Excelsior! Academy Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 After googling, I am finding this is a more common problem than I would've thought. Seriously, a $250 mixer dies after 10 years! Shouldn't this have lasted for 30? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Did it die suddenly, or were there "signs?" Mine is 14 years old, and the other day I noticed the motor smelled hot when I was mixing a large batch of cookie dough. I'm wondering if something's amiss... Do you have a new model in mind? I have no idea what I'd do if mine quit completely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 DH and I were talking last night about my Kitchenaid. It's 20+ years old and has been heavily used. DH takes mine apart and cleans it about every 5 years and I think that helped the life span. Have fun shopping for a new one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Oh no!!! That would be a disaster in my house!! Now, I am looking at consumer complaints. Looks like something changed in the company at some point? I wonder when. I have had mine since 1998, and it is still working great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 You can have it repaired! These machines were meant to be repaired, not just thrown out when they break. I would call a local appliance repair man and take it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 That's why I went with the more expensive professional model. The reviews for the basic KitchenAid indicated more problems than I wanted to deal with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 You can have it repaired! These machines were meant to be repaired, not just thrown out when they break. I would call a local appliance repair man and take it in. Maybe this will help? http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/what-do-to-when-your-kitchenaid-breaks-125923 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Maybe this will help? http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/what-do-to-when-your-kitchenaid-breaks-125923 :thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Mine is 20+ years and going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyinND Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I've had mine since 1997 & it's still working great! I hope the quality isn't declining in them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I had a gear box go out after 10+ years. Luckily I have a handy dh. He diagnosed the problem, ordered a new gear box on-line, then replaced the old one when the new one came. That was probably 4-5 years ago. I would look in to repair if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallorie Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 You can have it repaired! These machines were meant to be repaired, not just thrown out when they break. I would call a local appliance repair man and take it in. I beg to differ. My dh opened the top on mine, and said it is a disposable motor in it. It is made so that you cannot get it apart without damage. That's why I went with the more expensive professional model. The reviews for the basic KitchenAid indicated more problems than I wanted to deal with. I went with a Professional 600. It lasted 4 years. Dh was able to tweak something inside it so that it still runs, but it's louder than heck with a high-pitched squeal. I think the older models were meant to be serviced and keep on going. But the newer ones are just not the same. I was so disappointed, I loved my mixer, and used it all the time. Weekly pizza dough was probably the culprit for us. I now have a Bosch, but it's taking some getting used to. I do not like the center post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy1k Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Maybe I just got a bad one, but my KitchenAid died after just 8 months. It was the "professional" model. They did send me a replacement right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldskool Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I have had mine since 1997 with no problems. My mom has had hers since the early 80's. Maybe like everything else these days, they are now made with a limited lifespan. What a bad week to have a mixer go out. Lesley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Have you contacted KitchenAid to see if they can/will help - if not free perhaps at a modest repair charge??? Had one since before 1998 (don't recall exact year) and it's going great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 (edited) I've had mine for 6 years, it was passed down after 15+ years when my parents got the model with the moving arm. It has been repaired a half dozen times over the years. I refuse to get rid of it while I can still get parts. Edited November 21, 2011 by melmichigan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakim Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Now, I am looking at consumer complaints. Looks like something changed in the company at some point? I wonder when. I have had mine since 1998, and it is still working great. Hobart, who makes commercial mixers, made KitchenAids until 1985, but lawsuits held up the transition until 1986. The wonderful reputation the mixers had was developed during the Hobart era, and you'll still find many of those mixers going strong today. Sadly, what has happened to the brand since then is why you see all of the complaints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Hobart, who makes commercial mixers, made KitchenAids until 1985, but lawsuits held up the transition until 1986. The wonderful reputation the mixers had was developed during the Hobart era, and you'll still find many of those mixers going strong today. Sadly, what has happened to the brand since then is why you see all of the complaints. Bummer! So...all the newer ones are not of excellent quality? I guess I am lucky, mine must be around 1996 or so but still going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 You can have it repaired! These machines were meant to be repaired, not just thrown out when they break. I would call a local appliance repair man and take it in. :iagree: I bought my KitchenAid Stand Mixer back in 2003 -- refurbished by the company and sold via Amazon.com -- works great. But yes to the OP on getting it to the manufacturer for repairs. Even if not under warranty, it can give it more years of use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 still works. You probably need to take it to a small engine repair place and have it cleaned. Mine stopped working 10 years ago. I took it in and it just needed to be cleaned. Flour gets in the engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I got mine in 1996 and it's put in some hard times! It's ground up hundreds of deer and mixed boatloads of cookie dough. I actually got it as a wedding gift and didn't realize how much it cost-holy cow! I need to send out another round of thank you cards on that one!