Looking to buy seventies-era dishwasher in good working condition Midwest/Illinois

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seventiesgal

Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2022
Messages
6
Location
Highland Park
Hi, we have a midcentury house and would like to keep the kitchen appliances seventies-era. We’re looking specifically for a dishwasher right now, but will also be looking for a gas oven/range. Attached, some photos of our kitchen. We live just north of Chicago, but willing to drive up to two hours away for the right one!

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Look for a GE range. They were the top dog back then, very reliable and durable, easy to repair, and lots of parts still floating around to keep it cooking right along.

 

A Kitchenaid KDS 18, 19, or 20 will also compliment that cheerful kitchen. This dishwasher had it all back then...Powerful, reliable, durable, easy to service, great classic appearance, and parts still floating around.

 

A Radarange microwave would also suit that kitchen nicely.
 
Thank you, that’s such useful and valuable information. I’m an avid appreciator of the aesthetic of sixties and seventies appliance design, but next to nothing about the relative practicality of various brands.

I’ve seen some intriguing specimens crop up on marketplaces wildly outside my geographic area, and can’t help but wonder how financially feasible it could be to have something like a dishwasher shipped…🤔
 
I'm loving that aesthetic. I wouldn't change ....much.

Just m.o. from experience: Unless you have knowledge of servicing appliances or know someone, there are certain appliances it might be less headache to stick with something newer.

Stoves really haven't changed that much in 50 years, and they last because there are no moving parts and they have no water in them. "Updating" your stove to a retro harvest gold (or other color) WITH electronic ignition will probably be easier and there are more choices. It's also going to have more presence in the kitchen.

As was mentioned above about the microwave, another good idea that one will get noticed.

A retro 70s refrig would be 3rd on the list <span style="text-decoration: underline;">BUT</span> it depends on what it is and how efficient it is. That late 90s Whirlpool looks good and will be reliable for you.

As for the dishwasher....they <span style="text-decoration: underline;">have technologically</span> changed. They have moving parts and they have water inside so there is issues with reliability. A dishwasher is the most likely appliance to be found as replaced in older homes because of all the usage they typically get.  70s dishwashers also did not have the best reputation as back then they were still a "new" appliance for the home.

Finding a used one will be more difficult.

Finding a WORKING one will be even more difficult.

A novice <span style="text-decoration: underline;">keeping it working</span> will find that a challenge which might take some of the fun out of the retro experience, if you know what I mean.

There is limited presence of a dishwasher: it's just a 24" base cabinet front. It's very easy to do what you've done to any dishwasher that is simply painting or applying a wrap on the door panel and it's probably the best choice for long term peace in your home and enjoyment of the aethetic.

If it were me, and keep in mind I know how to fix retro dishwashers, and I had a (nearly) completely retro kitchen like yours: I would look for a newer (past 10 years) dishwasher or even a new one. I'd look for something quiet, with 3rd rack, and all the newest options.
Then, I would get some harvest gold (or avocado, coffee, candy pink, or whatever retro color you want) contact paper or wrap and simply do the door.

You could even wrap your white microwave sides. It's affordable, easy, and you won't have headaches of service issues.

If you look at the archives, herein, it's not unusual to find people, such as yourself, who were enthusiastic to get "the real thing" and found a 40 y.o. dishwasher and had someone install it.... but now they have a problem. There's no warranty. It's difficult to find service people now who fix those old machines. You get the picture I hope.

Best of luck to you.


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Hi Corbyn,

 

I don't think it would be that expensive to ship a dishwasher or a stove, but you would ideally want to arrange for shipping yourself as opposed to accepting the buyer's options.  There are certain shippers that members here use, and they are reasonably priced independent operations.  If you find something on line that's far away, make a post here and ask for shipping recommendations.

 

Meanwhile, yours is the epitome of Shirley Jones kitchens (see:  The Partridge Family reruns).  It's beyond refreshing to see a post from someone who wants to celebrate its design style rather than offer appliances they're junking due to a 2022 gut job.
 
 
Buttons appear to be Pots & Pans, Heavy Wash, Normal Wash, Low Energy Wash, China Crystal, Rinse Hold, Hi-Temp Washing, Energy Saver Air Dry, Reset Options.  Rinse Hold appears to be a separate timer cycle at bottom of the dial.

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Best 70s and 80s kitchen appliances

The best gas ranges are going to be caloric, Hardwick or maybe a Tappan from the 70s or 80s try to get one with electric ignition there a lot less trouble.

A self cleaning oven also a plus as they were much more energy efficient.

Unfortunately GE does not make gas ranges until the 90s.

John L
 
I think that Whirlpool dishwasher would be perfect in your kitchen.  If it's old enough it may have extra panels for the front that are harvest gold or avocado.

 

The Caloric range appears to be in the best shape and IMO it's the best looking.  I like the sturdy burner grates on it.  All of the others have flimsy grates that will rattle.
 

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