vintagelove
Active member
Found this on FB Marketplace and was wondering if it was worth buying?
They're asking $50. Not sure how old it is.
They're asking $50. Not sure how old it is.
Should I buy this G.E. GSD500D-03AW?
- Thread starter vintagelove
- Start date
Help Support :
GE Dishwasher!
I had the same exact model in my apartment I lived in years ago. It did a decent job considering their was no filter. GE later had a recall on this model because of the energy switch default!
I had the same exact model in my apartment I lived in years ago. It did a decent job considering their was no filter. GE later had a recall on this model because of the energy switch default!
reactor
Well-known member
GE bol dishwasher
Are you wanting it for dishwashing purposes or to collect it as a vintage item?
It is a 1980's model at is a bottom line model. As Peteski50 stated, it does not have the passive filtration system, nor does it have the deluxe upper rack which does better at holding taller stemware/glassware and has dedicated spaces for bowls and saucers.
If you need a cheap dishwasher, period, this is OK. It will wash fine, but not as well as the higher line General Electric models of the same vintage, the models above the 900 series.
With that being said, this is a little overpriced. I would never pay $50 for it. When I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, $20 was about as high as we could get for these GE BOL models.
If you want a collectible, this item will probably never be considered collectible. If you want if for a daily driver, it's fine, but I would try to talk them down to about $20 or 25. Even better, wait until something better comes along for the same $50.
I see better GE's, Whirlpool and Maytag's for around $50 everyday on FB Marketplace, even vintage ones.
Are you wanting it for dishwashing purposes or to collect it as a vintage item?
It is a 1980's model at is a bottom line model. As Peteski50 stated, it does not have the passive filtration system, nor does it have the deluxe upper rack which does better at holding taller stemware/glassware and has dedicated spaces for bowls and saucers.
If you need a cheap dishwasher, period, this is OK. It will wash fine, but not as well as the higher line General Electric models of the same vintage, the models above the 900 series.
With that being said, this is a little overpriced. I would never pay $50 for it. When I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, $20 was about as high as we could get for these GE BOL models.
If you want a collectible, this item will probably never be considered collectible. If you want if for a daily driver, it's fine, but I would try to talk them down to about $20 or 25. Even better, wait until something better comes along for the same $50.
I see better GE's, Whirlpool and Maytag's for around $50 everyday on FB Marketplace, even vintage ones.
According to the serial number, the month of manufacture was August, 1983.
lawrence
lawrence
vintagelove
Active member
I need a dishwasher. Every review I've read for any new appliance is depressing, with most new ones seeming to last less than 5 years.
Re: Reply #4
Just because it's old does not mean it is good. It is a bottom of the line machine. It does not have a filter and because of the restrictive loading patterns the racks do not hold much. Look for a used Whirlpool dishwasher. They are not that expensive, wash better and hold more because most models, like the ones you should consider, have a wash arm under the upper rack.
If you are thinking that any older dishwasher is better than a new one that's not true and putting up with a piece of junk dishwasher is no joy.
Just because it's old does not mean it is good. It is a bottom of the line machine. It does not have a filter and because of the restrictive loading patterns the racks do not hold much. Look for a used Whirlpool dishwasher. They are not that expensive, wash better and hold more because most models, like the ones you should consider, have a wash arm under the upper rack.
If you are thinking that any older dishwasher is better than a new one that's not true and putting up with a piece of junk dishwasher is no joy.
Re: Reply #5
First house I bought had an early 1980s Frigidaire with no apparent filter, did more water changes to compensate. Shortly later I washed a skillet with residual ground beef that I didn't scrape much (per previous experience with my family's 1975 KitchenAid Imperial, which handled it fine). The Frigidaire left ground beef particulates on everything. I promptly bought a KitchenAid Superba.
First house I bought had an early 1980s Frigidaire with no apparent filter, did more water changes to compensate. Shortly later I washed a skillet with residual ground beef that I didn't scrape much (per previous experience with my family's 1975 KitchenAid Imperial, which handled it fine). The Frigidaire left ground beef particulates on everything. I promptly bought a KitchenAid Superba.
maytaglvr
Well-known member
TOL n Free
Not sure where you are located but this is much nicer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/159007035994602/?ref=facebook_story_share
Not sure where you are located but this is much nicer https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/159007035994602/?ref=facebook_story_share
vintagelove
Active member
What about this one? And what would be a fair price?
