I know this is not my usual type of blog post, but I need to rant and I was hoping you would all listen to me, or read it. I think this rant is going to be fairly tame now, as what I want to talk about happened a few weeks ago.
So what started it, well my KitchenAid broke down, again. I first purchased my stand mixer towards the end of 2019. Just in time for the pandemic so I could get into more baking. It is a coincidence that they happened at the same time. That means I have had the machine for 5 years in December. It has also been to the workshop 2 times in that time.
Please note that all the photos in this post are of things I made with the KitchenAid Mixer
It broke down after two years, I think it was. It was still working, but it was making some pretty bad noises when it was working. I rang KitchenAid in Australia and they asked me how I was using it. I told them I was making bread and using medium speeds to knead it. They told me I should never use more than speed 2 for dough like that. I took it to a place in Melbourne to get it fixed and I think I was without it for almost 5 weeks.
Interesting that so many videos on YouTube use speeds a lot higher.
I continued using it for all my baking and making pasta. Then a few weeks ago when I started making some dough on speed 2 the machine started making some horrendous noises. You could hear the gears grinding. I managed to get my dough made, but when I went to make a video to show KA afterwards it had stopped working completely. It wouldn’t turn on. There had been no indication before that morning that anything was wrong with it.
Now let’s get to the rant, OMG. When I rang them this time I was asked again what speed I was using and I said I don’t go past speed 2. Then she asked me how long I mix the dough, and I said it depends on the dough, sometimes 15 to 20 minutes, but sourdough can take 30 to 45 minutes. She said no, no no, that you should never knead dough for more than 2 minutes then you have to let the machine rest for 15 to 20 minutes before continuing.
I was like WHAT, that is ridiculous. Sourdough takes a lot longer than that.
She said she would send me some guides, and below is what I had sent to me in an email.
Please refer to the following guidelines to ensure the longevity of your KitchenAid Stand Mixer:
- Do not exceed speed 2 when mixing heavy ingredients such as dough or fruit cakes
- Do not exceed total weight of ingredients,
- 1.15kg – including any water etc – Tilt Head Stand Mixer (KSM 150/160/192/195) /KPM5 Bowl Lift Mixer
- 2.1kg – including any water etc. – Bowl Lift Mixer (KSM7581/7590)
- 3.6kg including any water etc – KSM60 Stand Mixer
- 3.9kg including any water etc – KSM70 Stand Mixer
- 2.8kg including any water etc – KSMC895 Stand Mixer
- 5-6 minutes run-time for heavy mixtures (allow a 20 min rest period)
- When mixing normal ingredients 8 minutes is the processing time (again 20 min rest period)
- Always tighten the thumb screw (black screw in attachment hub) after use & during use if required (this will stop the badge falling out)
- When using Mixer Attachments in the Hub, ensure that you are following the instructions of use for the attachment to avoid putting strain on the Mixer.
When mixing ice cream no longer than 30 minutes on speed 1.
I have the KSM60 mixer. It is not here but they also say not to knead dough for more than 6 minutes total. If you did that it would take you 66 minutes to knead your bread and bad luck if it isn’t right.
So basically it looks like you can’t use the machine for normal things for longer than 8 minutes with the 20 minute rest period. So if you are making something like an Italian meringue where you need to mix it until it cools down, how do you make that if you have to keep stopping after 8 minutes and letting it rest for 20? Mind you the whole rest thing is bizarre too, as the manual says if the machine gets hot to touch on top, don’t worry it is completely normal. So is it normal or isn’t it?
If you ask me the machine is not fit for purpose.
I asked for my money back. I feel like I have a machine that I can’t use for what I thought it was intended for.
The machine is still under warranty, but look at what they told me,
This fault is not considered a manufacturing defect and is not something we generally cover under warranty. However on this occasion I am more than happy to arrange for this to be repaired for you under warranty as a goodwill gesture.
Are you kidding me? I went right through the manual and there is nowhere where it says this is how you should use the machine. I don’t know how we are meant to know that you can’t really use the machine and that it should be just a very expensive bench ornament.
I rang Consumer Affairs Victoria and they said to send them a formal complaint and that I wanted a refund. My reason for wanting the refund is that while they have agreed to fix it if I keep using it the way I want, it will break down again, but I will have to pay to fix it. Plus none of this information is made available to you when you purchase it, you find out when it breaks down.
