If you’re lucky enough to own a KitchenAid stand mixer, you already know it’s not just another kitchen appliance—it’s the workhorse of the countertop.
From whipping cream to kneading dough, this machine does it all without so much as a whimper. But even the sturdiest tools need a little TLC now and then, and that’s where this guide comes in.
Mixers endure a lot: thick cookie dough, flying flour, sticky meringue, and sometimes a little neglect between uses.
Over time, all that wear shows up in subtle ways—slower performance, loose beaters, weird noises, or unbalanced mixing. The sooner you spot and fix these issues, the longer your mixer will serve you well.
This guide will show you how to keep your appliance clean, smooth, and strong. I’ve accumulated lots of tips and tricks over the years that I’ve organized here for convenient troubleshooting and advice.
Whether you’re here for a quick tune-up or more in-depth maintenance steps, you’ll find straightforward help to keep your KitchenAid in top shape.
Common KitchenAid Mixer Problems & How To Fix Them
From noisy motors to wobbly beaters, even the mighty KitchenAid can act up now and then. The good news? Most issues have quick fixes you can do at home—no repair tech needed. Below you’ll find a collection of practical tips, DIY repair guides, and clever tricks to keep your mixer humming for years to come.
Before You Begin: Opening up your KitchenAid mixer can be a great way to fix common issues yourself—but proceed with care. If your mixer is still under warranty, disassembling it may void that coverage. Always check your warranty terms first. For major problems or newer models, contacting KitchenAid support might be the safer option. If you’re comfortable with basic repairs, follow each step slowly and safely.
How to Grease Your KitchenAid Mixer
Keeping your KitchenAid mixer properly lubricated is one of the most important steps for long-term care. Inside the mixer’s gear housing is a thick, food-grade grease that keeps all those metal parts running smoothly. Over time, especially with frequent use or age, the grease can break down, separate, or even dry out—leading to grinding noises, sluggish performance, or worse, damage to internal parts.
Steps to Re-Grease Your Stand Mixer:
- Unplug the Mixer: Always unplug before disassembling—safety first.
- Remove the Back Cover & Planetary Housing: Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the rear metal cover and the planetary unit (where the attachments connect).
- Access the Gear Housing: Remove the four screws holding the top gear cover in place. Inside, you’ll see the gears and old grease.
- Scrape Out the Old Grease: Use a plastic scraper or silicone spatula to remove as much old grease as you can. Avoid anything metal that could gouge the housing or gears.
- Wipe Down Thoroughly: Use paper towels and a clean, lint-free cloth to get the interior as clean as possible.
- Apply New Grease Generously: Use NSF H1-certified food-grade grease (like Super Lube or Valvoline food-safe grease). Don’t skimp—coat all the gear teeth and surfaces with a thick layer.
- Reassemble the Mixer: Carefully replace the cover and screws, double-checking that everything fits snugly.
Recommended Greasing Schedule: Every 1–2 years, depending on how heavily you use your mixer. If you bake several times a week, aim for every 12–18 months.
If you need a more in-depth visual guide, I came across an older but excellent greasing tutorial (thankfully archived!): artisanbreadbaking.com tutorial via Wayback Machine. It’s a great walk-through if you’re ready to tackle this job yourself.
Addressing Leaking Oil (Drip Ring or Down the Shaft)
Noticed a bit of yellowish or brownish liquid dripping down your mixer? That’s not oil—it’s actually the liquid component of separated grease. This happens more often when the mixer sits unused for long stretches or gets stored in warm areas.
Quick Fix:
- Run It on High: Turn the mixer on to speed 10 and let it run for 2–3 minutes. This helps re-blend the grease and often solves the problem.
- Wipe the Area: Use a paper towel or damp cloth to clean any visible residue.
- Use It More Frequently: Regular use helps keep the grease mixed and prevents separation.
Quick Tip: If the oil continues to seep out after repeated use, it’s time to fully re-grease (see instructions above).
Helpful Video: Watch this tutorial on re-greasing and diagnosing oil leaks
Adjusting the Beaters for Better Mixing
If your mixer isn’t scraping the bowl clean, or it sounds like the beater is slapping the sides, it’s probably out of alignment. Thankfully, the fix is easy and takes under 5 minutes.
Do the Dime Test:
- Put a Dime in the Bowl: Right in the center.
- Attach the Flat Beater: Lower the head or bowl into position.
- Run on Stir Speed (Speed 1):
- Dime doesn’t move? Beater is too high.
- Dime moves slowly in a circle? Perfect height!
- Dime clatters or beater hits it? Beater is too low.
Watch it in action: This short video explains the dime test perfectly
How to Adjust It:
- Locate the Adjustment Screw: On tilt-head models, it’s under the hinge where the head tilts. On bowl-lift models, it’s near the arm mechanism.
- Turn the Screw:
- Clockwise: Lowers the beater.
- Counterclockwise: Raises it.
- Test Again: Keep tweaking until the dime moves gently and evenly.
Proper alignment ensures better mixing, less wear on parts, and no scraping or missed ingredients at the bowl’s bottom.
Fixing a Mixer That’s Running But Not Spinning
If your mixer hums like it’s working but the attachments aren’t turning, it’s likely a broken worm gear.
Symptoms:
- Motor sounds normal.
