE THERMADOR built-in ovens and stove tops are really beautiful and leading-edge collectible. I see them at the Re-Store occasionally (such as the cooktop above), and am *so tempted* to add them to my collection of cool stuff, now stuffed into my attic. Over at the Eichler Network, Adam Martin wrote an interesting article in 2006 about Thermadors in Eichlers. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of a famous Thermador built-in wall oven, the WO-16A. It was top-of-the-line with straight from WWII aircraft – notice all the cockpit dials. The history indicates that Thermador was first to innovate wall ovens separate from rangetops, in 1947. In ’52, they gave us a cooktop with a griddle. From my immersion into midcentury marketing materials, I am going to guess that by the mid-50s, half of America was still choosing the stand-alone oven/range combo. The other half: Separate cooktop and built-in oven. I am guessing the latter was more expensive – but more “modern” not only because the technology was newer but also it allowed you to have an uninterrupted run of base cabinets – also a very cool and modern thing. Thermador also seem to have stuck close to their brushed stainless steel finish. So, if you are looking to go retro, but want stainless steel rather than white or a color – these vintage ovens and rangetops are worth watching for.
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54 comments
heidi says
these are my current stove and oven! original to the house…
we even have the handbook! the counter tops are mustard yellow swirl with metal edging….I know hard to believe, imagine my surprize that any others are still being used. Heidi
nancy says
I got replacement parts for my cook top @RepairClinic.com. They are very nice & helpful. Just make sure when you contact them that you have a model # or age.
Hugh says
I have a original Thermador cook top like one shown. Do you know if and where I can get replacement eye?
atomicbowler-Laura says
Is there such a thing as a cool gas cooktop that would compliment one of these ovens? I want one!!!! Anybody have ideas?
Caffeinated Katie says
I almost bought a set of these that came up on Craigslist here in Atlanta a few months ago, but I prefer cooking with gas. Sometimes I wish I had enough money to buy the cool stuff that I find on CL to sell to people who would actually appreciate it. Incidentally, I happened to pick up a Thermador gas cooktop from the late ’90s that still has a nice vintage look, and I only paid $50 for it! CL deals strike again.
nancy says
When we first moved into our house we looked forever to learn what an L&H oven was? Now you have the info! We are so lucky- we have that same oven X’s 2 & the 6 burner cooktop (no griddle). These ovens have been to Georgia & back to be updated & made into working condition. They are so great!!! We love them!
carla says
Hi, We have L&H double ovens from the early 50’s. Today I just broke the handle of the top one! YOu wrote that yours had been to Georgia and back, restored? Do you have the contact information for the Georgia restorer? If so, I’d like to contact them for restoration information for my ovens!
Thanks so much!
David says
Carla,
This may be coming to you late, but I had the same thing happen to my upper L & H stove. Through Pam’s website, I found http://www.antiquestoves.com and found just what I was looking for. A blade style handle, 13-1/2 inches long and an exact match to my other one. It just arrived (within 2 days of ordering it!). It completes my wall oven! Now all I need is an L & H insignia which fell off awhile ago and can’t find.
Hope this helps.
sablemable says
That cooktop alone is to die for! I love that griddle feature!
Heidi Swank says
We don’t live in an Eichler but we do have a wonderful vintage Thermador cooktop with griddle (as well as a Nutone food center and a wall mounted pull-out toaster by Swanson). Sadly, the double oven had already been taken out when we bought the house. We have located a Thermador double oven in Kansas City that the owners (my sister-in-law and her husband) don’t want. So, when they get around to taking it out, we will be flying to Kansas City, renting a van, and driving back to Las Vegas with the oven. Can’t wait!
Elvis (aka) Jane says
The picture of the wall oven above is the exact model we have in our 1956 ranch. Although the heating function works perfectly (if a tad slow to warm up) the clock and timer are no longer functional. But we love it in spite of its flaws and feel very lucky to have it! [If you want to see it in place, read Pam’s entry from March 6, 2009 under Reader Homes in the Expanding Categories (second page.)]
diane doucet says
dear elvis aka Jane,
pls do you have an owner’s manual for that oven, as i bought an old house also because of this splendid oven and do no know how to make it work
thanks for answering me
diane
drdianedoucet@yahoo.com
a desperate and proud owner of a thermador WO 18A
Lara Jane says
They’re super cool, and like you said, pacify the trendiness of today’s stainless steel while remaining true to the period.
Hard to come by, though? I haven’t done any research on them.