One possible way to get your old appliances fixed is to find local suppliers — old time repair shops — that could help you out. But, readers also chimed in with some great comments. Here’s another idea: a list of online resources suggested by reader Patrick Coffey. He seems to have pulled together a great list of both companies and community forums that can help you connect with parts, service and instructions to help get your vintage appliances and stoves back in tip-top shape if you are unable to find local repair shops that can do the work for you. Patrick writes:
The companies below may be able to help you — note, we do not do these services — click the bold blue text — those are hotlinks:
There are a host places to go on the net that can definitely help you with vintage appliances….both major AND small.
- Repairing vintage washers, dryers, dishwashers and other major appliances — For advice and help on repairing vintage major appliances…try asking for advice at my favorite website — Automatic Washer — believe it or not there are a A LOT of people (some of which frequent this site) who post on that site that have actually restored vintage major appliances from the likes fo early automatic washer and dryers to dishwasher, stoves and fridges. People at the site are always willing to give advice on where to find parts and even tell you how they fixed problems like ones you might be having. Also you can see pics and videos of some of the awesome restored appliances.
- Repairing vintage stoves — Also there are sources like The Old Appliance Club that can help you find parts.
- Repairing vintage stoves and refrigerators — There is a growing number of companies that specialize in restoring vintage stoves — see our list here.
- Repairing vintage toasters and waffle irons — Now for small appliances like toasters and waffle irons there is Micheal Sheaffe in New York who runs Toaster Central. He restores and sells old toasters, waffle irons, and Sunbeam Slow Cookers.
- Repairing Sunbeam toasters — If you have a Sunbeam Self lowering Radiant Control Toaster that needs a adjustment take a look at this web site Automatic Beyond Belief. This web site is dedicated to the self lowering toasters that Sunbeam made from 1949 to 1997.
- Repairing vintage electric mixers and coffee grinders — For vintage mixers and Kitchen Aid Coffee Grinders there is Deco Dan.
- Repairing vintage vacuum cleaners — For advice about vintage vacuums there is Vacuumland.org, which is the website for the Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club. This is actually a sister site to Automaticwasher.org, and you will find as many knowledgeable vintage vacuum folk here as you will find anywhere.
- Repairing vintage ceiling fans — Last but not least if you have a vintage fan that needs a hand (sorry couldn’t resist getting cute) go to FanCollectors.org, home of the Antique Fan Collectors Association.
- As for me I am lucky I have a tv guy, a radio guy, and a small appliance repair shop all with in a half hour of my pad that will fix my vintage stuff……..
Last but not least some important reminders:
- I do not have personal experience with these resources, so I am not endorsing them.
- Please make sure that you do your own research to verify that you are working with safe, experienced, licensed professionals.
- While some of these sites may include information focused on Do It Yourself projects, Retro Renovation.com is not a DIY site. So please –>
- –> Do your own research — consult with licensed professionals — regarding the environmental and safety issues related to using or repairing vintage appliances — there can be vintage nastiness like lead and asbestos in vintage materials including appliances — and then of course there are the wiring issues and lord knows what else. For more info see our Be Safe / Renovate Safe page.
And, as Lara Jane commented in the original story:
To follow up on Pam’s post, I know a lot of people on other home improvement sites were scammed by a guy restoring vintage stoves (some they’d sent to him, some were advertised on his site). Be careful who you give your money to, and if possible, use a credit card with buyer protection!
Many thanks to Patrick for this great contribution to the blog, and to Julie, Lara Jane, and all the others who provided additional ideas on the original post. Keep ’em coming!
Pam Kueber says
Closing this thread because people keep asking the same question, ‘Where can I find help’.
Folks, please read the story — the resources are listed. The bold bright blue text = hotlinks. Click them and you’ll get to the companies profiled.
And remember to Be Safe/Renovate Safe! https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe
Johnny says
I just ‘inherited’ a 1951 coldspot superwall chest freezer, was working fine when unplugged a few days ago… it’s in good working order but rough otherwise. I would like to restore it, make it ‘pop’.. hoping to find a resource for gasket(s), a missing temp select knob, etc… maybe even some tips/hints for doing it right-
thanks in advance for any suggestions-
Pam Kueber says
check the resources in the story
Eddie says
I have a general elec delux frig.
1945/1950..looking for a relay box..any ideas as to where to look?
Pam Kueber says
Eddie, contact the company(s) profiled in this story. Bold brite blue text = hotlinks, click ’em to get to the company’s website.
Selta says
I am looking for the burner unit to a Lee Estate Fresh Air Stove:
App#CHAK413T Serial #979128
It is a Propane Stove and I need the front right burning unit.
Please help, I have looked everywhere.
Kat says
I have a vintage Dixie propane stove from a rv. The oven won’t turn off and I guess I have to fix it myself since I can’t find a repair man in Washington that will attempt to find the parts. Do you carry propane Dixie parts?
Pam Kueber says
Kat, I don’t sell anything. You need to contact the companies listed in the story.
Mike Blevins says
I need a replacement broil element for a GE wall oven, model: J K506 001HT, for my Moms oven. It was manufactured in 1976. Thanks for any help that you can offer.
Pam Kueber says
Mike, contact the companies profiled.
kathleen ketterer says
I am looking for a thermostat for my 1940s monarch electric range. It says type q but I am looking for any themostat that would work.
Pam Kueber says
kathleen, contact the companies in the story
Sue Cotton says
I have a 1929 Hotpoint electric stove with oven and soup pot. I need someone to restore it. I live in northern New Mexico, but can take it any where I need to.
Pam Kueber says
See this list too, Sue, also read comments for reader tips: https://retrorenovation.com/2011/11/04/13-places-to-buy-restored-vintage-stoves/
Paula Green-Bishop says
I love your site it had been very informative, thank you. I just got a 1950’s Kenmore 5 burner gas stove so far all I have been able to find out is that it was made by Roper. I have the serial and model numbers. One man said he thought it was 1954 but didn’t sound positive, Can you please tell me how to go about dating it? Thank you
Pam Kueber says
Dinner and a movie is always a nice start!
Tee hee. Answer: I don’t know. Consult the resources listed in this story…. Good luck and be sure to Be Safe – consult with a pro!
Barrett says
I own a vintage (1950s?) FW Series Caloric Ultramatic wall oven and need replacement door hinges, hinge springs, and gasket. The manufacturer’s plate is missing so I don’t know the model and serial numbers. I have reason to believe the model number is FWAX. Can anyone confirm this number? And can anyone suggest a source of replacement parts? I love this oven and would rather fix it than replace it.
pam kueber says
Barrett, contact the companies profiled. I presume there were different models made…
Barrett says
Thanks, Pam. By “the companies profiled,” I assume you mean the 9 firms whose logos appear at the top of this column (e.g., Macy’s, TOAC, VacuumLand, etc.). Should I contact all 9, even though my need is strictly oven parts? (Would VacuumLand offer oven parts?)
Pam Kueber says
Barrett, contact the company(s) you think are relevant. Their websites are hotlinked — all brite bold blue text is hotlinked.