KitchenAid Frequently Asked Questions
Your new KitchenAid Stand Mixer should give you years of faithful service straight out of the box, but, just in case you have any queries or problems, we've compiled a list of commonly asked questions and some tips to help.
How do I register my new KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
There are two ways to do this.
You can scan the QR code on the "Thank You" card that came with your KitchenAid Mixer, or visit the KitchenAid website and follow the on-screen prompts.
You will need the model and serial numbers. These can be found on the base of the mixer
Once your mixer has been registered KitchenAid will send you your free digital cookbook which is packed full of tempting recipes.
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixers. What's the difference?
These machines are identical in size and power and all come with a 5 year KitchenAid guarantee. The main differences between each model range are the colours available and what accessories are included with the mixer. Here is a rundown of what accessories come with each model.
KSM125: Wire Whisk - Dough Hook - Flat Beater - 4.8L Bowl.
KSM156: Wire Whisk - Dough Hook - Flat Beater - 4.8L Bowl.
KSM175: Wire Whisk - Dough Hook - Flat Beater - 4.8L Bowl - Pouring Shield - Flex-Edge Beater - 3L Bowl.
KSM185: Wire Whisk - Dough Hook S/S - Flat Beater S/S - 4.8L Bowl - Pouring Shield - Flex-Edge Beater - 3L Bowl.
How many attachments are available for my KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
A lot!
KitchenAid stand mixers feature over 10 different attachments that let you roll and cut pasta, grind meat, spiralise vegetables, make ice cream, stuff sausages and much more.
With attachments, a stand mixer can become one of the most versatile appliances you'll ever use in your kitchen.
How do I adjust the bowl clearance on my KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
Your mixer is adjusted at the factory to be the perfect height for optimum mixing.
However, through time, shipping and use, it can change and need adjustment, if the mixer paddle strikes the bowl or doesn't reach the ingredients. If this is the case, you can easily correct it.
Lift the head of the mixer (by tilting back) and you will see a screw situated in the hinge. Turn the screw slightly counterclockwise (left) to raise the beater or clockwise (right) to lower the beater. Make the adjustment with the flat beater, so it just clears surface of bowl.
Help! The beater is stuck on my KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
If the dough hook, wire whisk, or paddle (flat beater) is stuck on your KitchenAid mixer, don't worry. There are a couple of tricks that can help remove it.
Use a warm compress:
- Compress a wet, warm towel around the beater shaft for 10 minutes.
- Re-warm it after the 10 minutes, put it on again, and let it sit for another 1-2 minutes. This will re-warm the aluminum, causing it to expand. After this time, try to wiggle and remove the beater.
If the beater does not come off with the warm compress, try applying a small amount of mineral oil to the shaft, above the beater and in the slot where the beater attaches to the shaft pin.
Allow the oil to sit for several minutes, and then remove the beater. If you don't have any mineral oil, you can use a vegetable oil cooking spray instead.
The bowl is stuck on my KitchenAid Stand Mixer!
If you've been mixing a dense mixture for several minutes or more, it 's possible that the force of the planetary action can over-tighten the bowl, causing it to stick.
Empty the bowl, put some ice cubes in, add some cold water and leave for a few minutes. This will cause the metal to contract and the bowl should be easy to remove.
You could also try the warm compress method (as above), by wrapping the warm towel around the base of the bowl.
If neither of these techniques work, you can try wrapping the bowl in a towel and GENTLY tapping the handle with a rubber mallet.
Why is my KitchenAid Stand Mixer leaking oil?
Your KitchenAid mixer is packed with enough solid grease, in the factory, to last its lifetime.
When the mixer is used, the grease is distributed around the gears to lubricate them. Over time, some oil can separate out of the solid grease and will naturally settle to the lowest point in the motor-head — which is just over the beater shaft.
This is more likely to happen in warm weather and if the mixer is not used very often. Using it regularly may prevent it from happening ... so start planning your next delicious creation!
How to prevent oil from leaking from a KitchenAid stand mixer:
- Turn the mixer on without any ingredients in the bowl occasionally.
- If you haven't used your mixer for a while, you can turn it to speed 10 and let the unit run for 2 minutes, before use. At the end of 2 minutes, turn it off and wipe any excess oil from around the shaft.
- Overusing a mixer, and not allowing it to cool completely between uses, can also cause this to occur.
If none of these methods work, the only way to stop it completely is to have the mixer serviced (a servicer will take out all old grease, repack with new grease and replace the gasket.)
Please contact the KitchenAid Customer Service team Email here or Telephone here - this is a freephone number and is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
What should I do if my KitchenAid Stand Mixer stops working?
Your stand mixer may warm up during extended use. Under heavy loads and with long mixing times, you may not be able to comfortably touch the top of the unit. This is normal.
Were you making something steamy?
When mixing something steamy, the steam can condense on the circuit board in the mixer, causing an interruption to the flow of electricity and causing the motor to shut off.
Once the steam has dissipated, the unit should turn on again (wait about 3 minutes).
If your mixer malfunctions or fails to operate, please check the following:
- Is the mixer plugged in?
- Is the fuse in the plug in working order?
- If you have a circuit breaker box, be sure the circuit hasn't tripped.
- Turn off the mixer OFF for 10-15 seconds, then turn it back on. If the mixer still does not start, allow it to cool for 30 minutes before turning it back on.
If the problem is not resolved with the advice above, please contact the KitchenAid Customer Service team by Email here or by Telephone here - this is a freephone number and is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
How long is the warranty on my KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
When you choose a KitchenAid product, you are protected from any manufacturing fault, but the warranty length depends on your appliance.
All KitchenAid products are built to last and manufactured so that they can be repaired and enjoyed for as long as possible. If your guarantee has expired or is soon to expire, you can extend it and even get KitchenAid to give it a Health Check.