KD11 or newer ???

[mikepaquette]

I have a SS KD11 in next to mint condition in my kitchen as a 2nd machine. Question ?? What model did they go to the X spray arm. This machine is a great find for a collection but my problem is 1 short wash followed by two short rinces. (nature of the beast) I was wondering what model I should be looking for with rinces (to warm the pump, tub & load up before the wash. The KD11 has no detergent cup so most of the heat in the initial wash fill is lost in heating the cast pump, spray arm. tub & load up therefore modern day detergent is not as effective. Can I use a commercial liquid (very caustic so I am told) more like the detergent used in thismachine in its time ??? Will a X spray arm from a newer vintage KA fit on my machine ?? I am beginning to wonder mabey this is not the machine I was hoping for. Might need to replace it with a ???? Has to be a KA. Anything anyone could suggeat would be great. Not even sure what model I should be lookinfg for..... Thanks Michael

 

[gyrafoam]

Those are great machines. I would hang on to it. Might be a good idea to set the machine on the final rinse and let it "pre-wash" the dishes to heat the chamber up------you would just have to keep an eye on it so it does not progress into the dry portion of the cycle. Then re-set it to the beginning of the wash. I'm sure you already know this---I'll say it anyway----just make sure you run only HOT water in the sink just prior to starting the dishwasher to make sure HOT water is already there and the pipes are heated up on the way to the dishwasher. Enjoy that old KAid!

 

[gansky1]

Your KD-11 sounds great, I have the KDC-14 which is basically the same machine, but later. I'm using it as my main dishwasher with the extras downstairs for backup if needed. So far, I haven't needed a back up at all. I'm using Cascade complete which is an enzyme based detergent, formulated to work at a little lower temps than a chlorine enriched product (which are difficult to find anyway) and I get perfect results everytime. Any vintage dishwasher users manual will suggest that the temp of the hot water at the nearest faucet be 140F to 160F minimum. Mine is so the machine almost immediately gets very hot water as soon as it's started. Mine also has a flush/purge segement in the beginning of the cycle to ensure the hot water is flowing through the machine and to help heat the machine and contents a little before it starts the main wash. I have not tested the water temp in the main wash, but figure that with the enzyme detergent and the tremendous force of water spray coming from the giant wash arm, there isn't anywhere for the soil to hide in that machine! Just keep using it for a while and you'll fall in love with it.

 

[jetcone]

Purge?

Greg: I can't tell if my KDS-14 has that purge. It seems when I start the machine the solenoid goes WHAMM shut and then I hear water running. But if there were a purge shouldn't I hear the water filling before the drain solenoid??

How do I tell when the door is shut all the time??

Jet

 

[gansky1]

On mine, you can hear the water running down the drain before the solenoid slams the drain valve shut. Not sure on yours, but mine will allow the door open while running with the handle in the "run" or down position, there isn't any interlock switch with the latches. Odd, isn't it? I can watch the purge, not the most exciting part of the cycle, and then close the door when the solenoid slams. The other odd thing is that there is power to the drain valve solenoid the whole time the cycle knob is in a cycle, if you move the control knob around the cycle with the latch open, the solenoid still opens and closes as the points on the dial that it would if it were running...

 

[Unimatic1140]

Jon I don't think your KDS-14 has a purge because it was the first KitchenAid to have a detergent dispenser so instead of having water line flush/purge it has a pre-rinse. My KDI-15 (the first machine to have the 4-arm Hydro-sweep) has two pre-rinses.

My Frigidiare DW also has a one increment water line flush/purge. I like these flush cycles as it helps warm the dishes and machine if you have run the hot water at the tap to drain the line of any cold water.

 

[mrcleanjeans]

the KDS-14 does not have a purge,but a prerinse(or prewash if soap is added to both cups),then the wash, three after rinses,then the drying.KA went to the X-arm (the Four Way Hydro-Sweep)in 1965.The KD-12 was the first KA with the aforementioned purge.The drain would stay open while hot water flowed in to flush cold water out and warm things up before the wash.It had a small screen,like a tea strainer,on the silverware basket,to hold detergent till wash portion.With the KD-11,you'd just run the hot water at the faucet till it's hot as it can be,then go ahead and run the machine.Cascade Complete powder is best, and Wal-Mart powder is very good.

 

[mrcleanjeans]

4-way?no way

p.s. the 4-way HydroSweep will not fit in any of the "Big Blue Lifetime wash arm" machines.