KitchenAid Superba KUDS25SHBL1

[funktionalart]

A little something I picked up a couple days ago to round out my growing KA DW collection~
Superba Whisper Quiet Ultima, circa 1997. I use a KUDS23 here at home, and have always been curious about these model 25s as I'd never used one (and generally don't have much interest in the post-Hobart designed models).

Got it missing the lower front panel--Anyone have one? I wouldn't even care about colour, necessarily. I can repaint a white one, if need be...or maybe I'll luck out and find a discarded steel door skin and matching lower kick panel.

Racks are in phenomenal condition except for the short row of adjustable tines on the front right hand upper rack. I'll probably just remove that anyway, but again--if anyone has an uncorroded spare I might have, let me know!

I think I'm going to install this and run it for a few weeks just to see what I think about it vs. my 23.

 

[funktionalart]

KUDS25 Control Panel shot

one more!

 

[murando531]

This machine looks to be in excellent condition! Racks are always rusted in one place or another, but overall they look great. This is when they switched the KA line to the PowerClean platform, same exact pump and motor assembly, but with a different cosmetic coarse item grate around the sump, and the HydroSweep arm. I'd imagine this one had some intense sound insulation at every corner, so if you can find an access panel and kickplate with insulation still adhered, that will be the jackpot. In my opinion, these KAs were still as effective as the Hobart style machines, because at the time Whirlpool was still working off of the same basic design with modern features added in, just as the PC platform itself was a culmination of years of improvements to their wash system while keeping the core design intact (even with a few borrowed inspirations from the Hobart system over time). It wasn't until the tall-tub Point Voyager style came out that performance and durability went south, and that is most certainly the case with the new filter-style models.

 

I think given a little TLC and a few good vinegar scrubs and the stainless steel and plastic of the interior will shine like the day it was built, and you shouldn't be disappointed at all with its performance.

 

[dnastrau]

Great performer

We have a KUDM25 from 2000 (same style control panel and pump/motor/wash arms with fewer cycles) that has always been a great performer and is quiet. The only weak spot that it has had has been the lower wash arm nylon bearing. I have replaced this a couple of times since 2000. When it wears beyond a certain point, the lower wash arm will not rotate properly, the bearing moves out of place, etc. The upper wash arm bearing has been replaced once if memory serves.

Andrew S.

 

[murando531]

I replaced the nylon bearing in mine immediately. It had probably never been looked at since it was bought it 2001. It was flattened paper thin, and while the machine would still perform well, you could tell the arm wasn't moving as smoothly as it should. After replacing the ring it even quietened the dishwasher down some because you could no longer hear water rushing out of the center. I guess the steel of the arm and the flatness of the ring it almost created an effect similar to a reed on a clarinet or saxophone.

 

[appnut]

When I saw the 24 series in Circuit City for the first time I felt betrayed.  It was no longer a KitchenAid even though that was what the label said on the outside.  What I was looking at was a glorified Whirlpool.  The Kenmore Elite version was probably more bang for the buck.  Friends had a KUDI24 and I wouldn't even go near the kitchen when it came time to load the dishwasher.  (I was totally unaware the 23 series had the PowerClean module put in it until this site). 

I couldn't see user manuals until they became available online.  The anti-bacterial cycle was new for the 25 series Superba.  That cycle was almost identical to the WP Super Scour/Pots & Pans cycle in the full heyday of the PowerClean.  Heated prewash, heated main wash, and heated final rinse.  And that prewash could be really long if you didn't purge the line of hot water first.  If any soil survived that cycle, then it would survive a nuclear attack. 

 

[funktionalart]

appnut~you crack me up...>!

I feel the same about most post-Hobart KAs. It's just a nameplate on a whirly IMHO. This 25 series I posted was not a surprise to me at all. Grabbed it for a great price ($5.00!!!!) FIVE. Got it only out of curiosity, it's not the type of machine that ever would catch my attention.

It's very lightweight, and flimsy/hollow sounding with none of the quality/solidity a Hobart has. Not a fan of plastic washarms, either...but I was happy last night to wire it up to see if at least the control board and motor function. THEY DO! I realise I should've run it with a water supply attached, but now I at least know that the motor is good, quiet and heating element is working. Going to replace the water inlet valve and hook it up sometime this week to see if it's fully functional as designed...and to see if it's worth a hang at all for use.

I think what I will do is just keep it as a spare to install in case I ever move because the 23 is staying with me till it's dead.

 

[funktionalart]

for the 2 Andrews...re; bearing

The bearing LOOKS ok / quite good in this...no real wear to speak of...but I do notice that the lower wash arm assembly is noticeably loose/wobbly fitting on the 25 vs the one on my 23 which fits on like a glove. It spins as it should, but I am surprised at the seemingly low quality fit/assembly. Is this usual? Or is there maybe another component mine should have which keeps this assembly fitting better. Maybe there is a missing part?

 

[murando531]

As long as the lower bearing is underneath, the nylon upper bearing isn't worn, and the retaining bolt fits snugly, that's every piece required. Make sure that the lower ring with the split in it fits well over the spray manifold (the flat side down first, as the ring actually makes a perfect fit into the center on the bottom of the arm. I've rescued a few people from buying entire replacement arms because they had it upside down). It should sit evenly and turn smoothly without tilting or slipping down. The lower ring gives the arm stability while the upper bearing helps close the gap between the hub and retainer. With everything assembled, the arm will have some side to side slack, but it is very stable when water is forcing through it.

 

I replaced it along with the nylon bearing on my WP because the round guard of the arm was visibly unbalanced when turned by hand. The lower ring didn't look bad but it must have been just worn enough to cause an imbalance. With a new one it sits evenly and feels more solid when turned. The rings are very cheap to replace, and I got mine through Amazon for just under $10, and should last for many years with regular use. Here's the link for the nylon ring, and below it prices the upper and lower rings together.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Whirlpool-3376846-Seal/dp/B00DZU7ICA/ref=pd_cp_hi_0

 

 

 

[jakeseacrest]

Appnut you are so right. Last New Years my sister threw 2 crock pots in her 2001 Ultra Wash. Both of them had been on low/warm for almost 12 hours with meatballs in one and a cheese dip in the other. Baked on was an understatement. One cycle of Pots and Pans and they looked brand new. There is nothing this cycle won't kill.

 

[dermacie]

We had that model for over 20 years and I miss it.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

whirlpool

I believe these are Whirlpool sourced models. I wish I could get my hands on one.

 

[maytaga806]

Why are you reigniting a thread from almost a decade ago? They clearly know it’s a whirlpool made ka, no need to suddenly point that out over ten years later.