- Beaters don’t move at all.
- May smell faintly “burnt” or like overheated plastic.
Why It Happens: The worm gear is designed to fail to protect the motor when the mixer is overloaded.
DIY Fix:
- Unplug the mixer.
- Open the gear housing (requires removing the back and top covers).
- Remove and replace the worm gear.
- Reapply food-grade grease to the gears.
- Reassemble.
Step-by-Step Guide: Instructables worm gear replacement tutorial
Quick Tip: Keep a spare worm gear on hand if you do a lot of bread or heavy dough mixing.
Mixer Head Wobbling During Use (Tilt-Head Models)
A mixer head that bounces or lifts while running is more than annoying—it can throw off mixing consistency.
What’s Going On:
- The hinge pin may have slid out of place.
- The locking latch might be loose or worn out.
Fixes:
- Re-center the Hinge Pin: Use a rubber mallet or punch tool to gently tap the pin from the opposite side until centered.
- Check the Lock: If it doesn’t click firmly into place, the latch spring may need adjusting or replacement.
Quick Tip: Avoid running thick doughs at high speeds—that’s a common cause of head wobble.
Mixer Overheating or Shutting Off Mid-Use
Symptoms:
- Mixer stops unexpectedly.
- Feels hot to the touch.
- May smell faintly like warm electronics.
Causes:
- Overloading the bowl.
- Running at high speed for extended periods.
- Dust or flour clogging the cooling vents underneath.
What to Do:
- Let It Cool: Unplug and wait at least 30 minutes before retrying.
- Clean the Vents: Use a soft toothbrush or compressed air to clear vents (found on the bottom or rear).
- Avoid Overworking: Stick to Speed 2 for heavy tasks like kneading.
Quick Tip: Consider dividing large dough batches into smaller portions to reduce strain on the motor.
Speed Control Problems (Jumping Speeds or Not Responding)
Speed issues often stem from a faulty control plate or a loose internal spring.
Signs to Watch For:
- Mixer speeds up unexpectedly.
- Speed lever feels loose or wobbly.
- No response at certain speed settings.
Solution:
- Inspect the control plate and spring.
- Open the mixer housing (only if you’re comfortable and the warranty is expired).
- Replace the control plate if worn.
Caution: This involves wiring and delicate internal parts. If unsure, consult a professional.
Bowl Feels Loose or Wobbly During Mixing
If your bowl rocks or rattles, it’s a simple fix—but an important one.
For Tilt-Head Mixers:
- Tighten the Bowl Clip: Gently bend it inward using padded pliers or a flathead screwdriver to improve tension.
For Bowl-Lift Mixers:
- Adjust Bowl Arms: Use a screwdriver to tweak the screws on the support arms for a snugger fit.
- Fine-Tune Bowl Height: The adjustment screw behind the bowl arms controls how high the bowl lifts into place.
Quick Tip: Always ensure the bowl is seated fully into the pins or brackets—sometimes a poor fit is just a misalignment.
Beater Scraping Noisily or Hitting the Bowl
You’ve already learned the dime test (above)—but here’s why it’s crucial:
If Left Unchecked:
- Coated beaters can chip, flake, or crack.
- Stainless steel bowls may develop grooves or dents.
Fix:
- Run the Dime Test regularly (every few months or after a beater swap).
- Adjust the Height Screw until the dime slides gently around without harsh scraping.
Quick Tip: Consider swapping coated beaters for burnished metal or stainless steel versions—they’re dishwasher-safe and more durable long-term.
Attachment Hub Isn’t Working
If your pasta roller or food grinder isn’t spinning, don’t panic—it’s usually an easy fix.
Possible Causes:
- Attachment Shaft Misaligned: Reinsert the attachment and tighten the thumbscrew fully.
- Wrong Speed: Some tools require Speed 4–6 to engage properly.
- Worn Hub Gear: If nothing spins despite the motor running, the internal gear may need replacing.
Quick Tip: Replacing the hub gear is similar to worm gear replacement—follow similar disassembly steps.
Clicking, Clunking, or Grinding Noises
Odd noises are your mixer’s way of asking for help.
Causes:
- Dry Gears: Grease may have broken down.
- Loose Screws: Internal fasteners can shake loose over time.
- Worn Teeth: Plastic gears can degrade with heavy use.
What To Do:
- Open the mixer head.
- Check and tighten screws.
- Clean out old grease and re-grease gears.
- Replace any worn gears if needed.
Quick Tip: If the sound changes pitch during use or only happens on certain speeds, you may be dealing with a partially stripped gear.
Flat Beater or Dough Hook Stuck on the Shaft
Over time, dried food or grease buildup can make it tough to remove attachments.
Fixes:
- Warm Compress: Wrap a cloth soaked in hot water around the stuck area for a few minutes.
- Use Cooking Oil: Apply a drop of food-safe oil at the base to help loosen.
- Wiggle Gently, Don’t Yank: Use slow, even pressure while twisting.
Prevent Future Sticking:
- Clean attachments immediately after use.
- Store them off the shaft to prevent drying in place.
Planetary Plate Dropping or Coming Loose
Problem: The metal planetary plate—the part that holds the beater—feels loose or detaches completely.
Cause: The internal set screw may have loosened.
