How do I like my machine?
Chris,
While I much prefer a Superba model to any of the lower level products, I always did like this machine as our first dual level washarm Kitchenaid was a KDC21D which was a Custom model with all the features of the higher level units, which included the adjustable upper rack with the flex-o-dividers which folded down to allow more flexible loading of the top rack. This particular machine lacks the flex-o-dividers and it is less convenient for our needs and what we are used to. But I always felt that it was a fantastic cleaner whether it had the Hobart pump or the WP pump. I still say that Hobart had the best idea for eating up foodstuffs with the disposer in the pump. I have seen Powermodule machines that managed to grind stuff down but not eject it all out the drain and eventually, caused a blockage in the pump that prevented the machine from draining. It has happened repeatedly to one of my cousins on his KUDS25 machine as well as his own son's Whirlpool machine. Once they disassembled the innards and found the debris, they cleaned it out and it worked fine again.
One thing I notice on this machine, though is that the upper rack also hangs lower than my other spare machines and it hits the dinner plates in the lower rack. I have to adjust the rack all the way up to clear them and then the taller glasses hit the top of the tank and it limits the ize of the bowls and plasticware I can load on top.
I suspect that the support rollers may be worn but haven't checked them yet. I will do that later and report back.
I like the positive heating on it which didn't come about until WP made the engineering change. On the 21 Custom, you could only get so much of a temp increase during the washes so if your water was cooler or there was more water in the tank than normal (I used to remove the flow valve to make the purges into short rinses). This machine will guarantee 140 water regardless of water level.
I would have to say that if I had come upon this machine 3 years ago, I would still have my Kitchenaid tall tub in the box in the garage as it is in good condition and is white on white like my other kitchen appliances.My wife still complains about the racking in the tall tub. She has only known the classic Kitchenaid style racking layout and has complained about the new machine since I installed it. Don't get me worng,the tall tub is a great cleaner as well, but who wants a cycle that takes over 2 hours at times to do the dishes?
You will love your machine and like John said, with reasonable care, you will get years of service out of it. You may want to try to stockpile some spares for it as the parts are basically obsolete.
Hope that answers your question.
