Frigidaire Flair history facts
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SteveD
May 4, 2011, 9:41:03 AM5/4/11
to Frigidaire Flair
In my possession I have product brochures for every Flair made. I
also have original copies of most Flair “Tech-Talk” service manuals.
The Flair was introduced in 1960. This was part of the “B” series of
built in appliances. Built-in’s didn’t necessarily have annual model
changes like the free standing units. Flairs were categorized with
the wall ovens and cook tops. Model #’s were RCIB-645, RCIB-635,
RCDB-645 and RCDB-635. They briefly manufactured a “-1” model line, I
suppose for 1961-62. There were very few changes from the 1960 design
in the “-1” series.
In 1962 they introduced the “-2” models. There were several
improvements including the relocation of the Cookmaster to the center
of the control panel, as well as moving the cooktop release to the
front center of the burner drawer. The “-2” seems to be the most
widely available model around today. In 1963, they introduced a basic
30” model with the burner controls on the sides of the cooktop, a
RDF-635 I believe. This was sort of a builder’s model to hop on the
“High Oven” bandwagon. The Custom Imperial and Custom Deluxe models
continued to be the “-2”. I believe it was in 1961 or 62 that they
introduced the 30” Flair wall oven. A year later they brought out the
40” version, then a 30” basic builder’s version.
In 1964, in conjunction with the NY World’s Fair, Frigidaire restyled
most of their appliance line and introduced several new features. As
part of this, the “H” models included two 40” models and three 30”
models, plus 3 wall models. To me the RCDH-635 was the best Flair ever
as it had lots of features without the troublesome Speed Heat or Heat
Minder burners. 1964 also brought the Twin 30 range with 2 ovens in a
30” floor space. The upper oven was a Flair take-off, with the lift-
up oven door. The World’s Fair previewed a prototype 40” wall oven
featuring a microwave in the smaller oven.
1965 was a turning point, as Frigidaire cut back the line to 3 models
in the “J” series. There were not any “J” built in Flairs. They also
introduced the Meal Minder clock, TenderMatic and short-lived sensor
thermostat. You must remember that self-cleaning ovens were becoming
very popular at this time. The status of owning a Flair couldn't
match that of owning an “Electri-Clean” range.
In 1966, they came out with the “K” model line with some minimal
changes. Again, only 3 models, but also 3 built-in models too. No
major changes were made until 1968 with the introduction of the “N”
models. Major improvements included the integral exhaust system and
moving the console light to the top of the console. They also
introduced the recessed burner drawer grip, eliminating the wide
pull. At this point they dropped the “Deluxe” models, leaving only
the 30” and 40” Custom Imperial units, plus comprable built-in models.
There were no "L" model Flairs.
1968 was pretty much the end of the Flair as the market shifted to
self-clean ovens and Hi-low 30” ranges like the Twin 30 and GE
Americana. They introduced the “High Fashion “model in 1969 which was
basically the top half of a Twin 30, without the lift up door or
burner drawer. These were the only "P" and "R" models. 1970 brought
the end of the “N” Flair production with the 40” model discontinued
first. At this point a 40" range evoked images of the 1950"s.
After 1971 the Flair was no longer mentioned in any literature as a
current model. I imagine that the high cost of a Flair, considering
it didn’t offer a self-cleaning oven, pretty much ruined the market.
My 1965 Flair would cost me nearly $3000.00 in 2010 money.
The revision of UL requirements that required the removal of
convenience outlets from ranges as unsafe did not happen until 1973,
long after the demise of the Flair.
At some point I will scan a Flair models history and post it.
I am doing this from memory so ask if any facts seem inaccurate and I
will re-check them.
SteveD
also have original copies of most Flair “Tech-Talk” service manuals.
The Flair was introduced in 1960. This was part of the “B” series of
built in appliances. Built-in’s didn’t necessarily have annual model
changes like the free standing units. Flairs were categorized with
the wall ovens and cook tops. Model #’s were RCIB-645, RCIB-635,
RCDB-645 and RCDB-635. They briefly manufactured a “-1” model line, I
suppose for 1961-62. There were very few changes from the 1960 design
in the “-1” series.
