Chambers Models

OK. You've got this porcelain behemoth with the word "CHAMBERS" on it.
How can you tell which model it is?

Here is a guide to help you.

Pictures Of Various Models Of CHAMBERS Ranges -

I. EARLY CHAMBERS RANGES

The early CHAMBERS ranges looked like this:

- photo property of Karen Bruner

Instead of the ThermoWell, the earlier CHAMBERS ranges used the ThermoDOME -

The ThermoDome was
raised and lowered by a
mechanism supplied with
the range down over a pot
you were cooking food in.
Just like the ThermoWell,
you built up the heat inside
the ThermoDome, then
turned the gas off and
cooked on retained heat.

Here is how you identify your older CHAMBERS:

The serial numbers on the early models are pretty useless in telling their age, features, etc., but the model numbers "tell it all".

For example, a fellow recently e-mailed me, asking for help identifying his old stove, a CHAMBERS Model 4742WL.

Here's how that breaks down:

    * The older CHAMBERS ranges were produced in different "series." Each series had a designation, such as the 3,000-series, 4,000-series, 5,000-series, etc.

    * Each digit in the model number means a different thing -

       > The FIRST number indicates the SERIES. In this case, this is a series 4,000 CHAMBERS range.

       > The SECOND number indicates the "style' of range. In this case, the "700" indicates a "table range with broiler above" (by "table", they meant the oven was level with the cooktop, not above or below it, and the broiler was in a second opening/door above the oven).

       > The THIRD number gives us the number of burners. In this case, 4.

       > The FOURTH number tells us the quantity of hoods/domes it came with. This one came with 2.

       > The FIRST LETTER tells us the original color (white).

       > The LAST LETTER tells us the location of the oven (left-handed or right). This one is a left-handed model.

Simple, huh? I'm still working on getting a chart that shows all of this - be patient. Until then, e-mail me for help with identifying your older CHAMBERS.

II. LATER CHAMBERS RANGES

The most common models of CHAMBERS ranges are "C", "B", and "A", in that order. There are many more, but these are the ones you will find more of than any of the others.

Here are two pictures of what we now call the "A" series -

Note the all-black handles, drop-down top, and lack of a backsplash.

Here is a picture of a "B" -

- courtesy www.antiqueappliances.com

CHAMBERS Model B, circa 1941

Note the all-chrome handles and backsplash. Some "B"'s had no drop-down top, but most did.

Here are some pictures of the most popular and prevalent CHAMBERS, the Model "C" -

- courtesy www.antiqueappliances.com

CHAMBERS Model 60C, circa 1950

Note the lack of drop-down top and the backsplash.

- courtesy www.antiqueappliances.com

CHAMBERS Model 90C, circa 1952

Same as the 60C, but with the "DeLuxe" high backsplash.

- courtesy www.antiqueappliances.com

CHAMBERS Model 61AC, circa 1953

Same as the 60C, but with copper side and front panels and copper-plated handles.

Here are some pictures of a Model "D" -

Here is the same unit, after Rangaire bought Chambers in 1964. They changed the model name to an MR-9-H. Here's how they looked in the 1968 Chambers sales brochure:

© Chambers Stove Lovers Website

Here is a nice chart I found somewhere showing the "C" series. It is very informative. If it is yours, please let me know so I can give you proper credit of ownership.

Here's another!

    In the 1950's, CHAMBERS introduced their line of built-in ovens, cooktops, and lift tops. Many were available in gas or electric models. Called an "In-A-(fill in the blank), these became popular with the new kitchens being designed and built in that day.

    The ovens, whether gas or electric, operate the same way as ovens in the free-standing ranges, using retained heat to save energy and cook without having to be attended to. The units equipped with a broiler/griddle do, too - you will want to get an "Idle Hour Cookbook" in order to fully utilize the exclusive features of these CHAMBERS units.



Here are some of the built-in's CHAMBERS manufactured over the years:

A four-burner drop-in.

Note the griddle/broiler.

An early "IN-A-WALL" Gas Oven (also came in an electric version). These were designed in Shelbyville by the original CHAMBERS Corporation.

A later "IN-A-WALL" Gas Oven (also came in an electric version). These were designed in Oxford, Mississippi by the CHAMBERS after the Rangaire purchase (note the similarity of design) -

Here's what it looks like inside. I'm told the light bulb is part of the circuit that makes it operate.

IV. COMMERCIAL CHAMBERS PRODUCTS -

CHAMBERS manufactured commercial models that are to die for!

Here are some pictures of one of these, the CHAMBERS "Imperial" No. 7960 -

Photos courtesy AntiqueAppliances.com

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No part of this website may be copied, transmitted, or otherwise reproduced
without the express written consent of Todd W. White.

Chambers is a registered trademark of Michael J. Lee and is used with permission.
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Date of last revision: November 29, 2007