Q: I don’t know what I have. It’s made of wood and has two hinged lids that open up to reveal metal containers. Can you tell me what this is?
A: You have a fireless cooker made by The Toledo Cooker Co. Fireless cookers were an early version of the crock pot or slow cooker of today. Before electricity, food could be heated and then put into a pot in an insulated box or buried in the ground for several hours to finish cooking. Some early fireless cookers, called “hay boxes,” used hay or straw for insulation and heated stones to keep the food warm. The Toledo Cooker Co. made the first electrically heated fireless cooker in the United States in 1900. Metal cook pots were set into a wooden box insulated with asbestos. By 1916, the company was making two lines of fireless cookers, “Ideal” and “Domestic Science.” They were advertised as economical because they saved fuel, and practical because they kept the kitchen cool during hot weather. You can date your cooker by determining how it was heated. Early cookers had radiators that acted as separate heating units. Toledo Cooker introduced fireless cookers with built-in heating units in 1918. Value of a two-hole cooker, $150-$200.
We are cleaning out mother-in-law’s house. Found a 3 pot Ideal fireles s cooker by the Toledo Cooker Company. I see Mr. Swartzbaugh was looking for one. If this thread is still active, this is a piece of history that deserves to be preserved. Leads would be appreciated.
I have a single Toledo Cooker for sale. Sent an email to jswartzbaugh at js@ecdg.org, but it bounced back. Would appreciate any updated contact information given their family connection to the company.
Thanks!
rtwhite15@frontier.com
Terra Alta, WV
Have a single Toledo Cooker for sale. Sent an email to jswartzbaugh at js@ecdg.org, but it bounced back. Would appreciate an updated email or other contact information given their family connection to the company.
Thanks.
rtwhite15@frontier.com
Terra Alta, West Virginia
Howdy Folks,
We’ve got a two hole wooden cooker for sale. It has 1 large pot, and 3 smaller ones, 2 soapstone radiators, the original thermometer, and the sales booklet and recipes booklet.
email NostalgiaVermont (at) gmail .com
I also have a Toledo single cooker. If you are still interested. I have pictures. Let me know. purpleflower971@aol.com
I have the metal sided two pot cook stove. has the Ideal Thermometer in box and a couple of metal extras. All the pots and two soap stones. Any idea the price please and thank you. mjsartor50@yahoo.com
Don’t look here often so sorry for delayed response. My reply button didn’t work either. Would like to see pictures if you still have for sale. js@ecdg.org
Thanks!
I have a single cooker on metal casters that would be easy to move around. It is only about 20 inches tall. I have pics if anyone is interested. It also has 3 stones.
I also have a 2 compartment metal skin stove. Name plate says domestic science. With pots and 2 stones. Legs do not have wheels though.
I have a three hole wooden cooker that was my grandparents. The wood on top is cracked and the name on front is badly faded but you can still make it out. It has metal liners and if I remember correctly there are 2 rocks for heating, also has one wire rack for removing rocks. Have often wondered if it was of any value.
I have one and would be glad to send pictures. It is metal on the outside, not wood. It is a two hole, as above. Has both pots and 1 lid and 2 soapstones. No thermometers. Have copy of original sales brochure.
Let me know if you would like to see it.
I would be interested in buying one of these if any posters are willing to sell, or can connect me to potential sellers. CE Swartzbaugh, founder of Toledo Cooker Co. is my great-grandfather. Thanks!
Dear Terry…just wondering…would these cookers still be usable today?? Thanks!