Fix: Tighten the set screw.
- On many models, you’ll find this screw on the side of the planetary housing.
To access it:
- Remove the decorative trim ring (if present).
- Look for a small hex or Phillips screw on the side of the planetary unit.
- Tighten it gently but firmly.
Quick Tip: If the planetary has completely fallen off, you’ll need to reattach it by aligning it with the shaft and securing the screw.
Mixer Head Won’t Lock (Tilt-Head Models)
Problem: The tilt head doesn’t lock into place when mixing or feels unstable.
Cause: The neck screw (beneath the tilt hinge) may be too loose—or too tight.
Fix: Locate the neck screw.
- Lift the tilt head. Just behind the hinge area, you’ll find an adjustment screw.
Adjust Carefully:
- If the screw is too loose, the head won’t lock securely.
- If it’s too tight, the beaters will sit too low and may hit the bowl.
Quick Tip: This is a balancing act—adjust in small increments and test your beater clearance each time.
Bowl is Difficult to Remove
Problem: The bowl (especially with bowl-lift models) is stuck and won’t turn or release from the base.
Fix: Use force strategically.
- Apply several firm slaps with the flat of your palm around the bowl’s sides, rotating slightly between each hit. This helps break the grip of dried-on residue or tension.
Note: Avoid using metal tools or hammers, which can warp or damage the bowl arms or base plate.
Severely Stuck Bowl
Problem: The bowl is completely stuck and won’t budge, even with the palm-slapping method.
Fix Options:
Warm Compress:
- Soak a clean towel in hot water.
- Wrap it around the base of the bowl to loosen any sticky residue or contraction from cold metal.
Lubricate:
- Apply a small amount of mineral oil or nonstick spray (like PAM) around the bowl base.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then twist to remove.
Beaters Are Stuck on the Shaft
Problem: Flat beaters, dough hooks, or whisks won’t come off the attachment shaft.
Fix Methods:
Hot Water Soak:
- Soak the beater hub (where it attaches) in hot water to loosen dried-on batter or grease.
Apply Lubricant:
- Use a few drops of WD-40 or food-safe mineral oil at the base. Let it sit and twist gently.
Rust or Corrosion Removal:
- If rust is present, try using CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust remover) on a cloth around the shaft.
Prevent Future Sticking:
- After each use, remove and wash beaters promptly.
- Apply a very light coating of cooking oil to the shaft before attaching beaters.
Long-Term Storage Tips
If your KitchenAid stand mixer only makes appearances during holidays, seasonal baking bursts, or big gatherings, it’s worth giving it a little extra care before putting it away for a while. These small but important steps will help ensure it’s in great shape the next time you pull it out—without strange noises, stiff grease, or electrical hiccups.
Run It Once a Month (Even When You’re Not Using It)
Stand mixers contain heavy-duty grease that coats and protects internal gears—but over time, that grease can settle, separate, or harden if the machine just sits. To keep things moving smoothly, plug in the mixer and let it run (empty) on Speed 2 or 3 for about 15–30 seconds once a month. This redistributes the lubricant inside and prevents the motor seals from drying out. It might feel like overkill, but this single habit can add years to your machine’s life.
Keep It Covered—Properly
Dust may seem harmless, but it loves to sneak into the ventilation slots and motor housing where it can clog things up or retain moisture.
Cover the mixer with a well-fitted fabric cover, or at the very least, a large plastic bag tied loosely at the base.
Avoid storing it in its original cardboard box unless you’re sure it’s bone-dry and mold-free—cardboard can trap humidity, especially in basements or garages.
Choose a Smart Storage Spot
Skip the attic, garage, or any space where temperature or humidity swings wildly. Ideal storage conditions are cool (but not freezing) and dry. Excess heat can soften or separate internal grease, while humidity invites rust on metal components. A pantry shelf, upper kitchen cabinet, or closet works great—as long as it’s away from the stove, dishwasher, or anything else that gives off warmth or steam.
Bonus Tip: Give It a Quick Clean Before Storing
Wipe down the body, under the head, and around the attachment hub to remove any flour, grease, or batter bits that might attract pests or harden over time. If you really want to be thorough, remove the bowl and attachments, wash and dry them, and store them separately to prevent any pressure stress on the bowl arms or beater shaft.
Restore & Customize: How To Make Your Stand Mixer Look Brand New
Over the years, even the most reliable stand mixer can start to show signs of wear—scuffs, discoloration, dull paint, or just a dated style. This guide is all about giving your KitchenAid a fresh new look. Whether you want to restore its original charm, change the color, or give it a modern update, these easy DIY methods will help you revitalize its appearance without affecting performance.
Option 1: Repaint Your Stand Mixer
A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a tired-looking mixer. It takes some prep and patience, but the results can look factory-fresh or completely custom.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Painter’s tape (blue, low-tack)
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- 400–600 grit sandpaper or fine sanding sponge
- Lint-free cloths
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl 90% or higher)
- Spray primer (for metal surfaces)
- Enamel spray paint or appliance epoxy spray
- Clear protective topcoat (satin or gloss)
- Large cardboard box or spray booth
- Disposable gloves, mask, goggles
Step-by-Step:
Disassemble What You Can: Remove the bowl, attachments, and trim band. Unscrew the rear motor cover, hub cap, and knobs if possible. Leave internal parts in place, but be thorough with masking.
