Stand Mixers – Kitchensnitches https://kitchensnitches.com Sat, 26 Feb 2022 21:49:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://kitchensnitches.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-KS-32x32.jpg Stand Mixers – Kitchensnitches https://kitchensnitches.com 32 32 Why Your Food Processor Won’t Turn On https://kitchensnitches.com/why-your-food-processor-wont-turn-on/ Sat, 26 Feb 2022 21:49:12 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=2836 If your food processor won’t turn on, the first step is to take it apart and troubleshoot. Many people assume that their food processor is broken when, in reality, it’s just a simple problem with the assembly. In this article, we’ll explain why your food processor might not be turning on and how to fix it.

The most common reason why your food processor won’t start is a loose assembly when putting the food processor back together. You could have also reversed the direction of the blades, or something could be blocking the blades from spinning. Also, the food processor could have a faulty circuit board or overheating motor. 

It’s a frustrating feeling when you try turning on your food processor, but it won’t. You might be tempted to put it away and give up, but don’t do it just yet! There are a few simple things you can do to try and fix the problem before declaring it broken.

How Do I Get My Food Processor to Work?

If your food processor won’t work, the first step is to troubleshoot. Sometimes, I’ll get an email from someone saying their appliance doesn’t start. Then, when we proceed with the discussion, I find out that the appliance actually starts – it just doesn’t start doing its thing.

Meaning; the appliance can be powered on but it won’t work as intended. Down below you will find a list of things to do if your food processor doesn’t start, but also some things that you should do if your appliance can be powered on but doesn’t do its job.

1. Check the Power Supply

Confirm that it is properly plugged into a functioning power source. If it is, check for a bad fuse or tripped breaker.

If it’s not plugged in at all, plug it back in and turn on its power switch. You may need to press the reset button on your wall socket if you have one.

Otherwise, use another appliance with a similar power cord to confirm that your outlet is working correctly.

If your power supply is working as intended but your food processor still won’t start, continue troubleshooting the device. With the information we have, I would say it’s fair to assume that the problem is the food processor itself.

Unless it’s the cord.

2. Check the Power Cord

Inspect the power cord to ensure there’s no evident damage done to it, as this could prevent the unit from starting. The damage to the cable doesn’t have to be massive in order for it to hinder the appliance from working.

Make sure there’s no damage done to the cable and that it is connected to the appliance firmly. Contact customer support or an experienced technician who can replace or repair the cable if there are clear signs of damage to it.

3. Check the Lid

Some food processors won’t start if the lid isn’t properly mounted on the unit. Make sure your lid is connected as intended, and that nothing is preventing it from connecting to the bowl properly.

4. Check the Bowl

Yes, a loosely connected bowl can render the unit useless, just like the lid can. Ensuring that the bowl is properly mounted, lined up, and twist-locked to the base is your next move. If the bowl isn’t properly attached to the base unit, that could be what’s stopping it from turning on.

Remove it and re-attach it and make sure it’s fully connected.

5. Check the Food Processor’s Ventilation

If your processor has been working as intended and then suddenly stopped working, then it could be because the appliance is starting to overheat. Most appliances come with a switch that forces them to turn off to prevent the unit and the people using it from taking damage.

Units that struggle with temperature often jam up or run more slowly. If your food processor did this before it stopped working entirely, then that’s probably an indicator.

The processor is likely overheating because the ventilation is having a hard time keeping the appliance cool. Cleaning the ventilation is a surefire way to aid the appliance in keeping the temperature down.

It’s wise to clean the ventilation once in a while to keep the unit’s systems working. If your processor just stopped working, let it cool down for about 30 minutes before you start it again.

If the unit starts back up when it has cooled down, I suggest you keep an eye on the appliance to get an idea of what could’ve caused it to overheat. Sometimes these processors will work heavy loads for a long time, which can take a toll on them.

6. Check If the Driveshaft Can Spin

When the appliance has been unplugged, carefully grasp the driveshaft at the bottom of the bowl and manually spin it to see if the blades can move with ease or if they’re blocked. Depending on the outcome of this test, it may have given us an answer as to why your processor doesn’t start.

If the blade spins as it was designed to do when moved manually but not when the unit is powered, that may indicate that there’s something wrong with the processor’s capacitor. This can be tested with a multimeter reading.

If you, on the other hand, feel a bit of resistance as you try to spin the blades, and the motor powers on but only makes a humming sound, then there’s most likely something wrong with the motor. There are exceptions to this rule, of course.

Before you consider replacing parts of your food processor, consult a technician or someone who can assist you in that endeavor. This will prevent you from accidentally ordering a part that you might not need.

7. Make Sure the Food Isn’t Too Big

Perhaps you’re trying to run the appliance with large pieces of food in it. Sometimes, the appliance won’t be able to work because the items are just too big for the appliance to gain momentum. Forcing a food processor to power through larger items can damage the appliance.

Feed ingredients through the feed tube accordingly. Be gentle and take your time to avoid overworking the food processor. Larger pieces that have been chopped into slightly smaller pieces can be placed in the appliance and sliced by running smaller bursts rather than forcing the appliance at full power.

Once the appliance can work the food without resistance, it’s alright to go full force.

8. Remove Food Jams

Food jams can hinder the food processor from starting. The appliance will power up but the blades won’t be able to spin. Unplug the appliance and dislodge any food jams around the driveshaft.

9. Reset the Appliance

Most kitchen appliances of this type come with a reset button or a method of resetting. You should be able to find information about your model on the internet or in the instruction manual. Resetting the appliance is a wild card, which I think is worth trying.

Understanding Food Processor Parts and Accessories

The best food processors deploy straightforward tech, so users find it easy to make all sorts of dishes. The key is to understand the parts and accessories first so users can get an idea of where the problem could be:

  • The Power Base

It houses the cord that plugs into a standard wall outlet.

  • The Work Bowl

This bowl fits inside the base, with a lid that has an opening for ingredients and measurement markings on the side. It also has blades at its center.

  • A Cover Fits over the Top

The cover needs to snap in place. It has feed tubes, pushers, and a chute for adding ingredients.

  • A Pusher

This part holds ingredients near the blades.

  • Blades or Discs

These parts sit at the bottom of the work bowl and slice, chop, or grate food items as they spin around. They are also responsible for mixing batters and blending smoothies. A good processor has various cutting options for users to create a wide array of dishes.

  • Gaskets

The gasket is what seals the work bowl and lid together, preventing leaks from forming when blending or chopping items. It also prevents liquids from running into the motor housing area underneath. The best food processors have sealed motors that are water-resistant in case of liquid spills onto them accidentally during use.

Removing the Bowl from a Food Processor

In theory, you can use any food processor bowl for all models available in the market. If your current bowl doesn’t fit, try getting an aftermarket one that fits better. You won’t have to worry about compatibility issues either, as they are designed to work with each other seamlessly.