They refused again to give me a refund and when I rang Consumer Affairs back I got some guy that thinks I should be getting it serviced and that they have known about these time limits for years. I said then why do consumers not know about them. He said he didn’t know. He just kept comparing the stand mixer to a car, not really a good comparison. I mean who gets their mixer serviced on a regular basis?
In the end, he said if they were prepared to fix it then I had nothing to complain about. I don’t think that is right, but I knew I wasn’t going to get anywhere with him. For me, the only thing I can do is warn as many people as possible not to buy a KitchenAid mixer.
It you only want to use it every once in a while then it will probably be fine, but if you are using the mixer nearly every day, like I do, then it will just keep breaking down.
I decided that if I am going to be making all our bread, then I needed a machine that could deal with the use it would be getting. I bought an Ankarsrum Assistant mixer. It is a bit weird, but it makes very good bread and I’ve heard from many people that it lasts for years and years. It also comes with a 7 year warranty. Apparently the motor in them is the same one as they have been using since about 1940. They are a Swedish company.
I now have a KitchenAid that is basically an expensive bench ornament. I will still use for making some pasta and maybe ice-cream, but other than that I will use the Ankarsrum for everything else.
If you have an old KitchenAid Mixer then hang on to it because they have done something to them that means they no longer last. They are living on their reputation, but the machines don’t live up to it.
I have seen some YouTube reviews now that tell people if you want to do things like make bread don’t buy one.
I am now making it my mission to let as many people as possible know that they are not worth buying anymore. I leave comments on videos where people are using their KAs not according to the above instructions. I tell them how they should be using the machine according the KA. I am leaving reviews and my experience everywhere I can. They don’t deserve good reviews from people. New customers need to know exactly what they are buying into. It isn’t like they are cheap.
I left a comment on a video the other day and they responded with how they are now looking at other machines as well because they are realising that the KA is not quite as good as they used to be.
Okay, I think I’m done with my rant. I’m sorry it was so long, but you know sometimes you just have to let fly. The company is useless, even when I asked for some clarification about some things they just sent me the above instructions again.
My message to you all is, DON’T BUY A KITCHENAID STAND MIXER.
That all sounds insane. KitchenAid brags about their “heavy duty” mixer. If it can’t handle the load, they should stop selling it. I have had one since 2016 and use it to mix my Levain bread. I always exceed speed 2 and I always mix way past 2 minutes. Your baking looks divine. Have a good day.
Exactly, they do and you expect that they could do anything you want it too. Maybe the changes they have made were done between yours and mine if that makes sense. Yeah, I tried exceeding past 2 for my bread and it broke the machine. lol. Thank you so much.
that is so incredibly frustrating, and I can’t believe they don’t have many people complain. terrible policy and customer service – love the pics by the way
It is Beth. I think a lot of people complain. When you get onto places like Reddit there are lots of people talking about how bad they are now. YouTube channels that used to recommend them are now saying don’t get one. So I think whatever KA has done is going to come back and bite them. Thank you so much.
Beautiful food photography and great lighting.
I’m not surprised you are annoyed. Anything that moves just doesn’t live up to expectations these days. I would never buy Kitchen Aid again if I was you. What is more annoying is that manuals – in hardcopy or on the internet, sometimes can be useless.
I would go so far as to say EVERYTHING is built to break down so you have to buy more (I’m exaggerating obviously, but still…..)
I bought a Magimix food processor about 40 years ago for about $385 and I think new ones cost from about $650 to $2500 and it is still not only in excellent condition, but I use it continually……..not for baking though. I did make a food processor coffee cake once and it turned out perfectly.
Thank you Vicki.
No, I will be staying right away from the company now. Burned me once, not again.
I am wondering if that is what we are seeing, perhaps they decided they weren’t selling enough machines, so they changed some thing so they would start to break down and people would replace them. I don’t think you are really, no exaggeration at all.
Wow, that is amazing that the food processor still works. I bet the new ones wouldn’t be as good. My mum’s Sunbeam mixer still works, and it was purchased around the time I as born, so nearly 60 years old. That is good to hear the cake worked.
I’m so sorry you are having trouble with your mixer. I don’t own one. I just use a hand mixer for my simple needs.
I have a hand mixer too, not KitchenAid, but has been working for about 25 years. Not sure I will get that out of my stand mixer. Thank you Anne.
I’m sorry for all your trouble and that the company won’t stand behind their product 🙁
Your food looks delicious!
It is very disappointing, but not much I can now but share my story with as many people as possible.
Thank you.
