Thread Number: 22890
What is a "Custom by Hobart Energy Saver IV"
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Post# 358027   6/18/2009 at 18:25 (5,396 days old) by dnordenh ()        

Hi! I have a possibility to buy an old Kitchenaid dishwasher for almost nothing. I'm high on my g/f's KDS-58 (KDS-18 as a portable). I'd be interested in the one offered but the seller can't find the nameplate or something. All she can tell me is that it says "Custom by Hobart" and "Energy Saver IV" on it. Can anybody tell me what it is or compare it to the KDS-58/18 for me? Do I want it? Or is it a bad machine?

I can't tell much from the picture. It appears to have a timer knob and hardly any buttons. This suggests a less prestigous model. Is it of comparable quality and durability though? To be honest, I'm not too keen on the knobless/dial-less aspect of the one my g/f has. But I like the performance of hers and the adjustable upper rack and the 'cup keepers'.

One final question: Sadly, my g/f has to part with her KDS-58 portable. Her landlord doesn't want her to have a portable dishwasher and he's not going to put in a permanent one. Yes, I know that's kind of ignorant. But I'm not letting her sell it as is because one of the timer motors has a winding short to case and I don't think she should sell it to somebody who wants to use it in that condition.

The question is, if this mystery machine works, would it easily go into the KDS-58 portable housing? If so I might do a transplant, sell the mystery machine as a portable and keep hers as an under-counter for my own use when I find the right timer motor. If the transplant is not feasible and the mystery machine is satisfying I'll just install that.

I never liked the late-model Whirlpool budget dishwasher that came with my condo. It has only one spray arm. It's got a telescoping sprayer that extends upwards when the thing is running. But I use a lot of plastic ware and this stupid machine launches it into orbit unless I jam it in just right. G/f and others can't load the thing for me. I end up with glasses and plastic tubs full of water sloshing around when I roll the top rack out after the machine finishes. It bugs me...

FWIW: My ex and I owned two homes with ancient Maytag dishwashers that were way better than my cheap Whirlpool!

Thanks all!

Don





Post# 358055 , Reply# 1   6/18/2009 at 20:21 (5,396 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()        

Do I want it? Or is it a bad machine?

GASP --Clutch the pearls-- a bad KitchenAid?

*SMACK, SMACK SMACK,SMACK* LOL


Post# 358068 , Reply# 2   6/18/2009 at 21:10 (5,396 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
In my opinion,

it is a very good machine, and worth restoring.

Custom was indeed KitchenAid's bottom of the line machine, but it had features that were step-up on most other makes.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 358090 , Reply# 3   6/18/2009 at 22:59 (5,396 days old) by soberleaf ()        
that is a custom 19 series machine

i have one of those in my kitchenaid collection. it was the 2nd model to use the upper spray arm as well as the bottom hydrosweep and that particular machine was made from oct. 1979 thru april of 1981. some people say the 18-20 series were the best ever made, they do have a great pump and use that 1/2 hp. motor that hobart kitchenaid was known for. having the upper spray arm makes loading easier than say loading a 17 series which only had the bottom hydrosweep. i personally am partial to the earlier models myself but that's just me.

i would definately grab it if it was a good price. parts are still being made for it's pump and motor by hobart and are easily found. you can't go wrong with a hobart no matter what model it is!


Post# 358114 , Reply# 4   6/19/2009 at 00:31 (5,396 days old) by soberleaf ()        
and also

you could do a transplant. the portable 58 is an 18 series and the other is a 19. the tub and pump and motor are the same, the 18-20 series used the same pump system. it would be some work but it could be done.

regarding whether the custom 19 is as good as a higher end model, it has the same motor, pump, hydrosweep and upper spray arm system as the imperial and superbas. i have a 19 superba and a 19 custom, they are identical machines as far as the pump system and tub goes. i personally like the custom models. i have several.

as far as the portable i would not ditch it if you can find a way to keep it. a kd58 is a great portable! i'm sure it would sell on this site or craigs list! i have 2 portable 57's myself, don't have an 18 portable (yet). if i was closer to you i would be interested.

both machines you are referring to have a great motor and pump and wash system, the best ever made i feel! you can't beat it!

good luck with it



Post# 358115 , Reply# 5   6/19/2009 at 00:33 (5,396 days old) by jakeseacrest (Massachusetts)        

jakeseacrest's profile picture
I have a KDC-60A which is the 20 series. Mine is labeled Energy Saver V Custom by Hobart. Loud as a mother but washes very well. The manual is still on the Kitchen Aid website.

Post# 358147 , Reply# 6   6/19/2009 at 07:04 (5,396 days old) by peteski50 (New York)        
kd 19 series!

peteski50's profile picture
My family had the kds19 series for 25 years. It was a excellent machine. Their was no drying heater in these 19 models. If you used jet dry it dried ok. But without the jetdry the drying results werent that good. I would still grab this custom model it looks like a good deal.
Peter



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