Look what I found this weekend.
Another Vintage KitchenAid Surfaces
- Thread starter pdub
- Start date
It was sitting next to a pile of junk in the driveway at an estate sale. I of course stopped to look and one of the sale people told me it didn't work and I could have it for free if I wanted. That was all I needed to hear.
It's in unbelievably good condition and cleaned up very well, and guess what...IT WORKS. I don't know why they thought it didn't. It does everything it's supposed to and sounds very quiet for a portable of this type.
serial plate
top rack
control dial
top closed
So does anyone here know by the serial/model number what year this was from? I think one of the reasons it stayed in such good shape was the solid porcelain exterior. No paint to get chipped here.
Now I'm ready to start hitting the Estate Sales again. Who knows what else is lurking out there.
Patrick
Now I'm ready to start hitting the Estate Sales again. Who knows what else is lurking out there.
Patrick
scott55405
Well-known member
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- Messages
- 1,831
What a wonderful machine! The color, the style and the fact that it works when they thought it didn't all make it such a wonderful bonus. Someone will know, but I would imagine this unit is probably from the mid 60s, given that it has the new style wash arm.
The Electra nameplate on front is just fabulous.
The Electra nameplate on front is just fabulous.
christfr
Well-known member
yea cool dw and even better to get it for free.. yeah for you those are fun to use and do a great job
gyrafoam
Well-known member
IMO when it came to the "pop-top" dishwashers, these were the cream of the crop. They could be packed full and still clean everything inside spotlessly. An awesome find----and just cast-off no less!
Some trivia: here is another product with the name "Electra" which became very popular in the late 1950's because of the introduction of a very fast (for it's day)airliner. The only American made propeller-turbine airliner, the Lockheed (L-188) Electra debuted for first flight in December 1957, and first delivery was to Eastern Air Lines in October 1958.Many other major carriers introduced this aircraft as their first "turbine" powered equipment, including American,Braniff, National, Northwest,PSA, and Western. Internationally,Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Ansett-ANA,TAA, TEAL, Garuda, Varig, Cruziero,and KLM. Many carriers operated them on the second-hand market and they were a favorite of the charter carriers. The aircraft, a large, extremely powerful (for its day) four-engined airliner capable of holding up to 99 passengers, was capable of cruise speeds of 400 mph (the speed of light in the 1950's!!!) and could operate from relatively short runways with a full load.
Unfortunately, the aircraft had some design deficiencies (no computers in those days) that led to two nasty crashes with loss of all on board. The aircraft were modified and went on to provide stellar service for years. Domestically Eastern was loathe to retire their fleet of nearly 40 aircraft as the had proven especially adept on their famous "Shuttle" in the Northeast "triangle" of the U.S. (Boston,New York, Washington, D.C.)and operated them into 1977.PSA loved them for their intra-Californian services.Northwest was able to bring "turbine-powered" service to its "mountain" stations in Montana, Wyoming and other smaller airports in the Dakota's and Washington state. Varig found them to be the perfect aircraft for their version of a shuttle, the Brazilian Ponte Aerea "Air-Bridge" between Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo (Congonhas airport), and operated them well into the 1990's. (Too bad TAM is not operating them, they were well proven on those short South American runways!). Pacific Northern, and Reeve Aleutian, found them indispensable in the harsh Alaskan climate, and primitive runways. And many found their way into the Canadian market. Today a few are still operated, in Great Britain and some African countries, hauling cargo.
A victim of the accidents early-on in its career, and the introduction of pure-jet airliners such as the Boeing 707 in late 1958, quickly rendered all propeller-driven airliners "obsolete" in the eyes of the general public. Only 170 were built.
Nonetheless, the name Electra meant "speed and power" and everyone from automobile manufacturers ( GM's Buick Electra) to the appliance manufacturers jumped on the name.
Kind of strange in a way, since Electra was the star of a famous "Greek tradegy" in literature.
Oh----sorry for the disertation----its early.
Some trivia: here is another product with the name "Electra" which became very popular in the late 1950's because of the introduction of a very fast (for it's day)airliner. The only American made propeller-turbine airliner, the Lockheed (L-188) Electra debuted for first flight in December 1957, and first delivery was to Eastern Air Lines in October 1958.Many other major carriers introduced this aircraft as their first "turbine" powered equipment, including American,Braniff, National, Northwest,PSA, and Western. Internationally,Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Ansett-ANA,TAA, TEAL, Garuda, Varig, Cruziero,and KLM. Many carriers operated them on the second-hand market and they were a favorite of the charter carriers. The aircraft, a large, extremely powerful (for its day) four-engined airliner capable of holding up to 99 passengers, was capable of cruise speeds of 400 mph (the speed of light in the 1950's!!!) and could operate from relatively short runways with a full load.
