Dishwasher question

[email hidden] (Franfogel) wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by
a repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam from the
dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models still
have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the mechanical
controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer
Reports recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27
cycles and ten wash arms--just something reliable and
sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

We currently have a low-end Whirlpool in a new rental house
that we've been in for a year. It performs at least as well
as the deep-tub top-of- the-line Kenmore we had installed in
our last house. It has a mechanical dial/timer and a rocker
switch setting for heated or non-heated drying.

That said, the convenience and capacity of loading was
superior in the Kenmore, especially since it didn't have a
center wash tower. The Whirlpool model we're now using does
have the tower and makes loading large objects tedious.

--
Wayne in Phoenix

If there's a nit to pick, some nitwit will pick it.

"Franfogel" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this

newsgroup

Quoted message said:

spend a lot of time in their kitchens, I hope someone has
an answer. My wonderful old Hobart made Kitchenaid
dishwasher is on its last legs

(after

Quoted message said:

15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by a
repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam

from

Quoted message said:

the dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models
still have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the

mechanical

Quoted message said:

controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that
Consumer Reports

recommends

Quoted message said:

have the touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and ten wash
arms--just

something

Quoted message said:

reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

A couple of thoughts on this:

My brother bought a Bosch dishwasher a couple years ago and
he has been thoroughly satisfied with it. It has worked
reliably and the sound level is exceptionally low. I can't
give you the model but it sold for around $500.

Just based on the overall good experience I have personally
had with GE appliances, I would probably lean toward GE. In
purchasing appliances, I am a firm believer in buying a mid-
level model that is one of the top sellers in the
manufacturers line. Manufacturers generally pay the most
attention to their top selling models. High volume means
they have greater experience in producing such products than
lesser selling items. And finally, there is assurance that
parts and service will be readily available in the future.

I wouldn't rely on the advice you received on mechanical
vs. electronic controls. That may have been more credible
with much earlier generations of electronic controls. But
it isn't really an issue now. Steam could just as surely
corrode mechanical controls as electronic controls if
they were not adequately protected. But that would more
likely result from poor design than any inherent weakness
in the controls.

Franfogel said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by
a repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam from the
dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models still
have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the mechanical
controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer
Reports recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27
cycles and ten wash arms--just something reliable and
sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

We have a Frigidaire portable with mechanical controls. It
has water heating, no center tower, and it does a great job.
I don't think they make a portable anymore, but you probably
want a built-in anyway. The Frigidaire has worked flawlessly
for over 10 years even though my DW abuses and often
destroys appliances.

I also have a Frigidiare washing machine and 2 Frigidaire
air conditioners and have been quite happy with all of them.

HTH, :-) Bob

"Franfogel" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this

newsgroup

Quoted message said:

spend a lot of time in their kitchens, I hope someone has
an answer. My wonderful old Hobart made Kitchenaid
dishwasher is on its last legs

(after

Quoted message said:

15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by a
repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam

from

Quoted message said:

the dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models
still have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the

mechanical

Quoted message said:

controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that
Consumer Reports

recommends

Quoted message said:

have the touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and ten wash
arms--just

something

Quoted message said:

reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

Might want to check to see if there were any recalls on your
model. I got stuck on the GE recall a couple of years ago.
In my case, the dishwasher was recalled for a faulty switch.
Eventually turned out it was a ploy by GE to get new
dishwashers purchased. I got my money back through a class
action that someone filed, but I was happier with the older
model than the new one.

As strange as it might sound, take a large pot that you
frequently use, with you. Try it in the dishwasher you are
thinking of buying. There are high-end machines that are
virtually silent, but useless if they won't hold your
pots. The interiors of dishwashers are not all the same;
it's not just one model having more bells and whistles
than the other.

Quoted message said:

(Franfogel)

My wonderful old Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on
its last legs >(after

15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by a
repairman that it's

Quoted message said:

better to get one with mechanical controls, because the
computerized "touchpads" on the new machines are eventually
knocked out by the steam from the dishwasher. It seems like
only the low end models still have the mechanical controls.
Can anyone recommend a reliable model to me, preferably
with the mechanical controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag
models that Consumer Reports recommends have the touchpads.
I don't need 27 cycles and ten wash arms--just something
reliable and sturdy.

