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
Carl Saling says
The Thermador cooktop in the picture is the exact one I am trying to replace. Could you tell me how to contact Re store or anyone else that might have it.. I am in Vermont and not sure where Re store is located. Regardless I’ll go anywhere to get the replacement.
Thank you
pam kueber says
Carl, Re-Stores are located all over America. This one was in Springfield, Mass. However, this post is quite old. I have been back since, and the cooktop was long gone. Don’t think I don’t regret lugging it home myself, it sure is/was a beauty.
Kelsey says
My grandmother has the L&H oven featured (the cook top was replaced a couple years back). Does anyone know where we might find parts for said oven? No one local has any and new ovens aren’t the right dimensions and would require an overhaul! any help is appreciated, she really loves that oven!!
atomicbowler-dave says
I can’t help but wonder on the parts issue…
There are certainly times and places where a certain amount of substitution and reverse-engineering of sorts can go a long way.
Certainly, no one should monkey in places they are unsure or uncomfortable when it comes to items that could cause fire, shock or injury.
One thing I have observed, experienced and often engaged in…whether with boats, obscure foreign and antique cars, old equipment, appliances, etc…is a certain amount of mix-and-match and/or artful adaptation. Where there is a will, there is often a way.
I am often leery myself of too much advice bantered about via the internet as one really can’t see, meet or know the source and get a solid feeling for the person’s real acumen.
I’m a big fan of solid, experienced, local people if they can be found. I am an even bigger fan of the “old guys”–most of whom are by now retired or gone on away–who collected the tribal knowlege and also came from an era more imbued with need and willingness for make-do. Heck, most of the ‘ability’ or ‘knowlege’ that I have? Whatever it is that tends to put me in the topkick roles professionally? I learned it from old guys who are now gone, most of it…or at least the foundation that I’ve had to build my own on.(Before my head sounds swelled, let me say that when I get compliments, extra respect or whatever in these jobs, I hold private feelings of unworthiness…because I know who the real hotdogs were, and that I’m not half of them. Just that they’re gone, and that I listened to some of them when they were still around.) The sad part is that I only learned bits and pieces of what these fellows spent decades learning!
My point here–and I do have one–is that in dealing with obscure and obsolete things it can often be best to seek out the retirees or the guys that just keep their hands in part-time…if at all possible. These fellows are usually of the type to know both what TO do and what NOT to do, but also have the historical background to say ‘Hey, I bet I could make the kanooten valve from xyz item work in here’.
If you can find this sort of ‘professional’ help, it’s likely the best of all. There can be some great personal benefits for everyone, too. Good luck with those appliances, I sort of envy your present challenges as I don’t yet have my own cool kitchen to cope with!
Dave
Jeanette says
Michael,
Please contact me. I have same Thermador double ovens in a house we are renovating. While I had hoped to continue using them (they both work), it is looking less like that can happen. Perhaps you could buy them for parts.
pam kueber says
Jeanette and Michael – you need to do this trading via the Forum, please. RetroRenovation.com/Forum
Michael Brosnan says
We have the same built-in Thermador oven pictured above (WO-16A). We also love it. Our kitchen is still mostly original stuff from the 1950s. Unfortunately, the oven stopped working recently. The problem is the ceramic receptacle that the element plugs into (actually the metal contacts inside the ceramic receptacle). We’re looking for a replacement (not available at RepairClinic.com). Any thoughts?
pam kueber says
Hi Michael, this site isn’t focused on DIY or fix it… I would recommend you talk to stove renovation places….good luck, pam
L Dawn says
Dear Kathspat- If you still have your manual for the cooktop I would love to get it from you. Please let us know.
Thanks!
John Burkett says
I have the same question. My WO-16A is about done. I’m wondering where to find an oven with the same dimensions.
Mark Romans says
Hi, I have a 50’s Thermador wall oven in a rental property. It’s been great, looks fabulous, and really “fits” the vibe of the house, but it has had some issues. It is working fine now but I feel like I should put something a little more functional in there for my tenants.
Has anyone replaced their vintage Thermador with anything they can recommend? I would love to be able to put something in the existing hole but it looks like the cabinets were probably built around the oven!
Does anyone know the dimensions of the opening it fits in? My guess is around 19.5″W x 23″H. I guess the model is the WO-16A. Any help would be much appreciated!
Amanda says
Mark,
Are you still trying to replace your 1950’s Thermador oven? I have the same one in excellent condition. It must go out of my rental properties retro kitchen due to new updates after many years.
Thanks.
pam kueber says
Amanda — no buying/selling here. PLEASE head over the forum. https://retrorenovation.com/forums
Jay says
Hi, I am looking for parts for my electric stove top made by Thermador in or around 1950. The two sets of two burners are set side by side. I believe the Model # is 5820 and I think the serial number is 2917 and not sure if the last number is 4. If anyone can be helpful I appreciate it. Take care……….Jay
pam kueber says
Hi Jay, we do not really have vintage appliance parts expertise here.
kathspat says
We just removed the same Thermadore cooktop electric range as pictured above…except that it has an off white enamal? finish. I loved this stove and used it extensively for 23 years. The built in griddle was great and will be missed a lot as we used it all the time, especially to cook “pigs in a blanket ” for my grandchildren when-ever they stay overnight. It also had a grill for grilling that was used occasionally. It looked beautiful still as I did take good care of it all these years. It had to be replaced as we were down to just one burner that would work properly and only when you manually plunged it in and another burner that stayed on “high” all the time and would not turn off unless unplugged. A pain. We did try to replace the burner elements but they still would not work properly. We figured the problem was with the connections that you plugged the burners into. It really became what we believed to be a safety issue. Also my husband loves to cook. Anyway, I thought someone might want it so I just called my husband to see if he could salvage it from his dumpster at work but he said “no”. I do have the instruction manual if anyone wants it? I also have a nutone food center that we are most likely going to get rid of soon. It still works and I have lots of the different appliances that came with it, like the mixer, food processor, can opener and lots of others. I also have the instruction book. I love all things vintage but my husband-not at all. We try to compromise. In the kitchen renovation I am keeping my big 15X17 Nutone intercome that I still use when my grandchildren are here. Still works great. My husband thinks it looks aweful. I am also keeping my vintage oak icebox refrigerator that was in the basement of a house that my husbands family bought when they came from Italy in 1956. They used it to store cheese for many, many years. Did it stink! My husband did not think it would look good in the new kitchen but it’s staying. I have lots of other vintage stuff in my kitchen like a small but heavy pasta maker that I love. Those I get to keep but as far as appliances we are replacing them. I actually just bought another Thermadore cooktop. It’s called a hybrid conduction and I have to admit it is awesome to cook on. Put it in yesterday even though it left a space in the counter as we have not really started the renovation as yet but needed something to cook on! I do love it. This is the compromise. My husband likes new, I like old. I never really knew old till I went to Italy the first time. Now that’s vintage stuff. Old, beautiful and still works like a charm. I have a very old, portable bidet that I plan to being home next time I go. My friend in Sicily is holding it for me. My husband says “no way.” We’ll see!