How to Remove an Electric Vintage Stove

Remove a vintage electric stove for replacement.

Although they were invented back in the 1800s, electric stoves weren't introduced into households until the 1930s, when electricity became widely available. Electric stoves use electricity to heat and cook food, unlike gas stoves, which use natural gas, propane or other types of gases. Vintage electric stoves is a broad term, as vintage can mean anything from 1930s stoves to electric stoves from just a few years ago. Vintage electric stoves are typically heavier than modern ones, so make sure to have a helper if you decide to remove an electric vintage stove from your home.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Furniture coasters
• Wire cutters
• Voltmeter

Instructions

1. Cut the electricity for the vintage stove by unplugging it from the outlet. Some stoves may be hard wired into the house circuit. In this case, locate the main circuit breaker for your house. Find the switch that controls the stove (they are usually labeled), and flip it to the off position. Try to start the stove. If you have turned off the right switch, the stove won't light up.

2. Remove any retaining clips securing the stove to the wall. These clips secure the back of the stove to the wall and prevent them from tipping over when the oven door is opened. Look for an "L"-shaped retaining clip at the back of the stove, where it connects to another "L"-shaped clip mounted to the wall. Loosen the screw(s) connecting the two clips.

3. Pull the stove away from the wall. Protect the floor by tipping the stove slightly back and slipping furniture coasters underneath the stove legs.

4. Locate the electrical wire connecting the stove to the main circuit in the house, if the stove is hardwired. There may be an electrical panel on the back of the stove that you need to unscrew in order to get at the wire junction. Open the panel and remove any wire nuts from the wires. Test with a voltmeter to ensure that the electricity is off. Untwist the wires or cut them wire a pair of wire cutters.

5. Lift the back of the stove up and place furniture coasters underneath the legs to protect the floor.

6. Pull the stove away from the wall or countertop.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your local city or municipality to find out if they have an appliance recycling program. Many cities will come and pick up your old appliances for recycling. Follow any specific instructions, such as taping closed oven doors or removing burners, before placing the vintage stove out for pickup.

References

• Family Handyman: How to Repair a Gas Stove or Electric Range
• Great Achievements: Household Appliances