Kitchenaid KDSS-21 Video

[mieletag]

Sorry for not working on this video any sooner. I had promised a while back to make a video of my Kitchenaid KDSS-21 in action complete with rotary power switch sounds.

A BIG THANKS! to John L. (Combo52) for helping me to acquire all the needed parts to make this marvel work again! Sorry for the audio being only on one channel. I used a condenser microphone, but due to time, only had a mono connector to go into the camera, hence the left channel only sound.

Thanks again!

 

[washer111]

Wonderful!!!

I could scream I am so excited to see this. What an interesting way to control a dishwasher Hybrid controls like this are pretty cool. The best thing though would be having a computer that controls the Rapid-Advance and water heating itself, but controlling everything else mechanically. 

 

The dishwasher itself looks absolutely stunning. You've done a great job cleaning it up. Can't wait to see this baby handle a "moderate" Bob-Load. Congratulations on the successful repair of the Electronic (Singer?) Controls. This machine should last a good while. 

Maybe a suggestion: In order to prolong the life of the controls, could you perhaps rig the Water Heating and Dishwasher Pump onto Relays to take current off the Rotary Control/Control Board?

 

Thanks so much for posting this video. I will certainly download it to my computer now for "future reference." 

 

 

 

[toploader55]

Way Cool.

I always wanted one of those except everyone said parts are limited. I'll scoop the next one I can find.

 

[chachp]

What a gorgeous machine!

Does this model give you an option for an extra rinse? As much as I didn't think it made a big difference I see now that I think it does. I have gone from a KDS-21 as my daily driver to a KDS-20 and the dishes seem shinier or brighter or something. Not sure exactly how to describe it but I think it has a lot to do with that extra rinse. Also the 20 seems to have purges between washes that may make a difference. Or maybe I'm all wrong. Maybe the 20 moves more water. Who knows but I feel like the dishes are cleaner.

 

[mieletag]

Thank you all for your comments!

To washer111: I also thought the same about the rotary power switch and using relays, but after examining how it works, the rotary power switch has no load through it until the power relay in the computer module closes, so when the RPS advances, the contacts in the RPS don't arc.

To chachp: Unfortunately to my knowledge, this machine only has one rinse, with no way of selecting a second. It only does short purge rinses after each wash. Of course if I would take the flow restrictor out of the fill valve, it might have enough water in the sump to spray. Or I guess I could do a rinse & hold and then use the plate warmer cycle to dry LOL!

 

[combo52]

Yay Chris Glad You Got The KDSS-21 Going

I guess you and I are the only two people in the world to have one of these unique machines that still operate properly. Mine is the KDSS-20. I will probably remove mine from daily service sometime in the next year or so and install it as part of the Great Wall Of Dishwashers where I am connecting 21 classic DWs at the museum before something really goes wrong, LOL.

 

It is inspiring to see younger folks tackling and fixing early electronic appliances, I should try to post a video of mine running.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

This is quite interesting.

I have used multiple Hobart AM-14 dishwashers that were introduced at roughly the same time as the KDSS-20.  They are completely controlled by a PCB microcomputer for tank heat, auto fill, and motor/(booster heater in later revisions with an auxiliary PCB) and cycling These were continued through 2002.  The electronic failures in the KDSS machines were never an issue for the AM-14. Millions of these machines continue to work in a multitude of applications today.  I wonder what the difference was in Hobart's electronics?

WK78

 

[kb0nes]

what the difference was in Hobart's electronics

I'd venture a guess that is as simple as cost and engineering quality. The Hobart machine is expected to keep running through anything and the buyers aren't afraid to open their wallets.

Properly designed and built I'll take electronics over anything mechanical for long term reliability. Electronics don't wear out. And they can offer the advantage of flexibility and control to boot.

Poorly made, cost cut electronics like we see in consumer appliances just aren't ruggedized and can't withstand the rigors the real world puts on them.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Exactly Right Phil!

I posted that question to see if anyone would give the right answer, and you DID!  The electronics in the AM series were much more robust than the KD series as are the mechanicals.  This is for good reason,  an AM-14 dishwasher is designed to do hundreds of cycles per day over 20+ years and a KDSS-20/21 is designed for residential use. 

WK78

 

[tfromoregon]

Hello, KitchenAid by Hobart people -

We have a 1975 brown KitchenAid Custom model dishwasher that we're removing for a remodel. Works perfectly, quick, quiet, and cleans extremely well. We have the manual, too. It's free to a good home, and we live just outside Portland, Oregon.

We also have a 1957 GE aqua wall oven and cooktop if anyone wants to buy those.

Let me know if you're interested.
tfromoregon