Kitchenaid Superba Selectra 21 Whisper Quiet

[hobarthero]

I just acquired a new to me Kitchenaid machine that I am looking forward to trying out. I bought it locally for $60 and I am hoping to install it soon. I was told it is in good working order. I know these machines are solid and built well, but there is often an issue with the controls for this particular machine. Is there any way I can preemptively do anything to protect the control panel and are there any tips/tricks or suggestions for getting this cleaned out before installing it. I’m sure there’s buildup inside and I want to make sure I get everything scrubbed out nicely before I put it in service. I don’t mind disassembling it a bit to clean it or do preemptive maintenance, but it would be nice to have some insight from those of you who know these machines inside and out. Thanks and I look forward to getting to know the group here!

 

[rp2813]

I don't think there's much you can do about the electronics other than cross your fingers and use the machine. Replacement electronic controls are almost impossible to find. You may want to keep an eye out for donor machines but you'll want to be sure their controls are still in proper working order.

Others here can advise on mechanical systems checks before putting the machine back into use.

 

[combo52]

KUDSS KA DW

Yes the electronics were very problematic from the get go on these DWs, we did a lot of service calls on these and after they reached around 10 years of age they were too expensive to fix,

 

We converted some of these to the mechanical control system by parting out the model below this one.

 

Also keep in mind that these were not the best performing DWs KA ever built, they only have one final rinse so you need really good soft water.

 

If you feel that this DW is in really excellent condition and it works fine go ahead and try it out, and if you are a very capable electronics repair tech you might keep it running for awhile, I would estimate that there are less than 20 of these still running in this country.

 

John 

 

[hobarthero]

Another quick question. I have also found a local Insinkerator dishwasher that looks exactly like the KA machines from this era. Can anyone confirm this? I also have a Kitchenaid Imperial KDI-17. Does anyone have the insight as to which machine is the best performing. I just don’t like that the Imperial only has a lower wash arm. If neither the Superba or Imperial that I have are good machines. What does everyone recommend. I will attach pictures of the Imperial I have and the Insinkerator machine I found locally. I appreciate any help!

 

[rp2813]

The ISE machine is a KitchenAid clone. Emerson Electric was allowed to put the ISE badge on them for a few years, and your machine may belong to the first series of ISE models -- which would make it 100% Hobart. I'm guessing it's the the equivalent of a 20 series Patrician (model KDP-20). ISE machines fell just short of the Superbas because they never offered a "Sani-Cycle" rinse option.

So since the ISE is from the previous model line to your Selectra 21, it will offer more than a single final rinse. I think this is a big plus.

Your Imperial must be a series 16 or 17 if it only has a single wash arm. They're good performers, but you need to put some extra thought into loading the lower rack so that large pots or pans don't block the spray from reaching certain areas of the upper rack.

The ISE would be my choice based on reliability of the controls, but if you really want to try out the Selectra, you should be able to change out the stainless steel door and access panel inserts from the ISE to use on the Selectra instead of the fake cabinetry look that's on it now.

The detached lower access panel as seen on (or more accurately, off) the Selectra can be a real pain to reinstall, but just keep at it and it will eventually situate itself when you least expect it. Same goes for the ISE access panel if you end up removing it, but you can remove the stainless inserts from both upper and lower panels by taking off one side of the chrome trim and sliding the panel out.

 

[hobarthero]

Trim swap

I was thinking that the door trim was interchangeable between the Superba and the Insinkerator machines. This is good because my other half hates the fake cabinet look. Stainless is much more attractive. I’m surprised that the Superba is still in working order if they were so problematic. It weighs much more than the Imperial machine, but both are very heavy. I think I’ll do some test runs between the Superba and Insinkerator and see how each performs and we’ll go from there to see which I end up installing as my daily user. Any insight as to what should be disassembled and or cleaned up before putting these into use. God knows what build up is inside of these machines after all these years. I’m no stranger to appliance repair so anything you think I should tackle, I’m probably up for. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[rp2813]

I can only share the basics.  Other KA dishwasher experts will have to provide more detailed lists of things to check.

 

If the machines haven't operated for an extended period, you should pour the hottest possible water into the sump area and let it sit until it cools.  This will help to soften any seals that may have dried from lack of use.

 

Give the wash arms a spin.  They should rotate smoothly without any chattering. 

 

Check the flat tube in the bottom of the upper rack that feeds the upper wash arm for cracks.   Any cracks may not be evident from a cursory visual check, but even a small one can cause spray action in both upper and lower wash arms to diminish.

 

If you hear an "urping" sound from your sink drain (or from the end of the drain hose if it's not connected to plumbing during testing) when the Selectra is operating, that's an indicator of a bad check valve that is stuck open.  This can also inhibit wash action.  The check valve lives in a plastic housing where the drain hose connects to the pump.  It's just a rubber flap.  If you remove the housing and blow into the outlet end -- that is, in the direction against the flow of draining water, and you can easily blow through it, then the valve is bad.  I think GE still makes a part that is an exact replacement.  I don't know the part number off hand, but may be able to find it if no one else here can.  I'm pretty sure your ISE doesn't have a check valve, as its pump/motor is of an earlier design.

 

Any further information about which parts have to be replaced to fix a particular problem will need to come from those who have more experience working on these machines than I do.

 

I've had a KDI-21 and an ISE Classic Supreme/22 series KitchenAid clone.  The ISE was the better looking and higher end machine, worked well and never had any problems.  The 21 series Imperial, which was purchased new in 1990, had its check valve get stuck open after about 15 or so years of regular use, but that was the only issue I experienced with it.

 

P.S.

 

I'm guessing the Selectra weighs more because that cabinetry front is heavy.  The door springs have likely been adjusted to accommodate the extra weight.  Be sure to check the springs on the ISE for which holes they're hooked into and match that same arrangement on the Selectra after you put the stainless inserts on it, or the door will not lie flat.