You're probably too young to remember TVs with mechanical
controls, gave lots of grief and mechanical tuners were very
expensive to repair/replace... and kept many a fercocktah
repairmen in a job... I ain't about to give up my remote any
time soon. And why are you using a PC, it's got electronic
controls too. Today's modern electronic controls are far
more reliable than the old fashioned clunky mechanicals....
and mechnicals are far, far, far more subject to failure
from excessive moisture. And somehow I don't believe your
repairman exists, you're just attempting to validate your
cheap bastardliness.... you want a low end unit beccause
you're a cheapskate, then buy one, but quit defending your
miserlyness by knocking what you know nothing about.

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move
UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without
tribulation." Sheldon ````````````

In article <[email hidden]>,

(Franfogel) said:

The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer Reports
recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and
ten wash arms--just something reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

Quoted message said:

Fran

My Maytag is 3-4 years old and I love it. It has touchpad
controls. Check rec.food.equipment. They'll probably refer
you to the google.com archives. www.groups.google.com.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> An update on 6/27/04.

[email hidden] (Franfogel) wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by
a repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam from the
dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models still
have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the mechanical
controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer
Reports recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27
cycles and ten wash arms--just something reliable and
sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

That's just BS...Think about your car. Since the
introduction of more computerized parts, tune-ups have gone
from every 6 months to a year, to every 100000 miles. And
your car faces more abusive conditions than your dishwasher
will ever face.

--
Once during Prohibition I was forced to live for days on
nothing but food and water.
--------
FIELDS, W. C.

(Franfogel) said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the members
of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their kitchens, I
hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old Hobart made
Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs (after 15 years!)
and I have to replace it. I was told by a repairman that
it's better to get one with mechanical controls, because
the computerized "touchpads" on the new machines are
eventually knocked out by the steam from the dishwasher. It
seems like only the low end models still have the
mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a reliable model
to me, preferably with the mechanical controls? The
Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer Reports
recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and
ten wash arms--just something reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

I agree with the others; I wouldn't worry about getting
touchpad controls. I have a Kenmore that I really like for
the quietness and features. It was the mid-range of the
models available at the time, but it is still very quiet. I
made sure that I got one with a top rack that can be raised
and lowered, to accommodate big stuff. It doesn't have a big
pole in the middle like some of the older ones, so there is
no obstruction to washing big pans. It also has nice
features like clips on the top rack to hold small stuff, a
nice removable, utility basket, and of course a lot of
cycles, some of which I use on occasion.

I also use the delay start every so often. Last winter after
my pipes froze despite leaving some faucets on (and
fortunately thawed without event), I came up with another
strategy of having the diswasher go on at 1 am. I figured
that using hot water in the middle of the night during the
60 min cycle would keep things warm until I got up and could
run water again. I don't know if that was what kept the
pipes from freezing again, and I generally wouldn't run
appliances when sleeping, but I'd do it again under those
circumstances.

Anyway, I like my Kenmore dishwasher a lot (it's 4 years
old, knock on wood :>😉.

Sue(tm) Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

"Franfogel" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this

newsgroup

Quoted message said:

spend a lot of time in their kitchens, I hope someone has
an answer. My wonderful old Hobart made Kitchenaid
dishwasher is on its last legs

(after

Quoted message said:

15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by a
repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam

from

Quoted message said:

the dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models
still have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the

mechanical

Quoted message said:

controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that
Consumer Reports

recommends

Quoted message said:

have the touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and ten wash
arms--just

something

Quoted message said:

reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

I like features like delayed start and removable top rack.
Other than that it's just specs and price.

Jack Lavador

Franfogel said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by
a repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam from the
dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models still
have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the mechanical
controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer
Reports recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27
cycles and ten wash arms--just something reliable and
sturdy. Thanks!

Your best bet is to check Consumer Reports and eopinions.

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Franfogel said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told
by a repairman that it's better to get one with
mechanical controls, because the computerized
"touchpads" on the new machines are eventually knocked
out by the steam from the dishwasher. It seems like only
the low end models still have the mechanical controls.
Can anyone recommend a reliable model to me, preferably
with the mechanical controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag
models that Consumer Reports recommends have the
touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and ten wash arms--
just something reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

We have a Frigidaire portable with mechanical controls. It
has water heating, no center tower, and it does a great
job. I don't think they make a portable anymore, but you
probably want a built-in anyway. The Frigidaire has worked
flawlessly for over 10 years even though my DW abuses and
often destroys appliances.

