A DAY LONG IN COMING: New, retro-style stoves with an authentic vintage look. Big Chill is now taking pre-orders for fall delivery of these 30″ ranges, which run on gas or propane. Eight colors. This stove has a far superior look to all previous attempts, which have been too caricatured, in my opinion. The Big Chills seems to mimic real stoves from back in the day. For example, the backsplash (or whatever you call it) is pretty similar to vintage Magic Chefs, from my recollection. Even at $4,295, I think they should do quite well — not just in the retro renovation market, but among all homeowners. Cozy comfy granny retro will continue to be hot hot hot for years to come, extending deep into the mainstream marketplace, I predict. Many thanks to reader Lisa for sending me this hot off the presses info to share with all! Big Chill website here.
Tappan Trailer Tami says
Stephen,
If you fail to get your clock running, you can have clocks/timers rebuilt here (scroll down the page):
http://www.antiquegasstoves.com/pages/rebuild.html
Tappan Trailer Tami says
Hi Pam,
Someday once my remodeling starts you’ll see the “trailer” part of my name. Since I live in CA and didn’t inherit a house here, I bought a 1977 mobile home (almost trailer) instead. While I am a great fan of all things vintage/retro, the gold circular 1977 kitchen will leave, and the circa 30-40-50 kitchen will arrive. I’ve been following another blog whose owner is currently restoring a Tappan Deluxe himself, and all seems to be going well so far. I won’t be tackling any of the wiring, probably just the cosmetic stuff ie, 60 years of grime removal 🙂
You can see what my Tappan looks like here (mine is exactly like this short of a little rehab):
http://tinyurl.com/mtpvnq
And here is my score ($40 plus shipping) for my new kitchen ceiling lights that will also be rehabilitated:
http://tinyurl.com/l9zqd5
pam kueber says
Wow, Tami, those kitchen lights look amazing! I haven’t seen that style before. So cool that you are rehabbing a mobile home. I’m telling you, there are definitely days when I think: The smaller the better. Less space to be a pack rat. I have a major problem.
pam kueber says
Tami, the Tappan is fabulous, too. One of my favorite vintage stoves. I almost put one in my kitchen but went for something more mod, the ’59 GE Pushbutton.
Palm Springs Stephan says
I understand completely, Pam. I know that some people are very distrustful of anything “old,” on the assumption that it will not work correctly. Others want the reassurance of a factory warranty. And still others like the modern conveniences (self-cleaning for an oven, ice-makers for a fridge) that reproductions usually incorporate but that cannto be had with originals. We live in a society of disposables and rapid replacement, so many people do indeed want new reproductions rather than refurbished originals.
I also agree with you on taking great care when DIY-ing with old appliances. I am currently refurbishing my stainless steel Florence built-in wall oven, and I’ve come across several small pieces of asbestos inside the doors already. BUt using a little common sense and reasonable safety measures, I’ve been able to replace the old deteriorated fiberglass oven insulation with modern high-efficiency ceramic fiber insulation at very low cost. The hard part is getting the old oven clock to work again …..
abby says
“BUt using a little common sense and reasonable safety measures, I’ve been able to replace the old deteriorated fiberglass oven insulation with modern high-efficiency ceramic fiber insulation at very low cost”.
Stephan, hi from Australia.Reading this old post and hope you are still around. I am desparately trying to DIY fix my old wood stove. It seems to have asbestos insualtion and has rusted thru the top layer of steel under the chimney. I am a keen DIYer but needs some tips on how to deal with it. Can’t find anyone here in Oz who can advise. IF you are around I can send some pics if you could help me – or anyone for that matter. thanks heaps. I am a huge forum fan. abby
pam kueber says
Hi abby, I am really not keen on having folks give advice like this on the blog. Please, you’re gonna have to find a properly licensed professional down under! Good luck!
Tappan Trailer Tami says
The colors are fab, but alas, I prefer the good ol’ originals also. My 1949 Tappan Deluxe (complete w/ light up red knob bezels) and “Visiguide” awaits restoration in my living room. Even if I pay about $3k to have it professionally restored, I’ll come in about $1k less than the Big Chills, more if I tackle some of it myself.
Nice find though for those in a “new” mindset……
pam kueber says
Hi Tappan Trailer Tami. First: Tell us more about that name! Second and importantly: Do-It-Yourselfers: Be sure to know what you are working with when it comes to vintage stoves. Is there asbestos in the insulation? Lead in the paint? As with all vintage surfaces/materials of the era, it is imperative that you know what you are working with. Renovate safe.
Deb says
Just a cautionary note re: the Big Chill refrigerators – only “some” models are Energy Star rated. I love the way they look also, but would definitely ask that question if I were seriously going to purchase one!
JAVA says
I am SO WITH YOU palms springs steven! Im such a purist too! BUT I do like how these new models look closer to the originals. These ones are much less flamboyant and less “caricatured” than the ones they had before.
Palm Springs Stephan says
Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but I’m not a huge fan of Big Chill. In my opinion, they are vastly over-priced. They are really just a modern stove (or refrigerator or dishwasher) chassis with a specially made shell. The interior and all the parts are totally standard and can be found on most newly-made stoves/fridges/dishwashers. Even some of the exterior parts can be found on stoves at Sears and other places. You pay a premium just for the shell and the logo. Add $300 for delivery and you’ve got a $4500 stove!
For my money … and very nearly the same price … I strongly prefer refurbished originals. I’ve found several companies that take old appliances and totally refurbish them for a comparable cost. Why have “Big Chill” written on the front of your stove when you can have “Westinghouse” or “General Electric” or “O’Keefe & Merritt” or “Wedgewood”?
But I’m a purist; I strongly prefer restored originals over modern reproductions. Others may prefer otherwise.
pam kueber says
Stephan, I hear what you are saying. The reason I am posting reproductions is that there ARE a significant number of people – the majority, I am sure, of the American populace – who do not have the desire or patience to do this “the hard way”. Sometimes folks just want the look…they’re willing to pay for it…and they will “save” their money on another aspect of the project, perhaps. You know that I personally agree with you about doing the legwork and finding true vintage, personally.
Maureen says
I am so envious! I can’t purchase these sort of stoves (or anything reminiscent of them!) here ~ or I could purchase them and not have anyone be able to service them! I’d love a Big Chill fridge too.
They’ll likely be available here in the next decade!
pam kueber says
Maureen, Elmira has the Northstar line. This is a Canadian company, can you get those?
vacationbarbie says
It doesn’t say if the oven is self cleaning….at that price I would hope it would dust and mop the floors too! LOL
Juju says
A blue Big Chill fridge has been on my wish list for ages.
They featured one of the dishwasher’s yesterday on The Price is Right.