KDS54 Torture Test....

[turquoisedude]

Yes, I know I'll have the neighbours calling the Vintage Dishwasher Abuse Hotline but after a busy morning cooking spree (preparing for our first stay-over guests in St-Liboire next week!) I figured this was a good time to do one of my Dishwasher Torture Tests.    Well, that and the fact that we had a water-conditioning system installed this week, so I am less paranoid about using the Superba Vari-Cycle!

 

This would hardly qualify as a Bob Load, but I sure didn't follow the rules and regulations for loading KA dishwashers very well.... 

 

 

 

[turquoisedude]

So let's wheel 'er over to the sink and try the special Utility and Utensil cycle... 

 

[turquoisedude]

The results?

I'd say pretty good overall!

 

[turquoisedude]

Except....

A wooden cooking spoon that was used in cooking cornmeal for a batch of polenta gets an 'F' for today...    But the rest of the load was nice and clean.  Big Blue likes softened and iron-less water, I guess... LOL 

 

I'll have to try a similar test with the Maytag soon...   I'm still not convinced the WU404 is staying - I'll make that decision as soon as I can get the darned kitchen floor replaced; that may not be until the end of October now, alas. 

 

[stevet]

Before and After!

While there were still a few open spots on top and maybe even in the lower rack, wall can e appreciate the need to load properly to allow the Big Blue Arm space to shoot the water up to the top rack so I don't think you would have lost too many points on a BobLoad certification. However, you neglected to show us the insides of the bowls and utensils before being washed so we don't really know what the machine had to deal with. So maybe a few points shaved from your total score!

The Utility/Utensil Cycle is the same as the full cycle except for the shorter 5 minute dry which is supposed to prevent any residual foods from being cooked back onto the wares. If you had used the Full Cycle, that Polenta would have probably been Super Glued to the spoon!

I know the silverware basket is small in those machines, but maybe placing the spoon with the handle up or laid down somewhere in the upper or lower rack would have resulted in a totally clean spoon.

But truthfully, I totally knew it would handle the job well.

 

[toploader55]

Don't those machines with Big Blue just sound so sweet when they're running ?

 

I find listening to  them very soothing as they wash away. There is a definite cadence to the wash arm rotation.

 

I have to get my portable Top Loader Duo Cycle running. I believe it's the last year for Big Blue in the Portables.

 

I miss the KDP-2, but I don't mis the restricted restricted loading. The Duo has that lift rack which I can deal with.

 

But then again, these are primarily "Dish and Glass Washers".

 

Hmmmm.... Maybe a Window in that one ???  Jon... Help !!! LOL

 

[tomturbomatic]

Thanks for sharing!

Very good! Maybe you should have seen if the wooden spoon would have fit in the slot at the front of the cutlery basket with the inner surface of the bowl of the spoon turned in. It might have been held at a more beneficial angle for washing.

Much as I love the convenience of the front loading 14, the depth of the KD2P makes it possible to load it almost like a washing machine with all kinds of stuff standing in funny places. Sometimes I would stand cookie sheets up on one side of the lower rack and leave out one side section of the upper rack. Those three sections offered flexibility at the price of convenience.

Eddie, does your duo cycle have the electrically operated detergent cup and the timer from the 15 with two water changes before the main wash? That is a machine I would like to find someday.

 

[toploader55]

Yes Tom.
it does have a prewash, Rinse, Wash and two Rinses.

It also has a separate Drain Pump. It is not coupled with the Wash Motor in anyway like the KD2-P.

I need to find a cover for the Detergent Dispenser.

Anybody have one ?

 

[jetcone]

What does a KD2-P look like??

I've never seen one. Does it have the Big Blue 50 gallon/minute blast o matic wash??

 

Big Blue is a great machine for the size of the tub and the time it was built bit when you cook a lot you need a machine with reach for the upper rack. 

 

[toploader55]

KD2-P

Hi Jon.

 

I had this one and sold it to William637 (Mark)

 

Yup.  Big Blue.

 

[frigilux]

Oh, my God; that KDS54 is gorgeous, Paul.  The turquoise works beautifully with the color palette/styling of the console.

 

Had you used the Full Cycle:  Baked Polenta! (comes with own spoon, LOL)

 

Question:  How does one start these older KitchenAids? Do you reach down and turn the cycle knob or is there a 'Start' button I'm not seeing?

 

[bellalaundry]

That

looks like a Flair in the background...

 

[appnut]

Eugene, as with all KitchenAids from the 14 series on that had buttons on the control panel, you simply depressed the desired cycle button and the machine started. 

 

[tomturbomatic]

The KD2P was started by pushing down on the white plastic arrow below the escutcheon that reads
"PORTABLE DISHWASHER BY HOBART".

Thanks, Eddie.

 

[jetcone]

Thanks Eddie

Now I know the machine !!