Unfortunately, the aircraft had some design deficiencies (no computers in those days) that led to two nasty crashes with loss of all on board. The aircraft were modified and went on to provide stellar service for years. Domestically Eastern was loathe to retire their fleet of nearly 40 aircraft as the had proven especially adept on their famous "Shuttle" in the Northeast "triangle" of the U.S. (Boston,New York, Washington, D.C.)and operated them into 1977.PSA loved them for their intra-Californian services.Northwest was able to bring "turbine-powered" service to its "mountain" stations in Montana, Wyoming and other smaller airports in the Dakota's and Washington state. Varig found them to be the perfect aircraft for their version of a shuttle, the Brazilian Ponte Aerea "Air-Bridge" between Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo (Congonhas airport), and operated them well into the 1990's. (Too bad TAM is not operating them, they were well proven on those short South American runways!). Pacific Northern, and Reeve Aleutian, found them indispensable in the harsh Alaskan climate, and primitive runways. And many found their way into the Canadian market. Today a few are still operated, in Great Britain and some African countries, hauling cargo.
A victim of the accidents early-on in its career, and the introduction of pure-jet airliners such as the Boeing 707 in late 1958, quickly rendered all propeller-driven airliners "obsolete" in the eyes of the general public. Only 170 were built.
Nonetheless, the name Electra meant "speed and power" and everyone from automobile manufacturers ( GM's Buick Electra) to the appliance manufacturers jumped on the name.
Kind of strange in a way, since Electra was the star of a famous "Greek tradegy" in literature.
Oh----sorry for the disertation----its early.
mayken4now
Well-known member
Patrick:
What a wonderful find. Good for you and that beautiful machine.
As far as the "Sales Person" running the estate stuff, the statement about "It dosen't work you can have it for free if you want" is bogas. NEVER Believe anyone who says, OH, they or it dosen't work. She or He was only trying to make themselves feel better about giving it away since she/he obvisouly failed at selling it. Why not just say: Didn't sell, it's free or the trash man gets it?
Steve
What a wonderful find. Good for you and that beautiful machine.
As far as the "Sales Person" running the estate stuff, the statement about "It dosen't work you can have it for free if you want" is bogas. NEVER Believe anyone who says, OH, they or it dosen't work. She or He was only trying to make themselves feel better about giving it away since she/he obvisouly failed at selling it. Why not just say: Didn't sell, it's free or the trash man gets it?
Steve
Hey Patrick -
Now that is a find - and in amazing condition! These are beautiful machines - I've always wanted to see those KD-4/KD-5 protables in action. Thanks for posting!
Ben
Now that is a find - and in amazing condition! These are beautiful machines - I've always wanted to see those KD-4/KD-5 protables in action. Thanks for posting!
Ben
Hi Patrick
Great find there, it certainly does look to be in excellent shape. Nice addition to the collection.
Great find there, it certainly does look to be in excellent shape. Nice addition to the collection.
re563
Well-known member
You are such a lucky man--I would love to have one of these Kitchenaids. They truly were great machines
washertalk
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- Joined
- Oct 14, 2006
- Messages
- 837
great find!! good eye for seeing it. It looks in great condition.
I am wondering, there was some models of top loading DWs that would actually pop the top after the wash to allow the steam to escape and the dishes to dry faster, which is great. During times of using a DW, I would always open the door immediately after it finishes washing so the dishes can dry naturally.
Does anyone know if these are those models?
Great find. My first toploader, I think I have only had 2, was a ge impeller model and it had a quarter sized hole rusted in the bottom.
I am wondering, there was some models of top loading DWs that would actually pop the top after the wash to allow the steam to escape and the dishes to dry faster, which is great. During times of using a DW, I would always open the door immediately after it finishes washing so the dishes can dry naturally.
Does anyone know if these are those models?
Great find. My first toploader, I think I have only had 2, was a ge impeller model and it had a quarter sized hole rusted in the bottom.
Self opening...
