Another 'new' toy - a KDS55

[turquoisedude]

OR "Turquoisedude's guide to choosing a vintage dishwasher" 

 

First - does it tell you it's an <span style="text-decoration: underline;">automatic</span> dishwasher?    Check.

 

 

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Second - is it made by a reputable manufacturer?  Well, they were back around 1966 or 1967, so check. 

 

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Does the dishwasher have multiple cycles?  Check. 

 

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Does the machine have multiple detergent cups?  How about a rinse agent dispenser?  Check to both. 

 

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Are the tub and racks in good shape?  Check. 

 

Added bonus - the upper rack is adjustable. 

 

[turquoisedude]

But I never listen to my own advice anyway... LOL  

 

Eddie (toploader55) was looking for a new home for this one and since he happened to visit Jon on the Cape last week while I was there with a fairly empty station wagon, I had both motive and opportunity... LOL

 

The machine is just beautiful, inside and out.  I had to test it out, so I tried the traditional 'bucket test' - a couple of buckets of really hot water, let it sit, then start the dishwasher.  I should not have been surprised that this Superba started up immediately, sounded like a hurricane was slamming the side of the garage, and the timer advanced through the pre-wash and drained.  I had a little excess foam from spilled rinse agent, but a second 'bouquet' of water solved that.   I also test the drying unit on the plate warmer setting and it worked perfectly.  

 

I have a feeling this one may be making its way into the Ogden kitchen at least for a few months...  We'll be hosting a bunch of UK relatives in August, so that'll put this KA through its paces.  Oh and Hubby will be thrilled if it replaces the Kenmore Roto-Rack... I'll refrain from writing his opinions on that one!  

 

I'll definitely try to do the maiden wash this coming weekend!

 

[toploader55]

Glad you Darlings made it back safe and sound.

Most interesting thing about that machine and other One Arm Wonders...

I washed my Riedel Wine Glasses in the lower rack and the Hurricane Force never broke a one !!! (How in the world ???)

But thinking back the WM-1 series Hobart was used behind bars for years and with a compartment rack or even a open rack, they never seemed to break glasses. True Engineering.

That machine had low use when I got it. It was in a Heavy Smokers Home so it stayed out in the garage for a couple of months while cleaning off the tar and nicotine to rid it of the dirty ashtray scent.

Enjoy Paul and I know she will be well loved. ; )

 

[turquoisedude]

The moment of truth...

I'd been deliberating for some time about which dishwasher should be "second in command" in the Ogden kitchen.. 5 extra people will be down there and I don't do dishes. Period... LOL 

 

The '70 GE has been a star performer but I figured Maidee needed a vacation.  The RotoRack was out of the question (no explanations necessary... LOL).  I thought of the KDC-P2 portable but then I thought 'Hey! That lovely KDS55 is sitting in the garage getting lonely.'

 

Not anymore... 

 

[turquoisedude]

And I had a bunch of dirty dishes to test it with.

 

Wow, can you ever cram stuff into that top rack!!  We always seem to have more cups and glasses than other dishes, so this is gonna work out well.  

 

[turquoisedude]

And one full cycle later... Cleaned and dried to perfection.  

 

And look, no yibblets on the top of the cups!  I'm most impressed - I've always been curious about the KA 15 Series machines and I'm glad this one came my way.  Thanks to Eddie in Cape Cod who has curiously been involved directly or indirectly in my acquistion of three KitchenAid dishwashers now.  Hubby says I can't play with him any more.... LOL 

 

So I think I made a good choice here - this is a really nice dishwasher!

 

[toploader55]

Glad you like the machine Paul.

It had been used as a filing cabinet.

So you can't play in my sandbox anymore ???