Improving the GE

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roto204

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In this thread, I'll focus on what I did to improve the wash action of a circa-2000 Kenmore-branded GE dishwasher that was installed in our condo.

I've read so many posts of dedicated GE followers who swore that their dishwashers delivered superior results, so I figured that--with a few modifications--I could turn the GE into a machine that consistently delivered clean dishes, even for a dolt like me who apparently could not properly "gel" with the nuances of the GE design.
 
Step one: Change wash-arms

One of my major beefs with the GE design is the apparent celebration of plastic. Here, we see the wash-arm with its huge holes, and plasticky form.
 
Switch to metal

Instead of opting for an old-style GE metal wash arm (with even larger holes), I decided to go with something a little sturdier, and with better-formed jets:
 
Step two: Better buttons

The GE cleans well enough if you select Pots and Pans, which seems to run the Calrod all the time, and produces an effect very reminiscent of the Thermador/Waste King Steam Machines.
 
Step three: Sturdier handle

I love the engineering brilliance behind the cantilever-type door latch, but I'm looking for something a little simpler.

I selected this model, which feels nice and sturdy, and only required a little bit of notching in the control panel.
 
And then, just replace the panels!

While I was making some modifications to the Perma-Tuf tank, I accidentally cut a stray hole. Oops!

I replaced the tank with a metal and porcelain one that should hold up better.

After that, with a little trim and some new color panels, we were all set to go!

Note the lower-right of the picture. Remember, when mod'ding your machine, keep your motivation in focus, and remember to reward a job well done!
 
Free ninety-nine

Okay, enough kidding ;-)

This machine came from a lovely couple in Lafayette who decided the 21 needed to go because stainless-steel is in.

Well, I certainly applaud that decision!

It was free.

This is the exact model my mom had when she ground her teeth and bought her first KitchenAid in the late eighties.

It's a Whirlpool unit, but cleans stellarly and is oh-so-quiet. This pump/filter module is incredible, compared to the very disappointing 23 series I had with the Whirlpool Power-Clean type module.

Now, if I can *just* get the boys to remember to press the Energy Saver dry button when they select the cycle, we'll be set.
 
I do have to say, though...

Is there an easy way to level a KitchenAid? Good Lord, it took me forty-five minutes with the level to get it both up to counter height and level.

I started confessing to things I never did.

Anyone have any good pointers? After all, for our hobby, this sort of exercise has to become a life-skill... :-)
 
A definate improvement!

Sometimes, when you mod a not-so-great appliance you end up with something a lot like a better one.

A neighbor once had a Mercedes that spent more time in the shop than the mechanics. His goal was to swap out the engine, transmission, etc. with a Chevy 350, with a big chrome air cleaner on top of the engine with a big blue Chevy bow tie emblem on it. He wanted to take it to the Mercedes dealership which had taken so much of his money and time for an oil change. As they took his keys, he planned to say "oh by the way, I made some small improvements for the sake of reliability. They are pretty simple and straightforward, so once you open the hood they should be pretty obvious." He got rid of the car, so his chance never came, too bad.

Amazing isn't it, what a few mods can do?
Dave
 
You are a transformer!

Yay Nate!
Great improvement! The 21 Series is a great dishwasher.
Is your water heating element in the sump?
If the element is in the sump, it is a Hobart pump. The way to tell the Whirlpool pumps, the heating element is not in the sump. Also, the Hobart pump and filter is smaller than the Whirlpool design. I have used both versions, and must say that Hobart is better in many ways. Both are good, but I like the Hobart design.
Did you notice that your top rack wash arm is clogged at the end? Looks like detergent.
Don't worry about running the heater for drying. It really does not use all that much power.
Enjoy your new toy. I mean dishwasher.
Brent
 
Great score Nate! My 21 has performed perfectly since it was installed over 17 years ago. Good thing you snagged this one as even in the Bay Area 'burbs there has probably been a big slowdown in the whole equity line of credit scene as banks try to stop the hemorraging, so I suspect a lot of remodeling plans are ending up on hold. Gee whiz, I guess that means a lot of well built appliances that still perform perfectly will be staying put for a while longer. What a concept!
 
Nate that was a great find!! I am so happy for you and I know that you will be much happier with this machine. Way to go!!!!
 
LOL!

It was fun to check-in and see what you guys have been up to--I had to indulge in this little joke because it had been so long since I'd had some fun-time on the computer (usually, it's slaving away, trying to fix someone else's issue).

Okay, first off, I typoed; it's a 22-series, so this would be the Imperial to the Superba I had back in Tucson. (Though the 21 looks much like this, as you note.)

Dave--That's AWESOME. I would have loved to have seen the Mercedes with new innards ;-)

Toggles--No arguments here. Like I said, if you ran the GE on Pots/Pans, the whole cycle became a war of attrition, and the food eventually simply became tired to death and slid off the dishes. Still, the major bummer was no constant rinse; a scattering of food particles tended to festoon the upper part of the door liner. (Very reminiscent of what happened when you washed a filthy load in the Roto-Rack.) But yeah, in terms of cleaning performance, most modern machines pale.

Brent--LOL That's foamy detergent at the end of the wash arm. (I stopped it mid-cycle to snap a pic--notice that the "Normal" button is depressed in the pic of the pushbuttons.) It was busily washing dishes, and I had the audacity to disturb it :-)

Ralph--No kidding, and good point! We'll have to see if Craigslist reflects a similar drought in the meantime.

Terry--Thanks!! Now we just have to get you one. (Or a Hobart machine!) ;-)

I failed to mention they still had the manual-pack with the machine. Still sealed, untouched, in the original plastic. So, I guess they were good at learning how to run the machine through pure intuition--the manual is crisp, lovely, and untouched, just the way I remember reading it when I was back in the fourth grade...
 

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