If you have a Cuisinart®, KitchenAid®, or similar food processor, first remove the lid by pressing down on it and sliding it off towards your right-hand side. Press the release button at this point to unlock it from its position.

Proceed to pull up on a plastic ring that holds everything together, including the bowl itself, so nothing spills out when in use. The ring has tabs that fit into notches on the work bowl.

How to Put a Food Processor Back Together

Once the bowl is out, inspect the cutting blades to see if anything is obstructing their movement. You could also need to replace the cutters if they are too blunt to shred food pieces.

Afterward, confirm that there are no obstructions in the feed tube.

Then, place the pusher inside the work bowl, sitting it at the bottom while facing the blades. This step is important as pushing ingredients towards the blades with your hands could result in injury.

Now it’s time to put the lid back on. First, place back feed tubes in the correct position, and ensure the cover is sitting flat. If it doesn’t fit correctly, you might have to realign as the pusher should move through without any obstruction.

Once everything looks good, lock the lid into place by pushing it downward. Then, turn it towards your left-hand side. Finally, push down again to secure it into position, so nothing leaks out when in use.

After replacing any faulty parts, your food processor should be working once more. Remember, every component needs to click into the right place, and any loose connections could cause it not to work.

Turn it on, and watch as the blades spin. They should be moving fast enough to slice and dice.

Can the Safety Switch Cause My Food Processor Not to Turn On?

You could accidentally turn the processor on during your preparations, leading to spills, shorting, and potential injuries. The safety switch prevents the motor from running if it’s not locked.

Unlike blenders and other appliances, processors don’t have an indicator light. Thus, there’s no way to tell if it’s already plugged in or not unless. You would have to twist the lid and attempt to start it up with your hands.

Fortunately, some modern food processors come equipped with a safety switch that requires both the cover and pusher to be in place before they can turn on. If any of these components are missing, they won’t work as intended because there’s no way for them to get power from the wall outlet.

If your current food processor doesn’t have this feature, you might want to consider getting a newer model that does. It’s an important safety precaution that can help prevent potential injuries.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, food processors are one of the top five appliances that cause injuries in the kitchen. Between 2002 and 2012, they received more than 37,000 reports of people being injured by these machines.

About 33,000 of the total injury cases involved lacerations to the hands and fingers.

It’s essential to exercise caution when operating any appliance to protect yourself against these accidents. Always ensure the safety switch is in place.

What to Do with Jammed Food Processor Cutters?

If your food processor’s blades seem to be jammed or not working properly, there are a few things you can do to clear the obstruction. First, remove any large chunks of food that might have become lodged in the blade area.

Next, use a blunt object such as a butter knife or spoon to try and dislodge anything else stuck between them. If this doesn’t work, try removing the cover and pushing down on the blades until they rotate freely again before putting everything back together properly.

If you’re still having trouble, it’s likely that the cutters got worn out over time due to normal wear and tear. You might have to replace the cutters if they are too blunt to shred food pieces.

When all else fails, take your food processor to an authorized technician for further assistance. The circuit board could have also gone bad and needs to be replaced. Take care to check the warranty before sending it in for repairs.

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My Nutribullet Blender Is Smoking https://kitchensnitches.com/my-nutribullet-blender-is-smoking/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:06:18 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=2267 You expect your Nutribullet blender to make nutritious, delicious smoothies. What you don’t expect is to suddenly see smoke and smell something burning. What’s going on?

If your Nutribullet blender is smoking, something has gone wrong with the motor or other mechanical parts. You might have overloaded the food cup or run the blender too long, causing the motor to become overworked. Or, if your blender is older, parts such as the gasket, blades, or bearings could be worn down. 

To the user, a Nutribullet blender is a fairly simple machine, consisting of a food cup, a button to push, and a blade. Just fill the cup with fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients, add liquid,  push the button, and the blade goes to work rendering it all into a tasty drink.

The blade is the crucial part of the process because it comes in contact with both the food and the motor assembly, which contains several mechanical parts such as bearings and brushes.

The Nutribullet is designed to handle a lot, but there are some things that can cause too much stress on the blade and consequently, the motor.

For example, coffee beans, cereal, or grains may be too hard for the regular blade, also called the extractor blade. When the blade tries to grind foods like these, the motor could become damaged.

A special blade called a milling blade is supposed to be used with hard ingredients like nuts.

The Nutribullet user manual also advises that you should not use the blender as an ice crusher or blend without liquids. It also recommends that you should not blend ingredients for more than one minute at a time because of the risk of friction on the blade.

The stress put on the motor may cause motor parts to rub against one another. This friction can cause smoke.

Another cause of motor deterioration is age. The moving parts of the blender will wear out with time and repeated use, even if you have been using the Nutribullet as directed.

Whatever the circumstances, the Nutribullet should not be emitting smoke. If the appliance is new, it should be under warranty. A one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and defects in material.

If your Nutribullet is old and it smokes, you should quit using it because it needs to be repaired or replaced.

What Do You Do When Your Blender Starts Smoking?

If there’s smoke coming from your Nutribullet, don’t panic. It probably won’t catch on fire, but there could be some dangers.

If you see or smell smoke, turn off or unplug the Nutribullet immediately. The Nutribullet is equipped with a thermal breaker that shuts down the motor if it starts to overheat, so there’s little risk of fire. Nevertheless, removing the blender from its power source is the safest action to take.

After it’s safely unplugged, inspect your blender for damage. You can easily take off the blade component and the food cup and take a close look at them.

Make sure the blade is clean and free from any debris. If the blade looks worn or dull, it’s time to replace it.

Inspect the gasket, which is a rubber ring attached to the inside of the plastic extractor blade component. If it is worn down, that could be the source of the smoke.

The gasket on the Nutribullet blade assembly is not designed to be removable. If you try to take it out, you could cause permanent damage that will cause leaks.

The Nutribullet manual recommends that you wash the gasket with a solution of 10% vinegar mixed with water, or use lemon juice. If the gasket is loose, damaged, or worn out, you must replace the entire extractor blade assembly.

Although it is possible to take apart the power base and inspect the motor, it is not recommended. The motor and other parts are packed tightly together, and unless you know what you’re doing, you could make the problem worse.

Also, if the appliance is still under warranty, taking it apart may void the warranty.

If the motor or any of its parts are damaged, that also could be the source of the smoke.

Why Does My Nutribullet Smell Like Its Burning?

Maybe you haven’t seen any smoke, but when you use your Nutribullet, it smells like it’s burning. What’s going on?

A burning smell coming from your Nutribullet may indicate a problem with the gasket. If you blend for too long or you don’t add enough liquid, it puts too much stress on the gasket. It will get hot and start to smell like burning rubber.

Nutribullet’s user manual gives instructions for blending that include the following:

  • Fill the cup to the max line or no more than 2/3 full
  • Do not use hot or very warm liquids
  • Do not use carbonated beverages
  • Do not blend for more than 1 minute at time
  • Do not blend for more than three consecutive 1-minute sessions
  • After three sessions, stop blending and allow contents to cool

If you smell burning during the blending process, release the button immediately and allow everything to cool off.

