Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!ucbvax!hplabs!glacier!reid From: reid@glacier.ARPA (Brian Reid) Newsgroups: net.cooks Subject: Re: dishwasher info wanted. Message-ID: <4795@glacier.ARPA> Date: Sun, 2-Mar-86 15:56:07 EST Article-I.D.: glacier.4795 Posted: Sun Mar 2 15:56:07 1986 Date-Received: Tue, 4-Mar-86 02:29:14 EST References: <1302@decwrl.DEC.COM> <1284@lll-crg.ARpA> Reply-To: reid@glacier.UUCP (Brian Reid) Organization: Stanford University, Computer Systems Lab Lines: 44 I second the nomination for Kitchen-Aid. I've done a lot of dishwasher repairing in my life (I've probably overhauled and/or rebuilt 15 or 20 different dishwashers), and I've used 6 different brands. The only two brands worth considering are Kitchen-Aid and G.E. Because I prefer Kitchen-Aid, I can only speak in detail about them. All Kitchen-Aid dishwashers of any given model year are equivalent inside. They have the same chassis, the same pumps, the same motors, the same valves, etc. They differ only in their detail trim and in their controller logic, and of course in their front panel. If you buy the cheap models of Kitchen-Aid, you get mechanical controllers and poor noise insulation. If you buy the expensive models, you get electronic controllers and good noise insulation. There are also differences in the kinds of baskets you get, and in whether or not some rack is fixed or adjustable, but you can buy a complete set of the best racks at any Kitchen-Aid repair parts dealership for a lot less money than the price difference between the cheapest and the most expensive model. Things you DO want in a dishwasher: * good noise insulation * the ability to turn off electric heat during the dry cycle * a pots-and-pans scrub cycle * a "light wash" cycle * Rinse and hold Things that are a waste of money in a dishwasher: * Electronic controls and LED displays (not as reliable as the mechanical controls). * "Sterilizer" cycles. The minute you touch the dishes they are no longer sterile. (Consumer Reports supports this claim). * Plate warmer cycles (use your oven, or don't bother). I am predisposed by nature against buying a new dishwasher as long as I can fix my old one, but about a year ago my 23-year-old Kitchen Aid Superba got to the point where even I was not willing to repair it any more (it burned out its second pump motor in 23 years, and the door frame seals were beginning to rust). I bought a new Kitchen Aid Superba Energy-Saver V, and I would recommend that model to anyone. I chose it because it was the cheapest Kitchen-Aid with good noise insulation and mechanical pushbutton controls. As I said before, they all have exactly the same washing mechanism inside. -- Brian Reid decwrl!glacier!reid Stanford reid@SU-Glacier.ARPA