50's KA Toploading Portable Dishwasher

[everythingold]

In the warehouse of an appliance dealer.

 

[everythingold]

Model KD-5, Vericycle, coppertone.

 

[everythingold]

MS

 

[stevet]

Oops!

I feel ten years older!
The machine above is from the 60's.. based on the KD 15 series which started in 1964. I have seen these pictures before. I remember commenting on the upside down coarse strainer.
The unit could use some deliming. The element has a coating of lime on it. But otherwise it looks to be in decent shape.

 

[sudsmaster]

I have a very similar dishwasher, the top of the line model KD-5W. Main difference seems to be the top - mine has a real wood chopping board on top. And the back panel is mostly metal instead of mostly plastic.

It cleans very well; I was surprised. I think the heating element helps quite a bit vs. the older models without any way to heat the water.

 

[everythingold]

Good to know, the owner told me 50's, but he isn't into vintage, only money.

 

[everythingold]

And...my other half does the dishes, I can't even load the machine, it has to be done just so. But she gives toploaders high marks for cleaning and capacity. Is it a better design? Matt

 

[bajaespuma]

I had one of these and I loved it. I don't think it's a better design in terms of appliance evolution because the American consumer made the front-loading drop-down-door style hands down the favorite in very short time. Dishwasher machines for the home started, I believe, as top loaders and it took two wars plus the economic boom of the fifties for something that began as a super luxury item to become a commodity. Once that happened there was enough demand to create innovation and change. I will still say, though, the GE pull-outs of 1961-1962 when properly loaded, held and cleaned ridiculously huge amounts of dishware. In 1963, GE stopped production of built-in top loaders for good. They continued to make top-load portables until the very early seventies then stopped.

 

[turquoisedude]

OOO! That looks like an 'Empress 80'

I just love the GE pull-outs and I would be dancing in the street if I could get my paws on one of these 30-inch models!

I need to put some effort into restoring the '59 Princess that has been exiled in the basement - it's missing the tub lid and the frame is damaged, but I have a potential contact with a welder who says that he can build custom projects...

 

[bajaespuma]

Yes it is the Empress 80. I'm dying to get my hands on one of these also, capacity must be gargantuan and love the idea of that automatic opener/closer. Thanks to Greg for posting the 4 page brochure last year. Good chance to use the new Super Searchalator. Here's the Princess 60 from 1959:

 

[turquoisedude]

Yep, that's the one I have, right down to the colours on the timer dial!

 

[toploader55]

Great Machine.

My Mom used to have one of those. I think it was an Empress. Sounded like a Mack Truck coming through the Kitchen. But Man...Did that thing clean well. I'm still waiting on the progress from the motor of the '56 Mobile Maid. Same Impeller and Design. I hope it turns out well.
Nothing like the sound of a Impeller Machine shaking down the Household. Especially when the Lid pops open during the Dry Cycle.