Not a good sign

[pbray]

Last night as I was making dinner, I was stirring pasta with a metal fork in one hand while reaching to turn down the burner with the other. As my left hand touched the knob it began to vibrate. It took me a moment to realize that a) my left hand was numb, and b) I'd just given myself a mild electric shock.

Yup, somehow I'd managed to ground myself.

My knowledge of electricity is limited to vague memories of an intro to electrical engineering class that I took twenty years ago, but I'm pretty sure that this isn't supposed to happen. So today I'm off to buy a new stove.

The existing stove isn't anything special, it came with the house, and only two of the four burners work. Best guess is that it's at least twenty years old, probably closer to thirty. But this represents an important milestone in home ownership. Since purchasing this house I've bought or replaced the washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, hot water heater and furnace. The only original appliance left was the stove, so it was due.

Looking forward to a fun shopping experience--my needs are extremely basic, so most of the features that the salesman will be pushing won't be of interest. My needs are a) electric, b) color white, c) available for immediate delivery. Anything else is a bonus.

Oh, and d) must fit through a door opening that's 30" wide. So I'll be bringing my own tape measure to the store, because I've learned the hard way that the printed dimensions for an appliance may not match the actual physical dimensions.

Comments

One Potential Problem

[lt260.livejournal.com]

You'll need to consider one more item: how is your old stove hooked up? Times have changed and so have the standards for getting electricity into your appliances. If your old stove is hard wired, you may have to have an electrician replace it with a four prong wall mount. Stores that sell appliances will not necessarily do this for you. They may deliver the stove but they could very well expect you to supply the wall mount.

I suggest taking a look at what the current connection is (no pun intended) and be sure to ask about it when making your purchase. Pin the salesman down, too. If they make any kind of promise, or blow it off altogether, get it in writing.

Good luck.

Re: One Potential Problem

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Good thought! Thanks for the advice, I'll go check that out.

[libwitch.livejournal.com]

Yeah, certainly time to get one. I remember when we had to get one at my parents house, and they were a bit shocked at how small stoves had gotten - their old one could fit a full size dinner plate between burners.

I hope the shopping went well, and it was good seeing you and Jennifer today if only for a minute!

[pbray.livejournal.com]

It was good to see you!

Yes, shopping was easy. Went to Olum's, narrowed it down to three choices, let the salesman do his thing, then handed over my credit card. New stove arrives Tuesday. It's a nearly identical model to one a friend has and likes, so I'm taking that as a good sign.