I was making a batch of mousseline buttercream this afternoon, and my 17 year old KSM-90 mixer (4.5qt, 300-watt “Ultra Power” model) sounded like the motor was dragging occasionally, and at times didn’t make a steady, whirring sound but instead went “up and down.”  It also seemed to be shaking a bit more than usual.  Am I in trouble?  This can’t possibly come at a worse time, as I’m getting ready to go into full-tilt baking and blending for my cousin’s wedding.

Here’s a piece of good news (if there is any good news in my beloved stand mixer—the first piece of “grown up” kitchen equipment I’ve ever purchased—getting ready to croak):

From the stand mixer FAQ on the KitchenAid web site:

Will a smaller KitchenAid® stand mixer bowl work on my 5 or 6-quart stand mixer?
Currently KitchenAid offers only a 5-quart bowl for use with the 5-quart bowl-lift mixer. The same is true for the 6-quart; it can only use the bowl that originally came with it. However, the tilt head Artisan 5-quart mixer can use a 3 or 4 1/2 mixer bowl.

If I’m reading this correctly, this means that my K45 and K30 bowls will work with a KitchenAid Artisan 5qt tilt-head mixer.  As much as I’ve been lusting for a Cuisinart 7qt, I’ve got quite a bit invested in attachments for the KitchenAid—extra bowls, meat grinder attachment, sausage stuffer (admittedly used only once) and pasta maker (also used only a couple of times before I got a hand-crank which I greatly prefer). Plus, the thought of having three bowls to work with is very appealing.  Still, I’d really rather not shell out real cash money for a new mixer…

There is a 3qt bowl and whip set available for the 6qt mixers.  Do a search on their site and you’ll find it.  Also, you can get a sweet deal on their refurbished models.  I purchased a 6qt recently and am awaiting it’s arrival.

Another thought… I believe Hector has posted info about repairing KAs with an online diagram or something like that.  Not sure if he posted the info on the blog or in one of the forums, but it’s worth looking into before you decide if you need to replace your mixer.  Hector, if you’re out there, please correct me if I’m wrong.

FYI - Hector is also the one who mentioned that KA sells refurbished models on their site.  (Thanks Hector)

Patrincia - 23 February 2008 05:34 PM

Also, you can get a sweet deal on their refurbished models.

I’ll say… I just checked http://www.shopkitchenaid.com (under Special Offers / Outlet Store) and they’ve got a factory-refurbished 5qt Artisan tilt-head for $189.00 vs. $299.00 for a new one at Linens ‘n’ Things, although it’s pretty close after the 20% off single item coupon and the $30 rebate currently available.

As much as I’d like the 6qt KitchenAid, I do like the idea of being able to keep my existing bowls.

Btw, you can get refurbished attachments and accessories there too.

Straight from the horse’s mouth:

Dear Mr. O’Brien,

Thank you for visiting the KitchenAid website!

I am sorry to learn that your Stand Mixer is not functioning properly.  I apologize for this inconvenience.

We suggest that you obtain service/repair of your Stand Mixer by a KitchenAid Authorized Service Center, if possible.

I have provided a link for you to view our U.S.-based KitchenAid Authorized Service Centers - simply click (or cut/paste into your browser) the following link:

    http://caservice.kitchenaid.com/

As an additional option, we offer Factory Repair Service through our Greenville, OH factory. 

NOTE:  Both the 4.5 qt and the 3 qt bowl that fit your KSM90 Stand Mixer model WILL fit the 5 qt Artisan model, as well.

Should you have further questions, or you would like additional information regarding our Factory Service program, please contact our KitchenAid Customer Satisfaction Center by calling 1-800-541-6390. 

We are available between the hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday (ET).

Thank you for contacting KitchenAid!

Best regards,

Amy
Communications Coordinator
KitchenAid Customer Satisfaction Center

There’s an authorized repair center fairly close by to in Alexandria, VA…