Tape Off Openings and Components: Cover all vents, seams, the power cord, moving parts, and planetary gear using painter’s tape. Any opening that paint could seep into should be sealed tightly.
Lightly Sand the Surface: Use a fine sanding sponge or sandpaper to scuff the old finish. This helps new primer and paint stick better. Wipe clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue.
Prime the Exterior: Apply 1–2 thin coats of primer, spraying from 8–10 inches away. Allow each coat to dry fully before the next. Wait at least 2–4 hours before painting.
Apply New Paint: Spray 2–4 light coats of appliance enamel, letting each layer dry for 20–30 minutes. Take your time to prevent drips or uneven areas. Let the final coat cure for 24–48 hours.
Optional Clear Coat: If using matte or chalk finishes, a topcoat will help protect and seal the surface. Gloss coats give a sleek, easy-to-clean finish and deepen color.
Reassemble Carefully: Remove all tape gently and put your mixer back together. Run it briefly on low speed to ensure everything works smoothly.
Quick Tip: Let the mixer cure at least 72 hours before heavy use.
Option 2: Use Vinyl Decals or Wraps
Decals are an easy and non-permanent way to refresh a scratched or faded mixer. It’s perfect for updating the look seasonally or giving it a more modern or themed style.
Great For:
- Covering scuffs or cosmetic wear
- Holiday or seasonal makeovers
- Monograms, patterns, or quotes
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Quality vinyl decals or pre-cut wraps
- Rubbing alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
- Credit card or squeegee
- Heat gun (optional for curved areas)
Step-by-Step:
Clean Thoroughly: Wipe all decal zones with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. Skip oil-based cleaners that can interfere with adhesion.
Plan the Layout : Use painter’s tape to position decals temporarily and test out placements. Mark guides lightly if needed.
Apply Slowly: Peel the backing and press the decal in place, working from the center outward to remove air bubbles.
Heat Set (Optional): Use a heat gun on low to help vinyl curve and mold to rounded surfaces, especially near the motor head.
Let It Cure: Avoid scrubbing or washing for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to bond fully.
Quick Tips: Waterproof vinyl holds up well with gentle cleaning. Use removable vinyl if you want to swap designs throughout the year. Full wraps found on Etsy and from specialty shops offer a more finished, all-over update.
Option 3: Add Hand-Drawn Designs with Paint Pens
Perfect for giving your mixer a personal, artistic makeover—ideal for florals, hand lettering, or whimsical details.
Supplies:
- Oil-based paint pens (Sharpie or Posca)
- Clear acrylic sealer spray (optional)
- Ruler and pencil for guides
How-To:
- Clean and dry the surface with alcohol.
- Lightly sketch out your design with pencil. Fill in with paint pens, allowing time between color layers.
- If desired, spray a clear coat to protect the artwork in high-touch areas.
Caution: Stick to solid exterior panels—avoid seams or heat vents.
Other Refresh Ideas:
- Decoupage: Apply vintage napkins or patterned tissue paper using Mod Podge and seal with a clear coat.
- Seasonal Stickers: Create interchangeable decal sets for different holidays or themes.
What Not to Do:
- Don’t paint moving or interior parts
- Skip regular craft paint—it won’t hold up to heat or cleaning
- Avoid heavy decal layering near seams or screws
- Don’t block access to maintenance areas
Care & Cleaning After Updating:
- Use a soft, damp cloth and mild soap to clean your refreshed mixer.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive pads on painted or decaled areas.
- Don’t use citrus cleaners on sealed or wrapped surfaces.
Fixing up your mixer might seem intimidating at first, but hopefully you’ve seen just how approachable it really is. Armed with the right tips, a few basic tools, and some regular attention, you can take excellent care of your KitchenAid—no service call required!
These are some great tips that I want to keep but I don’t want to print. It would be a great idea to be able to either have a file of these tips or be able to transfer them to our computer documents for us to create our own file. Printing just wastes so much paper, its hard to find and organize tips and a computer file will make keeping more tips an option. Love them and keep them coming. Thank You.
Miss C
Click where it says “print” below the tips. Then, highlight the whole page; ctrl c to copy; then open a new document or email and ctrl v to paste. You can leave it like this, or if you don’t want the photos in, simply place your cursor to the bottom right of the photo and use “delete” or “backspace” to take the photo out. You should be able to clean it this way to get the results you want.
Hope this helps! Merry Christmas!
For misschameleon you have an option for turning the screen you ate looking at into an image or jpg file your keyboard has a key for it mine is tiny source then you can save all the pages you want in your pics file that’s what I did rather than print them all.
Copy and paste onto word 🙂
You can also print to a PDF file, instead of printing to paper. When you print, select PDF or whatever your file choice, instead of your home printer. Then you can archive them on your computer’s hard drive.
Click ‘print’ at the top of the page, then right click and choose print then instead of printing to your printer choose print to PDF or save to PFD.
Or just print it as a pdf and save it to you computer.
For flour,powdered sugar etc. that flies out when u turn mixer on….I took a large ice cream pail top(party pail size) cut strait line to middle,cut hole n middle to place over beater and it just slips rite over bowl n beaters n just rinse off when finished!