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I got mine (a '93 or '94, so well after Hobart) serviced, maybe 10 years ago, and they told me that what had changed was the grease they used. The repairman claimed they were no longer allowed to use the original grease (petroleum product) and had to use something edible now. The new grease breaks down a lot faster, either causing it to need a new "grease pack" frequently or burning out the motor if you didn't replace it. Overheating it (grinding wheat or kneading whole wheat bread) makes it break down faster and said I should let it cool off completely after grinding for 15 minutes or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 this IS a common KA issue. When we bought our Bosch mixer, we learned that many of their customers were former KA customers who had burnt out their KA mixer. Knowing this, I never put my KA mixer under stress. I use it for lighter mixing and save the heavy duty mixing for my Bosch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I got mine in 1997, I believe or maybe Christmas 1996. Never any problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seraphina Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 My mom is still using her mixer that she had when I was growing up, not sure how old it is but it was at least from the late 70s or very early 80s. I got one for a wedding gift in 1994 and it is still running strong. I can't imagine what would happen if it died. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 Did it die suddenly, or were there "signs?" Mine is 14 years old, and the other day I noticed the motor smelled hot when I was mixing a large batch of cookie dough. I'm wondering if something's amiss... Do you have a new model in mind? I have no idea what I'd do if mine quit completely! It did move sluggishly one day, then it just wouldn't turn on. Maybe this will help? http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/what-do-to-when-your-kitchenaid-breaks-125923 Great link! I am bookmarking this. I beg to differ. My dh opened the top on mine, and said it is a disposable motor in it. It is made so that you cannot get it apart without damage. I went with a Professional 600. It lasted 4 years. Dh was able to tweak something inside it so that it still runs, but it's louder than heck with a high-pitched squeal. I think the older models were meant to be serviced and keep on going. But the newer ones are just not the same. I was so disappointed, I loved my mixer, and used it all the time. Weekly pizza dough was probably the culprit for us. I now have a Bosch, but it's taking some getting used to. I do not like the center post. Okay, your post is making me a little sad. I have made dough in it fairly regularly. I assumed at this price, it could handle it. I guess I should've done my research a little better. Have you contacted KitchenAid to see if they can/will help - if not free perhaps at a modest repair charge??? Had one since before 1998 (don't recall exact year) and it's going great. No, not yet. This was dh's suggestion, too. I was considering upgrading models, but after researching a little sounds like I might need a different brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 It did move sluggishly one day, then it just wouldn't turn on. this is exactly what mine did before I had the engine cleaned. If you have a quality small engine repair place, you really should try this. Much cheaper than buying a high quality machine of any brand new. Seems a waste to throw away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Weekly pizza dough was probably the culprit for us. I now have a Bosch, but it's taking some getting used to. I do not like the center post. :confused:I make weekly pizza dough, have been wondering about my 11 yo KA motor, and had planned on a Bosch replacement when it happens. Would you still buy a Bosch again or would you go back to a KA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlcricket Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I had mine repaired, too. A plastic gear had to be replaced. This gear is made to give way so other parts aren't damaged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RegGuheert Posted November 28, 2011 Share Posted November 28, 2011 In case anyone is looking for one of these, they are the Amazon Deal of the Day today, which is Cyber Monday. It is the 6-quart professional model for $269.99. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted November 28, 2011 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Cyber Monday Gold Box deal is the KitchenAid mixer - top of the line model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted November 28, 2011 Share Posted November 28, 2011 Hobart, who makes commercial mixers, made KitchenAids until 1985, but lawsuits held up the transition until 1986. The wonderful reputation the mixers had was developed during the Hobart era, and you'll still find many of those mixers going strong today. Sadly, what has happened to the brand since then is why you see all of the complaints. They are now a division of Whirlpool. The once metal components are plastic and the appliances are no longer meant to be repaired and maintained. (which is what I was told by Whirlpool "customer service" when I called to find a shear pin for my - formerly made by Hobart - coffee grinder.) They are coasting on the reputation Hobart built. Alas, I think their own reputation is becoming more evident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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