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KitchenAid stand mixers have been a baker’s best friend since they first hit the shelves in 1919. Over the last 100 years, their stand mixer range, and other appliance offerings, have expanded exponentially. Today, there are over 12 different models in the USA alone, all available in a huge range of different styles and colors.
It can be a real challenge decoding the subtle differences between these machines, which is why we have compared KitchenAid’s most popular models in detail before, as well as weighing up the pros and cons of tilt and bowl lift mixers.
If you are new to the wonderful world of KitchenAid, allow me to quickly cover some of the basics.
The cheapest KitchenAid stand mixer is the Classic Series. This mixer has the least powerful motor but will meet all your basic baking requirements, like mixing up cake batter or whipping cream.
The Artisan series is the mid-range option, and also comes in the most variety of colors. It is known for being a versatile and robust stand mixer that can mix anything from cookie dough to cake batter (and even mashed potatoes). There is also the Artisan Design, which has the same features as the Artisan, with a larger price tag and comes with a glass bowl as opposed to the classic stainless steel. KitchenAid also brought out the Artisan Mini which is more compact but boasts the same power output as the Artisan.
You then have your more expensive mixers, like the Professional, Pro-Line, and the Commercial models. These are top of the range and are, unsurprisingly, best for commercial-level baking.
Regardless of the model, series, or style, every KitchenAid stand mixer will have a serial number and a model number.
Most of us probably don’t think twice about these numbers, I know I certainly didn’t when I first got my mixer. However, these numbers are much more important than you think.
You can find out a surprising amount of interesting information with these two pieces of information. With the model and serial number you can find out when your machine was made, which factory it came from, the color, and bowl size.
Before we get to the nitty-gritty of explaining the meaning behind these numbers, I want to make it clear that the serial and model numbers serve different purposes. Here is the main distinction between these two codes:
Serial Number = Specific to your individual mixer and where/when it was made
Model number = General to the mixer model and color
Now that you know the difference between these two numbers, I will share the secret to reading each one. The model and the serial number of KitchenAid stand mixers usually follow a simple pattern, and although his works for most mixers, I have noticed some exceptions to the rule.
KitchenAid Numbers Explained
With so many KitchenAid stand mixers in the market, it can be hard trying to figure out which is the best one for you. Throw in a couple of nonsensical model numbers and it can get really confusing trying to decipher one machine from another.
Understanding what the number on your appliance means will not only help you make the right decision when picking your KitchenAid appliance, it gives you an indication of when it was made, the model and the bowl size. When you want to get extra attachments or need to get your stand mixer repaired, it definitely helps to know this information too.
Model Number
The model number consists of a combination of letters and numbers that describe the type of mixer (hand or stand), the model, bowl size, and the mixer’s color. KitchenAid stand mixers model numbers start with the letters ‘KSM’ or just a ‘K’ on their own, depending on when it was made and which country you live in. These letters simply stand for ‘KitchenAid Stand Mixer’ or ‘KitchenAid’. If you have a hand mixer, then this code will start with KHM.
The numbers that follow typically represent the size of the bowl in quarts and the letters at the end represent the color. For example:
Stand mixer with model number K45SSOB can be decoded to read ‘KitchenAid, 4.5 (quart), Stainless Steel, Onyx Black’.
Stand mixer with model number KSM155GBCAR reads ‘KitchenAid Stand Mixer, 5 (quart), Glass Bowl, Candy Apple Red’ so on and so forth.
In some cases (like the one above) you might find numbers in the middle that don’t really represent anything, and that’s because KitchenAid has included them as a way to differentiate similar models from one another.
Model numbers are general to your mixer’s model and its color. Someone else with the same KitchenAid stand mixer as you will have the same model number.
KitchenAid Serial Number
Almost every mass-produced electronic device or appliance will have a serial number. These numbers are unique to each individual appliance and allow the manufacturer to identify it during manufacturing and distribution.
The KitchenAid mixer serial number is a 9 digit number that tells you where your mixer was manufactured and when. The first 4 numbers indicate the factory it was made in and the date. The rest of the numbers are a unique code for your stand mixer.
Let’s take this KitchenAid stand mixer with serial number WJ3976683.
Break this up in the first 4 digits: WJ39
Your stand mixer was made in factory W, in 1999 on the 39th week of that year.
‘J’ represents the year it was made, with each letter of the alphabet representing a year. For example, J =1999, K=2000, L=2001, M=2002 and so on.
As mentioned above, the numbers that follow after the first 4 digits do not mean anything in particular and are used internally by KitchenAid to identify your particular stand mixer.
Where to find KitchenAid model number
It’s not very obvious where to find the model number on a KitchenAid mixer or the serial number, especially with the newer stand mixers.
The serial number for the older stand mixers you will most likely find at the back, or the side, depending on when it was made.
The much newer stand mixer will have the serial and model number somewhere on the base of the stand mixer.
To locate your model number and serial number you will want to tilt your stand mixer to the side. To not damage your mixer, take a towel and lay it on a flat surface. Take your stand mixer and slowly rest it on the towel on its side.
Look at the bottom of your stand mixer and you should find a sticker on either side of the inside wall. There you will find all sorts of useful information about your stand mixer; the serial number, the model number, your mixer’s maximum watts and where it was assembled.
Final Thoughts
When you do get your KitchenAid stand mixer or even if you have one already, take some time to locate the model and serial number. Knowing where the serial and model numbers are located and understanding what they mean is more important than you think. It’s definitely a good idea to make a note of your model number and the serial number, just in case the sticker comes off. If you ever need to repair your KitchenAid stand mixer, you will need to give the manufacturer the serial number and model number so they can identify it.
They give you so much more information about your stand mixer that you wouldn’t otherwise know just by looking at it.