Thanks for all the great comments and compliments guys! You know I'm not sure if it pops open by itself at the end because since it was empty of dishes, I didn't wait to the end of the dry cycle before stopping it. I did notice the heating element was almost red for a few seconds when I first opened the lid so that apparently works well. Note to self: No plastic in bottom rack! I'm also wondering if it heats the water while washing as there was a lot of steam coming out when I would open it mid cycle. I just got the feeling the water was hotter than what came into it from the water heater. Guess I should check the temperature and measure the differences. I must say, the wash action sounds excellent and am sure it's going to be a stellar performer.
I think the reason they were so eager to "give" it to me was so they didn't have to figure out how they were going to dispose of it. It was the family of the original owner of the house that was running the sale. They had a late 70's model GE FilterFlo in the basement they wanted $175 for and everything else was pretty over priced so that tells me what they probably would have asked for this if they had known how to turn it on!
Patrick
Thanks for all the great comments and compliments guys! You know I'm not sure if it pops open by itself at the end because since it was empty of dishes, I didn't wait to the end of the dry cycle before stopping it. I did notice the heating element was almost red for a few seconds when I first opened the lid so that apparently works well. Note to self: No plastic in bottom rack! I'm also wondering if it heats the water while washing as there was a lot of steam coming out when I would open it mid cycle. I just got the feeling the water was hotter than what came into it from the water heater. Guess I should check the temperature and measure the differences. I must say, the wash action sounds excellent and am sure it's going to be a stellar performer.
I think the reason they were so eager to "give" it to me was so they didn't have to figure out how they were going to dispose of it. It was the family of the original owner of the house that was running the sale. They had a late 70's model GE FilterFlo in the basement they wanted $175 for and everything else was pretty over priced so that tells me what they probably would have asked for this if they had known how to turn it on!
Patrick
Patrick,
WOW!!! What a cool find! Really nice looking machine! Too bad they want too much for the Filter-Flo. I've been dying to grab me one of those to play with when I go to Portland. One day right??? Thanks again for everything Patrick!
Jon
WOW!!! What a cool find! Really nice looking machine! Too bad they want too much for the Filter-Flo. I've been dying to grab me one of those to play with when I go to Portland. One day right??? Thanks again for everything Patrick!
Jon
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Patrick:
I'm jealous as all hell. That is a HTF machine! Great find.
I'm jealous as all hell. That is a HTF machine! Great find.
The heater should be energized during washing/rinsing, I believe. The lid doesn't pop open on it's own, I would think (hope) by 1964-68, this would have been seen as a scalding hazard and for safety reasons discontinued. The only porcelain on this machine is on the inside, but that enamel paint on the cabinet is mint! Congrats on a great save from the trash!
Greg-
Gee, I'd swear it was porcelain on the outside just by the way I was able to clean off some paint scuffs where it had banged up against cabinets with a razor blade and it didn't scratch a bit. Must be some really tough thick enamel then. Thanks for letting me know about the heater being energized. It makes sense. I too am glad I saved it from the trash.
Jon-
Just wait til you get here. There are many desirable machines available for very reasonable prices. You'll see!
Sandy-
I'll take that as a compliment. You really don't see these around any more do you. I remember when the soap dispenser refused to turn over in our GE Mobile Maid and a repairman came and told my mom she should by a new one. She did and I was thrilled we were getting a modern front loader. Little did I know the repairman said he'd take the old machine off our hands at no charge. Sneaky...
I'm still wondering what year this was made. I didn't see anything date stamped underneath. Maybe if I take the back panel off I'll find something.
Patrick
Gee, I'd swear it was porcelain on the outside just by the way I was able to clean off some paint scuffs where it had banged up against cabinets with a razor blade and it didn't scratch a bit. Must be some really tough thick enamel then. Thanks for letting me know about the heater being energized. It makes sense. I too am glad I saved it from the trash.
Jon-
Just wait til you get here. There are many desirable machines available for very reasonable prices. You'll see!
Sandy-
I'll take that as a compliment. You really don't see these around any more do you. I remember when the soap dispenser refused to turn over in our GE Mobile Maid and a repairman came and told my mom she should by a new one. She did and I was thrilled we were getting a modern front loader. Little did I know the repairman said he'd take the old machine off our hands at no charge. Sneaky...
I'm still wondering what year this was made. I didn't see anything date stamped underneath. Maybe if I take the back panel off I'll find something.
