1950s Swanmaid dishwasher like kitchen aid new find

[ricky5050]

Yes I think you're right

Hi I'm sure swan must have used kitchenaids design to model their machine on, as it's too similar to be fluke.

I'll do some investigation!

Any spares in the uk ?

Richard

 

[petek]

Interesting find and history. It wouldn't be unusual that it might have been built under license with KA's patents and receiving royalties etc. Like for example other than Hoover which had plants in Canada and the UK, other brands like Eureka, Kirby, Lewyt etc had some of their vacuums manufactured in Canada by a 3rd party for the Cdn market depending on the model

 

[jetcone]

Thanks Steve

I found the link now and read the Which? report. I think those interior action shots are terrific! Why didn't they do that over here?

 

 

[jetcone]

Wow looking over that Swanmaid

it sure did have heavy use! It looks like someone took out the motor and pump to repair it and never brought it back. Is that all thats missing from under the machine?

 

 

[Unimatic1140]

Wow that is like an alternate-universe KitchenAid, amazing.  Same shape of the wash arm, but the holes are completely different.  Love the reverse dark-speckled porcelain interior!

 

Very cool find!

 

[ricky5050]

Hi

Hello jet cone yes the motor pump and drain valve missing, , hi Robert yes I cannot understand why a manufacturer would copy so much but change little things like the hole shapes and pump arrangements.

I'm tempted to try a modern single outlet dw pump and connect to modern dw electrics and use the internal heater tank to PRE heat the water , just not too sure about the electrics !!

R

 

[ozzie908]

Swanmaid dw

Many years ago ie mid 80's I worked at a fishing hotel near to Hereford, It had what looks to be the exact same machine I remember the cycle was only about 10 mins once it had heated the water in its tank, The service man came one day and was explaining the reason for the heavy wash arm it was designed so that when the hot water came out of the tank it would absorb some of the heat thus protecting the dishes and when it rinsed it held the heat thus helping to keep it hot to allow it to dry. I know when you pressed the silver button the machine would click and the light would come on then you heard the hissing of the water heater then it would run and fill so you heard gurgling then the swish of the wash after 5 mins of washing it would drain then do the same again to rinse when the light went out it was all over time to empty and refill. I think it would do about 20 cycles a day it was classed as a commercial. Sorry cant help with anything useful it just evoked a memory

Austin

 

[dogboy44]

Wouldn't it be great

If the trend would be moving back to shorter cycle times like this? I have a friend with a new Bosch that take 135 minutes for a cycle!

 

[jetcone]

The cycles are all extended

these days because manufacturers are using "squirt guns for pumps" and letting the chemicals do all the work!

 

My KDS-14 bolts the dishes in and hits them with 50 gallons/minute of water! They are screaming to be let out everytime! Thats why the big mechanical bolts on the door!

 

[jetcone]

Kewl


"Wow that is like an alternate-universe KitchenAid, amazing"

 

 


I LUV Parallel Universe Appliances!   

 

[ricky5050]

Shorter sounds good!

Hi all the way Ozzie describes how the machine works seems about right from what I've read, and it sounds a really good way to work now, I have a modern beko dw and it has a 30 min was at 35'c which is excellent I've even used this cycle by mistake on dirty dishes.

But I would love to get a working vintage machine.

Parallel universe ? Perhaps in need doctor who !

Richard