KitchenAid KDS-17A

[frogkid11]

Hello again everyone,
I found the following KDS-17A (at least that's what the seller calls it) on Craigslist and need to have your expert opinions on this model and the comments in the listing. I have no experience in selecting a vintage dishwasher but I believe this is a Superba model and should be TOL. Does anyone know the year of this model, if it is a KDS-17A and what issues come with this model?

I assume that it may have a leak since the seller comments it may need a new gasket. Any concerns about the comments concerning the tub?

Lastly, if there are any detailed questions I should ask the seller before considering to purchase it, please let me know. Thanks for the benefit of your advice !

http://smd.craigslist.org/app/5095386970.html

 

[appnut]

That is not a KDS17A, it's a KDI17A. 

 

[frogkid11]

Oh shucks - this isn't a Superba?

Thanks for pointing that out appnut. Does the designation KDI mean that it's an Imperial and not the Superba? I was wondering why when I looked at pictures of other KDS-17 models they had so many cycles and this particular one on CL didn't seem to have the same options - now I guess that explains it.

I guess I'm going back on the hunt.

 

[appnut]

yes imperial

 

[toploader55]

These are great cleaners, but have no water heating. So I would set the Hot Water Heater at 140.

 

TOL machines are nice, but are you really going to use all those cycles ?

 

And as John LeFever pointed out one time that the MOL and BOL KitchenAids seemed to last longer without all that water heating. The theory seems right.

 

I'm just a sucker for Bells and Whistles. But in reality, I  99% of the time just use Full Cycle. It's like a challenge what you can throw at a KitchenAid and see how it handles it.

 

The 17 series has the Overhead Constant Rinse so that is your Yibble Safeguard for Glassware and Coffee Mugs in the Upper Rack for the most part.

 

[DADoES]

 
My family made excellent use of a KDI-17a for 28 years (1975 to 2003).  Two, technically.  The first dishwasher installed in our 1964 house in 1975 ... then there was the same model already in the next house in 1980.

 

[frogkid11]

I'm just like you Eddie

I'm a sucker for the bells and whistles even if I don't use them. As I've been converting my 1960 kitchen back to vintage appliances, I have been lucky enough to find the TOL Frigidaire Flair and the matching TOL Frigidaire Frost Proof. I'm kinda snobbishly wanting the dishwasher to be a TOL as well, even though it won't match the Frigidaire pair exactly.

I guess in the long run, this vintage KDI would look much better than the new plastic dishwasher there now especially as you look at the other vintage beauties.

I wouldn't have an issue paying the listed $200 for a Superba but I'm thinking that may be a little high for a lower grade model given they were likely more common place. Again, just the snob in me coming out so forgive me.

 

[toploader55]

When I get another house...

It will have, I hope, 2  kitchens.

 

All with vintage appliances from the same era.

 

You can always pick up that Imperial until you find the Superba you're looking for and then use the Imperial for basic parts.

 

[stevet]

I will gladly

relieve you of your $200.00, Chris.
What do you want, a KDS18, a KUDS22 or a KUDP23? Just drive down and pick out the one you want! The Imperial 17A is way overpriced and not worth more than 100 bucks even if used for spares. But that's just my opinion!

 

[twintubber]

Also, keep in mind.....

that the Superba model cleans more thoroughly than the Imperial, Custom or Deluxe models in the "Soak & Scrub" and "Heavy Wash" cycles.
That is described in the "cycle breakdown" in their brochures.