Griswold Hot Plates

[livens]

Wow, all those hot plates look great!

I have been looking to buy one, a new one from northerntool.com, or one of the cheaper models from eBay or somewhere. But they do not have supports on the gas line, and I have read reviews saying its easy to break the valves off. And since I like older iron anyway... I might just buy a vintage griswold...

I have looked at some online, and found a couple that are pretty rusted up. No problem, I know how to handle rust :). Whay Im not sure about are the valves. Hard to tell from a pic if they are worn out/corroded inside and leak. It seems like someone, somewhere should have some "old new stock" of these valves. Is it possible to find these if I needed to?

Thanks,

Jeremy

[Jesse and Kim Dunfee]

I would like to know that myself Jeremy.
  I want to say that I am far far from anykind of authority on these hotplates. I just like them and have just enjoyed refreshing them. Most of the members that have been here awhile have probably seen and handled more then I ever will.
 There really isn't to much to these. The valves are pretty sturdy and self adjusting I think you would call it. Made of brass they are a taper fit with a screw in the end and a spring to hold tension. If the valve is "tight" its ok. I have only had one that was what I would consider worn out. No take up left on the screw.

[fatfutures]

Jesse, I've got a question for ya... have you got a source for the white porcelain handles? I haven't looked too hard yet but, I know I'll be needing new ones for my 20's Chambers.

[Jesse and Kim Dunfee]

Not for original handles. E-Bay have them sometimes but I think way overpriced. There is a Kitchen and Bath Store here that has about every handle/knob you can think of and a few are REAL close to those.

[fatfutures]

Thanks Jesse.

Odds are good that I won't be able to find exact duplicates of the originals... So, that means I will be replacing them all.

[C. B. Williams]

AHH-HA,,, Several years ago I asked about the Griswold hot plates, some of which has valves from pre-WW2 Germany. Look at the top pictures Jesse posted, the valve has the swastika on it. It was my understanding that Griswold imported these brass valves before we got into the war. I have been looking for a hot plate with this marking for some time.
When I asked my question several years ago, most people thought I was nuts. (don't answer that  :-X)

[C. B. Williams]

In the case with Griswold, I read somewhere that they imported some of their valves from pre-WW2 Germany. Of course, I don't believe all I read, but it was believable in this case. (I didn't say absolutely beyond the shadow of a doubt, but believable) And I know the swastika has been used many times and for many years prior to Nazi Germany, and in both left and right hand turns.

[Joe Babb]

I am wondering if this post is dead? I've got a Griswold hot plate I'm trying to restore and covert to propane (LP) from Natural Gas (NG)

[Cheryl Watson]

Hello Joe!

Old posts never die completely.. but.

If you go to the Cleaning and Restoration board you may find the answers you seek. :)

http://www.griswoldandwagner.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Cleaning

And look at the 'stickies' at that top to that board...

Or just holler over there, and we will help you however we can!