The other possible subtitle of this story is: I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want to hear first?
My video about my Kitchenaid KDS-21 dishwasher, if you want to cut to the chase:
I am a glass-half-full kind of person, so I will start with the good news:
I have a new-to-me vintage Kitchenaid dishwasher installed in the kitchen! Woooooot! Needing a new dishwasher and disgusted by the short lifespans of current dishwashers, I turned to my tried-and-true method: Buy vintage.
To research this topic, the automaticwasher “Imperial” forum was my go-to place. There are several of models that seem popular among the experts, including old Kitchenaid dishwashers still made by Hobart or using Hobart technology. These are apparently a DREAM in terms of longevity. And automaticwasher.org is a DREAM in terms of expertise! So fun!
So I started regularly searching craigslist. Finally, I went for the pounce and recently, drove four hours roundtrip to buy this beautiful KDS-21 Kitchenaid Superba dishwasher. The dishwasher was in wonderful condition — the seller was remodeling. I also got two original booklets, a features-and-usage booklet and an installation guide. My plumber Paul — who also had installed my Dishmaster — came the same week I called and was a dream to work with in terms of getting the dishwasher into the space and all hooked up.
Okay, the bad news:
She won’t turn on. We are sure there is electricity coming out of the plug.
Before I try and find someone locally who can help get my darling Kitchenaid going, I will be reaching out to automaticwasher for help.
Midmorning update #1: The folks at automaticwasher responded immediately to my “Damsel in Dish-tress” post on their site. Within the hour, “toploader” asked me if a “white rubber pointy thing” was where it should be, providing more info.
Well golly, wouldn’t you know it, but indeed, a little white rubber pointy thing HAD popped off the dishwasher at some point early on, and we couldn’t figure out where it had come from. Fortunately, I had saved it. And even more fortunately, I put it somewhere where I found it.
So now I need to glue it back on. It’s some kind of sensor trigger or something — when you close the door, the white rubber pointy thingy presses a metal thingy. Maybe this means “the door is really closed”? I don’t know.
I also heard from another helpful automaticwasher-er where I could get a replacement if the glue does not hold.
Interestingly, I am not particularly annoyed by how this played out — update: is playing out. After all, around here we do things The Hard Way. And even sans suds, I give this project “three steps forward” because golly, my vintage Kitchenaid dishwasher is so pretty. So collectible. So substantial. And assuming I can get her working: A proven workhorse!
Kathy says
Hello from the lady with the “Betty Crocker” covered dishwasher! Remember me? My 1991 Kitchenaid “whisper quiet” mdl KUDS230BWHO F is still going strong! Just wanted to pass on a tip that helped me about a year ago when I needed parts. We had a bad leak! We found a mouse had chewed part of the plastic water fill hose! Anyway, you know how repairmen usually say sorry we can’t get parts that old? Well, here’s my tip: If you have your model #, you can go to http://www.automaticappliance.com and look up the diagram for ALL the PARTS and each diagram page you can also print out a PARTS LIST for so you know what the actual part # is and can either see if they have one in stock (or the current replacement for same part) or do what I did for the adjustable legs and the fill hose and check Ebay. By golly! There was a brand new, in the package, fill hose for sale, and I found nice used set of legs since one of mine rusted out and broke when we pulled the machine out to repair it. The diagrams sure helped in putting back together too! Parts can be had but you need to know the part number! Good luck and repair safe!
linoleummy says
Another vote for not changing the color. Your delicious kitchen is rich enough to add a pop of duller.
We’re still using the ’84 GE Permatuf that was here when we bought the place. The time we thought it might need work,sprung a leak, it was just using detergent pods with our soft water made it suds over the top of the tub. The water softener has made all the difference in the functionality of the dishwasher. It cleans very well with no pre-rinsing and leaves no spots. I did have to re-build the old ’87 water softener a year & a half ago though.
Dennis says
Congratulations on your purchase! We are still using a circa late ’70s Kitchen Aid by Hobart dishwasher on a daily basis. It was in our house when we bought it in 2013. It does a GREAT job, though it is rather loud during part of the cycle. I hope it will continue providing faithful service for years to come!
Steven says
I think they still make a few dishwashers with electromechanical controls
Chris says
This is very cool. Looks nice. I think the white looks good too. I grew up with and old 60s dishwasher but it had a knob. Right now we are coaxing along our 20+ yr old dishwasher that I like very much. You make me optimistic that we can keep it for a more long while. Our Tappan gas stove is over 30 and just needed a light bulb replaced ;).
Jay says
Pam, please keep us apprised of the “fix” and let us know that it’s up and running. It sounds like these old Hobart KA dish washers were designed and built for the long haul. If one of these was in my kitchen I would be loathe to part with it. I like the old electro-mechanical buttons and dials (pre solid state/computer boards).
Katherine says
Pam, you will never find a bigger fan of turquoise/acquamarine than I am, but I like the look of your white (cream?) vintage dishwasher in the midst of your gorgeous acquamarine cabinetry. It looks more authentic that way. If I were you (which I most assuredly am not; I don’t, more’s the pity, have a tiki lounge in my house – yet), I wouldn’t change the front panel.
Pam Kueber says
Thanks. Yes, I might keep it that way…. I’m thinking about it.
Laura Ainsworth says
I agree, Pam. It would look great as part of a wide swath of teal (my favorite color!), but as long as you have this sooooooo authentic kitchen appliance, why not call a bit of attention to it by letting it stand out?
mike daniels says
such an amazing kitchen. turquoise my favorite color. i noticed your stove is white and since the dishwasher looks white i think it would compliment the stove . such a great piece either way )
Joyce B. says
I wanted to put in a testimonial for one of your advertisers. AntiqueAppliances.com saved me and my 1950s vintage fridge. I emailed photos of the issue with a door and John came back with a detailed reply about how it could be taken apart, what to watch for and what not to worry about. Turns out with his instruction, my handyman was able to fix the closure issue without buying a thing, so I’m paying it forward with a plug for them. This guy seems to know his stuff and next time I have an issue, or need a new gasket, I’m going straight to them. Thought this might be helpful for anyone else with missing or broken bits that need a hint on where to go.
KennyT123 says
Joyce, I couldn’t agree more. My 1940s Philco fridge has a new gasket courtesy of AA. I like them so much my 1941 GE Fridge is going to “the spa” to be refurbished. As far as environmental issues with old fridges–my electric bill dropped when I unplugged my 2014 GE fridge and plugged in my Philco with its new gasket. I’m all for the old stuff–hold onto it for dear life. People forget the old stuff was made better because people demanded it. When money is tight endurance is much more important than style.
Hettie says
Mine came with the house…a house built in 1900, with a kitchen remodeled in the early 60s with a KitchenAid dishwasher ( built by Hobart) that lasted over 50 years . When it stopped draining, I couldn’t find parts or I would still have it. The new touch screens are a nightmare…give me push buttons again please!!!
Jenny says
Our house came with this dishwasher. I’m pretty sure it was circa 1986. It lasted about 30 years. I still miss it. I hope you get it working and get to use it for years to come!