KA stand mixer age

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

Late 80's or early 90's.  The newest version of your mixer is 275 watts and has a 4.5 qt. bowl, older versions had a 3.5 or 4 qt. bowl, usually without a handle.  Lots of variations over the years with this "entry" model, some had handles on the bowls, some didn't.   

My mother had this model for a few years before giving to my sister.  I gave mom my 325 watt tilt-head model when I got my crank-up bowl 5 qt. model.  

 

 
 
Also, the "SS" designation indicates solid state speed control.  I don't know exactly when they upgraded to that, but I'd say maybe 10 or 12 years before Whirlpool took over. 

 

My non-SS K45 sports a slightly older version of the KA logo.  I don't know if the logo was updated when they went to solid state, but my guess is that it was somewhere around that same time.

rp2813-2018010714411809489_1.jpg

rp2813-2018010714411809489_2.jpg
 
I do know that Hobart switched to the Solid State controls in 1978 (K45SS; K5SS, fer instance).

Did you check underneath the base for any serial numbers-?
 
If you have a Hobart, keep it!

I got the mixer pictured above at Savers for $29.99 a few years ago, complete with whisk, burnished flat beater and dough hook.   I switched out the burnished parts with coated ones so I can run them through the dishwasher.

 

The mixer needed nothing but a cleaning, and it's much quieter than a new one.  I put Dave's noisy KA Professional bowl-lift model in the basement and the K45 replaced it on the counter.  I prefer the tilt-head design. 
 
Thanks for the information about my mixer's age.  I haven't had much luck trying to use the logo to determine its age range.

 

KA/Hobart's switching to a beaded edge on the bowl was a major improvement.  My mixer was scratched up pretty good from that flat lip hitting the upper area on the riser portion of the base.   If you look closely at the picture below, you can see the area where I applied touch-up to the scratches.  I switched out the flat lip bowl with a later type that has a handle, as the clearance is so minimal that it's hard to avoid the flat lip scraping the painted surface.

rp2813-2018010813323706665_1.jpg
 
I believe Costco currently has their 600 watt 6 qt lift bowl mixer on sale again. Something like $280. It should be able to tame the thickest cookie batter...

The Costco Business Centers usually have the big Hobart (or similar) commercial mixers for sale as well. Last time I saw one, I noted a price of about $900.

Forget exactly how big the bowl is, seems like 12 qt.
 
I don't know a lot on them but I was told if it says Hobart on it, then it's pre 1986. Also something about grounded power cords and as mentioned, solid state control date it past the 1970s sometime.
 
My Baby Is Home!!!

It came back home yesterday.  I can not sing praises enough for Kitchenaid Repair and Refurbish.  Turned out they had to do a grease change and adjust and replace the brushes.  Clean and lube the planetary gears and back home good as new.  Total repair $26.13. Plus the $45 flat rate shipping I paid for shipment both ways.  

 

They had asked that I send a bowl and the flat paddle beater when I sent it in for proper adjustment.  It came back with a brand new flat paddle.  

 

If anyone ever has need, I am including the R&R departments contact info:

Repair and Refurbishment Department

1701 Kitchenaid Way

Greenville, OH  45331

1-800-961-0959 EXT 2865

 

 
 
Back
Top