GE Nautilus gsd2230f01ww
GE Nautilus gsd2230f01ww
vintagelove
Active member
I'm in Louisiana
vintagelove
Active member
I know that just because an appliance is old/older doesn't mean it's good. That's why I search for reviews when possible and ask for help here.
vintagelove
Active member
Or this one. Waiting for more info. All ad says is Kenmore.
RE: reply #11 That looks like a WP-made machine.
vintagelove
Active member
Or this one. Whirlpool.
www.facebook.com
Log into Facebook
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
reactor
Well-known member
vintage DW's
There is not one thing wrong with the GE you posted, its just BOL and doesn't have some of the capabilities of higher level GE's.
My parents has a similar GE, about ten years older, it was a next to the TOL Potscrubber. It had, basically, the same wash system, however, and similar racks, just a few more cycles to give an extended wash, etc.
It washed quite well. We had a Modern Maid (D&M) previous to the GE. The GE washed rings around the Modern Maid, and my mom exclaimed, shortly after we got the GE, "I never knew a dishwasher could be so good!" It did not have the food filter as the one you posted does not but it did a very good job.
You would like it. Yes you can get the better deluxe rack, but you can still hold plenty of dishes in that rack. It might be nice to have some sound insulation and an exstended cycle for pots/pans. But for a good basic machine, that GE is fine.a
The point is, it's too expensive for it's age and being BOL. For the same 50 you can get an upper level GE with the filter which will give you slightly shinier dishes. I have had both. I prefer the filtered models, but the unfiltered still do a good job. Better than many other brands.
The GSD 2230, if I recall, also does not have the passive filtration. But it does have a slightly better wash arm, and it has the "Hot Start" option if you have a long run from your hot water tank to your kitchen, or your water is not as hot as you would like it.
It also has the extended wash. But aesthetically, you have a yellowed control panel which doesn't look too good, and you have the same top rack as in the BOL you posted. It will still do a good job, overall, however. But that doen't mean you can't do better for similar costs.
If you are not in a hurry, keep looking. I have many back issues of Consumer Reports if you find something and want me to give you the comparative ratings, just ask.
No matter what brand, the killers for all dishwashers are:
1.) hard water (hardness above about 12 grains per gallon TDS (total dissolved solids) will show in your dishwasher performance. When you get into the 20's and higher TDS you are binding your detergent molecules with the calclium so you will get reduced washing performance and you may get calcium (calcite) spots remaining on your glassware and flatware...possibly even with a rinse agent.
2.) Water entering your dishwasher less than 120 deg F. I can't tell you how many people I know who set their hot water tanks at 120 deg F and then complain about washing ability of their machine. Water must ENTER your machine at least at a temp of 120 deg F. A typical home sees an average of 8 deg to 12 drop in temperature as water flows through the household plumbing. Using a cooking thermometer and check your water temperature at the sink closest to your dishwasher and it runs for awhile. Set your water heater so it is at least 120 coming out of the faucets. (I keep so so water at the machine is 134 deg F) Also flush cold water before you start the machine (unless you have GE's "Hot Start.)
3.) Cheap or poorly formulated detergent. Look in Consumer Reports and get a decent DW detergent. Pennywise is pound foolish and buying a cheap store brand detergent or otherwise poor performer will not be doing you or you dishwasher any favors.
There are some exceptions, but Consumer Reports found, in general, the best performers were the packets/tablets. Powders tended to be middling and, in general, the gels were at the bottom...as were many of the "ecology" brands.
I like Cascade Platinum 16X, Finish Powerball Max-In-One, and Finish Quantum. All seem to work well in a variety of water chemistries and good are removing most food residue. I alternate between these three. Check Consumer Reports for the most recent tests.
Many on this site have their favorite machines, so do I. There are many, many good machines, especially vintage ones that will do an amazing job for you. Mind the three things above, Soft water, Hot water and Quality Detergent and your machine will thank you.
There is not one thing wrong with the GE you posted, its just BOL and doesn't have some of the capabilities of higher level GE's.
My parents has a similar GE, about ten years older, it was a next to the TOL Potscrubber. It had, basically, the same wash system, however, and similar racks, just a few more cycles to give an extended wash, etc.
It washed quite well. We had a Modern Maid (D&M) previous to the GE. The GE washed rings around the Modern Maid, and my mom exclaimed, shortly after we got the GE, "I never knew a dishwasher could be so good!" It did not have the food filter as the one you posted does not but it did a very good job.