Thanks for the tips.
I keep my Kitchen Aid out on my counter (too heavy to put away). I prefer storing it centered in a corner on my cabinets. Between the weight and the rubber feet, it was a nightmare moving it out and across my granite to use it. I put 3/4 inch felt protector pads on the rubber feet and now my mixer just glides across the granite and out of the corner for use.
While I like my Kitchen Aid, I used to have a Sunbeam stand mixer which was more user friendly. The beaters were offset such that you could scrape the bowl while the mixer was running. I think Kitchen Aid could improve their design. I did recently purchase a beater with the attached rubber scraper which helps. Also, my Artisan came with the plastic splash guard with the shute for adding ingredients. I’m glad I have that.
I like the power of the Kitchen Aid. If mixing a stiff batter with my Sunbeam, you could sometimes “smell” the motor like it was burning. I haven’t experienced that with my Kitchen Aid, but I feel like my Sunbeam mixed batters better. It seems like I always see tiny lumps in my batters mixed with the Kitchen Aid. I have a friend who also used to have a Sunbeam and she said the same thing about her Kitchen Aid. The important thing is that the finished products usually turn out okay.
Any suggestions for mixing smoother batters in the Kitchen Aid?
Thanks.
Hi Brenda!
I also had trouble getting my batters to be smooth when I first got my KitchenAid. I think the trick is to completely cream your butter and eggs before you add any extra ingredients. I *thought* I was creaming it enough when I first began using it, but quickly found out that if I let it cream even two or three minutes longer than I really think it needs to go, my batters turn out silky smooth.
Hope this helps!
Lindsey
Mix you mix on low until everything is incorporated and then turn to high and just leave it to mix for severel minutes. Just make sure you give it plenty of mixing time and i you will have a well mixed batter.
I would take a Sunbeam mixer over a KA any day! They work wonderfully and their design beater-wise and bowl-wise are infinitely better!
I agree….buy ten Sunbeams for price of one KA and skip all of these tips.
KitchenAid FLEX EDGE BEATER. No more scraping. Check out QVC. I adore my KitchenAid stand mixer – have had in for 20 years & it shows no sign of weakening or wearing out.
My kitchen aid turns ok when bowl empty but won’t turn whrn to try to do a mixing with flour any ideas how o could fix it toom it fir repairs charged me 117$ and still doesn’t work
I love my Kitchen Aid mixer!! Another great discovery I made and a major time saver: I use it to mash potatoes after their boiled, I throw everything I need in it, seasoning, cream, butter..done in a few seconds!
Miss C…copy the whole post and paste it into a word document and file it on your hard drive.
Thank you for this! I, too, had the Sunbeam–my mom’s old one was much better than my “new one” from 1978. I finally made the leap to the Kitchenaid and I love it, mostly. Each one has their perks, but the KA is more powerful and I can turn it on and turn away while it’s doing its thing…a definite advantage!
One really neat trick I figured out on accident: Sometimes, I can’t get the beater attachment to lock onto the mixer head (you can get it to get on, but it won’t twist to lock in place). One day, I thought it probably needed grease, but I didn’t have anything to grease it with – except for a can of PAM. I sprayed the inside of the attachment (where it connects to the KA head) and it slid right in and I didn’t have a problem after that! I do need to reapply every now and again, but it’s enough to last a good few months, especially if you use the dishwasher to wash your attachments. PAM is something I always have on hand, so one quick spray and I’m good to go 🙂 Just a little tip for anyone else that might have the same problem.
Brenda: To make your batters smoother, cream your fat and sugar first (I go on low until it’s mostly there, then kick up the speed for a minute or so). Then add the rest of your ingredients in the order they call for. Once everything is added, mix on low for 1 1/2 minutes, then on 3 or 4 (I normally go to 4, I believe) for another 3 minutes. You’ll get a silky smooth batter. 🙂 I stole the idea from pre-made Duncan Hines cake mix boxes! I just adapted the technique for everything that I do 🙂
For moving your mixer around easily, just cut one of those flexible cutting mats to fit your mixer and your space. Set your mixer on top and slide it wherever you need it!
I always use my mixer to shred my chicken now. It takes at most 30 seconds. I just cut it in half and plop it in the mixer while it’s still hot. The shredded chicken only takes about 5 minutes to cool down. By hand I have to wait about 30 minutes for the chicken to cool enough to touch it, then it takes another 10 to shred it. I will never shred chicken by hand again.
I have also used the mixer to shred a roast for bbq sandwiches. (can’t remember the cut, only that it was beef) I didn’t like the texture it gave. The pieces turned out very small and almost like mush or stage 3 baby food. That could have just been that my roast was super tender and I had a hard time getting it out of the crockpot because it kept falling apart. Maybe if the roast was slightly more firm it would have worked better. I plan to try it again the next time I need a roast shredded.
I really thought the painted Kitchen Aids were absolutely beautiful. I just sat back an enjoyed the beautiful artwork and marveled at what I was witnessing in beauty on of all things a mixer.
My mixer is from the mid 80’s used, but not tons, Last time I used it the speeds did not change properly. I found a place on the web to order a new gear, I don’t know if that is the problem, seems so, or how hard that will be to change, anyone else change gears in their mixer b4? wasn’t terribly expensive but want to know more before I order it.