Can A Smoking Nutribullet Be Repaired?

The Nutribullet is an expensive appliance, and you might want to try to repair it before throwing it away. A web search will bring up several videos and websites that give do-it-yourself instructions for how to repair a smoking Nutribullet. But is DYI a good idea?

You can try to repair a Nutribullet if you know something about small appliances and electric motors. The Nutribullet company does not sell official motor parts, but you can buy similar parts online. You can easily replace the blades if they are worn out.

The extractor blade lasts an average of 6 months with moderately heavy use. The blades will wear down and you may notice it’s not working as efficiently as it used to.

This is an easy fix. You can buy Nutribullet extractor blades online from several retailers or from the Nutribullet company itself. They cost anywhere from $15-$20.

The blade assembly includes the gasket, so if the gasket is worn, a blade replacement is also the solution.

Buying replacement parts for the motor will be more difficult. There are no official Nutribullet replacement parts for the motor. You may be able to find compatible ones, but you will be using these at your own risk.

Using anything but official Nutribullet parts will void your warranty.

What Should I Do If My Nutribullet Stops Working?

There may come a time when you load up the food cup and push the button­—and nothing happens. Your Nutribullet blender has stopped working.

If your Nutribullet doesn’t run anymore or stops suddenly, you may have a faulty power cord, a broken cup or blade, or an overheated motor. It’s also possible that it food has become stuck at the bottom of the cup and the blade has jammed.

If your Nutribullet doesn’t turn on at all, you might have an electrical problem. Inspect the power cord and plug for any signs of wearing or cracking, or if it feels loose. A wiring problem could be internal.

The cord of a Nutribullet is not replaceable. Trying to attach a new cord on your own could be dangerous and lead to shocks or fire. You’ll have to buy a new blender.

Another less serious problem involves the food cup. The food cup has plastic tabs on the bottom that connect with activators on the top of the power base.

The tabs must push down on the activators in order for the blender to work.

With repeated use, the plastic tabs on the cups wear down and could break off. If the tabs are broken, they won’t make contact with the blade and the blender won’t run. You’ll have to buy a new food cup.

Sometimes the problem is with the activators, not the cup. Liquids can leak into them and make them sticky, so they won’t push down anymore. Just clean them gently with a damp rag.

If you’re in the middle of blending and the Nutribullet stops and won’t continue, your cup is either overloaded or you’ve been blending for too long a time.

The Nutribullet has a sensor that makes the blender stop if it starts to overheat. You may not see smoke or smell anything burning, but it’s still overheating.

If that happens, just stop blending and wait for a few minutes while the motor cools down. Then, you can continue blending.

It’s also possible that something has become jammed up in the blades. Just turn the blender off and use a spoon to dislodge the jam.

Cutting your food in small pieces can prevent jamming.

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KitchenAid Stand Mixer vs. Bread Machine: Which One Should I Buy? https://kitchensnitches.com/kitchenaid-stand-mixer-vs-bread-machine-which-one-should-i-buy/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 10:29:53 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=1006 While buying bread at the store is a convenient option for many, if you are purchasing more than a few loaves a week, every week, the price is going to add up rather quickly.

This is especially true if you are buying artisan bread or healthier bread such as sprouted whole grains, sourdough, oat bread, flax bread or gluten-free bread for those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

This is one of the main reasons why many switch over to baking bread at home, either by kneading it by hand or by using a machine of some kind.

If you do not want to knead the bread by hand (understandably so!), you are probably wondering whether you should buy a KitchenAid Stand Mixer or a bread machine?

In this article, we are going to look at both appliances to see what their differences are and where they excel in the realm of making bread.

The Kind of Baking You Do Will Determine the Machine You Want

It may be tempting to just jump right into determining which type of machine you are going to purchase, but before you can make the choice, you must determine what kind of baking you are going to do.

If you are not a big baker and are not too keen on making cakes, pastries, or other baking treats and just want a machine that lets you throw in the ingredients and watch the bread loaf rise to perfection, then a bread machine is for you.

However, if you want to do other types of baking but still want to make loaves of bread from time to time, then a stand mixer is the better choice.

While there is no hard line on which machine is better for creating bread, each does have some pros and cons that may or may not be a deal-breaker for you, so keep on reading to see how these appliances match up.

What Does a KitchenAid Stand Mixer Offer for Baking Bread?

If you are considering buying a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, the appliance is going to end up doing most of the mixing and kneading of the bread dough.

Simply place your bread dough ingredients into the mixer’s bowl and add on your dough hook to the unit. Turn the mixer on and allow it to knead the bread for your recipe’s specified amount of time.

It is important to note that a KitchenAid Stand Mixer does come with the dough hook with the original purchase, so no extra accessories will be required, but the kneading time will take just as long as it would if you were kneading the dough by hand.

Once the dough has been completely kneaded, you will need to remove it from the mixing bowl and complete the rest of the bread-making process manually.

Here Are the Pros of Using a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for Bread

  • It is a versatile machine, allowing you to knead the dough for multiple loaves of bread.
  • It can be used to create lots of bread types, as you have an entire mixing bowl’s worth of room for experimenting with your ingredients.
  • It saves your hands some soreness, as you do not have to knead the bread by hand.
  • The texture you will receive will be like what you would expect if you had kneaded bread with your hands.

Here Are the Cons of Using a KitchenAid Stand Mixer for Bread

  • If you are baking bread in a cooler home (temperature-wise) it may be harder to get it to rise.
  • The KitchenAid Stand Mixer only kneads the dough and does nothing else. Meaning you will need to form it and bake it with your own bakeware and oven.
  • If you are planning on buying lots of attachments, it can get expensive.
  • You must be careful when purchasing a KitchenAid Stand Mixer as some models are not powerful enough to make tougher bread types like sourdough.
  • You will always have to monitor the mixer as many do not come with timers.

What Does a Bread Machine Offer in Terms of Features for Bread Making?

There are two types of bread machines that you can purchase, one that does the mixing and the rising of the bread, and one that does all the work.

We are going to break these two types down into their respective categories before doing a final comparison between KitchenAid Stand Mixers and bread machines.

If you purchase a bread machine that does the mixing and the rising portions of the process, you simply place all your ingredients into the machine and let it knead the dough for you. The inside of this type of bread machine will be set to warm during the process, so it will also encourage the bread to rise as it is kneaded through.

Once the dough is done rising, you will need to take it out of the machine, punch it down and shape it, then place it back into the machine to rise some more. Once it has fully risen, you will need to bake it yourself.

Here Are the Pros of Using a Mixing/Rising Bread Machine

  • It speeds up the kneading and rising process.
  • It raises the dough to an excellent level.
  • You can set it and walk away, as the machine will be on a timer.
  • It allows you to have some control over the quality of the final product as you get to shape and form the bread.

