Kitchenaid KDI-20

[automatt]

Here is a Kitchenaid that I have in a house I had rented and now am going to live in.
I tested it out and it seems to run ok. If there are problems this looks like the place to ask so I can keep it going.
It really cleans the dishes even better than my 33 year old GE.
How old is this? It is an energy save Imperial.

 

[toploader55]

I'm thinking ...

1983.

I just found a KDS-20 recently. Yup. They're great machines.

Good Luck with that one.

 

[automatt]

So this is one of the good ones. That is great to hear.

I am glad I found this forum otherwise I might have replaced it.

Most of the new ones at Home Depot are plastic inside and the prices are sure not getting any cheaper.

 

[automatt]

Thanks for the year made info. That looks to be about the time the kitchen was remodeled judging by the cabinets.

 

[toploader55]

Don't replace that machine

As You said,,, It cleans better than your 33 yr. GE.

I am repairing a KDS 18... The KDS 20 I found in early December cleans Very well, But these machines are rare these days. Savor it, Enjoy it, and just use it wisely.

Here's a Pic of my New 20.

 

[alabamboy]

KDI-20, sweeeeet!!!

Great machine! Panels can be painted if you want to change color. It looks to have chrome trim kit so you could put Stainless Steel panels on it as well. Has heated dry unlike the 19 series. Great machine, should last a while if it hasnt been abused. I have a KDS-18 from 1979 that I wouldn't trade for a $1500 Bosch!!!!

 

[automatt]

The 33 yr old GE is rusting and out of habit I pre-wash the dishes with hot water and sponge before placing in the dishwasher.

But it still runs and home inspectors will tell you a dishwasher has only a 10 year life span.

That is a nice KDS 20. My parents had one like that. I should have removed it before they replaced it.

 

[combo52]

Pre -Rinsing your dishes

Hi Pre Rinsing dishes is the best thing a consumer can do to GREATLY shorten the life of ANY dishwasher, we figure in general it will cut the life of most DWs in 1/2, doing so ruins the main pump seals causes many plastic parts to deteriorate faster and causes the rack coating to deteriorate faster and the racks to rust. If you pre-rince use very little detergent, but always put some in BOTH detergent cups.

 

[mistereric]

Sweet machine! I just picked up a Custom 60, which is the portable, bottom of the line version of the same machine. Thread about it in the Pink forum. The BF has a 21, as does mom and dad. All work wonderfully. Best of luck!