I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
things with the house.

The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
formica.

Thoughts?

TammyM

"TammyM" > wrote in message
...
>I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
> tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
> plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
> the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
> broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
> things with the house.
>
> The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
> only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
> My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
> countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
> formica.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> TammyM

I don't know the answer, Tammy, but you should also post this question in
another newsgroup:
alt.home.repair

TammyM wrote:
>
> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
> tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
> plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
> the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
> broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
> things with the house.
>
> The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
> only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
> My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
> countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
> formica.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> TammyM

Your counters aren't the normal 25" depth so the new cooktop won't
simply drop in. I expect you could use the existing counter material to
create a bump out to accommodate a new cooktop without too much
difficulty. Presumably about a 3" bump out. Assuming you get another 36"
wide cooktop you should be able to cutout the front section and move it
forward the 3" and just have to do a little carpentry to box in the
extension. Shouldn't look too bad if done carefully. When you can redo
the whole counter the cooktop should transfer just fine.

Pete C.

TammyM wrote:
> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
> tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
> plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
> the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
> broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
> things with the house.
>
> The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
> only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
> My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
> countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
> formica.
>
> Thoughts?

The mistake you made is using oven cleaner... use plain old cheap
household ammonia in teh plastic bag (about 1/2 cup, it's the fumes
that clean, not the liquid)... about 48 hours, outdoors. A new gas
cooktop won't cook any better than your old one and will get just as
dirty with use too. And you can get new parts for your old unit,
search on line, there are web sites that specialize in old appliance
parts... or contact O'keefe and Merrit... on the east coast they're
known as Tappen.

Do not add anything to the ammonia, especially not bleach... and do not
breathe the fumes.

Sheldon

On 5 Dec 2006 15:12:35 -0800, "Sheldon" > wrote:
>TammyM wrote:
>> I want/need a new cooktop.

>The mistake you made is using oven cleaner... use plain old cheap
>household ammonia in teh plastic bag (about 1/2 cup, it's the fumes
>that clean, not the liquid)... about 48 hours, outdoors. A new gas
>cooktop won't cook any better than your old one and will get just as
>dirty with use too. And you can get new parts for your old unit,
>search on line, there are web sites that specialize in old appliance
>parts... or contact O'keefe and Merrit... on the east coast they're
>known as Tappen.

I didn't know that about Tappen. I have searched for replacement
parts though, Sheldon. No soap. I can't find ANYTHING. I did find a
place in the City of the Angels that will refurbish parts (re-chrome,
fix broken grates). www.antiquegasstoves.com I may go in that
direction because I do agree that, for the kind of cooking I do, I
don't need anything fancy. I LOVE the idea of those ultra-BTU burners
and simmer burners but ... I just don't need them. I'll look into
that LA place.

>Do not add anything to the ammonia, especially not bleach... and do not
>breathe the fumes.

This I know! Thank you for the warning though, one can never be too
careful.

TammyM

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:50:33 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
> wrote:

>"TammyM" > wrote in message
...
>>I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
>> bought the house.

>I don't know the answer, Tammy, but you should also post this question in
>another newsgroup:
>alt.home.repair

Very good suggestion. Thank you, JoeSB

TammyM

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:05:15 GMT, "Pete C." >
wrote:

>TammyM wrote:
>>
>> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
>> bought the house.
<snip>

>Your counters aren't the normal 25" depth so the new cooktop won't
>simply drop in. I expect you could use the existing counter material to
>create a bump out to accommodate a new cooktop without too much
>difficulty. Presumably about a 3" bump out. Assuming you get another 36"
>wide cooktop you should be able to cutout the front section and move it
>forward the 3" and just have to do a little carpentry to box in the
>extension. Shouldn't look too bad if done carefully. When you can redo
>the whole counter the cooktop should transfer just fine.

You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)

Thanks for your thoughts!

