1960s Whirlpool Portable Dishwasher

[michaelh]

This looks very interesting! Love the upper spray arm idea.

$100 - Lancaster, NY

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[appnut]

Picture(s) please?

 

[DADoES]

 

 

[combo52]

Whirlpool top loading, portable dishwasher

This is probably about a 1964 or a little later model, this was the first dishwasher design that featured a completely whirlpool built pump assembly. They also used it in their built-in dishwasher at this time.

It was a great performer, like whirlpool wash arm dishwashers before this But this was the first attempt to add a second wash arm, the top loading machine , the only bad thing about these early whirlpool built pumps. It was all made of pot metal and they weren’t real long lived. They did come up with a complete replacement that was all bake a light that was much more durable.

John

 

[tomturbomatic]

But you still lost close to half of the capacity of the upper rack. There should have been a fold up flat rack that could be flopped down after loading was finished to hold pans or bowls.

 

[mickeyd]

Michael to Michael ~

I love top-loading dishwashers, and this guy looks pretty mint for a 60 year-old. There is something about a Whirlpool washer that alway calls out to me, more than any other brand. With Lancaster only two burbs away, it is a must buy. Getting it tomorrow. Will post pics Monday. Have to attend a surprise bday party Sunday for another 60 year-old, a human one, hahaha. Thank you very much, Michael for posting this treasure.

 

[michaelh]

Glad to see someone getting it! I wish I could take them all in because I hate seeing this stuff sent off to the can factories. Lol

 

[launderess]

As one who owns a TL dishwasher (GE Mobile Maid) can see why such things aren't always high on collectors or enthusiasts lists.

Compared to say some vintage dishwashers with drop down doors loading and use of space can be a challenge with top loading versions.

Then there is fact unless a dedicated cubby or something is arranged to hold said TL dishwasher between uses putting anything on top can mean more work. To load or unload the thing obviously means anything on top must come off. Can imagine many a housewife simply got ticked off with that effort a few times per day.

IIRC concept for portable TL dishwasher came from early Youngstown, Homart,James and other built in units that did same.







Bette Davis approves...



Westinghouse kept top loading concept in principle, but unit pulled out like a drawer from cabinet.

 

[bigalsf]

<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations Mike!  So glad you are getting this!  These are great models and did indeed feature a very early version of Whirlpool's upper level wash arm.  I'm not sure but I think there is a flat rack that goes along with the upper rack.  Basically the upper rack slides over it (you would load it last).</span>

 

<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the cycle was: R, W, R, W, R, R, D; not sure but I'll check my service info to be sure.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It looks like it's in great shape.  Please keep us posted once you've had a chance to play with it!  </span>

 

[combo52]

Mid 60s whirlpool top load, portable dishwasher

This was indeed the first whirlpool designed and built top load, portable dishwasher. It looks to be an excellent shape. I think you’ll have fun with this Michael

This model only has one detergent dispenser, so it goes immediately into the first wash, then rinse then wash then rinse and rinse

The deluxe model had a dual detergent dispenser. Not sure if this one had an additional part to the upper rack or not they might’ve left that out on the less expensive model

In any event it will wash like a few dishwashers did in this time. And having the upper washer is a big boost to the overall performance because you can get Things clean in the top even if you put huge pots and pans in the bottom.

John

 

[mickeyd]

Pix in a minute

It is absolutely beautiful and pristine, used maybe five times according to the son-in-law the backstory of which has become something of a cliche: the wife's mother bought it, used it a few times, preferred hand washing her few dishes and moved it aside where it has sat for 60 years.

John, the detergent dispensing protocol is more automatic than you thought. It flips open during the main wash; thus you dump/pour the pre-wash soap into the tub, and let the filled dispenser do the rest. Tellingly, the dispenser says "Short Wash."

Al, I'll ask the seller if there is another rack. Be great when you can check the sequence. The first event as you'll see from the pic, is just rinse.

Alas, the upper rack doesn't slide but lifts and locks, a bit awkward. Al and John, Thank You both; will do a proper thotough Thread soon.

 

[mickeyd]

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[mickeyd]

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[DADoES]

 
Yay!

 

[michaelh]

So cool!

It looks better thought out than the KA Electra, not that the Electra is poor quality.

 

[combo52]

Mid 60s whirlpool top loading portable dishwasher

Yay Michael I’m glad you got this dishwasher. It’s a cool machine.

The better model had two detergent cups all I was saying is that they would give a rinse wash rinse wash, rinse rinse, this dishwasher has one detergent cup, just like 90% of the dishwashers ever made And then some but of course you do a wash and then it opens the cup and dispenses the additional detergent it should work just fine.

Whirlpool throughout the 50s and 60s and beyond was recognized as the leader in laundry appliances due to their own efforts plus what sears did to promote and help them perfect their products, unfortunately they had a top performing dishwasher in the 60s and beyond and it was always kind of a sleeper that never really caught on. it wasn’t till the mid 80s when Sears started buying the whirlpool dishwashers that people recognized what a great dishwasher they had and the rest is history now whirlpool the worlds largest builder of dishwashers to this day.

Let us know how you like this machine waiting to see the first really big load of dirty dishes that you do.

John

John