On the outside, you see your KitchenAid Mixer for what it truly is; a state-of-the-art appliance that allows you to mix dough and other tasty foodstuffs. On the inside, it is an intricate machine composed of gears, wires, and—big surprise here—lubricating oil. This food-grade oil allows your mixer’s components to work in perfect harmony. And just like a car, sometimes this oil may leak—but why?
A KitchenAid Mixer may be leaking oil because it hasn’t been used in a while. When it’s not in use, the oil can separate from the grease and seep onto the mixer’s attachments.
However, leaking oil does not mean that the device is broken, and the oil won’t poison your food, either.Continue reading to learn more about the oil leaking from your KitchenAid mixer and how you can fix it. Addressing the issue is an easy process and takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Why a KitchenAid Mixer Leaks Oil
As mentioned previously, your KitchenAid Mixer relies on lubricating grease to keep its internal components from grinding. This not only expands the lifespan of your appliance but ensures that everything works smoothly.
You do not need to use your KitchenAid Mixer every day. However, if it sits unused on your counter for a few months (or even longer), the oil will separate from the lubricating grease and drip down into the bowl.
How to Recognize an Oil Leak in KitchenAid Mixers
At first, you might think that your “oil leak” is just leftover residue from your last recipe. Here are some indicators that the residue is, in fact, oil leaking from the KitchenAid Mixer’s internal components:
- You notice dark drops in the mixer’s bowl.
- Oil is dripping down onto your mixer’s attachments.
- Oil is leaking out of the control mechanisms, and you previously stored the appliance on its side.
Oil might also leak onto your dough while you are mixing it. As noted, the oil is food-grade, meaning that it poses no health risks and should not alter the taste of your final product.
How to Stop Oil from Leaking out of Your KitchenAid Mixer
You do not need to take apart your KitchenAid mixer for it to stop leaking oil. In fact, doing this can permanently damage your appliance and even void the warranty.
Because your problem is largely stemming from non-use, here are some solutions that could remedy your problem:
Turn on the Mixer
If your mixer is leaking oil, turn the device without any ingredients in the bowl. KitchenAid says you should run the mixer for about 10 minutes, stopping every two minutes to wipe down the attachment.
Do not be concerned if the oil splatters or otherwise seems “out of control.” This is part of the internal components getting rid of the excess oil while in motion.
Clean the Inside of Your Appliance
The oil you’re seeing might not be from the mixer itself. It could instead be leftover residue from your previous cooking adventure. You can clean your KitchenAid Mixer simply by using soap and warm water.
Detach the attachment from its port and clean as much as the hole as you can. Be sure not to get any excess moisture into your mixer, as this could complicate things later on. Also, clean your attachments as well. Do not put them in the dishwater. This will cause the attachments to oxide and get black spots.
Find a KitchenAid Service Center
If you tried the solutions above and still find your mixer leaking oil, you could take it to a KitchenAid service center. Here, a trained technician can look at your mixer and determine your options when fixing it. You could also contact KitchenAid’s customer support team. You can do this by:
- Making an appointment online
- Calling 1(800) 422-1230
- Using KitchenAid’s live chat feature
- Sending an email describing your problem
When is the Oil Leak in a KitchenAid Mixer an Issue?
If your KitchenAid Mixer stops working completely, makes grinding noises, or otherwise gives cause for concern besides the leaking oil, this could be a problem. Depending on how recently you purchased your mixer, it could be eligible under KitchenAid’s limited warranty. You could have one year from the date of purchase to file a warranty claim.
KitchenAid explicitly says that it does not cover instances where you used your mixer for commercial purposes (like in a restaurant), make alterations to the device, or made repairs with non-KitchenAid replacements. You may also need your proof of purchase statement while filing your warranty claim.
In Conclusion
Long story short: your KitchenAid Mixer is leaking oil probably because you haven’t used it in a while. While this is not a serious problem, you can remedy the issue by regularly using your mixer, performing routine maintenance, or contacting KitchenAid’s customer support team.