You would like it. Yes you can get the better deluxe rack, but you can still hold plenty of dishes in that rack. It might be nice to have some sound insulation and an exstended cycle for pots/pans. But for a good basic machine, that GE is fine.a
The point is, it's too expensive for it's age and being BOL. For the same 50 you can get an upper level GE with the filter which will give you slightly shinier dishes. I have had both. I prefer the filtered models, but the unfiltered still do a good job. Better than many other brands.
The GSD 2230, if I recall, also does not have the passive filtration. But it does have a slightly better wash arm, and it has the "Hot Start" option if you have a long run from your hot water tank to your kitchen, or your water is not as hot as you would like it.
It also has the extended wash. But aesthetically, you have a yellowed control panel which doesn't look too good, and you have the same top rack as in the BOL you posted. It will still do a good job, overall, however. But that doen't mean you can't do better for similar costs.
If you are not in a hurry, keep looking. I have many back issues of Consumer Reports if you find something and want me to give you the comparative ratings, just ask.
No matter what brand, the killers for all dishwashers are:
1.) hard water (hardness above about 12 grains per gallon TDS (total dissolved solids) will show in your dishwasher performance. When you get into the 20's and higher TDS you are binding your detergent molecules with the calclium so you will get reduced washing performance and you may get calcium (calcite) spots remaining on your glassware and flatware...possibly even with a rinse agent.
2.) Water entering your dishwasher less than 120 deg F. I can't tell you how many people I know who set their hot water tanks at 120 deg F and then complain about washing ability of their machine. Water must ENTER your machine at least at a temp of 120 deg F. A typical home sees an average of 8 deg to 12 drop in temperature as water flows through the household plumbing. Using a cooking thermometer and check your water temperature at the sink closest to your dishwasher and it runs for awhile. Set your water heater so it is at least 120 coming out of the faucets. (I keep so so water at the machine is 134 deg F) Also flush cold water before you start the machine (unless you have GE's "Hot Start.)
3.) Cheap or poorly formulated detergent. Look in Consumer Reports and get a decent DW detergent. Pennywise is pound foolish and buying a cheap store brand detergent or otherwise poor performer will not be doing you or you dishwasher any favors.
There are some exceptions, but Consumer Reports found, in general, the best performers were the packets/tablets. Powders tended to be middling and, in general, the gels were at the bottom...as were many of the "ecology" brands.
I like Cascade Platinum 16X, Finish Powerball Max-In-One, and Finish Quantum. All seem to work well in a variety of water chemistries and good are removing most food residue. I alternate between these three. Check Consumer Reports for the most recent tests.
Many on this site have their favorite machines, so do I. There are many, many good machines, especially vintage ones that will do an amazing job for you. Mind the three things above, Soft water, Hot water and Quality Detergent and your machine will thank you.
Dishwasher Detergent
As discussed in other threads, I've tried only Cascade Platinum packs/pods/whatever. Can't use them, cause so much sudsing that 1) the spray pump gets starved for water which leads to 2) reduced spray force and volume and 3) the spray arm rotation gets bogged-down in the suds. Perhaps another brand/formula would work but I don't like that the dosage can't be controlled as it can be with powders.
As discussed in other threads, I've tried only Cascade Platinum packs/pods/whatever. Can't use them, cause so much sudsing that 1) the spray pump gets starved for water which leads to 2) reduced spray force and volume and 3) the spray arm rotation gets bogged-down in the suds. Perhaps another brand/formula would work but I don't like that the dosage can't be controlled as it can be with powders.
There is nothing wrong with the dishwasher except that it is a BOLPOS. Don't buy trouble unless you like to put a lot of effort into preparing dishes before loading them and are willing to wash certain items by hand because they will not fit and/or will block water to the upper rack.
reactor
Well-known member
Ge dishwasher
It's a good machine, VintageLove. the GE BOL has a soft-food waste disposer. We had our GE tower wash, with basically the same washing system as the one you posted, for a little over seven years, it did quite well. No pre-rinsing required at all.
The tub eventually got a rust hole is why it was replaced. The GE in your picture has a polymer tub and that solves that problem.
The only problems caused by it being the BOL unit, is lack of sound insulation and no extended wash (such as the Pot Scrubber Cycle) which doesn't matter unless you do lots of pots/pans with baked on material. If you do then, yes, take your fifty dollars get a higher line Pot Scrubber model.
As far as the tower washer. I love GE's tower wash as you don't have to worry about tall items such as knives or spatulas or tall serving plates blocking the upper wash arm and preventing the upper rack from getting washed cleanly. It really gives easy and flexible loading....and really cleans glassware well.
