The Tappan With Red Handles

I received these photos from Keith of a Tappan stove that has been in his parent's summer cottage since the 1950's.  His grandfather bought it from an older lady in the mid 1950's who had purchased it new. The woman had only used two of the burners, so it was a great deal.  The black knobs are replacement. The charming red knobs are original, but on their last leg (any suggestions on where to buy replacements of this style?). Serial# C8729 Style WF-11-3

Keith was wondering how old the stove is.  My guess based on the raised feet and door handles, is the  mid-1930's.  Also, note the unusual Robert Shaw thermostat knob...and the burner covers that swing down to the sides of the stove.





Thanks for sharing the photos, Keith!

Keeping it in the Family

Photos of another reader's Tappan Deluxe AV-669 model for you.

"Max" was discovered in blog reader Charles' grandmother's basement. It had been untouched for many years since his grandfather passed away. His grandfather had taken apart the thermostat and parts but never got around to replacing them.  Charles was able to replace the thermostat with a Robertshaw 2200 and get the stove hooked up in order to use it for Thanksgiving.

The Robertshaw 2200 is a non-CP thermostat, so Charles is now on the hunt for a Robershaw 2200-s that has both manual and automatic operation.

Max also has a replaced light fixture inside the oven, reconnected wiring to make the light on the top operable, and has newly functioning illuminated burner knobs (thanks to some creative soldering).

On the "to do" list is rewiring the clock. If anyone has tips on rewiring the clock, please comment.

This Tappan Deluxe will eventually be the focal point in a retro/modern kitchen in an renovated apartment in an old sweater factory that was a speakeasy during prohibition  (1931-33).

Charles - thanks for sharing your photos!

Adjusting The Thermostat

This document provides instructions for adjusting a 2200-S Robert Shaw thermostat.  The Robert Shaw thermostat was used very often in the Tappan Deluxe stoves. My stove has this thermostat.

I do not want to hear any stories about people blowing up or burning down their houses, so use these instructions only if you know what you are doing.  If you don't, pass them on to a professional appliance person.

All I ask is that if you use this adjustment guide, you add a comment below....and then report back on how it worked out...and any tips you discover with a comment.

Thermostat Hook Up

Some close-up shots of how my Robert Shaw 2200 thermostat is hooked up from behind that main control panel.