Stand mixer common questions

These common questions about stand mixers are the ones our experts hear the most often from our customers. You might also find the help you need by checking the common symptoms and solutions for stand mixers. When you’re ready to make a repair, search your model number to find replacement parts. Sears PartsDirect has the part you need, no matter where you bought your stand mixer.

Why is there so much sparking going on inside the motor?

Excessive sparking is generally a sign of worn carbon motor brushes, worn or faulty armature or a shorted stator. Remove the carbon motor brushes and check for wear. Replace the carbon motor brushes if worn below 5/16-inch; replace both carbon motor brushes at the same time.

Why is the beater rubbing the bowl?

There's a beater height adjustment screw located at the motor head pivot point used to adjust the height. Unplug the stand mixer and pivot the motor head up. Turn the slot screw clockwise slightly to lower the beater and motor head. Turn the screw counterclockwise slightly to raise the beater and motor head if the beater is striking the bowl.

Why is the mixer running with a raspy, bumpy noise?

The internal gear in the planetary assembly is broken or damaged. Replace the internal gear inside the planetary gear housing.

Why does it vibrate, rumble and change to higher speeds?

A faulty governor that's not closing the control plate contacts usually is the cause. A faulty control plate, a misadjusted control plate or governor also could be the cause. The stand mixer should be looked at and repaired by a professional technician if this happens.

Why does my mixer struggle to reach high speed?

A failed or tight bearing is usually the cause of the mixer laboring and not coming up to high speed. Disassemble and inspect the bearings for binding. 

Why would my stand mixer only run on high speed only?

A faulty phase control board will cause the stand mixer to run only high speed. Replace the phase control board.

What causes the mixer to click, buzz and smoke?

A frozen bearing or a jammed or damaged gear will prevent the motor from starting and running. Check for a frozen bearing and for a damaged and jammed gear.

Why won't my stand mixer shut off with the switch?

If the ON/OFF switch is not adjusted correctly with the switch control linkage, the switch won’t turn the mixer off. Check the control linkage and switch assembly.

Why does the worm gear repeatedly fail?

A worn or damaged gear or bearing can cause repeated worm gear failures. Replace the gear and bearing. Replace the lower gear case if the attachment bearing has failed.

Why is oil leaking out from the drip ring?

Oil seeping or dripping from the planetary drip ring indicates the grease inside the gear case is breaking down. Remove and replace the old grease with Benalene 930-2 grease (6 fluid ounces). Under normal service conditions, the mixer will not require lubrication for many years.

Is it normal for the mixer to get hot and emit an odor?

When the stand mixer is under heavy loads with extended mixing time periods, the stand mixer may heat up to the point of being uncomfortable to touch. It may begin to produce an odor, especially when new. This is normal.

How do I care and clean the stand mixer and the beaters?

The bowl, white flat beater and white dough hook may be washed in the dishwasher.

The wire whip, burnished dough hook and burnished flat beater should be hand-washed and dried immediately. Do not wash the wire whip, burnished dough hook or the burnished flat beater in the dishwasher.

Do not leave the beaters on the shaft when storing. Wipe off the beater shaft frequently, removing any residue that may accumulate.

Clean the stand mixer with a soft damp cloth. Do not use household or commercial cleaners. Do not immerse in water. Always unplug the stand mixer before cleaning.