Here Are the Cons of Using a Mixing/Rising Bread Machine

  • If punching down and shaping the dough is not an enjoyable part of the process for you, then this ends up being a negative.
  • This machine can only be used to make dough.

If you purchase a bread machine that does all the work, you simply just place the ingredients into the machine and allow it to mix, knead, raise, and bake your bread.

This is an extremely convenient option for those who want to walk away and come back to freshly baked bread without doing very processing work.

Here Are the Pros of Using a Full Bread Machine

  • You can set the machine and walk away from it, allowing it to complete the entire cycle from start to finish.
  • You can make bread overnight to have in the morning or when you are away from home.
  • It is the fastest and most convenient option available.

Here Are the Cons of Using a Full Bread Machine

  • The entire process takes a couple of hours, so the machine cannot be used for anything else (like mixing subsequent loaves of bread) while in use.
  • It can only bake one loaf at a time.
  • Generally, you are only going to get “loaf shapes” as it cannot make your bread loaf into any other shape.
  • They are only designed to bake bread and are, therefore, not versatile as a machine in general.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer vs. Bread Machine: Where Do They Excel?

While making bread with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer will require more dedication on your part, this appliance really excels at giving you versatility.

Not only can you make several different types of loaves at the same time (mixing and kneading while another is in the oven), it can be a great addition to the kitchen if you like to bake other items as well.

The bread machine, on the other hand, really excels at making just bread and can often handle tougher doughs if you get a high-quality model from a reputable brand.

The best part about a bread maker is it allows you to set it and leave it, which is perfect for those who don’t want to get their hands messy or for those who do not have the time to complete the process manually.

Keep in mind that regardless of which machine you choose, if you get a cheap version, it is not going to be able to handle tougher loaf types.

Which KitchenAid Mixer and/or Bread Machine Should I Buy?

When it comes to bread machines I highly recommend the high-end Zojirushi BB for its all-aroundness. It’s a high-quality product that comes at a relatively high price tag (which can be justified by its performance).

If you’re on a budget you’re probably better off with a cheaper alternative, in that case, I would recommend the Hamilton Beach Bread Maker. It’s a good-bang-for-your-buck kind of product. In a fight against the Zojirushi BB, the Hamilton Beach would be able to put up a fight but not win it.

If you plan on baking bread on a regular basis I would spend the extra money on the Zojirushi. Go with your gut, go with your budget.

When it comes to selecting the right KitchenAid mixer; there are several alternatives and a plethora of attachments. Having tried different models, attachments and put them through multiple tasks, I’ve come to the conclusion that the KitchenAid 6QT Pro 600 is the best option.

It’s an absolute favorite for me, and not only for baking bread. The 600 pro is a versatile appliance capable of whipping, mixing, kneading and more. With the right attachment, the possibilities are endless.

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How To Find Out How Old Your KitchenAid Mixer Is https://kitchensnitches.com/how-to-find-out-how-old-your-kitchenaid-mixer-is/ Fri, 04 Oct 2019 11:40:23 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=977 KitchenAid mixers have been around for a long time. The KitchenAid mixers we know and love are greatly upgraded if you compare them to the first model, released back in 1919. Between now and then the company has released a plethora of mixers. Keeping track of when they were released can be tricky.

A close friend of mine was offered to purchase a KitchenAid mixer from his neighbor who was moving. The neighbor, who never used his mixer, offered the appliance at 1/4th of the retail price.

My friend had to gather his thoughts before making a decision. The only thing he knew was that the owner barely used the KitchenAid mixer and that it worked as intended when he started it. Before making a decision he called me to see if I knew how old that specific mixer was.

With a little bit of research, I found the answer and a method of telling the age of most KitchenAid products. That entire ordeal inspired me to write an article on the topic to help others who may wonder the same thing.

This is what I came up with.

How do you tell the age of a KitchenAid stand mixer?

  1. Visit KitchenAid’s website and Sign In to your account.
  2. Close to the top of the page, click the “Support” tab to open up a drop-down menu which reveals the “Contact Us” tab – click it.
  3. Fill in the subject matter. The most suitable subject line is “Kitchen Electronics/Countertop Appliances”
  4. Proceed to click on Product Category and choose “Stand Mixers”
  5. Provide the model number when asked to. The number can be found on the bottom of the appliance or in the instruction manual.
  6. Provide the serial number of the product. The serial number is located next to the model number.
  7. In the comment box, ask the company if they can tell you how old your mixer is based on the information you have provided.
  8. Provide your email and wait for a KitchenAid employee to get back to you.

That’s how you tell how old your KitchenAid mixer is, the method works for all KitchenAid products. Make sure to change the category to something more suitable for the product you have.

Is It Possible To Find Replacement Parts For Old KitchenAid Mixers?

An appliance like the KitchenAid mixer has more than a few components that may need servicing over the years. Rather than purchasing a brand new mixer once your current one starts declining, I think you should focus on replacing the malfunctioning parts.

Replacing essential parts can give new life to an old mixer. If you’re missing an attachment or happen to break one you can find replacements for those too.

Replacement parts, both interior, and exterior can be found online at:

Another alternative is to check for local small appliance repair shops. They may be able to get in contact with manufacturers who sell what you’re looking for.

I’ve been able to get parts through a local repair shop – when they weren’t available online.

According to KitchenAid, their stand mixers should last at least 2-5 years but many users report their mixers lasting 15-20 years.

How Can I Tell the Size of My KitchenAid Mixer?

Now that we have found out the age of your stand mixer, let’s take a look at its capacity. This is a simple task, much easier than finding out the age of the appliance. Besides, this doesn’t require the assistance of a KitchenAid employee.

The capacity of the appliance is determined by the bowl, therefore, we’ll have to focus on the bowl. The bowls are interchangeable so there’s no telling what size a specific stand mixer model is unless you purchase it directly from the store where the original bowl is connected to the appliance.

Of course, more often than not, the original bowl will still be connected to the appliance but you never know.

To tell the capacity of your Kitchenaid mixer’s bowl, go ahead and;

  • Check the bottom of the bowl for a label
  • Find the model number starting with K (The number should be something in the way of “K45” or “K4” etc.)

That’s all the information you need to determine the size of the bowl. If the label says K4 your bowl is capable of holding 4qt. If the label says K45 your bowl is capable of holding 4.5qt and so on. It’s a pretty darn straightforward procedure.

Are KitchenAid Stand Mixers Guaranteed For Life?

That’s a question well worth asking. Sadly, they aren’t. While the company seems to stand proudly behind their products, I think a lifetime warranty is biting more than they can chew.

Their standard warranty offers the user full service for a 2 year period after the day of the purchase. KitchenAid will send replacement parts, conduct servicing, and assist you with all your matters during that time period.

Taking good care of your KitchenAid mixer is essential to make sure it lasts longer than just a couple of years. When you pay close to 300 bucks for a kitchen appliance you’re going to want to use it for years to come. But once two years have passed, you’re on your own.

