Retro Range: Chambers Stoves

by Nick Vagnoni, Posted Jan 31st 2006 @ 2:53PM

Having grown up with, learned to cook on and generally taken for granted the vintage gas stove in my family's kitchen, you can imagine my surprise when I saw a red one just like it on the Food Network, crouched behind Rachael Ray. Stoves like our 1952 Chambers Model 90C (above) have become all the rage and it's no surprise. They're beautiful, obviously durable and hey, what good cook doesn't like cooking with gas? When restored, these stoves can command upwards of $4,000.

We acquired ours in the mid-70s while our house was being restored. As you can imagine, the house has evolved around the stove, which hasn't really moved in a few decades. While it still cooks just fine, there's a bit of finesse involved. There's no pilot, so the oven and ranges must be lit by hand. This usually results in a fun "booof" sound that makes most guests back away from the stove.

[Photo: John Vagnoni]

When we inquired with our gas man about having our range refurbished, he told us he was going to pretend he didn't even see it, otherwise he would have to declare it unsafe. Still, there are kits available to bring some Chambers ranges up to speed.

In googling "Chambers stoves" I came up with plenty of info about upkeep and restoration. One of the better sites for the Chambers enthusiast is Todd W. White's Chamberstoves.net. You find guides to model numbers and restoration, a surprisingly lively discussion board and even some recipes.

Filed Under: Retro cookery, Methods
Tags: baking, broiling, chambers, gas, oven, range, retro food, roasting, stove, vintage

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Reader comments (Page 3 of 3)

10-02-2006 @7:32PM Debbie Rechichar said... For Sale: 50's Chambers Gas Range, white, chrome top, low back, excellent condition. Call 513-894-5196
located in Hamilton, Ohio
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10-04-2006 @4:25PM Donna Bilmes said... I am looking for a 1950's CHAMBERS C model with a lowback. We live in West Palm Beach, Florida. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much, Donna
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10-05-2006 @10:39PM Liz said... We have a white CHAMBERS Model B, circa 1941 with fold-up top. It's in used condition, but has worked wonderfully for 60+ years! I'm in Syracuse, NY, you need to pick it up.
Email is lizrichey@hotmail.com- make me an offer if you're interested!

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10-05-2006 @10:51PM Todd W. White said... Hello all you CHAMBERS fans! I have a website just for you - the CHAMBERS STOVE LOVERS WEBSITE!

The definitive site for CHAMBERS owners and users, it has all kinds of information on features and the different models of CHAMBERS products, literature for your CHAMBERS (the "Idle Hour" Cookbook, which doubles as an Operation Manual and the Service Manuals are MUST HAVE items), classic ad's, PLUS a VERY active Discussion Board!

DON'T throw out that CHAMBERS - it's NOT just "another old stove"! It is SO MUCH MORE!

Find out what I mean by visiting my website!

Happy cooking with the gas turned OFF!
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10-05-2006 @10:52PM Todd W. White said... OOOPS! I thought the website address would show up with my post.

Here it is:

http://www.chamberstoves.net/

Sorry about that!

- Todd
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10-05-2006 @11:05PM Betsy said... looking for a bright red chambers, hi or low back. anyone out there interested in selling one in good shape? thanks. betsy
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10-08-2006 @11:17PM Jeanine said... Looking for Chambers 90C (prefer white) in Washington, DC/Northern VA area.
Thanks, Jeanine
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10-16-2006 @8:11PM dorothy pinegar said... In the middle of Kansas, we have for Sale a white Model C Chambers Range with pans, manual, cook book and receipes. Very good condition. If interested e-mail dlpinegar@lrmutual.com
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10-16-2006 @11:32AM Valerie Bonds said... Wondering if the person in Oklahoma City (Mark Herring) sold his Chambers Stove. We are interested in purchasing one. Thanks.
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10-19-2006 @2:18AM Kim said... Those of you wanting to sell a stove--

Try posting at the Chambers Stoves Discussion Board:
http://www.hostboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=7954

Dozens of Chambers nuts (and people hunting for stoves) are reading over there. And posting is free.

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10-24-2006 @3:06PM Kate Flanigan-O'Toole said... I have a white Chambers Stove "C" series low back, in very good condition, everything works. For sale in Pittsburgh PA, the buyer I had for it fell through. Please e-mail me for pictures and price. Buyer must be willing to pick up or pay for shipping.

Please e-mail me
irishprces@comcast.net
kate
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10-28-2006 @1:44PM Marsha Brown said... I have a chambers stove but am not sure what style?. It has a backsplace with lights; a deep well and the griddle is warped. If anyone is interested in purchasing or even giving me information on it, I am ready, Thanks
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