KitchenAid KDS-21 Questions

[thatwasherguy]

Hi everyone. Stylistically, my favorite dishwasher of all time is the KitchenAid KDS-21. I just love the way that the chrome buttons look, along with the handle and cycle monitor. I would love to learn more about this dishwasher, so I figured what better place to learn about it than here? So anyway, here goes:
Apart from the model number, is there any way to tell the whirlpool KDS-21’s from the Hobart ones? I’ve also noticed in YouTube videos that the KDS-21 seems quieter than the KDS-20 or KDS-18. Will the older pump and motor fit in the KDS-21 and give it that sound? Also, I am aware that the 21 has a lower Sani-temp and only a single rinse. Would it be possible to swap in an older timer that does more than 1 rinse, and an older thermostat that does the higher sani temperatures? Also, what was the difference between the Superba Classic and the Superba Monterey?
Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[bigalsf]

Some answers

The KA models have a different pump. The KA has a narrower filter top; the WP is a Power Clean pump with a wider mesh top filter (this filter idea was taken from KA when WP acquired them and adapted to the Power Clean pump). The WP model also has a coarse filter ring around the pump which covers the entire sump.

Then KDS21 is quieter than it's predecessors (the WP version is a bit quieter) It uses a reversible motor and redesigned pump to reduce operating noise (a big deal these days). You cannot substitute a pump/motor assembly from the earlier models as they will not fit, and the timer is wired differently.

You cannot substitute an earlier model timer as they do not incorporate circuitry for reversing motors (you can if you add relays to make the circuitry work).

You can change the sani-thermostat to a higher temp, but you can't use the one from a KD17; the style is wrong for the bracket on the KD21 (you might be able to use the one from the 18 series for a 180 degree rinse).

The difference between the Classic & Monterrey was the control panel styling (one had wood-grain, one didn't).

Hope that answers your questions.