Wow! I have an older KA machine and it gets a big workout almost every day. I make my Swiss meringue for French macarons and that involves operating it at a higher speed for over 18 minutes. I also make artisan breads. If I had to follow the guidelines you were sent, I’d definitely get a different machine. I’ll absolutely not get rid of the one I have unless it dies completely. I hate that we’re in such a throw-away society that big brands make cheaper products. Thanks for the heads up.
I think it sounds like you got a good machine Terry. I know, how can you meringue if you have to keep stopping the machine. I would hang on to your machine. I’ve heard that people would pass them down from one generation to another, not anymore. Perhaps that was the problem, they wanted to sell more and they can only do that if they break down, I have no idea. I hate it too, such waste. You’re welcome, and thank you Terry.
A good rant makes one feel better. Now… you made all those goodies 😳. They are ‘picture’ perfect. The swirls on the cupcakes must be AI. Wow, it almost doesn’t matter how they taste…almost. Most humans can’t even put butter on toast without crumb flinging.
It does really, sometimes you just need to do it. I did make them all. Thank you so much. No, not AI, my amateur attempt at piping. YOu are too funny, than you so much Ted.
Very impressive.
Thanks Ted.
So frustrating when something like that happens. Sounds as if the Kitchen Aid is not up to the job. Kenwood mixer says 8mins on 2, when I looked just now. It is quicker kneading by machine. I have a food processor and it kneads bread better in 1min than I would do in 15mins or more. Didn’t believe it at first but no 1min is all it takes. Good that you have your Ankarsrum Assistant mixer as well.
KitchenAid is definitely not up it, not the new machines anyway. My new mixer is great, I love it so much. Thank you RJ.
We have that same mixer — even the same color. We use it for everything and have NEVER needed to time anything. We used it for baking and only stopped after my son gained 40 baked pounds and can’t seem to lose them. We use it to grind meat to make dog food. We used it for very heavy dough, though always at slow speeds. There IS something wrong with it. It should not behave that way. I think you got a lemon.
Have you had it very long Marilyn? I think that is the problem, somewhere along the line they have changed something with the motors and they are very sensitive now. Can I use that word for that? I expected that I would be able to use it the same Marilyn, I didn’t expect that I would have to send it away to be fixed twice. I don’t think it is a lemon, I think they changed something and the machines aren’t as good now. There are lots of people on reddit and places like that complaining about them. Some people have trouble getting KA to fix them under warranty. I say, if you want people to use the machine in a particular way, then you need to tell them, and not after it breaks down. Thank you Marilyn.
Wow! That is a really disappointing performance from a leading manufacturer of stand mixers. Even more disappointing, however, is how obtuse their customer service response was. I also don’t put up with nonsense like that so I completely empathize with your rant.
It is disappointing all round really. I just feel so duped. Oh well, now I can share my story with everyone. Thank you Laura.
Your food all looks amazing by the way!!!
Thank you Sally.
Wow!!! I had a little old Sunbeam standing mixer that I bought from the Salvation Army and it lasted for years. I didn’t bake as much as you do though. I’m shocked about KA! I thought they were the “go-to” of all mixers. So sorry you had such an awful experience.
I have my mum’s Sunbeam mixer that is old as me and it still works, but the bowl doesn’t work properly anymore. I don’t like using it now. I was shocked too Sally, for exactly the reasons you said, I thought the same. Not your fault, but not a mistake I will repeat. Thank you Sally.
We have a KitchenAid that doesn’t exhibit that behavior, which is of no help to you, I know.
I’m also glad I’m a bit of continent and a big ocean away from your place… those pastries look fantastic and I would definitely derail my weight loss program to help you… ahem, quality control… every one of those.
MIne was being used a lot. I bake all my bread, so I was making bread around 3 or 4 times a week. That’s okay Matt, you might have a good machine.
Hahaha, too funny, I do love baking. My husband thinks the same as you so he tries to stop me from doing too much. Thank you Matt.
I presume he hasn’t got quite as many barriers to consumption than I do though.
Ours is definitely not being used that often. It gets a fair amount of use during the holidays (but still not that level). Not to put the blame at your feet, but maybe you should get a commercial version.
No, not quite, just a quick walk from one room in the house to the kitchen. I think that is a problem for him.
I asked them when it broke down if the machine was intended for the use that I was giving it. I thought the same as you, but they said what I had was fine, I just had to change the way I was using it, yeah, they mean just don’t use it. lol
This is really interesting and thank you for sharing.
