KitchenAid Tilt-Head Mixers Repair

KitchenAid Tilt-Head mixers are some of the most common stand mixers in the world. The current external design style traces its roots all the way back the KitchenAid Model K released in 1937. Along the way, these mixers have undergone a number of revisions, such as the transition from mechanical speed control to solid-state speed control in the late 1970s, but otherwise remain very similar to the original designs.

Over the years, KitchenAid has used several ways to differentiate different their tilt-head mixer models. By far the most common have been the following:

• motor wattage
• bowl size
• included accessories - does the model include silicone-edge beater, extra bowls, bowl-shield, etc.
• accessory materials - are the dough hook and beater made of enamel coated metal or stainless steel
• "Premium Touchpoints" - A recent new addition which basically means the parts that you most commonly touch (the speed selector, accessory port cover, accessory port screw head, etc.) are all made out of metal

Using these variables, they often assign various names and model numbers to the mixers.

Despite having a number of different names/model numbers over the years, all KitchenAid tilt-head mixers have nearly identical internal mechanics; a design which dates back to the 1960s. All tilt-head models use AC motors coupled to a worm-drive reduction gearbox which in-turn powers the accessory port and the planetary assembly. Starting in 1978-79, with the release of the K45SS, speed control was converted to solid state across all KitchenAid Mixers.

Note: The one exception to all of this is the Artisan Mini which despite looking similar is entirely unique and, as a result, has its own separate category.

There is a long-running myth that Whirlpool converted KitchenAid mixers to plastic gears as a cost saving measure and that, as a result, Hobart models are more reliable. This myth is entirely and 100% false.

The sacrificial plastic gear, not gears, was introduced by Hobart as far back as the KA, K4C, etc. (roughly mid-to-late 1960s). As the name implies, the purpose of this plastic gear is to sacrifice itself when the motor is overloaded, serving as a mechanical fail safe preventing motor damage. The idea being it is far cheaper to replace a plastic gear than a motor. If you have a tilt-head model from the late 1960s or newer and it doesn't have a plastic gear, then someone has replaced it with a metal one.