Trystan Casey
Tappan is a brand of appliances founded by W.J. Tappan in 1881 as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company. The brand has changed ownership multiple times over the years, and at one point, its HVAC division became part of the Singer Company, which was later acquired by SnyderGeneral in 1984. Tappan's built-in gas ovens were manufactured by the F.H. Lawson Company, and some of these ovens were produced for Montgomery Ward under the brand name Signature. While Tappan has had a diverse range of products, it is unclear if they specifically manufactured electric furnaces or if that particular product line was outsourced to another company.
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What You'll Learn
Tappan's history and origins
Tappan is a brand of appliances named after its founder, W.J. Tappan. The company was founded in 1881 as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company in Bellaire, Ohio, and initially sold cast-iron stoves door-to-door. In 1889, the company moved to Mansfield, Ohio, and was renamed the Eclipse Stove Company. Tappan's father, an amateur astronomer, suggested the name after travelling to Siberia to view a comet.
Due to the existence of another company with the same name, the Eclipse Stove Company was renamed the Tappan Stove Company in the 1920s. Over the years, Tappan expanded its business and acquired other companies, such as the Los Angeles-based O'Keefe & Merritt Stove Company in 1950. Tappan used the O'Keefe & Merritt name in the western United States until the late 1980s.
In 1978, Carl Icahn's first takeover attempt successfully gained a controlling stake in Tappan. In 1979, Tappan became SJC Corp., and the Tappan name was revived by Nordyne in 1998 under license from Electrolux.
Tappan has a diverse history in the manufacturing industry, with divisions in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and appliances. The brand has changed hands several times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the HVAC industry, where large entities frequently acquire smaller companies or rebrand.
Tappan built-in gas ovens were at the centre of a consumer safety issue in 1973. A defect in certain ovens, primarily installed in mobile and newly constructed homes, posed a potential hazard to consumers due to possible gas leakage. The issue was caused by a loose-fitting connection, affecting approximately 15,185 ovens, with the majority carrying the "Tappan" name.
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Tappan's acquisition by SJC Corp
Tappan, a brand of appliances founded by W.J. Tappan, was initially known as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company when it was established in 1881. The company underwent several name changes before settling on the Tappan Stove Company in the 1920s. Decades later, in 1977, Tappan's Janitrol division became a part of the Tappan company. This division was then sold to Goodman Manufacturing in 1982 by SJC Corp., which had acquired Tappan in 1979, renaming it Frigiking Tappan.
The acquisition of Tappan by SJC Corp. marked a significant shift in the company's trajectory. SJC Corp. recognized the value of the Tappan brand and sought to leverage it across various product lines. They integrated the Janitrol line, which had previously been a division of Tappan, into their own operations, and subsequently sold it to Goodman Manufacturing in 1982. This sale indicated a strategic decision by SJC Corp. to focus their efforts on the Tappan brand and its associated product lines.
The impact of the acquisition extended beyond the immediate organizational changes. SJC Corp.'s ownership introduced a new perspective and influenced the direction of Tappan's business. Under SJC Corp.'s stewardship, Tappan continued to innovate and expand its offerings, building upon its strong foundation in the stove and oven market. The company had already diversified its product range over the years, and this momentum continued, further solidifying Tappan's presence in the appliance industry.
While the acquisition brought about changes, it also signaled a commitment to preserving the legacy of the Tappan brand. SJC Corp. recognized the brand's longstanding reputation and sought to uphold the quality and innovation associated with the name. This commitment ensured a degree of continuity in the eyes of consumers, who had come to trust the Tappan name for their appliance needs.
The acquisition of Tappan by SJC Corp. is a notable event in the history of the Tappan brand. It not only shaped the organizational structure and ownership of the company but also influenced the trajectory of its product offerings and brand reputation. This event underscores the dynamic nature of the appliance industry, where acquisitions and strategic shifts play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of well-known brands that consumers invite into their homes.
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Tappan's gas oven safety concerns
Tappan is a brand of appliances founded by W.J. Tappan in 1881 as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company in Bellaire, Ohio. The company initially sold cast-iron stoves door-to-door. Over the years, the company changed hands and names several times, eventually becoming the Tappan Stove Company in the 1920s.
While Tappan stoves and ovens may have been popular in the past, older models may not have the same safety features as modern appliances. Here are some safety concerns and precautions to keep in mind when using a Tappan gas oven:
Gas Leakage
In 1973, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning about certain Tappan built-in gas ovens, primarily installed in mobile and newly constructed homes. The defect was a possible loose-fitting connection, which could result in gas leakage and pose a hazard to consumers. The ovens in question were manufactured between January 23, 1973, and May 31, 1973, and carried specific model numbers, including AZ12-1239, AZ12-1249, and AKTM-3850. If you own an older Tappan gas oven, it is crucial to check the model number and, if affected, take the necessary precautions, such as contacting your local gas company or a Tappan dealer.