I noticed in a few recent cooking shows, KA’s have not been used. I am always looking at what mixers they use especially for baking shows. So your post is on point. They don’t make them like they used or perhaps, mentioning cooking/baking shows here is mute as they might be sponsored by mixer companies to promote their wares. 🤷🏾♀️
You’re welcome.
I think word is spreading that they are not as good as they once were. That is a problem when they sponsor shows. Then they don’t do anything to stop the people on the show from using them correctly, so it gives everyone a false sense of what they can do. Thank you.
This is awful, Leanne. I wonder if the KitchenAid’s are different here in the US and in Australia. I have had mine for at least 20 years now and it is my workhorse. Mine is used for cookie/muffin/cake mixes and no-churn ice creams that we love to eat in the summertime. But I have never heard of a time limit to use the machine. That’s kind of crazy. And the help line–no help at all. The mixers have gotten very expensive over the years, along with so many attachments and all the different colors. Maybe I got mine when it was just a basic mixer, but I have complaints with mine.
I suspect they are the same, my machine says made in the USA. I have also heard that people in the US are having trouble too. Some people have found too that KA won’t do the warranty job as well, which is really vile. I think you must have one of the ones that do last forever. I think I used mine too much and it broke down while under warranty, probably not meant to happen until that time was passed. Just a thought. I just don’t think they are as good as they used to be. I love my new ones and I really did a lot of research on it first before I got it. So some good news. Thnk you Lois.
I am 100% happy to go along with your advice! I don’t make bread or cakes, nor have the need for a food mixer……… but if ever I do……………! (Clarification… don’t make..just eat.) All the best with your cooking as well as clicking!
Thank you Geoff. YOu know all bakers need people who want to eat the goodies, so you are welcome in my kitchen anytime.
Oh no! I’ve had my Kitchen Aid for more than 10 years and (so far) never had any bother with it. Like you, I use mine for bread making too, both yeasted and sourdough. And I was astonished at the length of time you knead yours for. Machine-kneading seems more efficient than hand kneading and I can’t imagine doing it by hand for 20 minutes. I machine knead for 4-5 minutes tops, and though I say it myself, I think I turn out pretty decent products. Hope you find a solution that works for you soon!
Sounds like you must have got one before they made changes to the motor. Yeah, I find you have to knead it for a while before you get the window thing happening. Who knows Margaret, there could be lots of reasons for the difference. Using speed 2 is annoying and makes it take longer. When I see people online they use a much faster speed and it doesn’t take as long. My new mixer is much faster. The difference could be the flour or something liek that. I have no idea. Thank you Margaret.
Thanks for the info…; -)
You’re welcome Liam.
Oh my, terrible customer service, Kitchenmaid. The mixers are expensive. They won’t sell if they’re not manufactured to be used and the manual doesn’t mention the key “rest” points. Sorry for the hassle. You made gorgeous baked goods with them before it broke down!
Very bad customer service. They really are, mine was $699 AUD. I think someone made a decsion to change something on them and now they are not fit to use. I was so shocked when they said about the times and resting. How are you supposed to know that if it isn’t in the manual. Well it is fixed for now, who knows how much longer it will work, I”m glad I got something else. Thank you so much Rebecca, I really enjoy baking.
I’m thinking a lot of people enjoy your baking! ; ) R
There are a few, lol. 😀
OMG I was going to say get an Assistant. That’s what we did when Len started making bread. I no longer even know how many years we’ve had it. When he researched it, he found out you can’t use KA to make bread because it has plastic parts. I’m so sorry you went through all this and lost money. I’m glad you have an Assistant now.
Your baking and photos of your baking are incredible.
I love the assistant, how good is it for making bread. I make all our bread now.It is a pain that I have this expensive bench ornament now, but so glad I found out about the Ankarsrum. I love watching it. Thank you so much Nicci.
Oh my gosh, your treats look so delicious, Leanne! I enjoyed your rant actually, I love to hear people say what they really think about things in general. Do keep spreading the word about this faulty, overpriced paperweight. An old Danish proverb (I think), says that Kissin’ don’t last but cookin’ do! 😂
Thank you John. I don’t rant like this often, well here. I will and plan to John. I plan to share my experience with everyone who will listen to me. Hahaha, I like that saying. I’ve never heard it before.
That’s one of those sayings that just stick with you. I wonder why that company doesn’t actually redesign that device to make it dependable, so ridiculous! I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I was ripping people off like that. 👎🏻
I am sure I have some sayings like that. I can’t help thinking that part of the reason is so they don’t last, and so people have to buy new ones or pay to get them fixed. They don’t make as much money when they last for years and years. I would feel the same way.