If you own a KitchenAid stand mixer, then you probably know that it is one of the most popular brands on the market. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite. So what happens when your beloved brand starts smoking?
That’s right, you get nervous. Stand mixers can be a little temperamental from time to time but if it is smoking like this, then there must be something wrong. KitchenAid stands mixers have built-in electronics that prevent them from operating if they detect an error.
If your machine starts making strange noises or stops working completely, it could be owing to an issue with its internal electronics. Look for any burning smells coming from under the cabinet and check for any visible signs of overheating such as melted plastic or warped metal parts.
How to Troubleshoot a KitchenAid Mixer Smoking
If your KitchenAid stand mixer is smoking like this, then there is a chance that the source of the smoke is inside the machine. Here are a few things that you can check to find out if this is the case.
First, you can use an infrared camera and check under the cabinet to see if there is any visible damage that may be causing the smoke. Make sure that the machine is unplugged before you do this.
Next, you should check the wiring to make sure that it isn’t damaged. If it is, you can unplug the machine and use a multimeter to check the wiring and avoid any further damage.
Finally, you can take the machine outside to vent it and see if there is any smoke coming out of the exhaust fan. If there is, then you should consult a professional immediately.
What to look for when troubleshooting a KitchenAid mixer
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at a few more things that you can check to troubleshoot your KitchenAid mixer.
- Check the cord. If the cord looks broken or damaged, there could be a problem with the motor or the wiring. If the cord looks fine and there is no visible damage, but the machine is smoking, it could be the fuse.
- Remove the bowl. When the machine is smoking, put the bowl on the side and remove the screw that secures the drive shaft. The mixing components should be visible behind the bowl.
- Check the motor. If the motor is overheating, it may be causing the smoke. Make sure that it is not too warm and is not making a banging sound. If the motor is not on fire, it could be that the metal is getting too hot and is causing the smoke.
Safety First – Before we repair anything
Let’s take a step back and talk about why your machine is smoking and what you can do to make sure that it doesn’t happen again. Every appliance has its fair share of issues, but these 5 are most common.
- The machine is old. Newer models are much more reliable than older ones.
- The machine is dirty. It won’t work if it is dirty, so make sure that it is clean and free of grease, food bits, and other debris.
- The machine is overheated. Make sure that the motor isn’t too hot by monitoring the temperature. If it goes above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, let it cool down before trying to repair it.
- The fuse is blown. Make sure that the fuse is not blown before repairing the machine.
The Good News – Parts are available and they’re cheap!
We can’t celebrate the bad news, but we can make it sound a lot better. Your machine is not beyond repair, and we can order the parts online and replace them ourselves. We will need a screwdriver, a multimeter, and a little patience. We also need a table that can support the machine so that we don’t drop it or scratch it. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to do this and it saves you a lot of money. Let’s find out how.
- Unplug the machine before you try to work on it. It may be dangerous if you accidentally short out any wires.
- Remove the bowl and the drive shaft so that we have room to work. Make sure that they are clean so that they don’t get damaged while we are working.
- Find the part number for the part that you need to replace. You can find this on the manual that comes with the machine or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Find a website that sells the parts that you need. A lot of websites have a section where you can find parts for various machines like microwaves and mixers.
- Order the part and wait for it to arrive.
- Once the part arrives, install it in the same way that you would install a normal part.
The Bad News – It’s going to cost you! But, it is worth it.
While it may seem like it is easier to just replace the machine, this is a much more expensive option. A new KitchenAid mixer will cost you anywhere from $280 to $350 depending on the model and how old it is.
If you can replace the part without having to replace the entire machine, it will save you a lot of money in the long run. What are you waiting for?
Let’s get started! Here are a few things that you should keep in mind while we are working on the machine.
- Unplug the machine before you try to work on it. It may be dangerous if you accidentally short out any wires.
- Remove the bowl and the drive shaft so that we have room to work. Make sure that they are clean so that they don’t get damaged while we are working.
- Find the part number for the part that you need to replace. You can find this on the manual that comes with the machine or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Find a website that sells the parts that you need. A lot of websites have a section where you can find parts for various machines like microwaves and mixers. – Order the part and wait for it to arrive.
- Once the part arrives, install it in the same way that you would install a normal part.
Conclusion
Cooking should be fun. It shouldn’t be stressful and you shouldn’t have to worry about breaking your machine. If your KitchenAid mixer is smoking, then there is a chance that it will stop working completely if it gets too hot.