Thread Number: 74342
/ Tag: Vintage Dishwashers
Need Advice on KDC-18 KitchenAid Hobart Dishwasher |
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Post# 981255 , Reply# 1   2/4/2018 at 14:53 (2,272 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 981264 , Reply# 3   2/4/2018 at 15:31 (2,272 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Absolutely hang onto it. With the stainless exterior, it has a timeless design that fits right in with any kitchen scheme.
You may not realize how spoiled you are with this machine. You would truly be disappointed with a modern machine not only in its build quality (even a KitchenAid) but also the relatively long time it takes to complete a cycle.
As long as your machine it rendering satisfactory results, there's no reason to replace it. Hobart built their products to last. |
Post# 981269 , Reply# 4   2/4/2018 at 15:46 (2,272 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)   |   | |
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but, if you are going to get a killer deal on a new one and have the space to store it, buy the new one as a spare. Eventually and sadly this machine of yours will die, but hold on to it as long as possible because dishwashers only get worse from now. These machines are described by many as hurricanes in a box because instead of relying on really long cycle times to to the job like modern machines with their anemic pumps, these use very high water pressure.
If you buy the new one as a spare it will allow you to have a back up machine if this one ever needs service. Parts can be a little harder to come by so it will give you some time to get the old beauty back into action. |
Post# 981271 , Reply# 5   2/4/2018 at 15:49 (2,272 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)   |   | |
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Post# 981280 , Reply# 6   2/4/2018 at 16:29 (2,272 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)   |   | |
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Should be a model tag on the edge of the tank, probably left side, visible when the door is open. 18 series was in production from 11/1976 through 10/1979. Dishwashers are not so much a life-and-death appliance like a refrigerator (not for most people, LOL) so having an immediate replacement on-hand isn't necessary unless you fall into that category. |
Post# 981286 , Reply# 7   2/4/2018 at 17:21 (2,272 days old) by peteski50 (New York)   |   | |
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Post# 981293 , Reply# 9   2/4/2018 at 18:45 (2,272 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
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Post# 981301 , Reply# 10   2/4/2018 at 19:43 (2,272 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)   |   | |
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Post# 981313 , Reply# 11   2/4/2018 at 23:25 (2,272 days old) by askolover (South of Nash Vegas, TN)   |   | |
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Oh yeah, keep it til it dies! I almost fell into the "buy something new" trap myself a few years ago when my Maytag dishwasher was beginning to show signs of age....then I did my homework. I was fortunate to find a brand new unused Kitchenaid KUDI23 (twenty years old but still had the packaging inside!) |
Post# 981630 , Reply# 12   2/6/2018 at 11:50 (2,271 days old) by firedome (Binghamton NY & Lake Champlain VT)   |   | |
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One strategy is to look for a parts machine, another KDC-20 would be ideal, and they are out there, but even other Series 20 models share some of the most important parts such as motor, drain valve, some racks, &c, I believe. Timers are unique to each model You can usually find them very cheaply or even free, as with the rack you found on the street.
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Post# 1131574 , Reply# 14   10/21/2021 at 09:09 (918 days old) by rollermatic (cincinnati)   |   | |
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especially in that stainless front!
it's not an 18 however, but hang on to this great classic dishwasher! it was one of the best dishwashers made in it's day. parts are out there in plenty including pump parts, motors, seals etc. you'll never find a better machine today! i just picked up a very late model whirlpool that probably sells for 700 bucks and it takes 3 hours plus to do a load and the dishes still aren't clean! now i know why my neighbors put it out for the trash! it's coming out very soon and probably gonna be put on the curb with a "free" sign on it! keep that classic! |