Pilot Light Safety
Older Tappan gas stoves with pilot lights may not have the same safety features as modern gas stoves. Pilot lights can go out, causing a gas buildup if the gas is not shut off at the source. It is important to regularly check the pilot light and ensure it is functioning properly. If you are unsure about the safety of your pilot light stove, consider consulting a professional for advice.
Malfunctioning Parts
Like any appliance, Tappan gas ovens can experience malfunctioning parts, such as faulty igniters or broken heating elements, which can lead to inconsistent heating or difficulty lighting the burner. In some cases, this may result in a noticeable delay between turning the knob and the burner lighting up. If you suspect any issues with your Tappan gas oven, it is important to have it serviced by a qualified technician to ensure safe and proper functioning.
Age and Maintenance
Determining the age of your Tappan appliance is crucial for safety, maintenance, and repairs. Tappan serial numbers typically include a series of letters and numbers that can be decoded to identify the manufacturing date, model number, and other important information. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help extend the life of your Tappan gas oven and ensure its safe operation.
While Tappan appliances may have a long history, it is essential to prioritize safety when using older models. Stay vigilant for any potential hazards, and if in doubt, consult a professional for advice or repairs.
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Other companies acquired by Tappan
Tappan is a brand of appliances founded by W.J. Tappan in 1881 as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company in Bellaire, Ohio. The company initially sold cast-iron stoves door-to-door. Over the years, Tappan acquired and was acquired by several other companies, including:
O'Keefe & Merritt Stove Company
In 1950, Tappan acquired the Los Angeles-based O'Keefe & Merritt Stove Company. Tappan used the O'Keefe & Merritt name in the western United States until the late 1980s.
AB Electrolux
In 1979, the European manufacturing business AB Electrolux purchased the Tappan Stove Company. AB Electrolux had previously bought Eureka and later acquired White Consolidated Industries, which manufactured Frigidaire, White-Westinghouse, Gibson, and Kelvinator products. AB Electrolux combined its Tappan holdings with these new acquisitions to create the WCI Major Appliances Group.
Electrolux Home Products of North America
In 1997, the North American division of Electrolux was reorganized as Electrolux Home Products of North America, consolidating American Yard Products, Frigidaire, and Poulan/Weedeater.
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Tappan's HVAC division
Tappan is a brand of appliances founded by W.J. Tappan in 1881 as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company. Initially, the company sold cast-iron stoves door-to-door. Over the years, Tappan expanded its business and, in 1972, its HVAC products became known as the Tappan Air Conditioning division.
The Tappan HVAC division was short-lived, however, as it was sold to Singer Co. in 1979 and renamed Frigiking Tappan under the SJC Corp. In 1982, the Janitrol line was sold to Goodman Manufacturing, and the Tappan name was revived by Nordyne in 1998 under license from Electrolux.
The evolution of the Tappan HVAC division reflects the dynamic nature of the HVAC industry, with frequent acquisitions, mergers, and rebranding. Tappan's HVAC division changed hands several times, eventually becoming part of larger entities that continued to evolve in the market.
The Tappan brand has a long history, starting with cast-iron stoves and expanding into various appliances, including those for heating and air conditioning. While the Tappan name has endured, the specific divisions and product lines have undergone numerous changes, reflecting the competitive and ever-changing landscape of the appliance and HVAC industries.
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Frequently asked questions
Tappan is a brand of appliances, named after its founder, W.J. Tappan. It was founded in 1881 as the Ohio Valley Foundry Company in Bellaire, Ohio, selling cast-iron stoves door-to-door. In 1889, the company moved to Mansfield, Ohio, and became the Eclipse Stove Company. Due to a naming conflict with another company, it was renamed the Tappan Stove Company in the 1920s. Over time, Tappan expanded its business, and in 1972, its HVAC division became part of the Singer American Furnace company.
While Tappan is known for its stoves and ovens, it is not clear if they manufactured electric furnaces. Tappan did have an HVAC division, which was acquired by various companies over time, including Singer American Furnace and Nordyne, which marketed under brands like Electrolux, Frigidaire, and Tappan. However, there is no specific mention of electric furnaces in the available information.
There is no definitive evidence to suggest that Tappan outsourced the manufacturing of its products to another company. However, in 1973, Tappan Company ovens were manufactured by the F.H. Lawson Company in Springfield, Tennessee, due to a potential defect in the products. This collaboration was a result of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's involvement.
Several companies have been involved in manufacturing electric furnaces, including:
- Electric Furnace-Man (now EFM Company)
- Hall-Neal Furnace (closed in 1966)
- International Comfort Products (brands include Airquest, Arcoaire, and Comfortmaker)
- Singer American Furnace (previously known as American Furnace)
