Caloric Oven Ignitors

Though the brand is no longer made, Caloric ovens were last released by Maytag. Released as a full product line of gas and electric stoves, the most common units still available--through individuals, vintage appliance dealers and antique collectors--are freestanding ranges with an oven and stovetop burners. Gas ranges, such as the brand's Prestige model, work via a spark module located in the back of the oven. Igniters for each of the burners run wires back to this main spark module, which may also be located on one of the sides, depending on the model.

Caloric's History

Amana--formerly the Electrical Equipment Co. -- purchased The Caloric Co. in 1967. By this time, Amana had been purchased by tech giant Raytheon, absorbing the Caloric brand along with it. Amana would continue manufacturing the Caloric brand until the early 1990s. Amana would eventually be acquired by Maytag, and then by Whirlpool, meaning technically that the Caloric brand belongs to them, though it remains unused.

Troubleshooting Caloric Oven Ignitors

The following is taken straight from a gas-range manual produced by Caloric and details not only how the ignitor works but also how to test if your ignitor is functioning appropriately. "The operation of the OVEN/BROILER "ELECTRIC IGNITOR" can be checked by using a VOLT/OHMMETER as follows: NOTE: This check must be made while the ignitor is at ambient room temperature.

1. 1. Disconnect electricity.
2. 2. Set the volt/ohmmeter on the RX1K ohms scale. (Zero the meter.)
3. 3. Remove ignitor from burner.
4. 4. Remove ignitor lead wire nuts and disconnect ignitor leads from range wiring.
5. 5. Connect ohmmeter leads to ignitor wire leads.
6. 6. If the meter indicates continuity (a low resistance reading), the ignitor is operative. NOTE: The cold ohms. However, this test is for continuity without a dead short (zero ohms).

The ignitor may still be defective even though continuity is indicated and it glows when the oven is set for bake, broil or clean function. A more exact test can be made to measure the ignitor current with the oven operating. An ammeter should be inserted in series with one lead of the ignitor, or an amprobe can be attached to the lead to check the amount of current flowing through the ignitor circuit. With the oven turned on and the ignitor glowing red, a current reading of approximately 3.2 to 3.6 amps should be indicated. The ignitor can also be removed and bench tested, using the current test method and an AC jumper or test cord connected to the ignitor leads.

Warranty Information

Because of the length of time since the Caloric brand was discontinued, the ovens and related products are no longer covered by any warranty. Caloric parts can be purchased from dealers who specialize in parts for older or discontinued appliances, or found online, where many sites offer one-year warranties on igniters and other parts. The ovens may be repaired by specialized shops, which may offer their own warranties.