The KitchenAid KDS-17 - She's Back!!!!

[fnelson487]

Well, one of my favorite dishwashers is the KitchenAid KDS-17. I bought one new back in Chicago and had it until I moved to LA in 1979. Have had a number of machines including a few later KitchenAids, but have never had one as good as the 17. I am not saying it is the best, but it is definitely my favorite. When I moved back to Chicago, I installed a new KitchenAid tall tub. Not a bad machine, but still not a KDS17. Found one in the desert and shipped it back, and installed it. It ran for years and then the bearings started to go. I reinstalled the KA tall tub until the motor could be replaced. We had a Vacuum gathering here in St. Charles and Robert and Greg came in. Greg replaced the motor and the shaft seal (thanks Steve T!) and she went back in. Here are Greg and Robert putting the old gal back into place!

 

[fnelson487]

Another

Of the (re)installation. Thanks Greg and Robert!

 

[fnelson487]

She's Back

In all her glory!

 

[fnelson487]

Terry Lattz

Made short work of putting her to work.

 

[fnelson487]

Loaded

And ready to go.

 

[washmeup]

KDS-17

We had the same dishwasher growning up but it had a stainless steel interior. The best ever!!!

 

[rollermatic]

KDS-17A

is my all time favorite kitchenaid too! i never can get enough of them! and parts are still plentiful if needed! i have several of these machines myself.

when i was a teen i used to look at these machines in the stores and compare them to the other brands. they really were in a class all by themselves (i always thought).

think it's a combo of that 1/2 hp motor coupled with that 4 way hydrosweep. there was nothing else like it, it was the cadillac of dishwashers in it's day! in fact it still is in my book!

you have a beautiful kitchenaid there!

 

[Unimatic1140]

Yay Fred, thank you for a great weekend, Fred and I had a wonderful time. And that KDS-17 sounds absolutely beautiful!

We all loved playing with your 906 set!

 

[peteski50]

KDS17!

My Sister had the exact same model with custom front panel to match the kitchen. I washed so well and quickly. Looks like you guys had a great time.
Best Wishes,
Peter

 

[tlee618]

Thank you Fred,

Well I begged Fred not to take the Tall Tub KDA out but he just would listen!! Just kidding there. It is so good to have a machine back in place that can do a whole load of dishes in under 45min. and have them come out clean!! We have had so much fun playing with this

 

[appnut]

And it's half full at best!!!

 

[a440]

Fun!

You guys look like you had so much fun!
I agree with Bob...shame on you Terry! Half load in a real Hobart Kitchenaid? They are just to fun to run without waiting for a full load aren't they?
Thanks for the pictures.
Hey....does anyone know where I can get one of the buttons for a KDS-17? I have a KDS-17 that I would love to put in service as a second dishwasher but it is only missing one of the buttons. Everything else is in great shape.
Brent

 

[fnelson487]

Here's What She Replaced

Not bad, but not a 17!

 

[tlee618]

I knew you were going to say that Bob!!

It's just that it is such a fun machine to run and we wanted to hear that sweet sound of a KDS17 running!!

 

[bobbyderegis]

Yay Fred!
Now the dishwasher is as good as the washer and dryer.
Bobby in Boston

 

[fnelson487]

Here's Robert

Explaining the finer points of the KDI-14 wash arm (and it's slight variations from the 12) from the machine in my laundry room right off the kitchen, now back in service with the help of the wonderful folks on this site.

 

[fnelson487]

Here's

The KDI-14. Robert noticed that the bearings are starting to make some noise. Fred S said "Oh, you can fix that this weekend too!" You should have seen the look on Robert's face. Oh well, I guess that will be a project for another weekend at Tarantula Arms.

 

[fnelson487]

And the other sister

The KDS-57 in the laundry room as well. Great for large dinner parties. Used them all at the same time for Thanksgiving.

 

[appnut]

I always like vintage SS appliances. Almoost need a cigarette after looking at them I get such a rush. In retrospect, I love the KDI14 & KDS14, a nce start to the transition of the external style that would take us to the end of the run with the last porcelain interior units.