April 19, 2023

Stand Mixer: Why do the stand mixer attachments rub the bottom of the bowl?

You'll likely need to adjust the attachment clearance setting when attachments rub the bottom of the mixing bowl.

To adjust attachment clearance on common KitchenAid mixers, turn the speed control off and unplug the stand mixer. Tilt the motor head up and install the flat beater. To raise the flat beater, use a slot screwdriver to turn the attachment adjustment screw (located at the hinge point) 1/8th of a revolution counterclockwise. Lower the motor head and check the flat beater's clearance. If the beater still touches the bottom of the mixing bowl, continue adjusting the clearance setting 1/8th turn until the flat beater just clears the bottom of the mixing bowl. Plug in the power cord and turn on the mixer to check beater clearance while spinning. If the flat beater strikes the bottom of the mixing bowl while turning, turn off the mixer, unplug the power cord and continue to adjust the screw and check beater clearance until the flat beater no longer strikes the bottom of the mixing bowl while spinning.

If you have a different type of mixer, follow the instructions in your owner's manual to adjust the attachment clearance setting.

stand mixer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR STAND MIXER PROBLEM

JC-SM-Adjust-the-beater-to-bowl-clearance

Adjust the stand mixer beater to bowl clearance

To adjust the clearance between the beater and bowl, rotate the slotted adjustment screw clockwise slightly to lower the beater and motor head. Turn the screw counterclockwise slightly to raise the beater and motor head.

Adjust the stand mixer beater to bowl clearance

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms common to all stand mixers

Choose a symptom to see related stand mixer repairs.

Main cause: attachment clearance setting needs adjustment
Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, worn carbon motor brushes, bad drive motor, tripped overload switch, control problems
Main causes: bad lubricating grease, mixer sitting idle for weeks at a time, mixer running constantly for more than 30 minutes
Main causes: phase control board failure, wiring connection problem, faulty electronic control board
Main causes: bad wiring connections, faulty speed control plate, electronic control board failure
Main cause: worn carbon motor brushes
Main causes: bad worm gear, damaged planetary gear assembly

Repair guides common to all stand mixers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your stand mixer.

How to replace a stand mixer worm gear

Here’s how to replace the worm gear in your stand mixer if it’s worn or damaged.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a stand mixer phase control board

The phase control board works with the governor and control plate to control motor speed. Replace the phase control board if defective.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace stand mixer motor brushes

If the carbon brushes are worn and damaged, replace them using these steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all stand mixers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your stand mixer.

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How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.

August 18, 2021

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Using a wiring schematic to trace a current video

Find out what’s wrong with your appliance by following a circuit.

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Stand mixer common questions

Stand mixer common questions

These common questions and answers can help you make the most of your stand mixer.