TammyM

Sheldon wrote:
>
> TammyM wrote:
> > I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> > Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> > bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
> > tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
> > plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
> > the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
> > broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
> > things with the house.
> >
> > The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
> > only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
> > My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
> > countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
> > formica.
> >
> > Thoughts?
>
> The mistake you made is using oven cleaner... use plain old cheap
> household ammonia in teh plastic bag (about 1/2 cup, it's the fumes
> that clean, not the liquid)... about 48 hours, outdoors. A new gas
> cooktop won't cook any better than your old one and will get just as
> dirty with use too. And you can get new parts for your old unit,
> search on line, there are web sites that specialize in old appliance
> parts... or contact O'keefe and Merrit... on the east coast they're
> known as Tappen.
>
> Do not add anything to the ammonia, especially not bleach... and do not
> breathe the fumes.
>
> Sheldon

Perhaps the following may be an option to clean burned-on, blackened
stuff on pans and drip pans? From the Dec/Jan 2007 issue of the "Taste
of Home" magazine, pg. 47: "When you burn something in a pan and it
leaves a crust, cover the burn with about an inch of water, add a
teaspoon of cream of tartar and bring to a boil. The black crust will
flake off and leave you with a pan that's easy to wash out." From a
reader in Seaside, Oregon (I withheld the name to post on usenet).

I've never tried this 'remedy,' but I'll give it a whirl should this
ever happen to me. Sounds like it sure beats a lot of elbow grease <g>.

Sky

TammyM wrote:
>
> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:05:15 GMT, "Pete C." >
> wrote:
>
> >TammyM wrote:
> >>
> >> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> >> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> >> bought the house.
> <snip>
>
> >Your counters aren't the normal 25" depth so the new cooktop won't
> >simply drop in. I expect you could use the existing counter material to
> >create a bump out to accommodate a new cooktop without too much
> >difficulty. Presumably about a 3" bump out. Assuming you get another 36"
> >wide cooktop you should be able to cutout the front section and move it
> >forward the 3" and just have to do a little carpentry to box in the
> >extension. Shouldn't look too bad if done carefully. When you can redo
> >the whole counter the cooktop should transfer just fine.
>
> You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
> anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)
>
> Thanks for your thoughts!
>
> TammyM

Texas. "Certified Jack of All Trades", pretty decent at most of them.

Your project sounds like it could be handled by any good contractor.
Just doing a bump out and installing a new cooktop shouldn't take very
long. I'd expect it would take me a few hours total.

Pete C.

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:46:12 GMT, (TammyM) wrote:

>I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>Merritt, circa 1958.

There is a store in Berkeley, on Gilman Street, below San Pablo, that
carries those types of stoves. I am thinking that it may pay to give
them a call..to see if they have what you want.

http://www.relianceappliance.com/

Christine

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:26:58 -0600, Skyhooks
> wrote:

>Perhaps the following may be an option to clean burned-on, blackened
>stuff on pans and drip pans? From the Dec/Jan 2007 issue of the "Taste
>of Home" magazine, pg. 47: "When you burn something in a pan and it
>leaves a crust, cover the burn with about an inch of water, add a
>teaspoon of cream of tartar and bring to a boil. The black crust will
>flake off and leave you with a pan that's easy to wash out." From a
>reader in Seaside, Oregon (I withheld the name to post on usenet).

>I've never tried this 'remedy,' but I'll give it a whirl should this
>ever happen to me. Sounds like it sure beats a lot of elbow grease <g>.

Sky, I appreciate the advice. But I'm thinking ... we're talking
about 48-year old burned stuff. It's worth a shot, I guess. But I'm
46-year old burned stuff and I can't seem to get over it :-)

