The KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for a variety of food preparation tasks, including mixing, kneading, and whipping. It is available in several models, specifically 5KSM150PS, 5KSM156, 5K45SS, and 5KSM45, each with slightly varying specifications and included accessories.
Function Description:
The Stand Mixer is primarily used for combining ingredients quickly and thoroughly. Its planetary mixing action ensures that the beater rotates in one direction while whisking and rotating in the other, pushing ingredients towards the center of the bowl. This design minimizes the need for frequent scraping of the bowl sides, ensuring a comprehensive mix. The appliance is equipped with a speed control lever, offering 10 distinct speeds, along with a "Soft Start" feature that gradually increases speed to prevent splashing and "flour puff" at startup. This makes it suitable for a wide range of recipes, from slow stirring to fast whipping.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Wattage:
- 300 W for models 5KSM150PS and 5KSM156
- 250 W for models 5K45SS and 5KSM45
- Voltage: 220-240 V
- Hertz: 50/60 Hz
- Bowl Capacity: The manual mentions 4.28 L and 4.8 L bowls, with specific flour capacity recommendations for yeast doughs (e.g., not exceeding 900g all-purpose flour or 800g whole wheat flour for a 4.28 L bowl). The bowl design and material may vary depending on the specific Stand Mixer model.
Usage Features:
Parts and Features:
The Stand Mixer consists of a motor head, an attachment hub, a speed control lever, a beater shaft, and a bowl clamping plate. Key accessories include:
- Flat Beater: Ideal for normal to heavy mixtures like cakes, creamed frostings, cookies, pie pastry, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.
- Wire Whip: Designed for mixtures that need air incorporated, such as eggs, egg whites, heavy cream, boiled frostings, sponge cakes, and mayonnaise.
- Dough Hook: Specifically for mixing and kneading yeast doughs, including breads, rolls, and pizza dough.
- Pouring Shield (optional/included with some models): Helps prevent ingredients from splashing out of the bowl during mixing and facilitates easy pouring of ingredients.
Assembly and Operation:
- Attaching/Removing the Bowl: The bowl is placed on the bowl clamping plate and turned clockwise to secure, or counter-clockwise to remove. The speed control must be set to "O" and the mixer unplugged.
- Lifting/Lowering the Motor Head: A locking lever allows the motor head to be tilted back for accessory attachment/removal and then locked into place during operation.
- Attaching/Removing Accessories: Accessories (flat beater, wire whip, dough hook) are slipped onto the beater shaft, pressed upward, and turned to the right to hook over a pin. Removal involves reversing these steps.
- Beater to Bowl Clearance: The mixer is factory-adjusted for optimal clearance. If the beater hits the bowl or is too far away, a height adjustment screw (not shown) can be used to correct the clearance.
- Using the Pouring Shield: The pouring shield slides over the bowl and centers, with its bottom rim fitting inside the bowl. It can be rotated so the pouring chute is to the right of the attachment hub.
- Speed Control: Always start at the lowest speed ("1" for Stirring) and gradually increase to avoid splashing. The speed control guide provides recommendations for different tasks:
- Speed 1 (STIR): Slow stirring, combining, mashing, adding dry ingredients/liquids. Not for yeast doughs.
- Speed 2 (SLOW MIXING): Slow mixing, mashing, faster stirring. For yeast doughs, heavy batters, cutting shortening into flour. Do not exceed Speed 2 for yeast doughs to prevent damage.
- Speed 4 (MIXING, BEATING): Mixing semi-heavy batters (cookies), combining sugar and shortening, adding sugar to egg whites for meringues. Medium speed for cake mixes.
- Speed 6 (BEATING, CREAMING): Medium-fast beating/creaming. Finishing cake/doughnut batters. High speed for cake mixes.
- Speed 8 (FAST BEATING, WHIPPING): Whipping cream, egg whites, boiled frostings.
- Speed 10 (FAST WHIPPING): Whipping small amounts of cream/egg whites, final whipping of mashed potatoes.
- Optional Attachments: KitchenAid offers various optional attachments (e.g., food grinders, pasta makers) that connect to the attachment hub. The manual provides detailed instructions for attaching and removing these.
Maintenance Features:
Care and Cleaning:
- Stand Mixer Body: Always unplug before cleaning. Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use household/commercial cleaners or immerse in water. The beater shaft should be wiped frequently to remove residue.
- Accessories:
- Bowl, Pouring Shield, White Flat Beater, White Dough Hook: Dishwasher safe. Alternatively, wash thoroughly in hot soapy water and rinse completely before drying. Do not store beaters on the shaft.
- Wire Whip (metal): NOT dishwasher safe. Wash thoroughly in hot soapy water and rinse completely before drying. Do not store on the shaft.
Troubleshooting:
The manual addresses common issues:
- Mixer warming up: Normal under heavy loads or extended mixing times.
- Pungent odor: Common with new electric motors.
- Flat beater hitting the bowl: Refer to the "Beater to bowl clearance" section for adjustment.
- Mixer not operating: Check if plugged in, if the circuit fuse is working, or if the circuit breaker is closed. Try turning off for 10-15 seconds, then back on. If it still doesn't start, allow it to cool for 30 minutes. If problems persist, contact customer service.
Warranty and Service:
KitchenAid offers a warranty for its Stand Mixers:
- Artisan models (5KSM150PS, 5KSM156): Five years full warranty from purchase date.
- Models 5K45SS, 5KSM45: Two years full warranty from purchase date.
The warranty covers replacement parts and repair labor costs for material or workmanship defects, provided service is by an Authorized KitchenAid Service Center. It does not cover repairs for non-household use, damage from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or improper installation/operation. KitchenAid disclaims responsibility for indirect damages. Customer service contact details are provided for various regions.
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