20 Simple DIY Fixes for KitchenAid Stand Mixer Problems

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If you love baking, your KitchenAid stand mixer is probably one of your favorite kitchen tools. It makes mixing, whipping, and kneading dough so much easier than doing everything by hand.

But, like any hardworking appliance, sometimes it can run into problems—maybe the bowl won’t lock, the beaters act up, or it’s making noises that don’t sound right.

Luckily, most KitchenAid mixer troubles can be fixed at home with just a few simple steps. On this page, you’ll find helpful tips and easy fixes for the most common KitchenAid mixer issues.

Whether you’re dealing with a stuck bowl, attachments that won’t fit, or a mixer that just isn’t mixing like it used to, we’ll walk you through how to get your stand mixer working like new again. Let’s get started!

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Common KitchenAid Mixer Problems

1. Bowl Won’t Lock Into Place

One of the most frustrating KitchenAid mixer problems is when the bowl just won’t seem to lock into the base. This can happen for a few different reasons:

The bowl latch mechanism is dirty or stuck. Over time, food debris and grease can build up on the latch, preventing it from properly engaging.
The bowl is misaligned. The bowl needs to be positioned just right for the latch to click into place.
The latch spring is worn out. The small spring that controls the latch can lose its tension over time.

To fix a stubborn bowl latch:

Unplug the mixer and tilt the head back to access the bowl latch.
Use a toothpick or small screwdriver to gently clean out any stuck-on food or gunk around the latch mechanism.
Check that the bowl is properly aligned and seated in the base. Wiggle it a bit to ensure it’s positioned correctly.
Inspect the latch spring. If it looks worn or damaged, you may need to replace it. KitchenAid sells replacement spring kits that are easy to install.

With a little cleaning and adjustment, you should be able to get that bowl locking into place nice and secure.

2. Beaters Aren’t Spinning Properly

Another common KitchenAid mixer issue is when the beaters or attachments aren’t spinning as they should. This could be due to a few different problems:

The beater height is set incorrectly. The beaters need to be adjusted to the proper height above the bowl.
The beater shaft is bent or damaged. Over time, the metal shaft that the beaters attach to can become warped.
The planetary gear is worn out. This is the internal gear that makes the beaters spin in a planetary motion.

To fix spinning issues:

Check the beater height. There should be about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch gap between the bottom of the beaters and the bottom of the bowl. Adjust the height using the small screw on the underside of the mixer head.
Inspect the beater shaft. Gently insert a wooden spoon handle into the beater socket and see if it spins smoothly. If it feels wobbly or catches, the shaft may need to be replaced.
If the beaters still aren’t spinning right, the planetary gear may be worn out. This is a more involved repair that likely requires taking the mixer apart. You may want to contact KitchenAid or a small appliance repair shop for this one.

With the beaters properly adjusted and the shaft in good condition, your mixer should be mixing and whipping like new again.

3. Excessive Noise or Vibration

Is your KitchenAid mixer making more noise than usual or vibrating excessively while in use? This could be caused by a few different issues:

The mixer is off-balance. Make sure the mixer is sitting level on a sturdy, flat surface.
The bowl isn’t properly seated. Double-check that the bowl is locked into place correctly.
The beaters are hitting the bowl. The beater height may need to be adjusted.
There’s an internal issue. Worn gears, a bad motor, or other internal problems can cause excess noise and vibration.

To troubleshoot noisy or vibrating mixers:

Ensure the mixer is on a level, stable surface and not wobbling at all.
Make sure the bowl is securely locked into the base.
Adjust the beater height if needed to prevent them from hitting the sides of the bowl.
If the noise persists, there may be an internal issue. You can try tightening any loose screws or parts, but more serious repairs may be required.

If you can’t identify and fix the source of the noise, it’s best to contact KitchenAid or take the mixer to a repair shop. Continuing to use a noisy or vibrating mixer could lead to further damage.