In 1962 they introduced the “-2” models. There were several
improvements including the relocation of the Cookmaster to the center
of the control panel, as well as moving the cooktop release to the
front center of the burner drawer. The “-2” seems to be the most
widely available model around today. In 1963, they introduced a basic
30” model with the burner controls on the sides of the cooktop, a
RDF-635 I believe. This was sort of a builder’s model to hop on the
“High Oven” bandwagon. The Custom Imperial and Custom Deluxe models
continued to be the “-2”. I believe it was in 1961 or 62 that they
introduced the 30” Flair wall oven. A year later they brought out the
40” version, then a 30” basic builder’s version.
In 1964, in conjunction with the NY World’s Fair, Frigidaire restyled
most of their appliance line and introduced several new features. As
part of this, the “H” models included two 40” models and three 30”
models, plus 3 wall models. To me the RCDH-635 was the best Flair ever
as it had lots of features without the troublesome Speed Heat or Heat
Minder burners. 1964 also brought the Twin 30 range with 2 ovens in a
30” floor space. The upper oven was a Flair take-off, with the lift-
up oven door. The World’s Fair previewed a prototype 40” wall oven
featuring a microwave in the smaller oven.
1965 was a turning point, as Frigidaire cut back the line to 3 models
in the “J” series. There were not any “J” built in Flairs. They also
introduced the Meal Minder clock, TenderMatic and short-lived sensor
thermostat. You must remember that self-cleaning ovens were becoming
very popular at this time. The status of owning a Flair couldn't
match that of owning an “Electri-Clean” range.
In 1966, they came out with the “K” model line with some minimal
changes. Again, only 3 models, but also 3 built-in models too. No
major changes were made until 1968 with the introduction of the “N”
models. Major improvements included the integral exhaust system and
moving the console light to the top of the console. They also
introduced the recessed burner drawer grip, eliminating the wide
pull. At this point they dropped the “Deluxe” models, leaving only
the 30” and 40” Custom Imperial units, plus comprable built-in models.
There were no "L" model Flairs.
1968 was pretty much the end of the Flair as the market shifted to
self-clean ovens and Hi-low 30” ranges like the Twin 30 and GE
Americana. They introduced the “High Fashion “model in 1969 which was
basically the top half of a Twin 30, without the lift up door or
burner drawer. These were the only "P" and "R" models. 1970 brought
the end of the “N” Flair production with the 40” model discontinued
first. At this point a 40" range evoked images of the 1950"s.
After 1971 the Flair was no longer mentioned in any literature as a
current model. I imagine that the high cost of a Flair, considering
it didn’t offer a self-cleaning oven, pretty much ruined the market.
My 1965 Flair would cost me nearly $3000.00 in 2010 money.
The revision of UL requirements that required the removal of
convenience outlets from ranges as unsafe did not happen until 1973,
long after the demise of the Flair.
At some point I will scan a Flair models history and post it.
I am doing this from memory so ask if any facts seem inaccurate and I
will re-check them.
SteveD
phil racicot
May 4, 2011, 10:40:08 AM5/4/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
That's very interesting! Thanks for posting that!
My Flair is a RCIB-645C with a rotisserie and a vent hood and because it's a canadian model, it lacks the speed heat burner. Also, it's fuse panel is located in the base cabinet. I parted out an older RCIB-645C which also had the rotisserie and it had the same controls/timer as mine but it had a different mechanism for the door springs (with pulleys and cables), the "Flair" badge on the oven door of the older one had a blue background instead of black and the aluminium trim on the sides had a flat texture and bright finish while on mine, it's ribbed and it has a brushed finish. If I remember well, the fluorescent light on the older one had a ballast instead of a starter.
I don't know when they changed to the 1962 design in the states but my Flair was made very late in 1961 or early in 1962 and it was sold in April of 1962.
Phil
My Flair is a RCIB-645C with a rotisserie and a vent hood and because it's a canadian model, it lacks the speed heat burner. Also, it's fuse panel is located in the base cabinet. I parted out an older RCIB-645C which also had the rotisserie and it had the same controls/timer as mine but it had a different mechanism for the door springs (with pulleys and cables), the "Flair" badge on the oven door of the older one had a blue background instead of black and the aluminium trim on the sides had a flat texture and bright finish while on mine, it's ribbed and it has a brushed finish. If I remember well, the fluorescent light on the older one had a ballast instead of a starter.
I don't know when they changed to the 1962 design in the states but my Flair was made very late in 1961 or early in 1962 and it was sold in April of 1962.