The tips are great, If I get my working I am going to paint or decal it, it is white now.
thanks
My mixer has done the same, only high speed most of the time. Called a repair place in Dallas and he said it was the Control Plate Assembly, I’m going to order it next week. He said it’s easy to replace, unplug wires put assembly in and replug. Hope it is that easy.
This reminded me that early on in my marriage, my mother gave me a very old Kitchen Aid Mixer. I had no idea what it was, and it didn’t come with any beaters, so I trashed it. Many years later, realizing exactly what it is, I saved and saved to purchase one. Bummer, that old one had a great motor, I probably could have ordered the beaters……I love my kitchen aid!
Replaced the brushes and it still won’t turn on. Could be that water got in while it was being wiped down? Don’t know what to do. Sending it to Greenville Ohio will cost $32.00 to ship and $25.00 to diagnose. Any ideas?
Thanks for plastic plate/ice cream cover idea.
I had the same problem while working at a business that did baking. We had to take it in to be serviced and $50 later found out the brushes were simply in backwords!
Just bought a new Kitchen aid, the 600 series and I put the attachments into the dish washer before I read that I shouldn’t. As a result I now own three attachments which are oozing some gray matter. Called kitchen aid, they will replace one attachment, have to buy the other two. I chose the white coated attachments. The old kitchen aid has been in steady use for about 25 years, still works, gave it to my son. The one given to me by my mother in law is the one which we can get to come on. I wonder can they be taken apart to see what
could have gone wrong?
We *can not get the one given to me to turn on. The brushes were replaced and still no luck.
Mine will not start running at level 1-3. I have to crank it to the highest level for the motor to run. Ideas?
I have cleaned the gray off of the attachments. Use white vinegar and baking soda, make a paste of it and just keep wiping the attachments with the paste until you no longer see that ucky gray stuff. I used paper towels and then I washed the attachments with soap and water and dried them immediately after wards.
Thank you for the tip! I was planning to buy another paddle attachment!
I have found that if I just wipe my counter with a damp towel it will slide where ever I want. Love you page!!
I have a Pro 600 series that I bought in Jan 2007. The motor died with a single loaf batch of bread dough and it’s over $140 to repair at KA’s authorized repair center. KitchenAid will not help me or guarantee the repair. They claim to not know the life expectancy of their mixers and do not stand behind them. I’m not happy.
I make whipped cream in my Kitchen Aid but it wants to splatter so I tent the Kitchen Aid with plastic wrap and it solves the problem entirely.
Mix up ground meat (with spices, eggs, bread crumbs & what ever else for meat balls or meat loaf.
I purchased my 4th Kitchen Aid 6 quart Professional Model last January… Love them – they work awesome. The first 2 I used hard – we have a big family. The 3rd one quit working after a short period of time. Kitchen Aid was awesome to deal with – I saved the receipts, etc. Within a short period of time, I received a replacement. Besides baking, I use mine for mashing potatoes – works great, easy and done in a few minutes…and no lumps…
Is there a way to replace the switch? I got my mom’s after she passed away but when you shut the macine to off it still runs.
My dad had this same problem-it’s a safety issue because your machine could start running while you think it’s off and have your hands near the beater. He called kitchen aid and they sent him a brand new one for free-he didn’t have receipts or anything, but they stood by their product.
I have my KitchenAid stand mixer from 1972 … never a problem, until … I broke the glass mixing bowl. I accidently dropped it when I was washing it … KitchenAid doesn’t have a replacement bowl that will work with my mixer. (sad face) They sent me a metal bowl but the beater hit the bottom of the bowl and the mixer bounced up and down. So now I am sending the bowl back and must decide if I want to buy another KitchenAid stand mixer or a hand held. I don’t use it as much as I did when I was younger, mostly at Thanksgiving and Christmas now. I think my mixer would have worked forever if I only hadn’t dropped that glass bowl 🙂 .
Check ebay for your bowl don’t throw it away. Maybe check Craigslist also
you can adjust the height of the attachments…it might help.
I have a newer one and the speeds 1,2,3 all work but if I turn to 4,5,or6 theory are the same as speed 3. Does anyone know what’s wrong?
Very useful, well-organized site. Thanks for doing all the work to put all of these tips in one place. I found the answer to a problem that I was having with my mixer that I was unable to find on the Kitchen Aid website. I will add this site to my bookmarked pages for easy reference later. Thanks again!
I am fortunate to have one of the pre-1980 mixers that is still working strong. Unfortunately, I had a housefire, in which I lost about everything. I was blown away that my Kitchen-Aide kept right on working. I had an electical problem in the home I am living in at this time, and the electrician said that I should not be using the mixer, as the power cord turned black at the end that goes into the wall. Can I replace the power cord? If not, should I take it to an appliance repair shop? I am distrustful of letting just anybody into my Kitchen Aide, as I use it almost every day for something. I have come to depend on it heavily. I cannot afford to replace it, and I suspect as you mentioned that “they don’t make ’em like they used to!”. Please advise. What a great site this is! Magnifique! Thanks so much!