4. Motor Overheating or Shutting Off

Have you noticed your KitchenAid mixer’s motor getting hot or automatically shutting off during use? This could be a sign of an overload or overheating issue. Some common causes include:

Mixing very thick or heavy batters for too long
Using the mixer continuously for an extended period
Clogged ventilation or air vents
A worn-out or failing motor

To prevent motor overheating:

Avoid mixing very dense, heavy doughs for more than a few minutes at a time. Give the motor a break to cool down.
Don’t run the mixer continuously for more than 10 minutes. Let it rest between uses.
Make sure the air vents on the side and bottom of the mixer aren’t blocked or clogged with flour/debris.
If the overheating persists, the motor may be on its way out and need to be replaced. Contact KitchenAid or a repair shop.

Allowing the motor to cool down and not overtaxing it will help extend the life of your KitchenAid mixer.

5. Slow or Sluggish Performance

Is your KitchenAid mixer seeming a bit sluggish or struggling to power through thick batters? This could be due to a few different issues:

The speed control/transmission is worn out. Over time, the internal gears and mechanisms that control the mixing speeds can become worn down.
The motor is starting to fail. As motors age, they can lose power and torque.
The mixer is overloaded. Trying to mix very dense, heavy doughs can overwhelm the motor.

To troubleshoot slow or sluggish mixer performance:

Check the speed control. Try moving the speed lever through all the settings to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Avoid overloading the mixer. Stick to smaller batches of dense doughs and let the motor rest between uses.
If the sluggishness persists, the transmission or motor may need to be repaired or replaced. This is a more involved fix that may require professional servicing.

Keeping an eye on your mixer’s performance and not overtaxing the motor can help prevent speed and power issues down the line.

6. Leaking Oil or Grease

Seeing leaks of oil or grease coming from your KitchenAid mixer is never a good sign. This could indicate a few different internal problems:

Worn or damaged seals. The seals that keep lubricating oils contained can wear out over time.
Overfilling with lubricant. Using too much oil or grease during maintenance can cause it to seep out.
Damaged or worn gears/components. Internal mechanical issues can also lead to leaks.

To address a leaking KitchenAid mixer:

Unplug the mixer and tilt the head back to inspect for any visible leaks.
If you see oil or grease seeping out, wipe it up thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Check the mixer’s seals. If they appear cracked, dried out, or damaged, you’ll need to replace them. KitchenAid sells replacement seal kits.
Ensure you’re only using the recommended type and amount of lubricant during maintenance. Overfilling can cause leaks.
If the leaks persist, there may be more serious internal damage. You’ll likely need to take the mixer in for professional servicing.

Catching and addressing leaks early on can prevent further damage to the motor and other internal components.

7. Attachments Won’t Fit or Engage

Having trouble getting your KitchenAid mixer attachments to fit or lock into place properly? This is a common annoyance, but usually an easy fix. Some common causes include:

The attachment hub or receiver is dirty or blocked. Food debris and grease can prevent proper attachment fit.
The attachment hub is misaligned. The hub needs to be positioned just right for attachments to click in.
The attachment or hub is damaged. Over time, the metal components can become warped or worn down.

To get attachments fitting right:

Unplug the mixer and tilt the head back to access the attachment hub.
Use a toothpick or small brush to gently clean out any gunk or debris from the hub and receiver.
Ensure the attachment hub is properly aligned and not crooked or off-center.
Inspect the hub and attachment for any visible signs of damage or wear. Replace if needed.
Apply a small amount of food-grade mineral oil to the hub to keep it lubricated and attachments sliding in smoothly.

With a little cleaning and adjustment, you should be able to get those attachments securely locked into place without any hassle.

8. Dough Hook Keeps Climbing the Bowl

One really annoying KitchenAid mixer problem is when the dough hook just won’t stay down in the bowl, instead climbing up the sides. This can lead to uneven kneading and a mess. The main causes are:

The dough hook is the wrong size/shape for your bowl. Make sure you’re using the proper dough hook accessory.
The dough hook is bent or damaged. Over time, the metal hook can become warped.
The dough is too stiff or dense. Extremely thick, heavy doughs are more prone to this issue.

To fix a climbing dough hook:

Check that you’re using the correct dough hook attachment for your specific KitchenAid mixer model and bowl size.
Inspect the dough hook for any bends or damage. If it’s warped, you’ll need to replace it.
Try using a slightly softer, less dense dough recipe. Wetter, more pliable doughs are less likely to climb the sides.
Adjust the dough hook height so it’s just barely skimming the bottom of the bowl.

With the right hook and a properly hydrated dough, you should be able to keep that dough hook down where it belongs.

