KitchenAid has a lot going for it. It is one of the most loved and trusted kitchen appliance brands in the world, with a cult following of home chefs and bakers alike. However, one area that keeps the internet divided is its attachments.
On one hand, some swear by their durability and ease of use, noting that they stand up to years of daily use without issue. On the other hand, there are complaints about their oxidization and rusting of the burnished aluminum and chipping of the powder-coated attachments, with some saying they don’t even last a year before needing to be replaced.
Similar to many other bakers, I replaced my enamel-coated accessories as soon as I saw little specks in my food, and switched to the KitchenAid stainless steel attachments. Sure, they require a little bit more maintenance to keep them shiny and rust-free, but in my experience, they have proven to be very durable and well worth it in the long run.
Opting for stainless steel attachments would be a more significant investment upfront, but it could pay off in the long run with their durability and longevity. Plus, you won’t have any questionable specks in your food! After all, it’s not the healthiest to be digesting the enamel coating.
Having said that, there have been many negative reviews on the KitchenAid stainless steel attachments, with many KitchenAid mixer owners saying their stainless steel mixer attachments tarnished only after a few uses. However, let’s delve more into that later.
First, let’s talk about the benefits of using stainless steel attachments.
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Why Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a durable, low-maintenance material that is ideal for a wide range of applications. Its ability to resist corrosion and staining make it the perfect choice for home appliances that will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Stainless steel is also easy to clean, which is an important consideration for any attachment that will come into contact with food.
While plastic attachments may be cheaper and lighter, they are not as durable and can easily break or warp. Aluminium attachments can also be prone to oxidation and rusting.
On the other hand, stainless steel is a sturdy material that can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear and tear. It also won’t leach any chemicals into your food, making it a safer option for use in the kitchen.
Stainless steel attachments are typically more expensive than their plastic counterparts, but they will last longer and require less upkeep, making them a wiser investment.
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Accessories
When it comes to kitchen appliances, few brands are as iconic as KitchenAid. The company has been making high-quality kitchen products for over 100 years, and its stand mixers are especially popular.
Thanks to their wide range of attachments, KitchenAid mixers can be used for a variety of tasks, from mixing batter to kneading dough or grinding meat. And when it comes to stand mixer accessories, KitchenAid definitely takes the win with over 80 different attachments and accessories.
KitchenAid uses a wide range of materials for its products. Many of their attachments are made from plastic, metal, nylon-coated, burnished aluminum or stainless steel.
KitchenAid has a wide range of stainless steel attachments. The most common accessory, and one that comes with most stand mixer models, is the KitchenAid stainless steel mixing bowl. They come in all sorts of different designs, like hammered stainless steel, brushed or quilted.
Other popular stainless steel attachments include the KitchenAid pasta rollers and the KitchenAid stainless steel mixing tools. Aside from the KitchenAid stainless steel mixing bowl that comes as a standard attachment with most KitchenAid mixer models, the other attachments can be purchased separately.
Are KitchenAid Stainless Steel Attachments Really Stainless Steel?
Considering its reputation in the market, you would expect KitchenAid to provide its customers with the best of the best. If you own a KitchenAid stand mixer, then you already know that for most models, the attachments that come with the mixer are either nylon coated or burnished aluminum. These attachments are fine for basic tasks, but the more you use them the more likely they are to break, chip or discolor.
This is where KitchenAid’s stainless steel attachments come in. Most KitchenAid owners at some point will replace their existing attachments with stainless steel ones. While these accessories may cost a bit more, they should last longer.
But here’s where things get a bit tricky.
Many KitchenAid stand mixer owners report that their stainless steel attachments have tarnished, leading them to question if they are actually made from stainless steel.
So I decided to do some digging around and read through some of the customer reviews for the beater, dough hook and wire whip. What I found quite interesting, despite all of these products being marketed as solid stainless steel and dishwasher friendly, many customers reported signs of tarnishing and a black powdery residue on their attachments after taking them out of the dishwasher.
As I scrolled through the customer reviews on KitchenAid’s website, it became apparent that recently some customers have been sent coated attachments rather than stainless steel. Where people once raved about the attachments and their durability, now customers are complaining about them tarnishing, and falling apart.
To me, it seems like these attachments were not stainless steel. So, either customers are purchasing the wrong product thinking it’s stainless steel, or KitchenAid’s distributor has really stuffed up and has been sending customers burnished aluminum, or maybe KitchenAid is mugging us off. Either way, customers should not be receiving a product that is not what it says it is.
My advice if this has happened to you? Reach out to KitchenAid for a replacement. No one should have to put up with subpar kitchen equipment, especially not from a company as reputable as KitchenAid.
You also have the option of purchasing third-party KitchenAid Attachments. Third-party attachments tend to be much cheaper than the KitchenAid counterparts, so you’ll be able to find a good quality attachment for a decent price. Be mindful that if you go down that route, your KitchenAid warranty will be void if something goes wrong.
How To Tell If You Have a Stainless Steel Attachment
So you’ve just upgraded your attachments to stainless steel but I have now scared you into thinking they might not actually be stainless steel. My bad… But there are a few things you can do to test if your attachments are the real deal.
Weight
Stainless steel tends to be much heavier than other metals like aluminum. In fact, aluminum is ⅓ of the weight of stainless steel. If KitchenAid attachments are made from high-quality stainless steel, they should feel substantial in your hand.
Check the surface
Take a look at the surface. Stainless steel should have a smooth, shiny finish. If it looks dull or scratched, it’s probably not stainless steel.
Magnet
This isn’t foolproof as it depends on the grade but some stainless steels are magnetic. If the magnet sticks, then it’s stainless steel. But, to be sure, try this trick with another one to be 100% it’s stainless steel.
Use the dishwasher
You probably don’t want to destroy your attachment as soon as it’s out of the box, but if it’s stainless steel it should not be affected by the dishwasher. But, if you see any signs of tarnishing or a black residue, then it’s definitely not stainless steel and I would be contacting KitchenAid for a replacement.
Use a grinder
This is only useful if you or someone you know has a grinder, but this is probably the most foolproof way to check if your attachments are solid stainless steel. Watch the video to find out more.
How To Look After KitchenAid Stainless Steel Accessories
Anyone who’s ever owned a KitchenAid knows that those stainless steel attachments are the key to their durability. But what most people don’t realize is that those attachments need to be properly cared for in order to ensure their long-lasting use. Here are a few tips on how to properly care for your KitchenAid stainless steel accessories:
- Always wash them immediately after use. This will prevent any food from drying on and making it harder to clean later.
- Use a mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth when washing. This will prevent any scratches from happening.
- The attachments are dishwasher safe but I like to clean them by hand with warm soapy water.
- Dry them thoroughly after washing by hand. This will prevent any water spots from forming.
- Store them in a dry place, wrapped in a cloth or placed in the stand mixer bowl with a towel underneath them. This will keep them safe from getting scratched.
Now that you know how to tell if your attachments are really stainless steel and how to properly care for them, it’s time to put this information into action. Keep your KitchenAid accessories in top shape and enjoy the convenience and versatility they provide for years to come.
