How to Tell the Age of a KitchenAid Product

The only surefire way to determine the age of your KitchenAid product is to call their customer service line and give them the serial number, but you may be able to decode it yourself if you have a newer model. Finding the KitchenAid serial number can be difficult, but it's essential if you want to purchase accessories or need a repair.

The serial numbers on most newer (post-2000s) KitchenAid products follow a standard pattern, beginning with a "K." This letter is followed by a series of letters and numbers that indicate the name, model, and date the product was made. Finally, the last two letters typically indicate the color. For example, your number ends in "SS," it's stainless steel, and if it ends in "BK" it's black.

The serial number for most of KitchenAid's countertop appliances is located on the bottom. For blenders, hand mixers, stand mixers, coffee grinders and toasters, the serial number is under the base. On a food processor, you can find the serial number beneath the push-button controls on the base. For an immersion blender, the number is inlaid on the shaft, below the handle.

For major appliances, the serial numbers are typically located inside the appliance. You can find the serial number inside the door of your dishwasher, microwave oven, oven or range, and the serial number for your washer or dryer is on the lid or door. For other major appliances, here's where you will find the serial number:

• Refrigerators: Inside, on the left wall
• Compactors: Inside of the sliding door
• Cooktops: On the liner, beneath the burners
• Hoods & Vents: On the front inside edge
• Hot Water Dispensers: Underneath the counter where it's mounted
• Ice Makers: Inside, beneath the lid
• Sinks: On the underside of the basin
• Warming Drawers: Inside of the drawer's face
• Wine Cellars: Inside of the left wall

Calling KitchenAid and giving them your specific serial number is the best way to determine the age of the product, but some serial numbers are simple to decode yourself, especially on newer products. Here's how to tell the age of your KitchenAid product:

1. Once you have found the serial number, write it down.
2. The second through fourth digits will provide you with the date your product was manufactured.
3. The letter indicates the year.
4. The two numbers after indicate the week the product was made.

Products with the letter "J" were made in 1999, "K" were made in 2000, "L" were made in 2001, "M" were made in 2002, and so on. Next, the following two numbers indicate the week. If your combination L12, then it was manufactured during the 12th week of 2001.

KitchenAid was created in 1919, when it launched its iconic stand mixer, which offered a variety of attachments that did everything from slicing to straining. In 1937, during the middle of the Great Depression, KitchenAid launched the Model 'K,' featuring it's now iconic shape and a bowl that secured to the base. Colors were first offered in 1955, and in 1970, new colors, Harvest Wheat and Avocado, were added. In 2019, as part of its 100 year celebration, KitchenAid introduced a new color: Passion Red.

There are several styles of stand mixers, ranging in price from approximately $260 to $630.

• The Classic Series, which is the least expensive, has the least powerful motor, but works well for basic tasks like making whipped cream and cakes.
• The Artisan Series, the mid-range option, is known for its ability to skillfully cream butter and sugar, as well as mix cookie dough and cake batter.
• The Pro Line Series, the most expensive collection of mixers, is great for bakers who enjoy making breads or numerous batches of cookies.
• KitchenAid also offers a smaller mixer, the Artisan Mini Series, that is made for smaller kitchens, but has the same motor power as the regular sized Artisan mixer.