TammyM

TammyM wrote:
> On 5 Dec 2006 15:12:35 -0800, "Sheldon" > wrote:
> >TammyM wrote:
> >> I want/need a new cooktop.
>
> >The mistake you made is using oven cleaner... use plain old cheap
> >household ammonia in teh plastic bag (about 1/2 cup, it's the fumes
> >that clean, not the liquid)... about 48 hours, outdoors. A new gas
> >cooktop won't cook any better than your old one and will get just as
> >dirty with use too. And you can get new parts for your old unit,
> >search on line, there are web sites that specialize in old appliance
> >parts... or contact O'keefe and Merrit... on the east coast they're
> >known as Tappen.
>
> I didn't know that about Tappen. I have searched for replacement
> parts though, Sheldon. No soap. I can't find ANYTHING. I did find a
> place in the City of the Angels that will refurbish parts (re-chrome,
> fix broken grates). www.antiquegasstoves.com I may go in that
> direction because I do agree that, for the kind of cooking I do, I
> don't need anything fancy. I LOVE the idea of those ultra-BTU burners
> and simmer burners but ... I just don't need them. I'll look into
> that LA place.

Unless you can afford a new countertop and whatever else a new unit
will neccesitate (and there is always more than one plans) then I would
repair your old cooktop... it's actually quite silly to change cooktops
over a broken burner grate... and back then Okeefe and Merrit was the
Rolls Royce of stoves, residential units were built better/stronger
than any comparable commercial unit made today, bar none.

Go he
http://www.repairclinic.com/0070.asp...FRmiQQodywyL9w

Use Tappen instead of O'keefe and Merritt in the search engine... and
would help if you have the model number (must be a tag inside, lift the
top)... plus you can phone for assistance. Good luck.

Sheldon

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:30:08 GMT, "Pete C." >
wrote:
<snip>
>> You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
>> anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)
>>
>> Thanks for your thoughts!
>>
>> TammyM
>
>Texas. "Certified Jack of All Trades", pretty decent at most of them.

My ex-beau is like you. Can do anything. Put in my floor in my
kitchen, overhead ceiling fans in every room of the house, built a
patio overhang, installed a whole-house fan AND an attic-access
ladder. And just a really great guy too.

>Your project sounds like it could be handled by any good contractor.
>Just doing a bump out and installing a new cooktop shouldn't take very
>long. I'd expect it would take me a few hours total.

Any idea of a (ballpark) cost for the construction part?

TammyM (I will post to the alt.home.repair group too)

On 5 Dec 2006 15:49:16 -0800, "Sheldon" > wrote:

<snip>
>Unless you can afford a new countertop and whatever else a new unit
>will neccesitate (and there is always more than one plans) then I would
>repair your old cooktop... it's actually quite silly to change cooktops
>over a broken burner grate... and back then Okeefe and Merrit was the
>Rolls Royce of stoves, residential units were built better/stronger
>than any comparable commercial unit made today, bar none.

I quite agree. That cooktop, even in its disreputable-looking
condition, is part of why I bought this house.

>Go he
>http://www.repairclinic.com/0070.asp...FRmiQQodywyL9w
>
>Use Tappen instead of O'keefe and Merritt in the search engine... and
>would help if you have the model number (must be a tag inside, lift the
>top)... plus you can phone for assistance. Good luck.

Thank you most kindly.

TammyM

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:30:08 GMT, "Pete C." >
wrote:

<not trimmed on purpose>

>TammyM wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:05:15 GMT, "Pete C." >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >TammyM wrote:
>> >>
>> >> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>> >> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
>> >> bought the house.
>> <snip>
>>
>> >Your counters aren't the normal 25" depth so the new cooktop won't
>> >simply drop in. I expect you could use the existing counter material to
>> >create a bump out to accommodate a new cooktop without too much
>> >difficulty. Presumably about a 3" bump out. Assuming you get another 36"
>> >wide cooktop you should be able to cutout the front section and move it
>> >forward the 3" and just have to do a little carpentry to box in the
>> >extension. Shouldn't look too bad if done carefully. When you can redo
>> >the whole counter the cooktop should transfer just fine.
>>
>> You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
>> anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)
>>
>> Thanks for your thoughts!
>>
>> TammyM
>
>Texas. "Certified Jack of All Trades", pretty decent at most of them.
>
>Your project sounds like it could be handled by any good contractor.
>Just doing a bump out and installing a new cooktop shouldn't take very
>long. I'd expect it would take me a few hours total.
>
>Pete C.

