There's a number of books on vintage pottery. Here is a link that might be useful: Collector's Encyclopedia Of Fiesta

I have had both a KA KUDE60 and currently have a Bosch 800 series. The Bosch replaced the KA because it was venting steam in to my cabinetry. The KA had a vent on the left side of the door. You can search and see my previous threads (just search my user name or KA vent issues). I tried to get info from KA but they said it was normal. My dealer who has their own installers also said they have seen many issues with it venting into the cabinetry and have replaced them. KA will tell you the vent should stay closed for 4 hours, but I have photos of the steam, and they still said it was functioning as it should. That being said, I did love the KA and was very disappointed...but ruining my brand new cabinetry was not an option. My dealer offered to replace with anything and I chose the Bosch (see my previous threads for model #). I have not looked back since. I got the one with the top cutlery rack since the KA had it and I got attached to it. I have no issues loading, my Bosch has just as much room as the KA did, but more efficiently. The tines are closer together so I can actually fit more inside. The racks are flexible, I can lower some, raise some, etc. I would say to take your dishes to the store to make sure they fit though. I have Fiestaware and took a few plates and serving pieces to the store just to be sure. The Bosch is EXTREMELY quiet and it cleans really well. I don't miss the heated dry at all...my dishes come out clean and dry (with the exception of some plastics that have a concave area where water will sit...this happened in the KA as well anyway).

Magpie, I just started collecting so I don't have enough to show yet--just a few plates and glasses. You are right about it not being at thrift stores. I have checked several times and although the ladies that work there said that they sometimes get it in, I am wondering if someone that works in the back gets it first. I have found some at garage sales through Craigslist. Thanks!

This year I finally got tired of the chips in white dinner plates and the white bowls that were shaped oddly for pouring milk into and began investing in Fiestaware. Obviously, the colors are brighter than what you are looking at but I knew that I did not a different color in each place setting (too visually stimulating for me). My table seats 8 so I wanted 8 place settings in cobalt. If the table is full, I can have everyone with the same color for continuity. We are a family of 6 in the house so I am also acquiring 6 place settings of lemongrass and 6 of scarlet. This allows me to have our family all have the for dinner in an every day setting or helps with coordinating when I want the contrast. When shopping for other pieces like ramekins, individual casserols, buillon bowls, etc., those will all be in the same color for the set (for instance just 6 scarlet ramekins). What it comes down to for me is I love the dishes, they make me smile. I used to love white dishes but I can really appreciate how these colors set off foods. I also love the way the colors coordinate, most of the time. I am a moody person though and sometimes I do not want too many colors at once so this gives me the flexibility I need. Good luck and enjoy your new dishes.