The dishwasher you might want to think about is the KitchenAid KD-10, which was introduced in 1949.
Of all the dishwashers available at that time, the KD-10 is closest to what we think of as a modern dishwasher. Other makes and models varied a lot in performance; other members here could advise you better than I on what others might be acceptable performers by today's standards.
The one strange thing about the KD-10 that you'll need to be aware of is that it was available with a gravity drain, meaning a solenoid opened up and that let the water drain out into a floor drain; there was no pump on that model. That means some plumbing changes will be needed in most instances.
Below is a re-post of an AW member's photo from several years ago; is that not the most gorgeous late-Forties styling you ever saw? The entire KitchenAid brochure for the KD-10 is available for download from Automatic Ephemera; just go to www.automatice.org and search on "KitchanAid" in the drop-down list of manufacturers. You'll see the brochure in the listings of what's available. There's a small fee for download, but trust me, you'll get a clearer copy than a vintage original.
'40s and '50s dishwashers were not necessarily the same 24-inch-wide size as today's, so you need to check that dimension as you are assessing dishwashers. Since you have an established kitchen with vintage cabinets, I'm guessing you wouldn't be eager to alter them.
The KitchenAid is pretty much the same size as today's dishwashers.
There was a pump modeled version of the 10. It had the same pump set-up as the KD-11. Although finding a 10 with a pump would be difficult, but keep your eyes open. 10's do show up from time to time.
The KD-11 was very similar to the KD-10; it looks almost identical except for a fancy escutcheon around the handle. Might be easier to find than a 10, and Ben is correct that 10s with pumps are not that common. I can see how my original post could be interpreted to say that no 10s had pumps, but that was not the case.
Sounds like the KD-11 would be the one I want. Excellent information!!! I will start to keep my eye and ears open. Hopefully something will come available in the near future.
....Think of dishwashers to recommend to Joe, it might be worth a look at Joe's truly exceptional 1948 vintage kitchen, which can be seen at this link:
You'll see that Joe has vintage cabinets and other features that he probably isn't going to want to cut up to accommodate some of the oddball-sized dishwashers of the early '50s.
And if you haven't seen Joe's kitchen, you owe it to yourself to take a look anyway!
and KA10/11 is a great choice. The Youngstown of that vintage actually washed quite well also, but being a top-loader that might be a problem... I spent many an hour watching that vertical spray tube go 'round thru the glass window that they so conveniently provided. I think it was that very machine that so impressed me so, and led to my current dishwasher dependency!
love your "pregnant elephant"! As a former '55 and '56 Packard owner, I love ALL things Packard. Those '48-50s were some of their finest, despite the controversial look. What model is it? ...288, 327, or 356 engine?
Thanks guys. What kind of dishwasher is that and what size would it be? My modern dishwasher which I made to look vintage is 24 inches. I need something that would be the same size with a pump for the water and not a gravity drain.
Thanks for looking for me, I really appreciate it.
"You'll see that Joe has vintage cabinets and other features that he probably isn't going to want to cut up to accommodate some of the oddball-sized dishwashers of the early '50s." LOL SANDY!!!!!Oddball!!!!!
Hi Joe! I have a KD 10 that I need to sell! Its in good shape and everything works! Let me know, I live in Orange County CA. My Home# 714-641 1284. My cell is 714 766-9634. Rob.
Does it have a pump on it or is it gravity drain? How wide is it and how tall? And how much do you need for it? Send some pictures please. About how much does it weigh? I am wondering if Fed-EX or USP can ship it.
Hi Joe It is a gravity drain. But I know you can make it into a pump drain. Its stander 24x34. I will be going to my storage unit this week, will take pictures. Joe its heavy 200 lb. I think. Forget Fed-EX or USP!!! LOL! There are some experts on here for shipping things like this. One of I have herd of is Craters and Freighters?,no? Pictures no later than Wednesday! Make me an offer after you see the pictures.