Please tell TammyM she'll need to replace the base cabinets also when
she transfers the cooktop to the new <deeper> counter. Unless she
doesn't use the drawers. Just a thought.

Lou

On Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:01 GMT, Lou Decruss >
wrote:
<snip>
>Please tell TammyM she'll need to replace the base cabinets also when
>she transfers the cooktop to the new <deeper> counter. Unless she
>doesn't use the drawers. Just a thought.

I've already thought of that, but thank you for the head's up. I
looked around the kitchen just a moment ago and saw
moneymoneymoneymoneymoney flying out of the window -- and I'm soon
having ALL the windows in my house replaced to the tune of $$$$$.

I'm going to try the replacement/refurbishment route for the burner
pans and grate. I do like the cooktop, it works just fine for me.

TammyM

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:31:08 -0700, Christine Dabney
> wrote:

>On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:46:12 GMT, (TammyM) wrote:
>
>>I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>>Merritt, circa 1958.
>
>There is a store in Berkeley, on Gilman Street, below San Pablo, that
>carries those types of stoves. I am thinking that it may pay to give
>them a call..to see if they have what you want.
>
>http://www.relianceappliance.com/

Ahhhhh, thank you! And it gives me an excuse to go to Berkeley AND to
the Spanish Table! Probably a side trip to Andronico's and the Cheese
Board too....

TammyM

TammyM wrote:
> On 5 Dec 2006 15:49:16 -0800, "Sheldon" > wrote:
>
> <snip>
> >Unless you can afford a new countertop and whatever else a new unit
> >will neccesitate (and there is always more than one plans) then I would
> >repair your old cooktop... it's actually quite silly to change cooktops
> >over a broken burner grate... and back then Okeefe and Merrit was the
> >Rolls Royce of stoves, residential units were built better/stronger
> >than any comparable commercial unit made today, bar none.
>
> I quite agree. That cooktop, even in its disreputable-looking
> condition, is part of why I bought this house.
>
> >Go he
> >http://www.repairclinic.com/0070.asp...FRmiQQodywyL9w
> >
> >Use Tappen instead of O'keefe and Merritt in the search engine... and
> >would help if you have the model number (must be a tag inside, lift the
> >top)... plus you can phone for assistance. Good luck.
>
> Thank you most kindly.

You're welcome. If you could post a picture of that cooktop I'd
appreciate it. In the early '60s I worked for O'Keefe and Merritt in
LA. I also worked for Norris Thermadore... if not for the military
taking over that old cast iron terlit bowl foundry for a bomb making
plant during WWll they'd be nothing today. A lot of *nothing*
companies became huge because they were temporarilly confiscated for
the war effort... especially many of todays food giants. There'd be no
Armor meats otherwise. I wonder what nothing businesses will grow to
mammoth proportions because of today's middle east fiasco.

Sheldon

"TammyM" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Thoughts?
>

This is an electric cooktop?

Go for the smooth cooktop, the glass ones. This house had one
when we bought it. I LOVE it. A little softscrub after it cools, and
windex after that, and it gleams. Nothingbut a perfectly smooth
surface to clean. It rocks. If you cannot find one deep enough,
you could consult with a carpenter and have a piece added to the
back. Or front.

http://tinyurl.com/y52e6s

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:46:12 GMT, (TammyM) wrote:

>I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
>bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
>tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
>plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
>the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
>broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
>things with the house.
>
>The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
>only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
>My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
>countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
>formica.
>
>Thoughts?
>
>TammyM

I hate to agree with Sheldon but he's right unless you spend a whole
bunch of money. You've got a 1/2 inch of play. But I'm guessing
you've measured the outside dimentions and not the "cut hole" There
is a possibility it might make it, but you really want to carve the
front of the counter up?

There are companies that handle auctions for tear down homes. You
bring some cash and tools. Bid, buy and take. You might even find the
parts you need in an old home. And they're always cheap. Your
kitchen will looked like crap if you carve the face of the cabinet up
and chances of getting the tiles to work are pretty slim.