In my article “My KitchenAid Mixer Will Not Turn On” I highlight why users should be very careful when opening the KitchenAid mixer and replacing parts while the product is still under warranty.

Opening the mixer, replacing parts and modifying it will render the warranty useless. It shouldn’t be done unless it’s the last option.

Are Old/Vintage KitchenAid Mixers Still Available?

A lot of people seem to have this strange infatuation with vintage KitchenAid mixers. Back then, mixers were manufactured by Hobart, which is the go-to brand for commercial kitchens.

Hobart stopped manufacturing KitchenAid mixers in 1986, so any stand mixer released before ’86 should be considered a good vintage.

While these vintage mixers aren’t available in-store, they can still be found in yard sales and thrift shops. They can also be found online on eBay, Shopgoodwill, and craigslist.

There’s a high demand for vintage kitchen appliances but you can still find gems for a very reasonable price. If the price seems too reasonable the appliance may need fixing before it can be put to use.

Make sure to check if there’s something wrong with the appliance and what may need replacing before purchasing it.

What’s my favorite vintage KitchenAid Model?

I haven’t really been searching for Vintage models, they’ve landed in my lap. The best vintage model that I’ve tried is the one I got from my grandmother when she decided to move to a nursing home.

She had the K5-A and she used it as frequently as she could – the machine still lasted for more than 20 years before we had to replace minor parts. Today, the appliance works as intended and it rocks.

The appliance isn’t in mint condition and to be honest, it looks like it has been through a hard time, therefore, I’ve replaced it with a newer more attractive model.

Nevertheless, the K5-A is a great mixer, a reliable workhorse, and an appliance that never seems to overhear.

Other old KitchenAid mixers that I like to use include the following:

  • K5SS

Well, the list isn’t longer than that.

Together with the K5-A, the K5SS makes vintage stand mixers stand out from the crowd.

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My KitchenAid Stand Mixer Will Not Turn On https://kitchensnitches.com/my-kitchenaid-stand-mixer-will-not-turn-on/ Sun, 29 Sep 2019 13:10:51 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=967 Owning a high-end kitchen appliance like a KitchenAid stand mixer simplifies a multitude of cooking processes. There’s surely something that the KitchenAid mixer can do for you, no matter what type of cooking you prefer.

The appliance is, however, quite pricy and is, therefore, expected to work flawlessly for a long period of time. While this isn’t always the case, many problems may not be as grave as they seem.

I decided to do some research on the topic to understand what the cause of this issue may be.

This is what I found.

Why won’t my KitchenAid stand mixer turn on?

The most common reason why a KitchenAid mixer won’t turn on is overheating, but it could also be a faulty outlet, cord, or internal parts. If overheating, the mixer automatically shuts off at certain temperatures to prevent the motor from taking damage. In order to start the appliance, the user has to wait for it to cool down.

If your mixer doesn’t start even after cooling down, check the plug. If you can’t identify any problems with the plug or the circuit your KitchenAid mixer needs to be serviced as it may have run into a more complex problem than simply overheating.

You may disassemble your stand mixer to find out what’s wrong with it but remember; making any changes to the stand mixer will render your warranty useless.

What Should I Do If My KitchenAid Mixer Won’t Start?

If you’re having issues with your mixer you should start by troubleshooting the appliance. I recommend you do this by getting in contact with KitchenAid’s customer support.

You can also troubleshoot your mixer on the company’s website.

Identifying the problem is numero uno. And as we’ve mentioned earlier, the most common issue is an overheated motor. The motor is thermally protected which means it won’t start back up until it has cooled down.

The second most common problem is an electrical one. Now you’ve waited long enough (15-30 minutes) for the appliance to cool down and it still doesn’t start. This means that we’ve got to keep digging deeper. The next thing we will look at is the plug and the outlet you are using for your stand mixer.

Here’s what you should do in 5 simple steps:

  • Make sure that the appliance is plugged into the outlet properly
  • If your mixer is plugged into a GFCI-outlet, make sure the outlet isn’t reset.

Are you familiar with GFCI-outlets? I’m sure you are. GFCI-outlets come with two buttons, a red one that says “Reset”, and a black one that says “Test”.

Test and reset the outlet. When you press the test button, the reset button should pop out. If it doesn’t you may have a bad GFCI outlet or no power to the outlet.

  • Check the breaker controlling that outlet
  • Check to make sure that the cord on the mixer is intact

Now, if none of these things have worked out you may have to open up your KitchenAid mixer to fix it. Remember, if your product is still under warranty you risk voiding the warranty by opening it.

I do not suggest that you do this and I don’t take responsibility for your product.

With that said, I have opened up my KitchenAid mixer and replaced faulty parts successfully.

If the mixer doesn’t start, then it’s most likely one of these parts:

  • The speed control-plate: Make sure that the cords are connected to the speed control plate properly. If the wiring is flawed or loose, reconnect it.
  • The mixer phase control board: The speed control plate’s instructions apply here too.
  • The carbon motor brushes: Replace both brushes if either brush is worn down shorter than 5/16-inch.
  • The wiring inside the mixer: Replace or repair any damaged power cord wires.

Why Do KitchenAid Mixers Overheat?

KitchenAid mixers are capable of handling the toughest of tasks but they can take a beating when doing so. Some tasks, such as stirring a pizza dough, can cause the mixer to work on overdrive for a long period of time.

This will, in turn, cause the mixer to generate quite a lot of heat – which could potentially damage the motor. Thankfully, KitchenAid mixers have a high-temperature fuse which prevents the mixer’s motor from taking damage by shutting off the appliance if it reaches “critical” temperatures.

When that happens, the user won’t be able to start the appliance until it has cooled down completely.

That isn’t the only thing that can happen, according to KitchenAid’s website. Apparently, when mixing something steamy (they used mashed potatoes as an example) the steam may condense the circuit board and disrupt the board’s communication, causing the mixer to shut off.

What Can I Do To Prevent My KitchenAid Mixer From Overheating?

When I first got my KitchenAid mixer I was extremely cautious with it. I never ran it for longer than recommended and I always observed as it was doing its magic.

The more I used it, the more I took it for granted and I finally I would just let the mixer do the task while I was (still at home) doing other things.

One day I set the mixer and left it while I proceeded to take care of the laundry. As I was doing the laundry I totally forgot about the mixer. After a while, I started hearing a strange noise from the kitchen – which reminded me that I’d left my mixer running.

The mixer had been struggling with the dough for too long and was starting to overheat. Finally, the mixer just shut down and wouldn’t start again. I felt so stupid at that moment – had I just thrown 300 bucks out the window?

Thankfully, the mixer actually shut off to prevent the motor from taking damage but the experience taught me a lesson. Here’s what I’ve learned about mixers and overheating.

When it comes to mixing heavy ingredients, the mixer shouldn’t run for more than 10 minutes or it may risk overheating. Let the mixer rest before you resume mixing. When mixing lighter ingredients the mixer can run up to 20 minutes.

