Why is my KitchenAid stand mixer so noisy?

If your KitchenAid stand mixer has started making unwelcome noises, you’re probably frantically trying to figure out what’s gone wrong. A noisy mixer is distracting and also shouldn’t be ignored since it may mean there are underlying issues that need attention.

Let’s walk through the troubleshooting process together so you can diagnose and resolve a noisy KitchenAid stand mixer.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your KitchenAid stand mixer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Types of mixer noises & what they mean

Understanding the type of noise your mixer produces is the first step in diagnosing and addressing the problem. Note when the noise occurs, whether it’s during specific mixing tasks or at random points throughout its use. This information can help you pinpoint the issue more accurately during troubleshooting.

Here’s an overview of some noises caused by KitchenAid mixers and what they could mean.

Rattling or clanking

If your mixer produces a rattling or clanking noise, it’s often a sign of loose parts. You’ll need to check for runaway screws, bolts, or attachments that may be vibrating while it’s running.

Grinding

A grinding or gritty noise suggests friction or interference within the mixer’s moving parts. This may be due to insufficient grease or worn-out gears. Greasing the affected parts with food grade lubricant can often stop this noise.

Squeaking or screeching

Squeaking or screeching noises are usually indicative of metal-on-metal contact, which can be a result of worn or improperly aligned attachments. You’ll want to inspect your mixer’s attachments, and if they’re worn out, replace them.

Popping or clicking

Popping or clicking noises may result from the expansion and contraction of metal parts as they heat up while the mixer is working. If the mixer is running for a longer amount of time, it increases the chance of these sounds.

Common causes of mixer noises

Several things can cause a KitchenAid stand mixer to become noisy over time. Here are a few.

Overloading

This is one of the primary reasons for a noisy mixer. When you exceed the mixer’s capacity by adding too many ingredients or ones that are too dense, they can strain the motor. This can also happen if you try to mix dough at high speeds.

The harder the motor works, the more noise it will generate. To prevent this from happening, always follow the manufacturer’s mixing guidelines and avoid overloading the bowl.

Loose parts

Vibrations during regular mixing can gradually loosen screws, bolts, or the attachment hub. These loosened parts can then rattle and create extra noise while the mixer is working. It’s recommended to regularly inspect your mixer for any visible loose parts and tighten them as needed to minimize vibrations.

Worn or damaged attachments

Worn-out or damaged attachments, such as the beater, dough hook, or wire whip, can create noisy and uneven mixing. Inspect your attachments for signs of wear, including cracks or bent prongs, and replace them as needed.

Attachment interference

If the mixer attachments aren’t installed correctly or adjusted to the proper height, they can interfere with each other or the mixing bowl. This interference can result in clanking, grinding, scraping or squeaking noises. Make sure all attachments are securely attached and correctly positioned according to your mixer’s user manual.

Insufficient lubrication

The moving parts in a mixer need to be lubricated to reduce friction. Over time, the grease may deteriorate, which can cause the mixer to produce more noise. Check your mixer’s user manual to find information on how often and where to lubricate the necessary parts.

Misaligned or worn gears

If your mixer has misaligned or worn-out gears, you may hear more noise and feel more vibration than usual. The gears in the mixer’s transmission system can become worn or misaligned over time.

Worn-out motor brushes

The motor brushes transmit electricity to the motor armature and can become worn down with prolonged use. This can cause the motor to emit more noise than usual.

Read more: Why is my KitchenAid stand mixer leaking motor grease?

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Attachments To Try

How to troubleshoot a noisy mixer

Follow these steps to find out what’s going wrong in your KitchenAid stand mixer and how you can fix it yourself.

Step 1: Check the attachments

1. Unplug the mixer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the attachment by releasing it from the attachment hub.
3. Check the attachment for any signs of wear or damage. Check all other attachments for your mixer as well.
4. Make sure the attachment is securely attached to the hub.
5. Replace the attachments if they’re worn out or damaged.
6. Plug in the mixer and test it for noise. If you still hear the noise, continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Check for loose parts

1. Unplug the mixer from the power outlet.
2. Look over the mixer’s exterior and open it up to check for any loose parts.
3. Use the appropriate screwdriver or pliers to tighten any loose screws, bolts, or the attachment hub.
4. Plug in the mixer and test it for noise. If the noise persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Add food grade grease

1. Unplug the mixer from the power outlet.
2. Check your mixer’s user manual to find out which specific parts require lubrication and the recommended food grade grease that should be applied.
3. Apply the grease to the designated parts as instructed in the manual. Avoid overdoing it since this can cause the grease to leak out of the mixer.
4. Plug in the mixer and test it for noise. If you still hear it, move on to the next step.

Step 4: Check the gears

1. Inspect the gears for signs of wear, such as pitting, chipping, or uneven tooth surfaces.
2. Check for any signs of gear misalignment, such as uneven wear patterns or excessive play in the gears.
3. Make sure the gears have an adequate amount of grease. If the grease appears old, dried out, or insufficient, wipe off the area and add fresh grease.

If any of the gears are damaged, replace them. If they look good, continue troubleshooting.

Step 5: Check the motor brushes

1. Remove the back cover or the brush caps on the sides of the mixer head.
2. Check the motor brushes for wear. If they’re worn out or less than 1/4 of an inch in length, they need to be replaced.
3. Reassemble the mixer and check for noise.

Read more: How To Clean And Maintain Your Stand Mixer

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your KitchenAid stand mixer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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