Hardwick Oven Ignitors

Hardwick ovens are no longer manufactured, but they continue to be popular with vintage and antique appliance buffs. Reconditioned models are sometimes found online or in specialty shops, while others in original condition (and often nonoperating) can be had at a cheaper price. A 1936 Hardwick stove was featured in an online sale with marbleized green-and-cream-colored doors, four surface burners discreetly hidden behind a pull-down cover, two storage drawers, a separate oven and broiler. The price of $3,200 included the full refurbishment of the appliance. Replacement parts sellers list a number of universal or generic parts for the Hardwick brand of stoves, including oven and broiler ignitor kits.

Hardwick History

The Cleveland, Tennessee, company was started in 1879 as a backyard foundry by C.L. Hardwick. The company, employing several hundred people, shaped the economy of Bradley County for some time, and the local airfield is named after the company founder. In 1952, Hardwick issued a cookbook named America Cooks, featuring old favorites, such as Boston Baked Beans, Fried Salt Pork and Creamy Gravy, Chicken Gumbo and Creole Jambalaya. Hardwick ranges were featured on the popular television game show "Beat The Clock" in the 1950s. In 1981, appliance manufacturer Maytag acquired the Hardwick Stove Co. Maytag was purchased by Whirlpool Corp. in 2006.

Tips For Troubleshooting Oven Ignitors

To replace or repair a malfunctioning oven ignitor, follow these steps:

1. 1. As with any electrical appliance, make sure your oven/stove is unplugged before you start working on it.
2. 2. Access the cover plate by removing the bottom storage door.
3. 3. In order to get access to the flame cover, remove the oven racks.
4. 4. The oven ignitor is held in place by a screw--remove it.
5. 5. From underneath, unplug the ignitor from its feed wire in the oven.
6. 6. Replace with the new ignitor by screwing it in place.
7. 7. Put the flame cover and the oven racks back in place.
8. 8. Your last steps are to plug in the new ignitor from underneath, put back the cover plate--and you're done!

Warranty

As Hardwick Stoves have not been produced in a number of years, manufacturer's warranties no longer apply. Appliance refurbishing companies may offer limited warranties on the work they've performed to make the stoves operatable again. Replacement parts manufacturers may also offer warranties and should be checked at the time of purchase.