If you see oil dripping from the beater shaft or the accessory slots, don’t panic. This is usually caused by oil separation within the gear grease, often occurring after the mixer has been stored on its side, shipped, or left unused for a long period. The grease used in KitchenAid mixers is food-grade and safe for incidental contact, though you’ll want to wipe it away to keep your ingredients clean.
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Key Points:
- Common Causes: Tilting the mixer, storing it sideways, or infrequent use.
- Safety: The grease is non-toxic and FDA-approved for accidental food contact.
- Function: Small leaks will not harm the motor or gears.
- Maintenance: Most leaks can be “fixed” at home without a professional.
Why Is Oil Dripping From My Mixer?
Every KitchenAid is packed with enough grease to last its entire lifetime. However, under certain conditions, this grease can break down or move:
- Oil Separation: If the mixer sits idle for a long time, the oil can separate from the solid grease and settle at the lowest point—the beater shaft. This is especially common in warm weather.
- Lack of Use: Ironically, not using your mixer is a leading cause of leaks. Regular use keeps the grease distributed and “mixed” around the gears.
- Overheating: Using the mixer for heavy doughs for extended periods without a cooling break can cause the grease to thin and seep out.
- Deteriorated Seals: On much older machines, the internal gasket or felt seal may have worn down, allowing liquid oil to escape more easily.
Pro Tip: While the oil is food-safe, it may slightly discolour light-coloured frostings or doughs. If you see a drip, simply wipe the shaft and the underside of the motor head with a clean paper towel before you start baking.
How to Fix a KitchenAid Oil Leak at Home
Before you call a repair shop, try these two steps to re-distribute the internal lubricants:
- The “Clean Run” Method: Turn your mixer to its highest speed and let it run empty (no bowl or attachments) for two minutes. This heats the grease slightly and forces it to circulate back into the gears. After two minutes, turn it off and wipe away any excess oil that was forced out.
- Consistent Use: Try to use your mixer at least once a month. Even running it for a few minutes on low speed periodically can prevent the oil from settling and separating.
When Should You See a Professional?
If the “Clean Run” method doesn’t work and your mixer continues to leak significant amounts of oil—or if the machine starts making a grinding noise—it may be time for a tune-up.
A professional technician can “re-pack” the head, which involves removing the old, separated grease and replacing it with fresh, high-quality food-grade lubricant and a new gasket.
Conclusion
A leaking KitchenAid is rarely a sign of a “broken” machine; it’s usually just a sign that it needs to get back to work! By running the motor regularly and keeping it in an upright position, you can keep your countertop “trophy” in perfect working order for decades to come.
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- Why Are KitchenAid Mixers So Expensive? (And Are They Worth It?)
- Is a Stand Mixer Worth the Investment?
Tina Peters has ten years of testing and reviewing kitchen gadgets. I am a home-trained chef. I like to make cakes, pastries, biscuits, icing, and all kinds of home baking/cooking. As someone who likes trying out new kitchen gadgets to up my cooking skills. Over the past ten years, I often find myself buying gadgets like stand mixers, food processors, mini choppers, air fryers, blenders, and all kinds of kitchen appliances. Getting value for your money whenever you purchase an item requires adequate research and testing. So I decided to collate most of the information I have gathered over ten years of using and researching different kitchen gadgets into coxonskitchen.co.uk.