Robert's (Unimatic1140) KA DW?

[danemodsandy]

O Great and Powerful One:

Mind if I ask what model KitchenAid DW you have in your kitchen pics on the Collections pages? I know it's mid-1960s, but I haven't a clue to the model number. Also, is it an MOL machine?

I'd love to know more about it- what wash arm, how it performs, and if it's an easy machine to work on.

Thanks! P.S.- Stay warm up there!

 

[appnut]

It is a KDI15. It's the first with the 4-way HydroSweep wash arm. It's the MOL between the Custom and Superba. It performs very well, especially after Greg explained to Robert taht the water valve had sediment in it and wasn't filling with water as well as the dishawsher was designed to.

 

[danemodsandy]

Appnut:

Would this be a good vintage daily driver? I'd be particularly interested to know the parts situation.

Thanks!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Actually that KA dishwasher is long gone now. It has been replaced by a 1949 Westinghouse which I am much happier with because it is much quieter and the capacity is somewhat larger being a roll-out drawer model.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Peeking into the Westinghouse at this very moment in time...

 

[Unimatic1140]

And right across from the Westinghouse is my other daily driver. The 1956 Frigidaire Spray Tube dishwasher. I love having two dishwashers right in the kitchen, it comes in very handy sometimes.

 

[tlee618]

Robert, it is always so much fun to see your kitchen!!! It just makes you feel happy!!

 

[danemodsandy]

That's Me....

A day late and a dollar short.

Wish I'd known about that KA when you were taking it out! Of course, freight woulda been a killer, too.

My search continues...

P.S.- The Westy is nice, very nice!

 

[gedish1947]

westinghouse dishwasher

Robert, I love your new Westinghouse dishwasher, that was the same model my mother had when I was a kid. I remember the top rack on the counter while she loaded the bottom, and she always put a glass over the detergent cup filled with Calognite....Thanks for the pics

 

[gansky1]

The KitchenAid KDI-15 began it's life as some may remember as a KDI-55 convertible/portable. Robert installed in his kitchen after painting the panels turquoise. When he replaced it with that gorgeous Westinghouse, I brought the KDI home with me and combined the best of the parts with a KDS-55 I'd found at an estate sale here in Omaha. Here is the finished product. It runs perfectly and like all KA dishwashers, does a fantastic job.

 

[gansky1]

Inside KDS-55

This was the very first appearance of the 4-Way Hydro-Sweep wash arm.

 

[danemodsandy]

Waaah!

Whimperwhimperwhimperwhimper.....

Seriously, I love it! I'll have to keep looking until I find that MOL machine.

Greg, what would you say the parts situation is on this generation of KA's? Motors, pumps, internal seals, etc.? I know timers, door seals and trim can be problematic, but what about the basic running gear?

 

[tomturbomatic]

The other big advance between the 14s and 15s was the dramatic increase in the size of the tank and a much improved detergent dispenser even in the custom model. In the 14 series, the detergent dispenser was only available in the Imperial and Superba models. Where the 14 series had rated down in the "acceptable if you are willing to do more preparation before loading," the 15 series ranked second in "Recommended" right up with the 1965 drop door front loading Westinghouse with the second spray for the upper rack. Our 15 that was installed when the house was built in 1966, was still washing when the house was sold in 2003.

 

[sudsman]

Robert

What a colorful and Happy Kitchen

 

[petek]

It runs perfectly and like all KA dishwashers, does a fanta

Hmmmm not in my kitchen but then it aint vintage.

 

[decodriveboy]

Robert has my dream kitchen....!

 

[varicyclevoice]

Those those pics Greg!

I too have been on a search for a KitchenAid Imperial Dua-Cycle KDI-15. I am sad that Robert's was scrapped out, but hope it was useful for Greg. I know they are getting rare. Would give anything to find one. I have the Superba Vari-cycle. I would also like to find the Custom model too in this line. This series has always been my favorite line for the vintage KitchenAid machines.

For bells and whistles though, nothing beats the KitchenAid Superba KDS-17a. It did everything! Love how the action indicator light remains on if you interrupt the cycle. Plus, I like the motor, wash, and rack design of the 15, 16, 17 series with the plate loading down the center which included the arched upper rack in the center and the deep sides for tall tumblers.

 

[gefliterflo]

Nice dishwashers, I love the KA design, and its a shame it changed in 2000/2001 sometime, I always loves the proclean coated spakled tub. By the way, Robert and Gansky, how much water do your DW's use?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Robert has my dream kitchen....!
Me too

By the way, Robert and Gansky, how much water do your DW's use?
The Frigidaire uses about 9 gallons per cycle, the Westinghouse about 10 gallons per cycle.