I also have a Frigidiare washing machine and 2
Frigidaire air conditioners and have been quite happy
with all of them.

No experience with dishwashers but one of my AC units is a
Frigidaire as is my washing machine/dryer combo.

I had to modify the AC unit. Something happened and the
nylon connector they used to go through the mix wall melted
down. Replaced it with better connecters and waterproofed
the whole thing and it's worked fine ever since.

The washer and dryer have worked flawlessly for five
years now.

In article <[email hidden]>, hahabogus

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (Franfogel) wrote in news:20040628230431.16860.00000464@mb-
m20.aol.com:

Quoted message said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told
by a repairman that it's better to get one with
mechanical controls, because the computerized
"touchpads" on the new machines are eventually knocked
out by the steam from the dishwasher. It seems like only
the low end models still have the mechanical controls.
Can anyone recommend a reliable model to me, preferably
with the mechanical controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag
models that Consumer Reports recommends have the
touchpads. I don't need 27 cycles and ten wash arms--
just something reliable and sturdy. Thanks!

Fran

That's just BS...Think about your car. Since the
introduction of more computerized parts, tune-ups have
gone from every 6 months to a year, to every 100000 miles.
And your car faces more abusive conditions than your
dishwasher will ever face.

And if you have a problem, something more complex than a
flat tire, nobody can fix it. When was the last time you
checked your points. I had to take a relatively-recent car
to the dealer to change a battery because of impossible
placement.

Bosch... no question..but pricey...

--
Shafer - Official BB and anywhere else pointgiver

Quoted message said:

Franfogel said:

This doesn't relate directly to food, but since the
members of this newsgroup spend a lot of time in their
kitchens, I hope someone has an answer. My wonderful old
Hobart made Kitchenaid dishwasher is on its last legs
(after 15 years!) and I have to replace it. I was told by
a repairman that it's better to get one with mechanical
controls, because the computerized "touchpads" on the new
machines are eventually knocked out by the steam from the
dishwasher. It seems like only the low end models still
have the mechanical controls. Can anyone recommend a
reliable model to me, preferably with the mechanical
controls? The Kitchenaid and Maytag models that Consumer
Reports recommends have the touchpads. I don't need 27
cycles and ten wash arms--just something reliable and
sturdy. Thanks!

Your best bet is to check Consumer Reports and eopinions.

"Tony P." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I also have a Frigidiare washing machine and 2
Frigidaire air conditioners and have been quite happy
with all of them.

No experience with dishwashers but one of my AC units is a
Frigidaire as is my washing machine/dryer combo.

I had to modify the AC unit. Something happened and
the nylon connector they used to go through the mix
wall melted down. Replaced it with better connecters
and waterproofed the whole thing and it's worked fine
ever since.

The washer and dryer have worked flawlessly for five
years now.

Frigidaire appliances aren't all made by the same company.
Their front-loading washers are made by GE and are identical
to the GE units. Other appliances are made by Electrolux,
some of which carry a label that says "Frigidaire by
Electrolux." Maytag licenses their name to Fedders for the
Maytag line of window AC units. You can never be sure these
days who is making what.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Vox Humana said:

Frigidaire appliances aren't all made by the same company.
Their front-loading washers are made by GE and are
identical to the GE units. Other appliances are made by
Electrolux, some of which carry a label that says
"Frigidaire by Electrolux."

Actually, a few years ago, Electrolux (of Belgium; not the
vacuum-cleaner Electrolux) bought White Consolidated
Industries, Frigidaire's parent company. They are just
starting to put their own name on appliances, like the
"Frigidaire by Electrolux" that you mention.

Frigidaire actually manufactures those front-loading washers
and dryers for GE; they also make them for Sears, who sells
them under the Kenmore label. They also sell them as
Frigidaires and, until recently, as Gibsons, too. But
they're all made by Electrolux/Frigidaire.