Do not let your mixer run for longer than recommended. The mixer will struggle to keep going and eventually overheat or, even worse, take damage.

You shouldn’t start your mixer on high-speed. Start your session on the lowest setting to avoid overheating the mixer. As the dough gets easier to work with, the mixer will have an easier time working through the dough and the speed can then be increased gradually.

I never go over 2 in speed when working a heavy dough.

Lastly; you should definitely be close to the mixer as it mixes your ingredients. When you set your appliance and start mixing, make sure to check if the appliance is working through the ingredients properly.

Can I Reset My KitchenAid Mixer?

On some models, there’s an overload reset button that will reveal itself when your mixer has overheated. Turn the mixer off and let it cool down for a couple of minutes before you press the reset button.

Mixers without a reset button should just be turned off until cooled down and can then be powered back up again.

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How Much Do KitchenAid Mixers Weigh? (Size & Capacity) https://kitchensnitches.com/how-much-do-kitchenaid-mixers-weigh-size-capacity/ Sun, 22 Sep 2019 08:23:00 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=945 On average, a KitchenAid mixer that is cared for properly and maintained will last for more than 10 years. During those 10 years, you may have to drag your KitchenAid mixer in and out of your cupboard thousands of times and it is, therefore, important to know how much the appliance weighs.

Knowing the weight and size of the KitchenAid mixer and its attachments will tell us if the appliance is mobile enough to suit our needs or not. In this article, I’ll provide what I found when I researched the different KitchenAid mixers and their attachments.

Anyways, let’s get to the question at hand;

How much do KitchenAid mixers weigh? KitchenAid mixers weigh between 20 and 30lbs depending on the model. They’re about 13-15 inches high and take up about a foot counter space. It is, therefore, preferable to keep your KitchenAid mixer in one place instead of dragging it in & out for every single use.

However, I must say that I do recommend getting a Portable Storage Bag for the KitchenAid Mixer. It is a very convenient way of carrying your KitchenAid stand mixer if you must take it with you or store it.

Down below is a table that shows how much a few of the KitchenAid stand mixer models weigh.

ModelWeight
KitchenAid KSM150PSCH 26.5lbs
KitchenAid KSM180RPMB 22lbs
KitchenAid KSM155GBSR 29.1lbs
KitchenAid KSM105GBCBU 24lbs
KitchenAid KSM152PSNK 30lbs

KitchenAid stand mixers are significantly larger than air fryers, slow cookers and pressure cookers with the same cooking capacity. Make sure you’ve got enough countertop space for the stand mixer or, alternatively, an easy way to store it.

I’d be careful when storing your mixer to avoid scratching or breaking parts. If you don’t already know – they’re quite expensive, and while replacement parts are available online, it’s still something you’ll want to avoid.

Apart from the carrying bag, there’s another alternative (which won’t make your KitchenAid mixer lighter to carry but it will protect it). The cloth cover comes in a wide variety of models and sizes. They’re available on Amazon.

How Much Does a KitchenAid Bowl Weigh?

ModelWeight
KitchenAid 5-Qt. Tilt-Head Glass Bowl 2.89 lbs
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Bowl 4.5-Quart 1 lb
KitchenAid 5-Qt. Tilt-Head Ceramic Bowl 6.6 lbs
KitchenAid Polished Stainless Steel Bowl with Handle 1.2 lbs

How Many Quarts Is a KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

Not all KitchenAid mixers are equally large. Generally, the most popular mixers have a capacity of 4.5 to 5 Quart. The larger models come with a 7 Quart bowl – and then there’s everything in-between.

The KitchenAid bowls are interchangeable, meaning a 5qt bowl can be put on a 4.5qt mixer. However, this isn’t true for all attachments and sizes.

How Can I Tell How Big My KitchenAid Mixer Is?

Your KitchenAid mixer comes with a label that will tell us more than enough about the mixer to figure out how large it is. Here’s what you should do to find out how big your mixer is:

  • Check the mixer’s label to find out which series it belongs to.
    • The classic, commercial, professional, artisan, ultrapower, and the pro-line have different models and different sizes.
  • Classic tilt-back style mixers are 4.5 Quart.
  • The commercial series are 5 Quart in size, along with the Artisan, Pro 500, Professional Heavy Duty, Professional 5 Plus, and Ultrapower Tilt-Head.
  • The professional series, including Professional 600 and Pro-Line can hold up to 6 Quart.

Another, perhaps even better method of finding the mixer’s capacity is this one:

  • Check the bottom of the bowl for a number starting with K
  • K4 means the bowl’s capacity is 4 Quart. K5 means it’s 5 Quart and so on.

Where Do I Store My KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

Recently I’ve decided to keep my KitchenAid mixer out in the open at all times. It’s just too much work moving it back and forth. Besides, the appliance itself isn’t an eyesore – it’s actually quite fashionable.

But… when the time comes for new equipment I may have to go back to storing the KitchenAid mixer whenever I’m not using it.

If storing your mixer in the corner of your countertop isn’t an alternative, then I’d start looking at other solutions.

  • The roll-out drawer: This is probably the most convenient method I’ve tried so far. I’ve kept my KitchenAid mixer in a roll-out drawer beneath my counter, but because the mixer weighs quite a bit, it is essential that the drawer is sturdy enough to hold the mixer’s weight or you will risk breaking the drawer’s tracks.
  • The swing-arm shelf: Swing-arm shelves are perfect for storing your KitchenAid mixer – just make sure they’re strong enough to hold it.

Other, more obvious places include;

  • The garage
  • Storage room
  • The pantry

But then again; the further away from the kitchen the mixer is, the further you’ll have to carry it.

No matter where you place it, I strongly recommend that you get a cloth cover to keep the appliance from collecting dust.

What Is the Largest Capacity KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

Looking at the entire collection of KitchenAid mixers you will see that the size doesn’t vary dramatically. With other appliances, such as the air fryer, for example, you’ll see a giant leap between the smallest air fryer (about 1qt) and the largest air fryer (12-16qt)

The largest KitchenAid mixer measures 8 quarts and can hold up to 16 cups of flour at one time.

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Is It Worth Getting a KitchenAid Stand Mixer? https://kitchensnitches.com/is-it-worth-getting-a-kitchenaid-stand-mixer/ Wed, 18 Sep 2019 10:41:38 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=954 While the kitchen has a lot of various countertop appliances, there is only one that has more than ten attachments and eight model lineups.

Yes, we are talking about KitchenAid’s Stand Mixers; the all-in-one baking/cooking appliance that can create restaurant-quality meals, bake heavy-duty bread, and create delicious no-bake desserts.

While KitchenAid’s Stand Mixers are beautiful to look at and come with a ton of features, they are quite expensive for those on a budget.

So, is it worth getting a stand mixer? Yes, it is worth getting a stand mixer! With the amount of attachments that these stand mixers come with, you can have a juicer in the morning, a food processor during meal prep, and a ravioli maker during lunchtime. While they may not be cheap to buy, they are certainly worth their weight in money.

