KUDI23 now in service!!
My old reliable Maytag is beginning to need some things, like new (not used) door hinges (I've already taken them out once and beat them back into alignment so the door wouldn't drop) $140 ($70 apiece), possibly door gasket $47, rinse aid leaking out between washes, racks beginning to rust a little, a couple times Tony couldn't get it to start, and some new and interesting noises developing. I stretched clear plastic over the door last week and turned it on...seemed like it's lost some pressure too, the top spray seemed weak. So...today I installed the brand new 1994 Kitchenaid. I had to do a little plumbing modification to get it to work. The Maytag had a drain loop designed into it and the KA doesn't, and there wasn't room for much where it's located, but I used CPVC to configure a loop between cabinet support braces and fastened to the wall...worked like a charm! This house was built in 1956 and when I bought it, the washing machine sat beside the kitchen range...which is where the dishwasher now resides. Even though it has a WP Powerclean pump module in it, I can still hear some of the Kitchenaid sounds I remember from my childhood...that 1/2hp pump sounds awesome! The tub size is a tad smaller inside than the Maytag is, but I can move the top rack up and down and couldn't in the MT...and it doesn't matter if something hits the roof...no top wash arm. Don't get me wrong, my Jetclean has always been an awesome cleaner, and side by side it could probably out blast this KA...but I'm so glad to have a new KA! The build quality of the tank alone speaks volumes, and it's so quiet too! I went ahead and put in a longer metal top rack wash arm.
I even found a brand new in box spare motor/pump on ebay for $79!!!! Repairclinic wants $203. I'll just keep it in a dry place...in case either myself or my mother needs it. Also just found a new in box pump/motor for the MT for $76...Repairclinic wants $237!
I was just looking at the energy guide on KA's website comparing the two models...at 4 loads/week and $1.09/therm natural gas, a new now model costs $25/year. Mine will cost $42/year for the same. Big deal, $17 more per year in energy cost. I never use heated dry, my water is around 145F.
Now water... Pots/pans - 9.75 gallons 82 minutes*
Normal - 7.75 gallons 70 minutes*
Light/China-5.25 gallons 58 minutes*
Rinse/Hold -2.25 gallons 14 minutes*
*heating delay may alter total wash time
I'm planning to gradually repair/replace items on the MT and put it in storage for any future emergency, or I just might convert it back to a portable and have two, as I've always wanted. It will be stored in a heated basement, but is there anything in particular I need to do before putting it away?
If this KA lasts as long as Mother's has, I'll be 65...and hers still hasn't needed anything knock on wood! I feel silly, but this is almost as much fun as getting a brand new car...I know you ladies and gentlemen understand. I also thought I was the only one crazy about appliances! I'm considering sending in the KA's warranty card just to see what they would say!
[this post was last edited: 9/23/2015-02:50]