The upper rack on the BOL was the same on my mom's, next to the TOP, and it holds a lot and is very flexible. The biggest difference between it and the deluxe rack is depth. If you have extra tall stemware. My mom had crystal stemware but it wasn't the extra tall you see but standard and it fit in fine. In capacity there is really very little difference.
I've been performance test dishwashers for almost forty years. In the houses I live in the underside of the cabinet deteriorates because of all the dishwashers mounting screws going in and out, ha. So I have to replace the strip of wood below the countertop often.
I have had more GE tower dishwashers than any brand. They are good solid performers...reliable and easy to repair with flexible and easy loading.
check your local Habitat for Humanity, and other local thrift stores as well as Craigslist and FB Marketplace. If I knew where you lived I, and others, could look for you.
I just saw a Maytag Reverse Rack for FRRE that is in good shape (Reverse Rack refers to the fact you put plates on the top rack and glassware on the bottom.) There was also GE 2800 that was 25 dollars. It was GE's star-performer tower wash. Got the #1 rating in Consumer Reports one year. One of the early all electronic models.
Looking at the later seventies, through 1980's through early nineties, depending on the year GE Tower Wash, Maytag Reverse Rack, Kitchen-Aid and Whirlpool all rated in the top echelon's of dishwashers. All good machines. I like them all and have had multiples of each. They each have their own cool personalities. They are all good machines, because each has differing features or specific operating characteristics, we have all developed our personal favorites.
As far as what you get, a lot depends of if you really would like a classic/vintage machine or you just want a dishwasher, period.
It's a good machine, VintageLove. the GE BOL has a soft-food waste disposer. We had our GE tower wash, with basically the same washing system as the one you posted, for a little over seven years, it did quite well. No pre-rinsing required at all.
The tub eventually got a rust hole is why it was replaced. The GE in your picture has a polymer tub and that solves that problem.
The only problems caused by it being the BOL unit, is lack of sound insulation and no extended wash (such as the Pot Scrubber Cycle) which doesn't matter unless you do lots of pots/pans with baked on material. If you do then, yes, take your fifty dollars get a higher line Pot Scrubber model.
As far as the tower washer. I love GE's tower wash as you don't have to worry about tall items such as knives or spatulas or tall serving plates blocking the upper wash arm and preventing the upper rack from getting washed cleanly. It really gives easy and flexible loading....and really cleans glassware well.
The upper rack on the BOL was the same on my mom's, next to the TOP, and it holds a lot and is very flexible. The biggest difference between it and the deluxe rack is depth. If you have extra tall stemware. My mom had crystal stemware but it wasn't the extra tall you see but standard and it fit in fine. In capacity there is really very little difference.
I've been performance test dishwashers for almost forty years. In the houses I live in the underside of the cabinet deteriorates because of all the dishwashers mounting screws going in and out, ha. So I have to replace the strip of wood below the countertop often.
I have had more GE tower dishwashers than any brand. They are good solid performers...reliable and easy to repair with flexible and easy loading.
check your local Habitat for Humanity, and other local thrift stores as well as Craigslist and FB Marketplace. If I knew where you lived I, and others, could look for you.
I just saw a Maytag Reverse Rack for FRRE that is in good shape (Reverse Rack refers to the fact you put plates on the top rack and glassware on the bottom.) There was also GE 2800 that was 25 dollars. It was GE's star-performer tower wash. Got the #1 rating in Consumer Reports one year. One of the early all electronic models.
Looking at the later seventies, through 1980's through early nineties, depending on the year GE Tower Wash, Maytag Reverse Rack, Kitchen-Aid and Whirlpool all rated in the top echelon's of dishwashers. All good machines. I like them all and have had multiples of each. They each have their own cool personalities. They are all good machines, because each has differing features or specific operating characteristics, we have all developed our personal favorites.
As far as what you get, a lot depends of if you really would like a classic/vintage machine or you just want a dishwasher, period.
vintagelove
Active member
I live near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I'm looking for a dishwasher that will wash dishes without having to hand wash them first, won't burn my house down and won't die in less than 2 years.
So, a dishwasher. I'm concerned with performance and reliability, not looks. Not stainless steel. Not a smart appliance that does handstands and wishes me good morning.
Just a basic dishwasher that works.
Thank you all for helping me. I appreciate it.
So, a dishwasher. I'm concerned with performance and reliability, not looks. Not stainless steel. Not a smart appliance that does handstands and wishes me good morning.
Just a basic dishwasher that works.
Thank you all for helping me. I appreciate it.