I have an additional question: I bought a second Kitchen Aid, just a few years ago, and it worked once and pooped out on me. I wanted to take it back to the store, but my children had thrown away my receipt and the box. I should have taken it into the store anyway, and at least asked them to let me exchange it. I cannot drive, so I did not chase down a ride to do it. Should I open it up myself to try to see if there is something I can see that is wrong? I am disabled, on a fixed income (that although I am very greatful for, is sadly not enough[I still have 4 children at home] and cannot afford to send it away somewhere for service. By the time I pay for shipping and the service cost, I may as well buy a new one. Any ideas on this? Thanks again so much, for your time and consideration!
Does anyone have trouble getting their bowl off the mixer? Sometimes it is on so tightly after using that I cannot get if off with out a tremendous struggle.
yes. i am having trouble getting my bowl off my mixer after kneading bread dough. Is there an adjustment i can make to make this easy. it gets so tight i have to wait for my husband to get it off.
One of my favorite uses is to re-moisturize Play-Doh. All I do is put the Play-Doh in the bowl, add a tablespoon of water (for about a cup of Play-Doh), attach the bread kneader, and let it go on high for a few minutes. Voila!!! Brand new, fresh Play-Doh!!!!!!!
Kitchen Aid doesn’t tell you this, but they have a life time replacement policy. I managed to burn the motor out on mine while playing around with a royal icing recipe, I called them up and even though my mixer was over four years old and the damage was totally my fault they just asked for the model number and told me a new one would ship that day. I received my mixer two days later and shipped the old one back to them in the box my new one came in. I didn’t even have to pay shipping. I love both of my Kitchen Aid mixers, but it was their excellent customer service that sold me on the company. They didn’t even teas me for breaking the most powerful mixer they make.Very nice people!
The lifetime warranty is a great thing to know. Thanks for passing that on.
They didn’t do this for me. I wrote to them explaining the difficulties I had with my second mixer (I’d bought the first one and used it without problem for many (maybe 15) years in South America, but sold it there and bought a new one when I moved back to the states. This one has never worked correctly in the lowest gear, only second lowest. They only said that that they only have a one year warranty. My mixer was bought in 2008.
However, thanks to this post, I now have a mixer whose head does NOT wobble!
Thank you!
What great luck for you! I have a 5 year old Kitchen-Aid that I just took out of the sealed box. Five minutes into using it the motor seized up and just whines. The only help from Kitchen-Aid was the name of a repair center 2 hours from me, or pay to send it to Ohio and pay for a diagnostic fee.
THANKS soooo much for sharing! Very informative!
thanks for all the tips, I agree I will be bookmarking this site.
My husband bought me a KA for Christmas a couple of years ago. The 3rd time I used it, it died. I contacted KA and they paid to have it shipped back. THEN THEY LOST IT! I sent it back in January but didn’t get it returned until the end of May. I had a free gift coming to me that I had a year to claim, but they disqualified me while I was waiting for my replacement. I finally got my free gift because I complained that after paying almost $500 they had some nerve. The darned thing still doesn’t work right, but I refuse to send it back to the factory again. Some of your tips may help me deal with the problems, but I will NEVER buy a KA mixer or anything else they make ever again!
In 1986 my grandmother gave me my first KitchenAid mixer and i loved it. When she passed away I inherited her new 600 series. I love the large mixing capacity, but the quality is not the same. KitchenAid sold out in the early 2000’s and even though it is still the best mixer out there it isn’t what it was. I gave me old mixer to my sister and I wish I had it back!
I’ve started making bread. The dough seems to create enough resistance that the bowl regularly works loose. I have to hold it down by hand. Any ideas? The bowl foot SEEMS not to have changed, i.e. worn. Same for the piece on the base to which the bowl affixes.
Just in case you ever got an answer….I have the same issue. Did you ever find out what the problem was?
IF it’s an older model machine (read: solidly built) and you trust your manual dexterity with a good solid Common Screwdriver and a hammer, you can give the prongs on the base that hold the bowl in place a couple taps. Use the flat tip of the screwdriver, being sure you use a solid one and/or one you don’t care if it accidentally gets slightly damaged, and tap the handle back end soundly. Be sure you move the prongs equally, or either check them ahead of time to see if any of them are unusually up. Be extra careful about doing this gradually if you use a glass bowl, and check periodically to be sure the bowl still goes in. Either way, I will say my old bowl has deeper catch grooves than my newer extra bowl, to the point I’m tempted to message some of these folks with dead older machines and ask if they have the right size old bowl and would be willing to sell them!
I received my KA as a Christmas gift from my husband. I had a WONDERFUL Sunbeam mixer which would mix and knead everything!!! My husband insisted that I use a KA as some guy on the Food Channel said they are the best. I gave my Sunbeam away and am so sorry I did. The KA doesn’t have the power to knead the bread dough for the bread I make. It smells like it is burning. I also don’t like the shape of the bottom of the bowl. I don’t know how many times the darn thing has tipped over in the sink and sent water everywhere. Very poor design! In a nutshell – I am not happy with my KA at all.
I love the advise and everyone’s comments. My husband purchased a KA for me for Christmas (without a manual) and I have used it two or three times to make a cake. However, I find that I still have to hand mix after using the mixer because the beaters do not reach the bottom and I end up with unmixed ingredients. Is one of the adjustments that you wrote about good for this?