9. Broken or Damaged Bowls

KitchenAid stand mixer bowls are built to last, but they can still crack, chip, or break over time, especially if dropped. A damaged bowl can be a major headache, but fortunately, replacement bowls are readily available.

To fix a broken KitchenAid mixer bowl:

Identify your specific mixer model and bowl size. KitchenAid offers a wide variety of replacement bowls in different materials and capacities.
Order a new genuine KitchenAid replacement bowl, either directly from the manufacturer or through a retailer.
Once the new bowl arrives, simply remove the old one and snap the new one into place on the mixer base.

Replacing a cracked or broken bowl is a simple and affordable fix that will have your mixer back in working order. Just be sure to handle the new bowl with care to avoid future damage.

10. Outdated or Malfunctioning Controls

Finally, one other common KitchenAid mixer issue is outdated or malfunctioning controls. This could include:

Speed selector switch not working properly
Tilt-head locking lever sticking or broken
Electronic controls/display not functioning

These types of control problems are usually more involved to repair and may require professional servicing. However, in some cases, you may be able to fix them yourself:

Check for any loose, stuck, or damaged control components and try to gently clean or adjust them.
Replace any worn-out control parts, like switches or levers, with genuine KitchenAid replacement parts.
If the issue is with the electronic controls, you may need to have the control board or display replaced by a repair technician.

Keeping your KitchenAid mixer’s controls in good working order will ensure you can easily and safely operate all the features.

11. Mixer Head Won’t Lock in Place

A common problem with KitchenAid stand mixers is when the mixer head won’t lock down properly. This can cause the head to pop up during mixing, which is both annoying and unsafe. Some reasons this happens include:

Food debris, flour, or grease buildup around the locking mechanism
A worn-out or broken spring or latch inside the lock
The mixer head not being lowered or aligned correctly

You can often fix this issue yourself by following these steps:

Unplug your mixer to ensure safety before working on it.
Inspect the locking lever or button and clean around it using a small brush or cloth to remove any stuck-on food or grease.
If the latch still won’t hold, check the spring or latch components inside the lock for wear or damage. Replacement parts can be ordered from KitchenAid.
Try pressing down firmly on the mixer head while engaging the lock to ensure proper alignment and engagement.
If needed, replace the worn parts by following KitchenAid’s guides or instructional videos available online.

Fixing the mixer head lock will keep your mixer secure during use, preventing interruptions and making your baking experience safer and smoother.

12. Beater Hits the Bowl or Is Too High

If your KitchenAid stand mixer’s beater is hitting the bowl or sitting too high above it, you might notice uneven mixing or loud scraping noises. This problem usually happens because the beater height isn’t set correctly. It can cause batter to stick to the sides or bottom, and sometimes even damage the bowl or beaters.

Common reasons for this issue include:

Beater height set too low, causing it to scrape the bowl
Beater height set too high, resulting in poor mixing
The beater shaft or attachment worn or bent

You can fix this by adjusting the beater height with these steps:

Unplug your mixer before making any adjustments.
Remove the bowl and beaters from the mixer.
Locate the small adjustment screw on the underside of the mixer head—this controls the beater height.
Using a screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to raise the beater or counterclockwise to lower it. Aim for a small gap, about 1/8 inch, between the beater and bowl.
Reattach the bowl and beaters, then test the mixer on a low speed to see if the beaters move smoothly without hitting the bowl.
If you still notice problems, check the beaters and shafts for any bends or wear and replace them if necessary.

Properly adjusting the beater height will help your mixer blend ingredients evenly and avoid unnecessary noise or damage, making your baking easier and more efficient.

13. Mixer Makes Grinding or Clicking Sounds

If your KitchenAid stand mixer starts making grinding or clicking noises during use, it’s usually a sign that something inside isn’t working quite right. These sounds can be unsettling and often indicate worn or damaged parts that need attention.

