Difference between B and C?

[kimvsmith]

First: I LOVE YOU PEOPLE. I've been reading this site/forum like mad and lusting like mad over your various wonderful Chambers acquisitions. You are crazy like I am crazy. We are friends, even if you don't know me yet.

Second: What are the differences between the model Bs and model Cs? (I thought I had a model C in the bag, but it slipped away...) I think I saw a reference to the Cs being preferable but the Bs prettier, or something like that. I'm hunting for a Chambers and almost any of the 1940s-1950s models would do for me at this point, but please enlighten me so that I can become Chambers-educated and picky!

[chipperhiker]

Rather than describe the differences, your best bet would be to hop on over to Todd's (our webmaster's) main site, the "Chambers Stove Lover's Homepage." The link's at the bottom of every page of our discussion board.

You know all about "the picture's worth a thousand words" thing. Pore through the page about different models, and you'll see pictures of both stoves. Functionally, they're pretty similar, although there are some differences in the thermowell, and conversion to propane can be a lot tougher with a B unless it was factory-configured for propane. Some folks have strong aesthetic preferences, but I think they're both fabulous.

I'm not sure if Todd's site addresses the BZ model, but it is essentially a Model B with the Model C upgrades, a Model C in B clothing. (Same easier conversion between gas types as a C, same thermowell, no raised ridges on the cooktop that the Bs have.)

Welcome to the group.

-Jenn

[kimvsmith]

Thanks-- I knew the cosmetic differences, but was thinking more along the lines of the mechanics or performance of the stove-- or perhaps the ease of finding parts.

It is a thrill! I spent hours last night combing google for stove ads. Nothing turned up within a reasonable distance. So sad.

[maryopal]

Great to have you join the group. It is quite a rush to find this world of Chambers'lovers, huh? Good luck with your stove search!

[Todd W. White]

If you like the "B" series styling, but want the mechanical advantages of the "C" series, then the "BZ" is a great choice.

Hang in there - I'm looking over here for one for you, too!

[chipperhiker]

From watching ebay, parts are equally available for both B and C Models.

-jenn

[Joe Pieweed]

Kimvsmith:

Do not be "deCeeved". Pay no attention to the siren call of the C. Your lust is just, FOR THE B!

You will B assimilated. All will B assimilated. Resistance is so PATHETICALLY FUTILE!

The C does have it's snazzy points, however.

Colors, for example. Big choice there, compared to the B. And efficiency: better thermowell and broiler performance. Smoother, sexier lines some say.

But all that is trifling... absurd... In fact, HERETICAL to the sheer wonder, the beauty, the splendor the B!!!!!!!!!!!

Respectfully,

Joe P

[pmisaber]

I have two model 15 BZ stoves and have found that they are offered on eBay regularly (maybe 6 to 8 in the last eight months), but less frequently than the typical model B stoves and the sleeker, but much less appealing model C stoves (yes that was intentional [img]wink.gif[/img] ). On occasion two have been offered nearly simultaneously. The winning bids in the last six to eight months have all been less than $315. Naturally I paid more than that for both of my stoves [img]frown.gif[/img] One that was offered recently at a starting bid of $600 received no offers. You have to check out every stove offered since many sellers don't know the difference between the A, B and C Chambers models. There is no way that the less obvious differences between the B and the BZ would be noticed by most (except members of this forum). The first thing that usually catches my eye is the white thermostat dial that is easy to see in the direct frontal images that are usually provided, but some regular model B's were equipped with that model Robertshaw thermostat and dial. The presence of the stovetop pilot opening or the griddle heat shield on a stove that otherwise looks like typical model B confirms that the stove is a BZ rather than a regular model B. There are some other differences internally, but most would be more difficult to appreciate on the images of an eBay auction. Hope that this helps.

Peter

PS All of the information relating to the identifying features of the model BZ (except for the insult to model C fanciers) was originally provided to me by knowledgeable and kind members of this board especially Tura, Todd and Sam (the incomparable Uncertain Stoveman).

[kimvsmith]

Like I said, you people are crazy like I am crazy. Joe, you made me laugh out loud.

I've been digging around in the archives and am learning more all the time.

How hard is it to find a bz? I love the "silverlite" back of the Bs, but the updates to the BZ and C models seem like they might be important ones. (The propane issue isn't, but the broiler box does seem desirable.)