With tons of innovative features, KitchenAid mixers continue to lead the industry. They are loved for their durability, but things can and do go wrong with these mixers. Like any piece of machinery, they are bound to occasionally run into niggles.
Many users have complained about the burning smell while using KitchenAid mixers. According to them, the mixer sometimes smells like burning for no apparent reason. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this troubleshooting guide is for you.
In this article, we will cover common reasons why KitchenAid mixers may smell like they are sometimes burning. We have also got some effective solutions to put a smile back on your face. Let’s delve deeper without any further ado!
Some Reasons Why Your KitchenAid Mixer Smells Like It’s Burning
- Overheating
Overheating is the leading cause of the burning smell in KitchenAid mixers. They usually overheat when you overuse them. No matter how durable these mixers are, you cannot keep using them for hours and expect them to run smoothly.
If you overuse your mixer, it will likely develop a few issues, including overheating. If you notice that your KitchenAid mixer is heating up more than usual, switch it off straight away and let it cool down.
It will take some minutes to cool down, and if you keep using it, its components can get damaged. Turn it on after 10-15 minutes and see whether it’s still giving off the burning smell or not.
- Overloading
Apart from that, if you overload your KitchenAid mixer by adding too many ingredients, it will also result in overheating. Keep in mind that the mixer will have to work harder in case of thick batter.
When you put too much burden on the motor of your mixer, it will overheat and may also give a burning smell.
Therefore, it is advised to put ingredients in small batches to ensure the seamless working of your KitchenAid mixer. This way, the mixer won’t have to handle more ingredients than it is designed to.
- Bad Circuit Board
A failing circuit board is another common reason why your KitchenAid mixer may give a burning smell sometimes. Like all electrical appliances, KitchenAid mixers also come with a circuit board to support and connect the electronic components.
A circuit board is a complex structure and can get damaged over time. When it does, you may notice overheating and a burning smell coming from your KitchenAid mixer. In extreme cases, users reported smoke rising from the mixer.
- Checking the Circuit Board
To verify that the circuit board is the culprit, inspect it for obvious signs of damage. If the components are crushed, wires are damaged or cracked, know that the circuit board is causing the problem.
Moreover, misplaced solder and marks of scratches also signify that the circuit board is bad. As mentioned above, a circuit board is a sensitive structure and has many bits and bobs.
So, if you lack knowledge and skills, it would be better to limit yourself to inspection only and let a professional deal with it. They have the right tools and knowledge to repair the circuit board. If it has been damaged severely, replacing it will be the only solution.
- Using Third-Party Attachments
In many cases, users encountered this issue when they used third-party components with the KitchenAid mixer. Third-party components work well most of the time, but they can cause a few problems at times, especially when they are not connected properly.
Many people use a dough hook to knead a dough quickly. Similarly, a whisk tool is used to incorporate air into the mixture, and people often use it in recipes that call for whisking the ingredients.
So, if your KitchenAid mixer started emitting the burning smell after you connected these attachments, the chances are that you didn’t connect them properly. Therefore, remove the attachment and connect it again. And yes, make sure to turn off the mixer first.
- Incorrect Settings
Sometimes, the problem could be as simple as incorrect speed settings. KitchenAid mixers allow you to choose from ten different speed settings. Depending on the ingredients that you want to knead or whip, you can choose the right settings.
If you choose the wrong settings, the unit may give a burning smell. For example, speed setting two is recommended for kneading thick and heavy batters. If you select speed 8 for this purpose, the unit will not function properly.
- Power Connection
A faulty power connection could be another reason for the burning smell in the KitchenAid mixers. Since these units run on electricity, they have wires to carry current. These wires can go loose and burn as the mixer ages, leading to this problem.
In addition to that, wires can get damaged when the voltage is not right. Check the power cord of your KitchenAid mixer and see if it is frayed or burnt. If it is, turn off the appliance and ask a professional to repair the cord.
Once it has been repaired or replaced, turn on the unit and see if it still gives the same problem. If it is intact, the problem could be with the power outlet where the mixer is plugged in.
The Bottom Line
KitchenAid mixers are an obvious choice for many people, thanks to their durability and cool features. However, they can start emitting a burning smell sometimes.
It usually happens due to overheating and damaged components. Never overuse or overfill your mixer and make sure to select the right speed settings.