Try adjusting the height of the beater (though you don’t want it touching the bottom of the bowl, per the manual.) If you don’t have the manual, you can download it online on KitchenAid’s site.
Anyhow, I bought one of the beaters with the rubber scraper on it. It definitely helped with reducing unmixed ingredients.
I bought one of those new-fangled beaters that has a rubber liner all around so you don’t have to scrape the bowl so often, but after many batches of Christmas cookies, the bowl would not budge off the stand. I called KA and they said the beater with the rubber had driven the bowl too deep into the stand. They sent me a box and I sent my machine to them. They repaired it, greased it, and sent it back with another bowl. I did not know they had a lifetime guarantee as one of the writers above says, and they did charge me a considerable amount. They also sold me a beater with rubber only on one side that presumably puts less pressure on the bowl. Haven’t happened to use it since, though they said I should not let it sit too long.
I got a KA for Christmas from my daughters I didn’t use it a lot when I first got it but about 6 months later I started using it for baking. Well I only used it about 12 times when I smelt it over heating before I could shut it off it quit. The store would not return it and said I would have to take it to a small appliance repair shop at my expense. My daughters had paid a lot off money for it. I was disappointed.
I have a 35 year old KA45 stand mixer. The bowl has. Started coming loose, especially with heavier batters. How do I resolve this? I do have the bowl locked during usr.
Thanks.
My bowl will not stay put while in use. I cannot get it to lock in place anymore. I’m not sure if my bowl or base plate is dented/damaged somehow. Both bowl and plate look fine! Very frustrating.
I have had a KA for 15 years. I have always enjoyed the mixer especially for making bread and cookies. Recently I turned on the switch and all I could hear was the sound of the motor but it would not turn the beater. I am concerned about the cost of repairs. Anyone have any ideas? I never thought to contact the company I assumed we had to take it to a repair place.
KA pre 1980 is formerly “Hobart”. They were and still are workhorses. They lasted forever because the gears were metal. When Hobart sold that part of the business to KA the quality of their mixers went to pot. That is because they used plastic gears instead of metal. KA is by no means the great company everyone thinks they are. They are overpriced and skimmed on quality, people do not know the history behind them. So if you have grandma’s Hobart( with the Hobart name plate) you have one quality machine. If you have a KA…so sorry….
The exact same thing applies to their dishwashers. The old ones were made by Hobart which was a commercial manufacturer and they were fabulous. I haven’t had a really good KA dishwasher since the early 1970’s…
Love my KA We also have purchased the meat grinder and pasta attachments. After a year the pasta roller broke, called and a new one was sent free of charge, just had to send the broken attachment to KA.
I love my Kitchenaid mixer! Just after the warranty ran out, the beater became stuck on though, and I had no money to send it out for repair. I searched for a fix online off and on for nearly an entire _year_ before I found the fix posted in some obscure forum – wrap the area where the beater attaches with a hot wet washcloth for about 15 minutes. It worked! (I had to laugh when it did, I had tried all sorts of craziness to try and get it loose, including banging on it with a rubber mallet LOL) It has never gotten stuck again since and is still going strong 7 years later.
I have a gear problem. The planetry gear works fine when making dough, but the gear that turns the accessories stopped while I was making sausage. Which gear do I have to replace to get it working again?
None too happy with kitchenaid refusing to help with schematics and parts. 1 year warrantee, what a joke!
I have had several kitchenaid appliances. I had returned a few that broke and they replaced them with refurbished models at no cost to me. A few years after that I called to get something else replaced that had broken, and they said they no longer do that. So I assume the lifetime warranty is not in place any longer:(
Hope someone can help me. I have an older and simpler KA mixer, the top of the unit does not flip up to adjust the space between beater and bottom of metal bowl. It is scraping the bottom and I need to fix it. Does anyone have an idea how that is done. Thank you.
I adjusted the beater screw but my beater is still touching the bottom of the bowl and won’t move. This is a very recent problem. We were baking a lot on Friday. The day when I wanted to use it, the beaters were touching the bottom of the bowl and wouldn’t move when turned on. Unplugged the mixer, and adjusted screw, but height didn’t change. Could there be something else causing this problem?
I got a KA stand mixer as a gift in the late 80s. I have never had a single problem. I did put felt pads on the feet to prevent scratching my counter. I make sure my creamed items are totally smooth before adding dry. I also scrape the bottom once by hand after adding drybingrediants on low speed before increasing the speed. something I have always done even with a hand mixer.My mixer is used frequently and my mother borrows it. I do put all my attachments in the dishwasher with clean results.
For the sticky bowl I used W-D40 and Cooking spray for the attachments. The cooking spray does not last as long as the W-D40 but probably should not be used on attachments near food.
I have a KA hand mixer that I use for quick projects. I was surprised at its strength.
I LOVE my KA stand mixer and all the attachments. I hope I never need to buy a newer model based on many comments posted here.
No!! KA does NOT have a replacement policy. I just called them and thats what they said. Sure you can buy a service policy thru 3rd party and they would keep fixing it for you if you had issues with it
Thanks..
I have a Hobard Kitchenaid stand mixer, K45SS. It doesn’t slide all the way to the locked position when I put the head down. It stops moving at the midpoint. If I lift the head up, then I’ll slide to the locked position. It was working fine the last time I used.