KitchenAid mixers are highly-regarded and have stood the test of time via evolving with the needs of modern home cooks and professionals alike for over 115 years. Are you a proud owner who is curious about the KitchenAid mixers' durability and stamina? Or wondering if you should oil your mixer or not? We've thoroughly researched these questions and have informative answers to share with you!
The duration a KitchenAid mixer can mix heavy ingredients like bread dough without overheating in ten minutes. Although this number could vary by a few minutes, more or less, depending on the type of foods mixed. If the mixer is overheated, some models have a thermal overload protection feature that will shut off the mixer and not allow it to turn back on for 30 minutes.
Are you interested in learning more about the capabilities and functions of KitchenAid mixers? Or what to do if you suspect that your mixer is overheating? We've researched these questions and have found helpful results to share with you. Would you please continue reading to learn more about KitchenAid mixers!
How long do you knead bread in a KitchenAid mixer?
One of the hallmark features of the ever-popular KitchenAid mixer is that two minutes of kneading in the mixer is the equivalent of 10-12 minutes of kneading by hand. This feature will dramatically decrease the amount of time it takes to make a loaf of bread and reduce strain on the bakers' shoulders and wrists.
Level two is the kneading setting for all models of KitchenAid mixers. Do not use a higher or lower setting for kneading bread dough because it will not provide the proper amount of power to manipulate the dough, and it is hard on the motor.
Also, it is important not to knead at level two for more than four to six minutes in total. Exceeding six minutes could cause the mixer to overheat and automatically shut off.
Click here to read our article with detailed information regarding mixer speeds!
How long to safely run the mixer without the risk of overheating
If you mix heavy doughs such as rye bread or pasta, the mixer should not run longer than 10 minutes with at least 20-30 minutes to cool down. For kneading those types of doughs, do not exceed six minutes at the level two setting. Please allow the mixer to fully cool after accomplishing those tasks. The cooling period is essential for avoiding motor issues.
Light batters containing liquids should be mixed at low speeds, one or two, to avoid slushing out of the bowl. The mixer could run a considerable amount of time before the risk of overheating at this speed with watery ingredients. However, it is best to avoid running the mixer for over ten minutes, even with light to medium consistency doughs.
Another rule to follow is not to overfill the mixing bowls. Overcapacity will affect how well the ingredients are mixed and cause the mixer to overheat much quicker.
Why does my KitchenAid smell like it's burning?
According to the KitchenAid's mixer care guide, it may omit a strangely pungent aroma the first or second time the mixer is used. Do not be alarmed; this is normal. Electric motors tend to off-gas during the first couple of uses.
Another reason the mixer might smell like it is burning would be that the mixer is overheating from mixing or kneading heavy doughs like pasta or wheat bread. The mixer will automatically shut down if it has an internal Thermal Overload Protection feature that will automatically shut the motor off, and you cannot turn it back on for a minimum of 30 minutes.
However, if the burning smell persisted and was not caused by excessive use, there could be something wrong with the motor. Best to contact the manufacturer.
Click here to view a KitchenAid Mixer at Amazon.
How do you fix a KitchenAid mixer that overheats?
If you have mixed your favorite bread dough and you started to notice the mixer is overheating. Shut the mixer off and unplug—allow the mixer to sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes or longer to cool. If the mixer isn't entirely cooled, it most likely will not turn back on.
Wait to resume mixing when the mixer is cool internally and eternally to the touch and 30-45 minutes have passed. If you do not wait until completely cooled and resume mixing, this could damage the motor.
Methods to avoid overheating
Always use the correct setting for the type of ingredients you are mixing. Generally, speaking the main reason the mixers overheat is that the cook did not utilize the correct setting. Do review the instruction manual and follow the speed settings. Doing so will reduce stress on the motor and prevent unnecessary inconveniences and repairs.
Another common reason for the mixer overheating is the mixing bowl was over-filled. Being mindful of the mixing bowl's capacities is paramount for avoiding this issue. Also, KitchenAid has several mixing bowls that vary in capacity and beater attachments designed for several different ingredients and tasks.
Do KitchenAid mixers need to be oiled?
The KitchenAid mixer motors are fully stocked with a lifetime supply of grease to ensure that the motor will continue running smoothly. According to KitchenAid, oiling or adding grease to the motor is not necessary for maintenance.
Many lower value mixers on the market require to be oiled once per year with food-grade lubricants, and this is one less chore you have when you purchase a KitchenAid mixer.
Reasons oil may leak from the mixer
If the cook used the mixer repeatedly to the point of overheating, it would cause it to leak a bit of oil. This is another reason it is essential to allow the mixer to cool completely when it overheats; leaking oil regularly is a call for concern.
Another possibility why it is leaking oil is the mixer was tipped over to one side or another. The mixer could drip oil from the Speed Control knob and the shaft beater simultaneously. This is a prime example of why storing upright in a safe space such as a closed cabinet or tucked away on a countertop is paramount for proper storage.
Also, after a period of unuse, the mixer could release small droplets of separated grease that will drip from the beater shaft into the mixing bowl. To remedy this, turn the mixer on and run for a few minutes to get the grease to remix and lubricate the interior of the motor.
If this does not stop the leakage, contact KitchenAid Customer Service; it may be time to send your mixer in for an evaluation and repair. Upon arrival at the service shop, the professionally trained technicians will examine the mixer, determine what is wrong and refill the machine with food-grade grease and replace the gasket.
Methods for avoiding oil leakages
Avoid letting the mixer sit unused for weeks at a time, this allows the motor too much idle time, and the grease will start to separate inside the motor. Periodically, run the mixer without any ingredients in the mixing bowl at speed ten for two minutes and turn it off. Wipe the mixer with a soft, damp cloth to remove any droplets of oil or grease.
Maintenance guidelines for KitchenAid mixers
Always unplug the mixer before cleaning. Wipe the mixer after each use with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Please do not use harsh cleaning products or detergents on the mixer--it could remove the finish. Also, wipe the beater shaft off after each use. This will help keep the mixer hygienic and prevent food residue from building up.
Always remove the beaters and wash those in the sink, or if dishwasher safe, place them in the dishwasher. Never store the beaters attached to the beater shaft. Place those in a kitchen drawer to prevent those from collecting dust.
Click here to read our article about how to wash the attachments and bowls.
In closing
KitchenAid mixers are excellent mixers that have been a number one seller for bakers worldwide for decades. Remember to take good care of your mixer and enjoy its many capabilities, and yours will last for many years as well.
We sincerely hope this article has helped you expand your knowledge base and further a new appreciation for KitchenAid mixers. Please visit Kitchenseer.com soon for more informative content!
Grinding meat. How long to use grinder before cooldown. Same as for kneading heavy bread dough??