what model Kitchenaid is this?

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Front Panels:

Are called "inserts," and they are removable and interchangeable on this model, which has the "trim kit" frame around the door and access panel.

All you have to do is loosen the screws and remove the top piece on each of the frames; the insert will then slip out. You can then replace the insert with whatever you like, up to (I think) 1/8 inch thick.

KA panels sometimes turn up on eBay, or a sheet-metal shop can cut you pieces to fit; you would just need to spray them in the appliance color you like.

So - don't let the current insert panels stop you!
 
All you can do is keep an eye out.  I've seen far more of these models with white/almond control panels than black ones, so it may take a while to find what you need.

 

Neither the 22 or 23 series was produced by Hobart.  The 22 still had the basic Hobart design, and the 23 got the new and improved Whirlpool Power Clean module which is immediately evident below the 4-Way Hydrosweep wash arm on a visual inspection of the interior.

[this post was last edited: 10/29/2014-15:55]
 
Correct me if I am wrong, but the original poster (askolover) is asking about switching out the actual top control panel, as well as the door and access panel panels. This requires much more work than replacing an insert, and would also be much harder to find, as it would need to be model specific. Stevet will be able to confirm this.
 
Panel Swap

First, you need to find out if either the 22 or 23 Architect series even came in Black. When they came out, White and Almond were still very popular cabinet colors and black was just starting to appear. Check the parts breakdowns for those models and see if a black one was available.
Also, if it is a 22 series, it has the "Rinsed Only" light and if it's a 23 it will have that light but will say "Please Wait" You may want the correct one for authenticity.

I have a Superba 22 with the classic KA style controls and it has the standard sized panels that fit the 18 thru 23 standard style machines.And it has the chrome handle too!

I would truly consider swapping with you as our kitchen is white and I think the Architect panel looks more contemporary. As long as the white hasn't yellowed too much!

The Architect door panels are shorter and the lower panel is the same on all models and series.

Either way, if the machine is decent, take it as they may have left the original 4 color panels inside the door or else, as suggested, find a set and have them painted.

Any of the standard panels will work for you if you find the black control panel as you will just have to cut the door panel to fit. Maybe you can find a decent donor machine and use the panels from it.The metal is not thick and can probably be cut by scoring it a few times with a good, sharp utility knife.

Hope this helps.
 
A black and white thing....

Greg--
I have two of these 22 machines myself. One is off-white/beige panel as in photo you posted, other is white (much better, visually). I'd really wanted to install one of them in the kitchen, but got seriously tired of hunting for a black control panel insert to make it work in the room style-wise.

Out of nowhere popped up a 23 model Architect series in black. So I bought it. I've been running it for two months. IMPRESSIVE--and visually satisfying the need I had for all black. I absolutely do not "need" it...as I've got a chrome and black KUDS23 (non-Architect series) which is my forever machine...so, the monochromatic black 23 I mentioned is here should you or anyone else want one.

A note on those control panel inserts: They are thin aluminum--tabs on back fold down and you *should* be able to pop them out easily, but not always. Occasionally, there is some amount of adhesive or debris from a kitchen which has found its way behind there--and if that is the case, it is VERY easy to bend/crease the metal when it doesn't want to let loose. Fair warning! Easily damaged, cosmetically!
 
Also....

The 22 Architect Series began circa 1989. The two I have are 1990, the 23 Architect version in black that I have is circa 1995/6. Last one before they began that plasticky Sculptura style face with S/S interior tub.
 
3 pics of a 23 series Architect

Pardon the lint and fingerprints...haven't cleaned this in a few days!! Note that the 23 model in the Architect series DOES NOT HAVE CHROME CONTROL PANEL FRAME (the 22 does). On the 23 it is very heavy ABS/Plastic. There are also 10 control buttons on the 23 Architect (due to these having a RESET OPTIONS button, a START button and a 6 HOUR DELAY button). I find this the biggest advantage over the traditional KA 23 design machine--you get a bit more control over your settings this way vs. having to start over if you screw anything up on the other model.

funktionalart-2014103000581307479_1.jpg

funktionalart-2014103000581307479_2.jpg

funktionalart-2014103000581307479_3.jpg
 
Thanks for those pictures. Is there a difference between the 22 and 23 regarding the sound or noise the machine make?
 
Aww man

I wish I had that black one! But you are in AZ and I'm in TN. They don't pop up here very often. Found one in Alabama a couple weeks ago, but I had to work all weekend and it was sold by the time my vacation started. I just don't know what to do...get a machine that is visually not what I want or just hold off and wait a while longer. My Maytag is still trucking right along...I'll probably keep it in mother-in-law's basement as a spare...but I just really want one of the last good Kitchenaids.
 
Greg--finding a black Superba

in this style is NOT easy. They don't seem to pop up anywhere that often (probably because people know how good they are...). Like I mentioned, I got so tired of trying to find a black panel for one of my 22s that I just made it a very long mission to find a monochromatic black one ready to use. I have an all black kitchen cabinetry scheme and any machine other than black sticks out like a sore thumb. If you're not in a huge hurry, just make a point of looking constantly for one. It becomes a full time job....

As for the one I have...If you think you might ever have interest in it, shipping CAN be done relatively inexpensively via Greyhound GPX. Yes...the bus line. I've used them for things this size for years and years. I believe their weight limit is circa 100-125lbs, and they limit insurance coverage to something like $300. But it gets there quick, and my tentative guess on cost from here to there is in the region of $100-130. They have a cost calculator on their website, though.
 
Bogo~re; quietness...

The 22 and 23 (to my ear, anyway) are relatively close in noise level. I don't find either of them intrusive -- far quieter than the earlier (Hobart) ones, but still--they are NOT dead silent like a new Bosch or Miele...
 
Hey thanks Allen, I may take you up on that

BTW...my middle name is Allen

My current Maytag isn't exactly a churchmouse ha-ha. I remember mom's '74 being quite loud with that Hobart whine. Her current '94 is much quieter but still has that familiar sound. Ironically...I used to have a monochromatic white kitchen... but have gradually changed the appliances out to black with white cabinets. My compactor is still white, I'm watching ebay for the black pieces I need to convert it to black but it isn't noticeable.

I'll keep this in mind if something doesn't pop up here in the near future. I'm not opposed to a custom or imperial model either if it were black and less buttons to tear up. Water heating isn't an issue for me so much because my water heater is set high enough...my Maytag temp sense doesn't even kick on but once in a blue moon when I've done a load of laundry at the same time.

I didn't know that about Greyhound...I'll have to remember that. That seller on eBay with the "refurbished" Hobart/Kitchenaids wants an arm and a leg to ship from Decatur, IL. I just want something good and I don't like the new models that don't use enough water and take hours and hours to wash a load. As Tim the Toolman on Home Improvement used to say, "What we need is More Power!"[this post was last edited: 10/31/2014-01:57]
 
Ebay refurbs...

Yes--I've watched that seller for a long, long time. Doesn't seem to move very many of those--and it's almost crazy to think that anyone will buy considering starting price PLUS exorbitant shipping cost.

I've been happy to pay $100-150 for a couple of the ones I have here. I'd have to pay more than that for hard-to-find racks for one of these! There is no replacing "vintage" KA quality with anything new at this sort of cost. So, I've got a few backup units now at a fraction of the cost of a brand new machine. My "keeper" was actually quite cheap--so all the better for my wallet.

Have to agree with you on wanting "something good"--hence my lifelong thing for KAs. Personally, I also want a substantially/solidly built machine which uses water, has no silicon / computer componentry and makes all the right sounds....with the benefit of getting the job done in a respectable timeframe.
 
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