Phil
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Mark Day
May 4, 2011, 11:40:29 AM5/4/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Steve
You are actually on target, there are only a few of the details that I was not aware of.
Thomas Nichols
May 4, 2011, 12:01:14 PM5/4/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Steve
Extremely impressive and very helpful.
Thanks for taking the time for all that information. This is one email I am printing for History sake.
Anymore info you have would be appreciated by all.
Best Regards
Tom Nichols
LA TOM
From: SteveD <smd54...@yahoo.com>
To: Frigidaire Flair <frigidai...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011 6:41:03 AM
Subject: [frigidaire-flair] Frigidaire Flair history facts
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To post to this group, send email to frigidai...@googlegroups.com.
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Bryce Yamashita
May 5, 2011, 9:38:18 AM5/5/11
to Frigidaire Flair
Thanks so much for posting. I now know where my RCI 645J fits. Do
you have a
Tech Talk that would help me better understand the inner workings of
that model?
Thanks.
Bryce
you have a
Tech Talk that would help me better understand the inner workings of
that model?
Thanks.
Bryce
Mark Day
May 5, 2011, 10:13:33 AM5/5/11
to Frigidaire Flair
carol has a lot of Tech Talks scanned.
>>> Bryce Yamashita <bryce.y...@gmail.com> 5/5/2011 9:38 AM >>>
>>> Bryce Yamashita <bryce.y...@gmail.com> 5/5/2011 9:38 AM >>>
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To post to this group, send email to frigidai...@googlegroups.com.
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To post to this group, send email to frigidai...@googlegroups.com.
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Diane Adams
May 4, 2011, 5:11:37 PM5/4/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for all the info , I love reading your post!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to frigidaire-fla...@googlegroups.com.
Bryce Yamashita
May 6, 2011, 9:08:43 AM5/6/11
to Frigidaire Flair
I had pulled down the K model tech talk (vol 66 no7) are there any
differences I need to worry about comparing the J to the K models?
differences I need to worry about comparing the J to the K models?
SteveD
May 6, 2011, 11:41:39 AM5/6/11
to Frigidaire Flair
The main difference is that the "J" models used two different styles
of thermostats. At first, they used a sensor style, similar to what
is used today. This can be confirmed by finding a 2" sensor
protruding from the oven ceiling on the right side. Later they
switched back to the more common hydraulic type, I imagine due to
service problems. That type has the long tube (like 10") running from
front to back of the oven.
Other than that, there were some refinements to the MealMinder clock.
The rest of the range seems close to the "J".
I have the sensor type "J" model.
SteveD
SteveD
May 14, 2011, 10:40:15 PM5/14/11
to Frigidaire Flair
I have posted pictures on the Yahoo Groups site for FrigidaireFlair.
There are two history albums for the Flair.
I think you can view them without joining the group.
SteveD
There are two history albums for the Flair.
I think you can view them without joining the group.
SteveD
Debbie Hall
May 15, 2011, 11:54:54 AM5/15/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
It is time that I remove my Custom Imperial and put in a fully functional stove/oven. There are many pieces on my Flair that are in good/fair condition...the doors seem to be in great condition. Neither ovens work now...but the burners do. Please contact me if interested. Thank you...Debbie
SteveD -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Frigidaire Fl...
Lori
May 15, 2011, 6:31:59 PM5/15/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Where are located? Thanks
From: Debbie Hall <debbieh...@gmail.com>
To: frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sun, May 15, 2011 11:54:54 AM
Subject: Re: [frigidaire-flair] Re: Frigidaire Flair history facts
Debbie Hall
May 15, 2011, 6:38:07 PM5/15/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
I am in So Cal, LA area
On May 15, 2011 3:32 PM, "Lori" <lo...@rogers.com> wrote:
Where are located? Thanks
From: Debbie Hall <debbieh...@gmail.com>
To: frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sun, May 15, 2011 11:54:54 AM
Subject: Re: [frigidaire-flair] Re: Frigidaire Flair history facts
It is time that I remove my Custom Imperial and put in a fully functional stove/oven. There are ma...
> > On May 14, 2011 7:40 PM, "SteveD" <smd54...@yahoo.com> wrote: > > I have posted pictures on ...
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Frigidaire Flair" group. ...