My all-time favorite is the KitchenAid KSM150 5-Quart Mixer.

Read on to find out what is so great about these stand mixers, why they beat out the old hand mixer, and what kind of food you can make with one.

What’s So Great About KitchenAid Stand Mixers?

Beyond the fact that KitchenAid’s stand mixers come in a wide variety of price points, color options, features, and mixing capacities, the company dominates the stand mixer market because of the high-quality materials they use.

Customers flock to the product because they are durable, reliable, and long-lasting. But, let’s take a deeper look at what makes their stand mixers so great.

1# They Are Versatile.

KitchenAid’s Stand Mixers are well-known for being very versatile, allowing for culinary creations of all kinds to be made with the appliance. One night you can bake cookies and the next make dough for pizza; all of which will be high-quality.

But what makes them truly shine in the area of versatility is their power hubs for optional accessories and attachments, making them an all-in-one appliance.

Every KitchenAid Stand Mixer will come with up to 12-14 different attachment options and will feature 10 different speeds. Plus, you can pick from a 4.5 up to a 7-quart mixing volume!

2# They Come in Many Styles.

The KitchenAid Stand Mixers come in an elegant, simple, and classic feel but have all the modern features you would come to expect from a mixing appliance.

What’s more is that they come with 87 color options, have limited edition colors every year, and you can choose from burnished or coated beater types.

You can choose from eight different lineups of stand mixers, including the ever-popular: Artisan Series, Architect Series, and Professional Heavy-Duty Series.

3# You Get a Trusted Brand Name.

A simple search on your favorite online shop is going to throw thousands of 4 to 5-star reviews back at you.

KitchenAid has been making their KitchenAid Stand Mixers for a century now, making them a brand that you can trust. It also helps that you get full-service product assistance when you purchase a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

4# They Come Packed with User-friendly Features.

Each KitchenAid Stand Mixer comes with an excellent user manual filled with recipes, a high-capacity mixing bowl, upright head-locks to lock your machine in position, easy-to-read speed settings, a dishwasher safe bowl/beater/hook, and an ergonomic handle for ease of use.

Is a Hand Mixer as Good as a Stand Mixer?

The hand mixer is one of those basic household items that are lumped into one of the first purchases made when setting up a kitchen. And while they can be pricey, if you buy one that is brand new, you can generally find them for cheap at secondhand shops.

A hand mixer is a good purchase if you don’t want to mix batter or dough by hand, have minimal space in your kitchen, or just have quick tasks that you need to get done like whipping cream or egg whites.

However, when compared to a stand mixer, the stand mixer outranks it by far and here is why.

The Positives of a Stand Mixer

  • A stand mixer is going to blend, mix, and whip batter, and dough with more power than a hand model, allowing you to get your baking or cooking down at a faster rate.
  • A stand mixer is going to allow you to mix for long periods at a time without tiring as you don’t need to use your hands for any of the mixing movements that you would need with a hand mixer.
  • A stand mixer is going to mix up cookie batters and heavy dough more easily, allowing you to squeeze in more baking or cooking time.
  • The large mixing bowl prevents any food splashing during the mixing process.
  • The mixing bowl on a stand mixer is stabilized, so you can walk away from it and prepare other ingredients.

The Limitations of a Hand Mixer

  • The motor in a hand mixer is much smaller than a stand mixer, providing less mixing capability.
  • The bowl is not in a fixed position, so if you do not have a steady hand, you can easily drop or spill the mixture.
  • A hand mixer struggles when it comes to very thick batters.

Any item that you can mix with a hand mixer can also be done in a stand mixer. The only drawback to a stand mixer is that the capacity is limited to its bowl and it and it can take up a large chunk of kitchen counter space and cabinet storage.

What Can You Make with a Stand Mixer?

The stand mixer has very little in the way of limitations for what you can make with it. Unlike a hand mixer, a stand mixer comes with numerous attachments, allowing you to access a greater range of tools for baking, cooking, whipping, mashing, and kneading.

A basic stand mixer will come with three blade attachments: beaters, dough hook, and a whisk.

What You Can Use the Beaters For: These can be used for the majority of the tasks you want to do with cooking preparation and baking.

You can mix up cookie and cake batters, create creamy frostings, shred up chicken and pork, create a mix for meatloaf and meatballs, or even mash up potatoes and add in butter and milk.

What You Can Make with the Dough Hook: with the dough hook, you can make all kinds of bread, as the slower speed of the hook is ideal for not over-kneading or overheating the mixer.

The dough hook also allows you to adjust your dough as you go along, adding in flour and water or nuts and dried fruit. Cinnamon rolls are an awesome and delicious way to use both your dough hook and your paddle attachment.

What You Can Make with the Whisk Attachment: the whisk attachment excels at whipping up cream and egg whites, as well as aerating fluid mixtures for items like meringues that require voluminous amounts of whipped cream.

While you can whip up these items by hand, the stand mixer is extremely useful for buttercreams that require whipped egg yolks and swiss meringue that requires the use of sugar.

Other than this, the paddles are good for making angel food cake, soufflés, creamy yogurts, no-bake cheesecake, and marshmallow fluff.

Common food types to make in a KitchenAid Stand Mixer:

  • Sticky lemon rolls with cream cheese frosting,
  • Chocolate chip cookies,
  • Pizza dough,
  • Vanilla ice cream, butter,
  • Italian sausage,
  • Buttercream frosting,
  • Brioche bread,
  • Mashed potatoes,
  • Pasta dough,
  • Meatballs
  • Whipped cream.

How Much Does a Stand Mixer Cost?

The cost is dependent on which lineup you go for.

The Classic Series/Classic Plus Series: this is the least expensive of the full-size models and comes with a powerful motor and a tilt-head design. It has 10 speeds, three standard attachments, and a 4.5-quart mixing bowl. It comes in at $259.99 and up.

Artisan Mini/Artisan Mini Design Series: this lineup is designed for small kitchens and lower baking volumes but has the same horsepower as the full-size Artisan models.

It comes with the three standard attachments, 10 speeds, and a variety of color options. The mixing bowl is 3.5-quarts and comes in at $299.99 and up.

The Artisan Series/Artisan Design Series: these are generally best for most individuals as they come with the widest range of colors, finishes, and can take on everyday tasks easily.

If you want to cream butter, whip up a cookie dough or mix up a cake batter, this one will work. It comes with 10 speeds, three standard attachments, and has a 5-quart mixing bowl of either stainless steel or glass.

It comes in at $379.99 and up.

Pro Line Series: if you are looking to make large batches of cookies and dense bread, then this lineup is for you.

It comes with a bowl-lift design, has 10 speeds, and offers either a 6-quart or 7-quart mixing bowl. The motor is 1.3 horsepower and has a soft start feature which starts the mixer on a lower speed automatically.