Common causes of grinding or clicking noises include:

Worn or damaged planetary gears inside the mixer
Beater shaft or attachment parts that are bent or loose
Foreign objects caught inside the mixer head or gear housing
Lack of lubrication on moving parts

To address these noises, try the following steps:

Unplug the mixer to ensure safety before inspecting it.
Remove the bowl and beaters, then check the beaters and shafts for any visible signs of bending, damage, or looseness. Replace any faulty parts.
Tilt the mixer head back and look inside for any debris or foreign objects that may have gotten trapped. Carefully remove anything you find.
If the beater parts seem fine, the issue may be with the internal planetary gears. These gears can wear down or break over time, causing grinding sounds.
Unfortunately, gear repairs usually require opening the mixer and may be best handled by a professional technician unless you’re comfortable with appliance repair.
If you feel confident, you can order replacement gears from KitchenAid and follow detailed repair guides available online to fix the issue yourself.
Regular maintenance, including proper lubrication of gears, can help prevent these noises from developing.

Grinding or clicking sounds shouldn’t be ignored, as continuing to use the mixer with damaged gears can lead to further damage. Addressing the problem early will keep your mixer running smoothly for years to come.

14. Mixer Won’t Turn On

It’s frustrating when your KitchenAid mixer won’t turn on, but there are some simple things to check first.

Common causes:

The mixer isn’t fully plugged in
The outlet isn’t working or the circuit breaker is tripped
The power cord is damaged or frayed
The internal fuse is blown (rare, but possible)

How to fix it:

Make sure the mixer is plugged into a working outlet (test the outlet with another appliance).
Look at the power cord for any damage or fraying. Don’t use the mixer if you find any.
Check your home’s circuit breaker to see if it needs resetting.
Some models have an internal fuse. If everything else checks out, this could be the problem and may require a professional repair.

If you still can’t get it working, contact KitchenAid support for help.

15. Mixer Smells Like Burning

If your mixer smells like something’s burning, stop using it right away.

Common causes:

Mixing very heavy doughs or batter for too long
Running the mixer too fast for too long
Worn out motor or gears
Grease or food inside the motor area

What to do:

Unplug the mixer right away and let it cool down.
Clean flour, dough, or debris from around the motor vents and housing.
Don’t mix heavy doughs for more than a few minutes at a time.
If you keep smelling something burning after cleaning and cooling, your motor or gears might need professional servicing.

16. Mixer Head Won’t Tilt Back

If your tilt-head KitchenAid mixer won’t tilt back, here’s what could be causing it:

The head lock lever is stuck or jammed
Food or grease buildup around the lock
Locking pin is bent or broken

How to fix it:

Unplug your mixer before working on it.
Clean around the lock lever with a damp cloth or toothpick to remove any gunk.
Gently wiggle the head while moving the lever to free up jams.
If it still won’t go, check for a bent or broken locking pin (replacement parts are available).

17. Beater or Dough Hook Falls Off During Mixing

It’s annoying (and messy) if your beater or dough hook falls off mid-mix.

Possible reasons:

The attachment isn’t pushed in all the way
The spring clip on the attachment is worn out or missing
The beater shaft is worn down

How to fix:

Push the attachment in firmly until it clicks.
Check for a metal spring clip; if it’s missing or loose, get a replacement.
Look at the beater shaft for wear—replace if needed.

18. Mixer Vibrates Across Counter

If your mixer is “walking” across your countertop, try these fixes:

Common reasons:

Not on a flat surface
Worn or missing rubber feet
Mixing big batches at high speeds

How to stop it:

Move the mixer to a sturdy, level spot.
Check and replace rubber feet if needed.
Mix heavy batches on lower speeds.
Stay nearby when mixing heavy doughs just in case.

19. Mixer Paint Is Chipping

Paint chipping happens sometimes, especially with older mixers.

Why this happens:

Normal wear from years of use
Using rough scrub pads
Dropping or bumping the mixer

How to handle it:

Clean with a soft cloth—don’t use harsh scrubbers.
Touch-up paint is available from KitchenAid for small chips.
For big areas, try food-safe epoxy or contact KitchenAid for help.

20. Mixer Leaks Water

Sometimes water leaks from under your mixer after cleaning.

Possible causes:

Water got inside during cleaning
Bowl wasn’t dried before use
Gasket around the bowl is loose or worn

What to do:

Always dry your bowl and attachments before putting them on the mixer.
Never submerge the mixer—wipe it with a damp cloth instead.
If you see water after cleaning, let the mixer air out upside down (unplugged) for a few hours.
Replace any worn gaskets if needed.