KitchenAid Dishwasher Dilemma!!

[jimmyb]

I currently own a GE Profile PDW9980N20SS dishwasher and I would say it does a fair job; I am looking at a KitchenAid in the morning (pictured below) as I think it will be a better machine, please let me know your thoughts.

I also would think that behind the white panels there would be black but would love suggestions on where to get stainless panels for it.

Thanks in advance, JimmyB

 

[jimmyb]

Inside shot

Looks to be in good shape

 

[toggleswitch]

Hi Jim.

Great to see you posting!

As long as it's the right thickness, can't you fabricate brushed stainless panels (from any source) that fits in those exitsting frames?

 

[combo52]

KA DW PANELS

There may be black panels inside often black was on the other side of the white. And as Steve suggested its easy to have a sheet metal shop cut SS or even copper or other cool coverings to install on the DW. But it would be better than the GE DW I have yet to use a Tall TUB DW that works as well and has the overall cleaning power of the older machines. Sears is still selling the standard tub Ultra Wash DWs for only around $300. Everyone on this sight should have at least one of these in reserve as dishwashers don't last forever. I just picked up two SS fronted machines for my partner the other month at the local Sears for less than $700.

 

[jimmyb]

She's a beauty

Quite a basic model KUDM220TO I believe manufactured in November 1989. Almond panels flipped to black, I need to repair a few ever so minor rust spots on the racks. Overall I would have to say I am quite smitten.

 

[jimmyb]

Dial

Very simple

 

[jimmyb]

Inside

is very clean

 

[rp2813]

There is no contest. Get that KitchenAid! I had the next model up and loved it. There isn't an easier machine to load.

When Nate and I got my Thermador DW up and running about a year ago, we found brushed aluminum sheets that looked just like stainless but cost way less and were much lighter, which makes a big difference when you open the door. It cut fine with just tin snips and nobody can tell the difference between that material and the stainless on the rest of the major appliances in our kitchen.

Your Custom will look really sharp with stainless (or aluminum) panels. If you absolutely want the real deal, I think you can still find genuine KA panels through appliance parts houses for around $70.

 

[appnut]

Me think the bottom rack needs to be turned around. The plates facing toward the center from the side need to be coming from the right side, not the left ass what's whown in the pic. The dinner plates need to be facing front to back on the more left-hand side. The flatware basket needs to be going across the front of the rack once it's installed correctly. I've never seen a KA, since the 18 series, with a bottom rack that's supposed to be properly arrangeed as what the pic is showing.

 

[jimmyb]

Thank you

Steve, John, Ralph and Bob- Thanks for your help and suggestions!

I am going to be installing the KA in the next few weeks (way too many projects right now). I will seek out all of the suggestions on the SS panels and Bob you are right that darn lower rack was backwards when I got it, I thought the silverware basket should be in the front! I am going to get the tine covers and repair paint for thh racks on Amazon/ebay has anybody ever used Uber Goop (see link).

Thanks again!

http://www.amazon.com/Uber-Goop-BLUE-Dishwasher-Paint/dp/B000HX95OW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1289754741&sr=8-7

 

[rp2813]

My Aluminum Panel

Here's a shot I took of my Thermador for the Throwdown thread I posted over on Imperial.

The aluminum could use a cleaning, but you get the idea.