It comes in at $629.99 and up.

With so many lineups to choose from, it is highly recommended that you do some research on which stand mixer fits your baking/cooking needs prior to falling in love with a specific model.

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Kitchen Appliance Durability: How Long Do Stand Mixers Last? https://kitchensnitches.com/kitchen-appliance-durability-how-long-do-stand-mixers-last/ Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:20:06 +0000 https://kitchensnitches.com/?p=947 When it comes to countertop kitchen appliances, the KitchenAid brand is practically the “go-to” option when it comes to stand mixers.

Why?

It is one of the most durable consumer items you will ever purchase with its metal construction and it comes in 15 different mixer types with a massive range of color options including limited editions.

For those who are heavy bakers, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer comes with 14 different attachments and makes being in the kitchen a breeze. With this said, KitchenAid Stand Mixers are on the pricier range and so many consumers want to know one thing:

How long do stand mixers last? While many of the KitchenAid Stand Mixers have a one full year warranty, the brand stands behind their products, noting that they will last at least two-five years. However, many consumers report their KitchenAid Stand Mixers lasting 10-25+ years with proper maintenance and care.

Do KitchenAid Mixers Have a Lifetime Warranty?

The KitchenAid Stand Mixers come with a “One Full Year Warranty” which is classified as a hassle-free replacement warranty in both Canada and the United States.

With the hassle-free replacement warranty, if the stand mixer fails within the first year of ownership, KitchenAid will deliver an identical or comparable replacement to you, free of charge.

The original (failed) stand mixer will be returned to KitchenAid and the replacement unit will be covered by their one-year limited warranty. This is not a lifetime warranty.

What Does This Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty Cover?

  • Delivery of a replacement to your door,
  • An arrangement for the return of the failed appliance,
  • A guarantee on the replacement product for one year.

KitchenAid will not cover or pay for any of the following;

  • The stand mixer breaks when used in a non-single family home
  • Incurs damage as a result of misuse
  • Breaks/needs repairs due to the mixer being used with non-approved KitchenAid products
  • Requires replacement parts or labor for a stand mixer that is operated outside the country of purchase.

*It is important to note that each individual product comes with its own warranty conditions, so always check the warranty documents before buying to know exactly how long your warranty will be.

Can You Extend Your KitchenAid Stand Mixer Warranty?

According to the service plans portion of KitchenAid’s website, you can extend your coverage by up to five additional years. The one-year plan comes in as low as $14.95 and can cover common problems like the product not powering on, the mixer not spinning, or the mixer head not locking into place.

The additional years of coverage will protect you after the limited manufacturer’s warranty period subsides. For stand mixers, the service plan is for the motor only and covers labor costs as well as reimbursement based on the product’s original price and age.

What Can I Do to Make My Stand Mixer Last Longer?

While KitchenAid stand mixers are known for their longevity, there are a few precautionary steps that you can take to help make it last longer.

  • Do Not Ignore the Manual! While it is very tempting to pull your new KitchenAid stand mixer right out of the box and ogle at it, do not forget to read the owner’s manual. It will contain the instructions on how to properly use it as well as any precautions you should take to ensure that it has a long lifespan.
  • Clean After Use. Always clean your KitchenAid stand mixer after every use and make sure to always remove attachments first and separately clean them in a mixture of warm soapy water. Any excess water and soap should be wiped away and the entire appliance should be left to air dry before being stored away.
  • Only Use Compatible Attachments. The fantastic thing about KitchenAid stand mixers is that they come with numerous attachments for various tasks. While you can use older attachments on newer models, it is highly recommended that you only use attachments that are compatible with your mixer. Incompatible attachments will lead to a reduced performance and may reduce the lifespan of your appliance.
  • Speed Up Slowly! You always want to increase the speed at a gradual pace. Operating your stand mixer at top speed right off the bat can cause permanent damage to both the motor and the gears of the mixer.
  • Pay Attention to Bowl & Beater Clearance. Maintaining a proper distance between the bottom of the bowl and the beater is important to keep the stand mixer functioning correctly. If you have too much distance, your mixing capabilities will be less efficient, and too close may cause you to scrape the bottom of the bowl.
  • Prevent Overheating. Reduce your mixing time whenever possible so that you aren’t using it for prolonged periods of time and allow your mixture to rest between periods of use. Other than this, always clean your mixer after every use.
  • Warm Your Mixer Up! If you go a long time without using your stand mixer, the lubricant will solidify under cooler temperatures. Warming the mixer up will allow the lubricant to freely move through the mixer again. Run the machine for a few minutes and adjust the speeds before using.
  • Re-Grease It Annually. For the gears to work efficiently, they need grease to move past one another. Over time, this grease will become dirty and ineffective. Have your stand mixer re-greased at least once a year.

How Can I Tell How Old My KitchenAid Stand Mixer Is?

The easiest way to figure out how old your KitchenAid stand mixer is through the serial number. This number may be located right on the appliance but is also listed in the owner’s manual that comes with the appliance upon purchase.

Once you have the serial number, do the following.

  • Take a look at the second letter in your serial number, this represents the year that the KitchenAid appliance was produced. If it is a “J” then your KitchenAid stand mixer was produced in 1991, while “K” represents 2000 and “L” represents 2001 and so on.
  • Next, the first two numbers that appear after your “year produced” letter will tell you the week of the year that your product was manufactured. You will need a calendar for this part so that you can narrow the week down. For instance, if the serial number read “L52” then the product was produced in 2001 during the last week of the year.

If you do not want to go through the above process yourself, you can always log into the KitchenAid website and find out how old your stand mixer is by using their support tab. Here are the steps for this.

  • Log into the KitchenAid website and click on the support tab. Choose the contact us option.
  • You will be met with a contact form. Find the “Kitchen Electrics/Countertop Appliances” option from the drop-down menu and click it to add it to the subject line.
  • Click on the product or product category and choose stand mixer.
  • Enter your stand mixer’s model number into the model number box. This can be found in the owner’s manual where the specifications are listed or on the bottom of the appliance.
  • Enter the serial number of your mixer, which is also found in the owner’s manual where the specifications are listed or on the bottom of the appliance.
  • State that you want to know the date of your mixer within the comment box. Input your email address and hit the send button. A KitchenAid associate will contact you with the corresponding information.

Common KitchenAid Stand Mixer Problems

Common problems that you may come across include:

Oil leaking from the gearbox. This can happen if the grease becomes separated either from overloading the mixer with heat, not using the mixer often enough, or the mixer hasn’t been re-greased in a long while.

Beater blades hit the bottom of the bowl. This happens when the beater blades need to be readjusted in their alignment.

The mixer will not start. This can happen if the motor is overheated or if there is an electrical issue with the electrical breaker or the GFCI outlet.

Other symptoms can include: the mixer not sounding right, the mixer not turning off, tilt head mixer issues, springs missing from beater shafts, missing speeds, electrical sparking or smoking, and beater/bowl issues.

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