Lou

TammyM wrote:
>
> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:30:08 GMT, "Pete C." >
> wrote:
> <snip>
> >> You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
> >> anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)
> >>
> >> Thanks for your thoughts!
> >>
> >> TammyM
> >
> >Texas. "Certified Jack of All Trades", pretty decent at most of them.
>
> My ex-beau is like you. Can do anything. Put in my floor in my
> kitchen, overhead ceiling fans in every room of the house, built a
> patio overhang, installed a whole-house fan AND an attic-access
> ladder. And just a really great guy too.
>
> >Your project sounds like it could be handled by any good contractor.
> >Just doing a bump out and installing a new cooktop shouldn't take very
> >long. I'd expect it would take me a few hours total.
>
> Any idea of a (ballpark) cost for the construction part?
>
> TammyM (I will post to the alt.home.repair group too)

Couldn't begin to guess on cost since I DIY everything myself and I'm
not in the construction / remodeling business.

Materials wise it shouldn't be much, probably under $100 in materials. A
bit of 1x stock to frame out the bump out, some plywood to enclose it, a
little grout and perhaps a few tiles to re-fit the relocated counter
strip, nails, screws, glue. Nothing real exotic.

Pete C.

Lou Decruss wrote:
>
> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:30:08 GMT, "Pete C." >
> wrote:
>
> <not trimmed on purpose>
>
> >TammyM wrote:
> >>
> >> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:05:15 GMT, "Pete C." >
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> >TammyM wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> >> >> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> >> >> bought the house.
> >> <snip>
> >>
> >> >Your counters aren't the normal 25" depth so the new cooktop won't
> >> >simply drop in. I expect you could use the existing counter material to
> >> >create a bump out to accommodate a new cooktop without too much
> >> >difficulty. Presumably about a 3" bump out. Assuming you get another 36"
> >> >wide cooktop you should be able to cutout the front section and move it
> >> >forward the 3" and just have to do a little carpentry to box in the
> >> >extension. Shouldn't look too bad if done carefully. When you can redo
> >> >the whole counter the cooktop should transfer just fine.
> >>
> >> You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
> >> anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)
> >>
> >> Thanks for your thoughts!
> >>
> >> TammyM
> >
> >Texas. "Certified Jack of All Trades", pretty decent at most of them.
> >
> >Your project sounds like it could be handled by any good contractor.
> >Just doing a bump out and installing a new cooktop shouldn't take very
> >long. I'd expect it would take me a few hours total.
> >
> >Pete C.
>
> Please tell TammyM she'll need to replace the base cabinets also when
> she transfers the cooktop to the new <deeper> counter. Unless she
> doesn't use the drawers. Just a thought.
>
> Lou

That may not be the case depending on how the base cabinets are
constructed. Were it my kitchen and the base cabinets were in good
shape, perhaps just needing a stripping and refinish, I'd consider
simply moving them out the extra 3" from the wall to align with the new
countertops. Drawer depths wouldn't matter and a back of 1/4" ply could
be put in place so there wasn't a gap at the back of the cabinets. 3" of
dead space between the back of the base cabs and the wall would be
pretty irrelevant.

Pete C.

"TammyM" > wrote in message
...
>I want/need a new cooktop.

Sorry, I missed that it is gas.

Lou Decruss wrote:
> I hate to agree with Sheldon but he's right.

Sheesh, must be a lot of hate at rfc... everyone hates to agree with
me, but I'm always right... unlike most everyone else here when I don't
know I keep my lip zipped.

Sheldon

cyber**** wrote:
>
> Sorry, I missed that it is gas.

You didn't miss anything, you never looked... you're the three pronouns
kind... me, myself, and I. You see everything in relation to yourself.
So far since you've been here you have never even once helped anyone,
you contribute nothing useful to rfc, cyber****.