GE does sell a higher-line front-loader, but that one is
built by LG (a Korean company more people might recognize
from their Goldstar brand). Interestingly, GE's high-end
Monogram line is mostly made by other companies, not by GE.
The Monogram dishwasher is built by Bosch; the trash
compactor by Braun, and the range by DCS (!).

Quoted message said:

Maytag licenses their name to Fedders for the Maytag line
of window AC units. You can never be sure these days who
is making what.

Maytag is an even more confusing situation. A few years ago,
Amana, which made both appliances and HVAC equipment (air
conditioners, furnaces, etc.), was purchased by a company
called Goodman. Goodman held onto the HVAC business but sold
the appliance company to Maytag. Maytag agreed to license
the Amana name back to Goodman so they can continue selling
Amana furnaces, etc., while they sell Amana appliances.
Maytag, as you noted, sold their _own_ name to Fedders for
home air conditioners. They are also starting to source some
of their appliances from LG.

As for the original question, I have an Asko (Swedish, you
betcha) which does a very good job using less water than I
would, washing by hand. Very quiet, too. I've had a couple
of problems related to a poor installation, but, other
than that, have been happy with it. Oh, and it comes with
knobs and buttons, but it's not a cheapo dishwasher:
stainless steel tub, adjustable nylon racks, and a three-
year warranty.

sd

sd said:

Maytag is an even more confusing situation. A few years
ago, Amana, which made both appliances and HVAC equipment
(air conditioners, furnaces, etc.), was purchased by a
company called Goodman. Goodman held onto the HVAC business
but sold the appliance company to Maytag. Maytag agreed to
license the Amana name back to Goodman so they can continue
selling Amana furnaces, etc., while they sell Amana
appliances.

Thanks for that excellent explanation. I have an old Amana
AC and need some information. Now I know why I have to go
through Maytag!

Quoted message said:

As for the original question, I have an Asko (Swedish, you
betcha) which does a very good job using less water than I
would, washing by hand.

I have a Kenmore and also noticed a significant drop in my
water usage compared to hand-washing when I bought it.

Sue(tm) Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

In article <sd55117-
[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Vox Humana said:

Frigidaire appliances aren't all made by the same
company. Their front-loading washers are made by GE and
are identical to the GE units. Other appliances are made
by Electrolux, some of which carry a label that says
"Frigidaire by Electrolux."

Actually, a few years ago, Electrolux (of Belgium; not the
vacuum-cleaner Electrolux) bought White Consolidated
Industries, Frigidaire's parent company. They are just
starting to put their own name on appliances, like the
"Frigidaire by Electrolux" that you mention.

Frigidaire actually manufactures those front-loading
washers and dryers for GE; they also make them for Sears,
who sells them under the Kenmore label. They also sell
them as Frigidaires and, until recently, as Gibsons, too.
But they're all made by Electrolux/Frigidaire.

GE does sell a higher-line front-loader, but that one is
built by LG (a Korean company more people might recognize
from their Goldstar brand). Interestingly, GE's high-end
Monogram line is mostly made by other companies, not by
GE. The Monogram dishwasher is built by Bosch; the trash
compactor by Braun, and the range by DCS (!).

I've known for some time that GE is pretty much out of the
business of actually manufacturing consumer items. Instead
they license the name to different manufacturers. My GE
television was actually made by Thompson.

GE does however still make train propulsion systems, jet
turbines, and some medical gear to name just a few.

So that's who LG is. I was wondering where they came from.

On Sat, 03 Jul 2004 12:57:23 GMT, [email hidden]

(Curly Sue) said:

Quoted message said:

As for the original question, I have an Asko (Swedish,
you betcha) which does a very good job using less water
than I would, washing by hand.

I have a Kenmore and also noticed a significant drop in
my water usage compared to hand-washing when I bought it.

Don't know about you, but I break a lot more glasses hand
washing (they're slippery little devils) than I do using the
dishwasher (zero).

🙂

Practice safe eating - always use condiments

"Tony P." <[email hidden]> wrote
in message

Quoted message said:

I've known for some time that GE is pretty much out of the
business of actually manufacturing consumer items. Instead
they license the name to different manufacturers. My GE
television was actually made by Thompson.

Thompson owns the old GE plant in Syracuse as well as the
RCA plant for TVs. I think the Scranton PA plant has been
closed now. Ed