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 cover some of the basics quickly.
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.
There is also the Artisan Design and 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 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.
Are you wondering what the age of your KitchenAid mixer is? Or do you want to do a KitchenAid serial number search but don’t know where to start? Let’s do some decoding and find out what all these numbers and letters really mean.
KitchenAid Serial & Model Numbers
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 how old your KitchenAid mixer is, 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 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 this 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.
KitchenAid Model Numbers Explained
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.
See the table below for common KitchenAid mixer model prefixes.
| KitchenAid Model Number | Meaning |
| KHM | KitchenAid Hand Mixer |
| KSM | KitchenAid Stand Mixer |
| K | KitchenAid |
The numbers that follow typically represent the size of the bowl in quarts and the letters at the end represent the color. Let’s take a look at some examples.
Stand mixer with model number K45SSOB:
- The first letter, model number K, means KitchenAid.
- 45 indicates the size of the bowl, which is 4.5 quarts.
- SS stands for Stainless Steel
- OB stands for Onyx Black and indicates the color of the mixer.
Let’s take a look at another one.
Stand mixer with model number KSM155GBCAR:
- Prefix KSM stands for KitchenAid Stand Mixer.
- It has a 5-quart bowl indicated by the number 5.
- GB stands for Glass Bowl.
- CAR reveals the color of the mixer which is Candy Apple Red.
Got it? Great!
You might be thinking about what the additional 1 and 5 are in the second example. That’s not KitchenAid trying to mess with your head, although it might seem like it! These random numbers you might find don’t really represent anything. 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 Search
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 unique codes for your stand mixer. Let’s take a look at some more examples.
KitchenAid stand mixer with serial number WJ3976683:
- W – The first letter indicates the factory it was made in.
- J – The second letter indicates the year of manufacture.
- 39 – This represents the week it was manufactured in.
So, your stand mixer was made in factory W, in 1999 on the 39th week of that year.
Let’s look at another example. KitchenAid stand mixer with serial number WX4507879:
- W is the factory in which your mixer was made.
- It was manufactured in the year 2011.
- In the 45th week of that year.
Similarly to the KitchenAid model numbers, you’ll find some random digits. These don’t mean anything in particular and are used internally by KitchenAid to identify your particular stand mixer.
How Old Is My KitchenAid Mixer?
To check the age of your KitchenAid mixer, you need to look at the serial number as we did in the example above. The second letter indicates the year in which your mixer was made. To make it easier for you, take a look at the table that I’ve populated below with all the letters and corresponding years.
| Letter | Year |
| J | 1999 |
| K | 2000 |
| L | 2001 |
| M | 2002 |
| N | 2003 |
| P | 2004 |
| Q | 2005 |
| R | 2006 |
| S | 2007 |
| T | 2008 |
| U | 2009 |
| W | 2010 |
| X | 2011 |
| Y | 2012 |
| Z | 2013 |
| A | 2014 |
| B | 2015 |
| C | 2016 |
| D | 2017 |
| E | 2018 |
| F | 2019 |
| G | 2020 |
| H | 2021 |
| I | 2022 |
As you’ll see, the table is for KitchenAid mixers from 1999 onwards. If you have an older mixer, like in the photo above (Model 3-B), you are better off contacting KitchenAid directly. Or better yet, KitchenAid Facebook groups are full of KitchenAid nerds who are also great detectives! Post a photo of your old KitchenAid mixer and you’re guaranteed to get someone who will know the year it was made.
If you have a vintage KitchenAid mixer, take a look at our article on KitchenAid mixer models by year. You might find your mixer there!
Where To Find KitchenAid Model Number
It’s not very obvious where to find the model number on a KitchenAid mixer, especially with the newer stand mixers.
The model 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 model number somewhere on the base of the stand mixer.
To locate your model 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, including the model number, usually labeled MODEL NO.
KitchenAid Serial Number Lookup
The process to find the serial number is the exact same as the model number. The KitchenAid serial number will be located on the same sticker as the model number, labeled SERIAL NO. It is usually above the model number.
Decode Your KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Now that you know how to decode these nonsensical numbers, try and do it yourself. It’s amazing how much information you can find out about your mixer just by interpreting a few numbers and letters!
If you just bought your KitchenAid mixer, 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.