Sheldon

On 5 Dec 2006 16:28:05 -0800, "Sheldon" > wrote:

>
>TammyM wrote:
<snip>
>> Thank you most kindly.
>
>You're welcome. If you could post a picture of that cooktop I'd
>appreciate it. In the early '60s I worked for O'Keefe and Merritt in
>LA. I also worked for Norris Thermadore... if not for the military
>taking over that old cast iron terlit bowl foundry for a bomb making
>plant during WWll they'd be nothing today. A lot of *nothing*
>companies became huge because they were temporarilly confiscated for
>the war effort... especially many of todays food giants. There'd be no
>Armor meats otherwise. I wonder what nothing businesses will grow to
>mammoth proportions because of today's middle east fiasco.

I will post a pic. I'll wait for my housemate, the computer wiz, to
come home. She'll know how.

Honestly, that cooktop was really one of the things that said "you're
home" when I bought this house. I grew up in this 'hood.. The
hardwood floors in the front room were the same as I remember from my
childhood before my parents put in that hideous olive green shag
carpetting. The cabinets in the laundry area were the same as my
childhood home kitchen cabbies -- one of the owners of this house
replaced the kitchen cabs and re-purposed the old ones in the laundry
room. I doubt I'll ever sell this house and will leave when I go
paws-up. It's home.

TammyM

"Sheldon" > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> cyber**** wrote:
>>
>> Sorry, I missed that it is gas.
>
> You didn't miss anything, you never looked... you're the three pronouns
> kind... me, myself, and I. You see everything in relation to yourself.
> So far since you've been here you have never even once helped anyone,
> you contribute nothing useful to rfc, cyber****.
>

hahaha! **** off you ugly old man.

"Sheldon" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Lou Decruss wrote:
>> I hate to agree with Sheldon but he's right.
>
> Sheesh, must be a lot of hate at rfc... everyone hates to agree with
> me, but I'm always right... unlike most everyone else here when I don't
> know I keep my lip zipped.
>
If only that were true. When you don't know, you make something up. Usually
something ridiculous.

TammyM > wrote:

>I didn't know that about Tappen. I have searched for replacement
>parts though, Sheldon. No soap. I can't find ANYTHING. I did find a
>place in the City of the Angels that will refurbish parts (re-chrome,
>fix broken grates). www.antiquegasstoves.com

There's also Reliance Appliance in Berkeley. They mostly restore
entire stoves (including re-coating of enameled or chrome parts),
but possibly they'd recondition the parts you have.

Steve

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 22:46:12 GMT, (TammyM) wrote:

>I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
>bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
>tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
>plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
>the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
>broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
>things with the house.
>
>The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
>only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
>My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
>countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
>formica.
>
>Thoughts?
>
Do formica and get what you want. You can upgrade the counter later.


--
See return address to reply by email

On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:24:24 GMT, (TammyM) wrote:

>On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:05:15 GMT, "Pete C." >
>wrote:
>
>>TammyM wrote:
>>>
>>> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
>>> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
>>> bought the house.
><snip>
>
>>Your counters aren't the normal 25" depth so the new cooktop won't
>>simply drop in. I expect you could use the existing counter material to
>>create a bump out to accommodate a new cooktop without too much
>>difficulty. Presumably about a 3" bump out. Assuming you get another 36"
>>wide cooktop you should be able to cutout the front section and move it
>>forward the 3" and just have to do a little carpentry to box in the
>>extension. Shouldn't look too bad if done carefully. When you can redo
>>the whole counter the cooktop should transfer just fine.
>
>You sound like a fella who know his carpentry biz -- you don't live
>anywhere near Sacramento do you? ;-)
>
Pshaw. He's not *that* smart. You can get two burner units and set
the sideways.

