KitchenAid Mixer

[cam2s]

Picked up a Hobart built KitchenAid today at Goodwill for $15. Paint job is kinda beat up, the paddle has seen better days, and the dough hook is missing, but it otherwise works. Not sure what model it is, a lot of the words along the side have rubbed off. Will parts for the new machines interchange with the old ones? Any other information about this would be appreciated too.

Just for kicks, I put in a picture of my other mixer, which was an Oster Kitchen Center. It's an all in one unit, with beaters, dough hooks, a food processor, a blender, and a meat grinder. There were several other attachments for it but thats all I have.

 

[maytagbear]

Your KA

is a late Hobart, and the model is K45SS. "SS" is for Solid State.

I've had mine since the 1980s, and it is still running like a champ.

When (if) you get a new paddle and dough hook, be sure that the package says 4.5 quart.

Good catch.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[rp2813]

Genuine Hobart.

 

That would take some serious appliance touch-up paint to improve its appearance.  You might be better off prepping it and hitting it with well-spaced multiple coats of some good quality rattle can paint.  If you don't like almond, the other color option from Hobart was white.  Designer colors weren't offered until after Whirlpool took over.

 

The metal trim band with Hobart logo will be hard to find, but it's often surprising the things that can show up on ebay.

 

4.5 quart mixing bowls with handles show up in thrift stores once in a while.  The Hobart-made K45s were outfitted with a plain brushed bowl without handles as standard equipment, and that may still hold true for the entry level "Classic" models made today.

 

[danemodsandy]

Painting:

You need to do a strip and refinish to get a good result. There are some things you need to know:

The paint is an epoxy paint, so a really good stripper is needed. Look carefully at the label to see if it is one that works on epoxy paints.

Replicating the paint is no big deal, because every paint store carries appliance epoxy paint in rattle cans. However - you have to follow the can directions carefully, particularly the part about recoat time. If you apply a second coat at the wrong time, it will wrinkle and lift the first coat. Just follow the directions. If you do it right, you will end up with a hard, durable "factory" finish that will last you for years with proper care.

 

[danemodsandy]

Parts:

I personally would buy a good used vintage paddle and hook from eBay, rather than going with new ones. Price is lower, and you'll get better quality; KA accessory quality has been a little spotty in recent years. On NO account should you buy any parts listed as the "burnished" finish; these are a polished aluminum that does not hold up well. The white epoxy-coated parts are the ones that don't react with food and don't need maintenance other than normal washing. Google "kitchenaid burnished" for lots and lots of comments from consumers who are Not. Real. Happy.[this post was last edited: 8/26/2014-06:15]