Viking Dishwasher

[rp2813]

Does anyone know if this is a worthwhile dishwasher or should I stay away? I am looking for something to replace the awful Maytag that's currently in my mom's kitchen and leaving a film on all glassware.

I've been cruising Craig's List for a replacement but currently it seems no local vintage KA machines are being discarded due to remodels, and I really would like a KA.
The 22 model we're leaving behind when we move has been problem-free for almost 18 years but if Viking has a good reputation I'll grab this one.

Thanks,

Ralph

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/hsh/740319060.html

 

[nmaineman36]

Thats an Asko dishwasher in disguise.

 

[cehalstead]

film on glasses.....

....is more likely to be caused by your detergent rather than the machine........(just my 2 cents worth..i could be wrong)

 

[rp2813]

Thanks for the info.

I'd consider detergent as the problem but it's the same stuff I use at home in my KA, which turns out spotless glassware for the most part.

 

[volvoguy87]

Detergent.

Do you and your mother have different water supplies? If so, a chemical or impurity in your mother's water may be reacting with her detergent (or not reacting) and depositing the film. Try swapping detergent and getting her tap water analyzed. If that is the problem, you could risk replacing a dishwasher with no improvement in performance.

I do love vintage KA dishwashers, but if one is not available I think Maytags are the best bang for the buck.

Best of luck,
Dave

 

[polkanut]

Try putting 1tsp. of 20 Mule Team Borax in during the wash cycle. It works miracles, helps to soften the water and breaks down minerals in the water.

 

[rp2813]

The water at Mom's is definitely hard. I'll try Borax. Still, this wasn't a problem until recently, as the dishwasher hasn't been running much over the past year or so, and before that there was no film trouble with the glassware.

 

[rp2813]

It's Still Available

Can anyone advise on how these Viking/Asko machines perform and the approximate age of the subject dishwasher?

Any strange hook-up arrangements I should anticipate?

OK Toggles, take your shot, or should I say I've provided you with the perfect opening?

I'll stop now . . .

 

[maytagbear]

Well..........

It's still made by Asko, and Asko dishwashers have a reputation (at least in the States) for not being too reliable. Other than that, they are said to clean well, be very quiet, and use about two cups of water (an exaggeration).

However, 25.00 would be worth a shot. I'd contact the seller and ask "why?"

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[rp2813]

It's commonplace around here for fairly new appliances to become remodel victims but since in this case the other kitchen appliances aren't included, the dishwasher may have issues. Thanks for the input, Lawrence.

 

[roto204]

They clean well, especially when the control board is shot

Depending on the model, some Askos had weak control boards that tended to fail and cause the machine to not be able to read its sensors and relay states properly. Thus, you'd end up with the world's best dishwasher, since every cycle would last about three hours (the wash would run until the heating delay sequence timed out before proceeding).

That's what happened to me when I found an Asko DW at the local thrift store for $75. It was ULTRA quiet, you could load anything into it (stock pots fit nicely in the top OR bottom rack), and it cleaned absolutely flawlessly. It used so little water that--even with the computer programmed for the shortest fill duration--it would still overfill and have to drain partially before proceeding on each segment of the cycle. Incredible!

Installation was not bad; there is a catch pan under the dishwasher that has to have wires and hoses/lines negotiated over it, but nothing overly nightmarish.

If the control board is bad, though, you might not know until you try it--and even then, the machine may work fine--it'll just run interminably.

That said, if it works, it's a wonderful machine.

Check the racks for missing tines and rust. Mine gave out early.

 

[rp2813]

Thanks Nate. I'm not having much luck with control panels lately. After clearing the counters to stage the house for sale (and it did sell for full asking price and we are in escrow--yippee!), I brought my Capresso grind & brew coffee maker out again and the panel's display was messed up. I could see dim number outlines and when I put pressure on the panel the numbers would appear. Unfortunately, these units are so flimsy that the panel fell inward and there is no way to open the machine up to fix it. I was looking for a reason to dump this coffee maker and now I have it. So I think I'll wait to find a dishwasher that doesn't have electronic controls. I'm old school and will go for knobs and buttons over touchpads any day.

Ralph