--
See return address to reply by email

In article om>,
says...
>
> TammyM wrote:
> > On 5 Dec 2006 15:49:16 -0800, "Sheldon" > wrote:
> >
> > <snip>
> > >Unless you can afford a new countertop and whatever else a new unit
> > >will neccesitate (and there is always more than one plans) then I would
> > >repair your old cooktop... it's actually quite silly to change cooktops
> > >over a broken burner grate... and back then Okeefe and Merrit was the
> > >Rolls Royce of stoves, residential units were built better/stronger
> > >than any comparable commercial unit made today, bar none.
> >
> > I quite agree. That cooktop, even in its disreputable-looking
> > condition, is part of why I bought this house.
> >
> > >Go he
> > >http://www.repairclinic.com/0070.asp...FRmiQQodywyL9w
> > >
> > >Use Tappen instead of O'keefe and Merritt in the search engine... and
> > >would help if you have the model number (must be a tag inside, lift the
> > >top)... plus you can phone for assistance. Good luck.
> >
> > Thank you most kindly.
>
> You're welcome. If you could post a picture of that cooktop I'd
> appreciate it. In the early '60s I worked for O'Keefe and Merritt in
> LA. I also worked for Norris Thermadore... if not for the military
> taking over that old cast iron terlit bowl foundry for a bomb making
> plant during WWll they'd be nothing today. A lot of *nothing*
> companies became huge because they were temporarilly confiscated for
> the war effort... especially many of todays food giants. There'd be no
> Armor meats otherwise. I wonder what nothing businesses will grow to
> mammoth proportions because of today's middle east fiasco.
>
> Sheldon
>
>
I think it's more a case of the mammoth becoming more mammoth, viz
Halliburton/KBR, Bechtel and the other behemoths who are making a
killing (figuratively and sometimes literally) over that way. I would
say that they're "cleaning up" but they're really willing participants
in making more of a mess.

On topic content: I think KBR runs the mess facilities in Iraq.

Bob

In article >,
(TammyM) wrote:

> I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
> tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
> plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
> the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
> broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
> things with the house.
>
> The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
> only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
> My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
> countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
> formica.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> TammyM

Replace the stove with a glass top electric.

You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)

And they make handy extra counter space!
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

"Omelet" > wrote in message
news
>
> Replace the stove with a glass top electric.
>
> You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)

Hmm. Let's weight these options.

A) Buy glass top electric, hate it, kick self every day for the life of the
appliance.

B) Learn to avoid spilling things all over the burners of a normal stove.

A....B....B....B.....B.....

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
>
> "Omelet" > wrote in message
> news >
> >
> > Replace the stove with a glass top electric.
> >
> > You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)
>
> Hmm. Let's weight these options.
>
> A) Buy glass top electric, hate it, kick self every day for the life of the
> appliance.
>
> B) Learn to avoid spilling things all over the burners of a normal stove.
>
> A....B....B....B.....B.....

Add in running a new 240V circuit to feed that glass top electric vs.
using the existing gas line to feed a new gas cook top.

Pete C.

In article >,
"JoeSpareBedroom" > wrote:

> "Omelet" > wrote in message
> news >
> >
> > Replace the stove with a glass top electric.
> >
> > You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)
>
> Hmm. Let's weight these options.
>
> A) Buy glass top electric, hate it, kick self every day for the life of the
> appliance.

I've _never_ regretted it!
I love my glass top and have for 6 years!

>
> B) Learn to avoid spilling things all over the burners of a normal stove.

They are a pain in the ass.....

>
> A....B....B....B.....B.....
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

In article >,
"Pete C." > wrote:

> JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
> >
> > "Omelet" > wrote in message
> > news > >
> > >
> > > Replace the stove with a glass top electric.
> > >
> > > You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)
> >
> > Hmm. Let's weight these options.
> >
> > A) Buy glass top electric, hate it, kick self every day for the life of the
> > appliance.
> >
> > B) Learn to avoid spilling things all over the burners of a normal stove.
> >
> > A....B....B....B.....B.....
>
> Add in running a new 240V circuit to feed that glass top electric vs.
> using the existing gas line to feed a new gas cook top.
>
> Pete C.

I have no gas lines into my house. Never have, never will.

IMHO running a flammable liquid that can produce CO into my living
space...... <shudder>

I grew up with gas appliances thru age 17.

I do so NOT miss them!