Patrick
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Patrick:
"Sandy-
I'll take that as a compliment. You really don't see these around any more do you."</i>
Patrick:
What is especially neat about your find is that BOL machines of any description do not get saved the way more TOL stuff does. Most people can figure out that their old Rolls-Royce might be worth something someday. But they don't see that their old Rambler American is just as much worth saving for future generations. When a "budget" appliance survives, it gives much more information about the way people actually lived in a given era than the more expensive stuff does. Very few people today even REMEMBER top-loading dishwashers, let alone actually having seen one, let alone used one lately. Yet top-loaders were a very popular choice in their day- in fact, Sears took forever to offer front-loading portables.
I also find the quality of your machine to be very interesting. It's obvious- even in pictures- that this "budget" Electra was put together with all the care and high-quality materials that were found in KA's Superba VariCycle machines.
Congratulations- you are the custodian of something very special, and I am glad it's in appreciative hands.
"Sandy-
I'll take that as a compliment. You really don't see these around any more do you."</i>
Patrick:
What is especially neat about your find is that BOL machines of any description do not get saved the way more TOL stuff does. Most people can figure out that their old Rolls-Royce might be worth something someday. But they don't see that their old Rambler American is just as much worth saving for future generations. When a "budget" appliance survives, it gives much more information about the way people actually lived in a given era than the more expensive stuff does. Very few people today even REMEMBER top-loading dishwashers, let alone actually having seen one, let alone used one lately. Yet top-loaders were a very popular choice in their day- in fact, Sears took forever to offer front-loading portables.
I also find the quality of your machine to be very interesting. It's obvious- even in pictures- that this "budget" Electra was put together with all the care and high-quality materials that were found in KA's Superba VariCycle machines.
Congratulations- you are the custodian of something very special, and I am glad it's in appreciative hands.
selectomatic
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- Joined
- Apr 6, 2007
- Messages
- 483
My family had one like this in white in the early '70s
I'm sure my mom bought it used at a garage sale, so I don't know how old it would be.
Yours is in great shape, and you really don't see these around anymore. An interesting machine, and it's cool that it still works.
-kevin
I'm sure my mom bought it used at a garage sale, so I don't know how old it would be.
Yours is in great shape, and you really don't see these around anymore. An interesting machine, and it's cool that it still works.
-kevin
fnelson487
Well-known member
I Have This One!
It's in the garage. Makes me want to bring it in and run it. It is a great machine. It has silver trim around the body just above the Electra sign. KDE-5 as well.
It's in the garage. Makes me want to bring it in and run it. It is a great machine. It has silver trim around the body just above the Electra sign. KDE-5 as well.
fnelson487
Well-known member
Inside
They are noisy, but clean well!
They are noisy, but clean well!
Fred-
Mine has a ridge in the metal where yours has the trim. Cool machine isn't it. They are fun to play with. I like the top on yours better than my faux bleached wood. It looks like it could easily be replaced too since the trim holding it in place is removable. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Patrick
Mine has a ridge in the metal where yours has the trim. Cool machine isn't it. They are fun to play with. I like the top on yours better than my faux bleached wood. It looks like it could easily be replaced too since the trim holding it in place is removable. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Patrick
fnelson487
Well-known member
Patrick
Replacing the top was one of my first thoughts on my machine. It would be very easy.
Replacing the top was one of my first thoughts on my machine. It would be very easy.
fnelson487
Well-known member
Patrick
I have the complete Service Manual on these machines. If you need any info, let me know.
I have the complete Service Manual on these machines. If you need any info, let me know.
Brent-Aucoin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 887
Wow!
Very good find!
And what a great price!!!
You are going to have loads of fun with this one!
The super part is that you can feel the sides of the dishwasher, and feel the water actually hitting the sides while running! Also, it gets hotter and hotter. You will be very pleased with the performace of this dishwasher!
Fred....get that Kitchenaid in your house and use it! Your Electra is beautiful! I would be using that dishwasher at least 2 times a week!
Steve, loved your history on the "Lockheed Electra Aircraft".
Brent
Very good find!
And what a great price!!!
You are going to have loads of fun with this one!
The super part is that you can feel the sides of the dishwasher, and feel the water actually hitting the sides while running! Also, it gets hotter and hotter. You will be very pleased with the performace of this dishwasher!
Fred....get that Kitchenaid in your house and use it! Your Electra is beautiful! I would be using that dishwasher at least 2 times a week!
Steve, loved your history on the "Lockheed Electra Aircraft".
Brent
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