How to Replace the Oil in a KitchenAid Mixer

A KitchenAid Mixer can stand up to quite a lot of work in a busy kitchen. However, if it isn't used often enough, it can generate drips of oil where it shouldn't. Spots of grease lining the rim of the enamel casing just below the bulbous motor compartment at the top of the KitchenAid Mixer can be worrying.

KitchenAid Mixer oil can leak slightly over the lifetime of the hardworking machine. The mixer is packed with solid grease that is meant to last the lifetime of the mixer. The grease is distributed around the gears as the machine is used, lubricating all those fast-moving parts that make the mixer work.

When not in use, the grease naturally settles to the lowest point in the bulbous motorhead that hangs over the bowl when the mixer is in the upright position. If the mixer is resting on its side for a long period of time, the oil may separate and show up on the lock lever slots or speed controls.

The gearbox holds grease to the stand mixer. When the liquid part of the grease begins to separate and drip from the gearbox at the top of the mixer, it could be due to a few reasons. KitchenAid notes that using the mixer regularly actually curtails the oil from separating and leaking out of the motorhead.

A mixer that has been sitting idle can have separated grease in the gearbox. On the other hand, a mixer that is used often can be low on the good grease that keeps all the moving parts of the KitchenAid Mixer in working order.

Old grease should be replaced with a fresh batch of new lubricant in the KitchenAid if you begin to see beads of yellowed residue on the outside of the KitchenAid Mixer upper casing.

There are many types of grease for mechanical parts that are losing their lubricants. A KitchenAid Mixer requires a food-grade grease that can perform the same technical function as other machine lubricants, but also has the benefit of being safe to consume, nontoxic and physiologically inert.

Remove the rear housing cover screws and the ring that holds the mixer planetary. Disengage the strain relief for the cord. Gently tap the planetary pin from its hole and pry the planetary from the mixer. There will be five gearbox screws to remove followed by the four rear housing screws.

Remove the two rear housing screws to pull the motor from the lower half of the mixer. Pull the motor up and away from the lower part of the mixer.

Small Appliance Planet recommends using any grease that is labeled food grade if you are considering performing the KitchenAid Mixer tune-up yourself. Replacing grease once a year by removing the top of the motorhead and greasing the gears individually. However, if you take the machine apart, you may void any warranty.

If the KitchenAid Mixer is leaking a lot of oil, particularly when it is an often-used countertop appliance, then it may be time to contact a professional for a tune-up. A professional repair person can replace the correct amount of grease and locate any underlying issue causing the grease to separate and collect on the motorhead.