Gas stove, gas water heater, gas furnace.

At least 1 fire and numerous problems......
Plus it's dirty and it stinks.
--
Peace, Om

Remove _ to validate e-mails.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

"Omelet" > wrote in message
news
> In article >,
> "Pete C." > wrote:
>
>> JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
>> >
>> > "Omelet" > wrote in message
>> > news >> >
>> > >
>> > > Replace the stove with a glass top electric.
>> > >
>> > > You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)
>> >
>> > Hmm. Let's weight these options.
>> >
>> > A) Buy glass top electric, hate it, kick self every day for the life of
>> > the
>> > appliance.
>> >
>> > B) Learn to avoid spilling things all over the burners of a normal
>> > stove.
>> >
>> > A....B....B....B.....B.....
>>
>> Add in running a new 240V circuit to feed that glass top electric vs.
>> using the existing gas line to feed a new gas cook top.
>>
>> Pete C.
>
> I have no gas lines into my house. Never have, never will.
>
> IMHO running a flammable liquid that can produce CO into my living
> space...... <shudder>
>
> I grew up with gas appliances thru age 17.
>
> I do so NOT miss them!
>
> Gas stove, gas water heater, gas furnace.
>
> At least 1 fire and numerous problems......
> Plus it's dirty and it stinks.
> --
> Peace, Om

Gas is dirty and it stinks?

Omelet wrote:
> In article >,
> (TammyM) wrote:
>
> > I want/need a new cooktop. The old one is the original O'Keefe and
> > Merritt, circa 1958. The burner pans were crusted and nasty when I
> > bought the house. Though I wash them at least twice/week, and have
> > tried everything I can think of to clean them (including DAYS in a
> > plastic garbage bag covered in oven cleaner), nothing works. One of
> > the burner grates is -- and has been from the day I moved in --
> > broken. I'm now finally in financial shape to start slowly doing
> > things with the house.
> >
> > The cooktop is gas and 36"x18.5". The countertop is 22" deep. The
> > only cooktops I can find are about 21.5" deep. Is this going to work?
> > My countertops are covered in tile/grout. I can't afford new
> > countertops at this time, unless I go for something I don't want like
> > formica.
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> > TammyM
>
> Replace the stove with a glass top electric.


But of course... those who think using pressure processors is cooking
will also think using electric cooktops is cooking... NOT! You really
should get an electric countertop pressure processor, then you can
reclaim all that wasted space your stove occupies.

http://www.amazon.com/Russell-Hobbs-...&s=home-garden

Sheldon

Omelet wrote:
>
> In article >,
> "Pete C." > wrote:
>
> > JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
> > >
> > > "Omelet" > wrote in message
> > > news > > >
> > > >
> > > > Replace the stove with a glass top electric.
> > > >
> > > > You will never have to clean a burner again....... ;-)
> > >
> > > Hmm. Let's weight these options.
> > >
> > > A) Buy glass top electric, hate it, kick self every day for the life of the
> > > appliance.
> > >
> > > B) Learn to avoid spilling things all over the burners of a normal stove.
> > >
> > > A....B....B....B.....B.....
> >
> > Add in running a new 240V circuit to feed that glass top electric vs.
> > using the existing gas line to feed a new gas cook top.
> >
> > Pete C.
>
> I have no gas lines into my house. Never have, never will.
>
> IMHO running a flammable liquid that can produce CO into my living
> space...... <shudder>
>
> I grew up with gas appliances thru age 17.
>
> I do so NOT miss them!
>
> Gas stove, gas water heater, gas furnace.
>
> At least 1 fire and numerous problems......
> Plus it's dirty and it stinks.
> --
> Peace, Om
>
> Remove _ to validate e-mails.
>
> "My mother never saw the irony in calling me a Son of a bitch" -- Jack Nicholson

I'm not big on gas myself, but I do make an exception for cooking with
my nice dual fuel stove running on LP for the burners. The OP already
has a gas cook top, so installing an electric one would cost $$ to run
power for it.

Pete C.