In fact, there are quite a few cool KitchenAid mixer attachments you can buy to take your cooking to the next level…we’re talking everything from a pasta press to a spiralizer to a food processor. Yep, for real! Keep reading to learn all about KitchenAid mixer attachments so you can decide which ones are worth a spot in your kitchen. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
What Attachments Come With a KitchenAid Mixer?
The KitchenAid stand mixer typically comes with three standard attachments. “Most KitchenAid stand mixers will come with a whisk, a flat beater and a dough hook,” explains Kat Connor, co-founder of XO Marshmallow. “We use the whisk every day to make marshmallows and marshmallow fluff, but it can be used for anything that requires ‘whipping’ or ‘whisking.’” Connor says the flat beater is best used for batters, like cookie doughs and brownie batters. “In general, the flat beater is the one I tend to use the most at home,” she says. Connor adds that the dough hook is used for making (you guessed it!) dough, while the hook-shaped attachment helps incorporate ingredients and yeast. There are also plenty of other KitchenAid mixer attachments you can purchase as add-ons. Some of the most useful attachments include things like pasta presses, spiralizers, food processors and sifters and scales, says Connor.
How to Attach KitchenAid Mixer Attachments
Attaching the standard KitchenAid mixer attachments (whisk, beater and dough hook) is very easy. Just follow these instructions from KitchenAid: If you’re wondering how to attach non-standard KitchenAid mixer attachments (like food processors and pasta cutters), know that there’s a little more work involved. “Many attachments are connected through the front of the KitchenAid and will need to be screwed in securely,” notes Elisabeth Mincin, recipe developer and food blogger at Waiting for Blancmange. She specializes in desserts and breads and has been a KitchenAid user for years. “A loose attachment might make things a bit messy or wobbly.” KitchenAid offers the following guidelines for attaching non-standard attachments:
How to Change KitchenAid Mixer Attachments
Changing the standard KitchenAid mixer attachments is super-simple. First, you’ll want to remove whatever is currently attached. To do this, make sure your device is turned off and unplugged, then unlock the tilt-head and raise and lock it into place. Press the attachment into the shaft, unfasten the pin and remove. Now you can use the instructions listed in the previous section of this article to attach another standard attachment. To change attachments that are secured in the attachment hub, the instructions are slightly different. First, make sure your stand mixer is unplugged and that the speed control is set to “0.” Next, you’ll want to loosen the knob on the attachment hub and rotate the attachment until it’s loose. You can now gently pull on the attachment to remove it from the hub. Then you can go about attaching another attachment using the instructions listed in the previous section of this article.
How to Use KitchenAid Mixer Attachments
Ready to put those KitchenAid mixer attachments to good use? We’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks from experts. For starters, you should always make sure whatever attachment you’re using is securely attached to the mixer before use, says Shelly Martin, professional chef and blogger from Easy Kitchen Guide. “Always follow the recipe or instruction manual when using an attachment as different attachments have different uses and functions,” she adds. You should also be careful when handling attachments because some parts may be sharp or hot during use, explains Martin. Finally, “clean all attachments thoroughly after each use according to the instructions in the user manual,” she suggests. There are also some hacks you can try to really up your attachment game. “When making candy, you can end up with sticky sugar syrup that hardens when it dries, so I recommend keeping a large bowl or container with hot water handy to throw your attachment into directly after using,” says Connor. “It will soak while you finish baking and make cleaning up a breeze. Connor says another hack is to chill your bowl and whisk in the fridge to make whipped cream in a snap. “And likewise, you can actually use a kitchen torch to lightly heat a stainless-steel KitchenAid mixing bowl — an easy hack when working with chocolate,” she says.
Where to Buy KitchenAid Mixer Attachments
The Best KitchenAid Mixer Attachments
Remember: “All the attachments serve a specific purpose,” says Noah Whritenour, executive pastry chef at Stevedore Bakery at Thompson Savannah. “In my pastry department, we use them all very regularly. It’s hard to choose a favorite. It’s important to do your research on what each attachment does and what it is used for so you use the right tool for the job.” Ready to get shopping? Here are the best KitchenAid stand mixer attachments to have on hand for all your cooking and baking needs.
16. KitchenAid Hammered Stainless Standard Mixer Bowl, $69.95
Sources
Kat Connor, co-founder of XO MarshmallowElisabeth Mincin, recipe developer and food blogger at Waiting for BlancmangeShelly Martin, professional chef and blogger from Easy Kitchen GuideNoah Whritenour, executive pastry chef at Stevedore Bakery at Thompson Savannah
