Thinking about getting this KA Superba

[frogkid11]

Hi forum,
I posted previously about a portable KA Imperial portable being converted to built in but then I found this KA Superba. From the reading I have done here, the Superba seems to be the TOL for the day and this one is in the stainless finish. It appears to need some cleaning up and there are no pictures of the inside, but I have asked for them.

Please advise is there are specific things I should look for on the Superba model that would be red flags to stay away from the model. If this one works out, it would complete my vintage kitchen redo project and I could finally sit back and enjoy all the awesome appliances.

Thanks in advance for all of your thoughts - this is such a great place with some extremely helpful appliance lovers.

 

[rp2813]

A KDS16, I'm guessing

A model dear to my heart, as it may be the only major appliance ever to include a selection of "Party" cycles, even if "Cancel Drain" is among them.

 

The stainless panels (presuming there's a lower one) aren't all that common, so that's a plus.  This is a top of the line machine.  If the interior is in good shape and you can trust the seller to be honest about the machine's current working order, it's a good choice if it's priced right.  I couldn't see paying more than $100 for it, and that's factoring in the stainless steel.

 

[appnut]

this is a 1-wash arm wonder s it's referred.  Requires 140 degree or hotter water for it to clean.  Have to be careful how it's loaded.

 

[chachp]

Nice looking machine

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">That's a nice looking dishwasher.  The fact that it has the stainless panels really is a plus because they don't show up much anymore.  It's not likely you will be able to run it but here are the things I always look at:</span>

<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">First and foremost I look underneath the machine to see if there any signs of leaking and from where they are coming is important.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Check out the wiring to see if it appears to be intact.  You likely can't do a complete inspection but you'll want to make sure some critters haven't ever taken a home in there and chewed things up and also look to see if they appear to be in good shape.  No burn marks or anything on the wires.  Sometimes these machines have been stored in garages and sheds and mice have taken a home in there and they can sometime cause a lot of damage.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">On the inside see how the racks look.  Do they slide easily?  Do they have any rust?  These are not impossible to find but not the easiest.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Does the spray arm move freely?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Lift the spray arm and check the sump for rust.  It's common to have a little but a plus if none.  If there is a little are there corresponding leak marks in the same place underneath?</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Really, for me, the only show stopper is rust in the bottom and leaks in the same places underneath.  And for some here even that doesn't scare them as they have patched rust spots.  I have just never tackled rust issues.  With the help of those here and places like eBay you can likely find just about any part you need for that machine.  When I bought my 15 series Superba I was amazed at what I found in these two places.  Actually, I found everything I needed.  As a matter of fact just a week or two ago I saw a timer and a few other parts for this machine on eBay.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">As Bob mentioned this machine does not have a center wash arm so you have to load the machine correctly or dishes on top may not get clean.  Some have issues with this but I don't.  In my opinion it just adds charm to the whole notion of using a vintage machine.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Good luck.  You could always also buy that 16 series portable you saw and use it for parts.  The racks looked good and the motors are interchangeable as is the Overflow and many other parts. </span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Care to share pics of your vintage kitchen?</span>

 

[frogkid11]

Update: This may not be the right machine for me :-(

I heard back from the seller and it seems the $75 asking price is for a double oven wall unit and this dishwasher. He says he doesn't have the bottom kick plate and the unit stored away at the moment and he can't get pictures of the inside until the weekend. This machine is about a 2 hour drive south for me so I would want to make sure it's a great example before committing to that drive.

Based on the fact that I don't need a double oven wall unit and the missing kick plate, I'm guessing those are signs that this one isn't meant for me unless folks here indicate that this is the model KA I should go after. Thanks for your assistance in trying to help me get to a decision.

chachp, I would be glad to share the pics of my kitchen transformation - should I post them here (it's just the Frigidaire Imperial Frost Proof and matching Flair oven at this point) or should I put them under a different category? Just want to make sure I'm not "breaking" any forum rules

 

[chachp]

Pictures

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">If I were starting a new thread on this topic I'd probably do it in the Super Forum but since this is technically related to this thread I don't know that anyone would object to adding them here.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">I'm not an expert on the subject but I suspect if there is an issue someone will let you know. </span>

 

[rp2813]

I'd say start a new thread in Super if you'd like to give everybody an opportunity to see the pictures.

 

Nobody is going to expect to see anything besides a KA dishwasher in this thread.