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Get ready to roll up those sleeves and embark on a culinary adventure, because your KitchenAid mixer is calling for a little TLC! That trusty sidekick that’s been by your side through thick and thin (batters, that is) deserves a spa day, and you’re the one to give it. The magic potion for this rejuvenation? A dab of grease.
Grease is important as it allows the gears inside the mixer to run smoothly and in turn, this helps keep the mixer healthy with a longer lifespan. Worried that greasing a KitchenAid mixer sounds like a task for a professional mechanic? Fear not! It’s as simple as baking a batch of cookies, and you don’t need a toolbox full of gadgets to get the job done. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this step-by-step guide will have you dancing through the process with ease.
Is Your KitchenAid Mixer Thirsty for New Grease? Here’s How to Tell!
Is your trusty KitchenAid mixer acting a bit under the weather? It might be sending you signals that it’s time for a grease refresh. Here’s how to diagnose a mixer in need of a little lubrication:
Leaking Oil
Spotting oil oozing from any part of your machine? That’s your mixer’s way of crying out for new grease. Don’t ignore this plea; it’s time to replace that old grease!
The Mysterious Grinding Sounds
If your KitchenAid is suddenly belting out grinding noises or stuttering in its performance, it’s practically screaming for a re-greasing session. Heed this warning to prevent any gear damage that could strike a sour note in your culinary symphony.
Not Used Your Mixer In A While
If you haven’t used your mixer in a while, be prepared for some rusty action. To make sure the grease is lubricating the gears properly, it needs to be used frequently.
Spotting these signs that your KitchenAid mixer is yearning for greasing is a piece of cake. Stay tuned to these symptoms, and you’ll catch any problems in their early stages. Addressing these issues promptly will save you from the headache of worsening problems and the potential expense of buying those pesky replacement parts.
How To Grease A KitchenAid Mixer: Tilt-Head & Bowl-Lift
Greasing a KitchenAid mixer is very straightforward if you know what you’re doing. The method is pretty much the same for both tilt-head and bowl-lift mixers. You might find that the screws are located differently, but the process remains the same.
Before you dive in, be aware that disassembling your mixer may void the warranty. If it’s still under warranty, consider sending it in for repairs instead of doing it yourself.
Step 1: Unplug your mixer (safety first!). Locate and remove the single screw on the top rear of the appliance to take off the back cover and reveal the motor.
Step 2: Find two screws underneath the rear cover, holding the silver band around your mixer. Remove them. If you already removed the band in step one, move on to the next step.
Step 3: Time to remove the planetary assembly (where the beater attaches). First, remove the small metal pin using a punch or screw, then pry off the metal drip ring and the planetary. This will expose five screws, which you’ll need to remove.
Step 4: Now, remove the housing from the body of the machine. Depending on your model, you’ll follow one of these methods:
- Method #1: Remove the 4 screws on the underside of the mixer head (2 front, 2 rear).
- Method #2: Remove 4 Phillips head bolts affixing the head to the base, then remove 4 screws from underneath.
- Method #3: If you removed the silver band earlier, take out the 4 screws underneath it.
(Keep track of the screws as you go along.)
Step 5: Lift off the housing to reveal the grease inside. In some mixers, you may need to remove an additional cover over the gearbox by taking out 4 screws.
Step 6: Clean off the old grease using a butter knife or popsicle stick, followed by paper towels for the small spaces. You may remove some gears for thorough cleaning, but it’s usually not necessary.
Step 7: Apply food-grade grease liberally to all the cleaned gears, rotating them to ensure an even layer. Check for worn or missing teeth, replacing gears if necessary.
Step 8: Reassemble the mixer by following the steps in reverse. Wipe down the outside to remove any excess grease, and you’re back in business with a rejuvenated machine, ready to whip up culinary delights for years to come!
As I mentioned above, the process is pretty similar for bowl-lift mixers. But, if you want to see how to change grease on a KitchenAid bowl-lift, take a look at this video here.
How Often Should You Change Grease in KitchenAid Mixer?
So, you’ve mastered the art of greasing your KitchenAid mixer, but how often does your kitchen companion need this special treatment? The answer is, not that often. You’ll read online that you should be changing grease every 6 months to a year, but that’s not necessary.
KitchenAid provides enough grease to last a lifetime! No seriously. Every time you use your mixer, the grease gets redistributed, so if you use your mixer often, then you shouldn’t have to worry about putting a grease change on your calendar every year.
Of course, if you don’t use your mixer often, you hear grinding noises or it starts leaking then you will need to consider changing the grease.
The Best Grease for KitchenAid Mixer and Where to Buy
When it comes to greasing your KitchenAid mixer, it’s essential to choose a food-grade grease. While not edible, food-grade grease ensures that it won’t be harmful if there’s an accidental leak. There are many different KitchenAid mixer grease types out there, most of them being pretty cheap to buy. Here’s where you can find the best grease for your KitchenAid:
KitchenAid’s Official Website
Naturally, the first place to look is the official KitchenAid website. They offer the exact grease used in manufacturing, along with other replacement parts. However, be prepared for a higher price tag, as the containers on their site can be quite costly.
Walmart
For a more budget-friendly option, Walmart offers food-grade lubricants designed specifically for KitchenAid mixers. While some products are exclusive to their website, you might find similar options in stores. Check their website for store pickup options or contact your local Walmart to see what’s available.
Amazon
Amazon is another excellent place to find KitchenAid stand mixer grease. With affordable options and positive reviews from satisfied customers, you can find grease that’s just the right amount for your KitchenAid repair needs.
Now You Know How to Grease a KitchenAid Mixer!
Bravo! Whether you have a bowl-lift or head-tilt mixer, you’ve mastered the art of cleaning and regreasing your KitchenAid mixer. With this newfound knowledge, you’re not just an appliance owner; you’re a responsible kitchen steward, ready to keep your mixer humming happily for years to come.
By maintaining your KitchenAid in pristine condition, you’re ensuring that it remains your faithful kitchen ally, always ready to whip up your favorite recipes. So, embrace your role as your mixer’s caretaker, and enjoy the endless culinary adventures ahead. Your KitchenAid is now in expert hands—yours!