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Jesse Embry
May 16, 2011, 10:27:18 AM5/16/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
I am having a moving sale, I have a Frigidaire flair #RC1B-645-2, it’s in good shape, all 4 burners work, the ovens needs some help, but it should be fixable or great for parts, it’s free, just come and get it in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Jesse
starla layton
May 19, 2011, 10:20:38 AM5/19/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
I live in Minden, La and would love to pick up the Flair, Do you still have it?
|
Jesse Embry
May 19, 2011, 10:24:35 AM5/19/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Yes, it is in the garage, I live in Bossier City, I will be out of town Friday, but you can come Saturday or Sunday, my phone # is 318-834-2683 or you can call me at work 318-671-7153.
Jesse
Martha Danzig
May 24, 2011, 3:04:19 PM5/24/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Jesse and Starla----
How wonderful of both of you to "save and salvage" an old FLAIR!
I am so proud of reading these posts--I am so glad that both of you have used the 'GROUP', to benefit yourselves and to let the rest of us know that there are kind-heart-ed, giving people still out there in this world. I know that LA has been "hard hit" with the rain, the storms and that neighboring AL has also gotten the wrath of Mother Nature--I pray that the damages are
stills very low and that neighbors come to together to help one another.
People say and remark that "you in West Virginia are nothing but 'rednecks and hillbilles' however, our mountains break up the storms and the threat of hurricanes, tornadoes, extensive flooding, has only happened to central WV in l985 and before that in l950--we have been so lucky to have our elegant mountains to protect us. Again, I am so glad to hear of such graciousness over a stove--Congratulations and my admiration for both of you! Martha Mae
How wonderful of both of you to "save and salvage" an old FLAIR!
I am so proud of reading these posts--I am so glad that both of you have used the 'GROUP', to benefit yourselves and to let the rest of us know that there are kind-heart-ed, giving people still out there in this world. I know that LA has been "hard hit" with the rain, the storms and that neighboring AL has also gotten the wrath of Mother Nature--I pray that the damages are
stills very low and that neighbors come to together to help one another.
People say and remark that "you in West Virginia are nothing but 'rednecks and hillbilles' however, our mountains break up the storms and the threat of hurricanes, tornadoes, extensive flooding, has only happened to central WV in l985 and before that in l950--we have been so lucky to have our elegant mountains to protect us. Again, I am so glad to hear of such graciousness over a stove--Congratulations and my admiration for both of you! Martha Mae
From: Jesse Embry <jesse...@ubh.com>
To: "frigidai...@googlegroups.com" <frigidai...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thu, May 19, 2011 10:24:35 AM
Subject: RE: [frigidaire-flair] Re: Frigidaire Flair history facts
Yes, it is in the garage, I live in Bossier City , I will be out of town Friday, but you can come Saturday or Sunday, my phone # is 318-834-2683 or you can call me at work 318-671-7153.
Jesse
From:
frigidai...@googlegroups.com [mailto:frigidai...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of starla
layton
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 9:21
AM
To:
frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [frigidaire-flair]
Re: Frigidaire Flair history facts
|
I live in Minden , La and would love to pick up the Flair, Do you still have it? |
Jesse Embry
May 24, 2011, 12:00:01 PM5/24/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Starla, are you still interested in the Flair in Bossier City?
Jesse
From: frigidai...@googlegroups.com [mailto:frigidai...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of starla layton
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 9:21
AM
To: frigidai...@googlegroups.com
starla layton
May 25, 2011, 12:36:24 PM5/25/11
to frigidai...@googlegroups.com
Thanks Ms. Martha Mae,
It's rare that you hear of anyone with a flair in this area around Shreveport La; I love to read these post. I keep records of the tech manuals hoping I can find someone close to here that will work on my Flair. only one burner working at this point but both ovens still work great and we just manage with what we have. So far everyone repair person I've asked does not want to fool with working on it and tries to get me to get a new stove. I have lived in this house since I was one yrs old, my mon and dad's house and I refuse to get rid of the Flair because like all of you I LOVE IT!!! anyway thanks for everyone's knowledge and help on this site. --- On Tue, 5/24/11, Martha Danzig <yellowho...@yahoo.com> wrote: |
Carol
Mar 17, 2022, 2:37:36 PM3/17/22
to Frigidaire Flair
Steve, Do you have a J Series Tech Talk you could share?
Thank you for considering!
Carol
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