Stainless steel attachments for a kitchen mixer are preferred due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. Unlike other materials that may degrade or rust, these attachments can withstand high-stress usage and maintain their appearance over time. Additionally, they are dishwasher-safe, ensuring hygiene and convenience. The neutrality of stainless steel also guarantees no alteration in the taste of your food.
Stainless Steel vs. Plastic vs. Aluminum Attachments
Stainless Steel Attachments
Durability: Stainless steel is robust and resistant to bending or breaking, making it ideal for heavy-duty use.
Corrosion-Resistance: Unlike some materials, stainless steel does not rust, so the attachments maintain their appearance and functionality over time.
Hygiene: Stainless steel is non-porous, making it easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria or food residues.
Taste Preservation: As a neutral material, stainless steel does not impart flavor to mixed food.
Plastic Attachments
Lightweight: Plastic attachments are lighter, making them easier to handle, especially for longer cooking sessions.
Cost-effective: They are generally less expensive than their metal counterparts.
Prone to Wear: Plastic can be less durable, prone to breaking, melting, or becoming discolored over time.
Absorption: Plastic may absorb flavors and colors from food, affecting the taste and appearance of future meals.
Aluminum Attachments
Lightweight: Like plastic, aluminum is lighter than stainless steel, making these attachments easier to handle.
Heat Conductivity: Aluminum has superior heat conductivity, which can benefit certain cooking applications.
Corrosion Issues: Aluminum can react with acidic or alkaline foods, potentially leading to corrosion and unwanted flavors.
Durability: While stronger than plastic, aluminum is less robust than stainless steel and may dent or deform under heavy use.
Best KitchenAid Stainless Steel Accessories
The accessories listed below are compatible with KitchenAid mixers. However, you must check compatibility with your particular mixer. The following accessories are 100% stainless steel and have been verified by many customers.
KitchenAid KSM5SSBHM Hammered Stainless Steel Stand Mixer Bowl, 5 quart
The KitchenAid Stainless Steel Bowl is a durable and practical addition to any 4.5 and 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Its impressive capacity allows for large-batch mixing, ideal for baking up to 9 dozen cookies at once. With its dishwasher-safe property, clean-up is a breeze. The seamless integration with the mixer simplifies the cooking process, making it a highly recommended accessory.
KitchenAid KSM5SSBQB 5QT SS Stand Mixer Bowl
The KitchenAid KSM5SSBQB 5QT Stainless Steel Stand Mixer Bowl is a superbly designed, reliable kitchen accessory. Its ergonomic handle and compatibility with all 4.5 and 5-quart KitchenAid tilt-head stand mixers make it easy to use. With its dishwasher-safe stainless steel construction, this bowl is robust and enduring and simplifies clean-up, contributing to a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set Attachment
The KitchenAid 3-Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter Set Attachment is a fantastic tool, enabling home chefs to effortlessly create fresh pasta. The stainless steel rollers and cutters deliver consistently smooth rolling and clean cutting, and with eight thickness settings, you can achieve your desired pasta sheet thickness. It’s ideal for making classic spaghetti and hearty fettuccine noodles.
KitchenAid KSM5THFBSS Stainless Steel Flat Beater
The KitchenAid KSM5THFBSS Stainless Steel Flat Beater is a durable, hard-wearing accessory for 4.5 and 5-quart tilt-head KitchenAid Stand Mixers. It’s dishwasher-safe, making cleanups fast and easy, and its robust construction ensures it will provide reliable service for years to come.
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Pastry Tilt Head Stand Mixer Beater Attachment
The KitchenAid Stainless Steel Pastry Tilt Head Stand Mixer Beater Attachment is a versatile tool fitting various KitchenAid Bowl-Lift Stand Mixers. It’s ideal for breaking cold butter into small pieces for consistent pastry dough but also works well for shredding meats and mashing fruits and vegetables. The included scraper and dishwasher-safe feature add convenience, and a 10-year warranty ensures peace of mind.
How to confirm you have a Stainless Steel Attachment?
Appearance
Stainless steel typically has a bright, shiny surface and a sleek modern look. It may be mirror-like or may have a brushed finish. It doesn’t rust or tarnish easily, differentiating it from other metals.
Magnet Test
Unlike many other metals, stainless steel is not highly magnetic. While certain types of stainless steel will have a slight pull, others will be completely non-magnetic. If a magnet strongly sticks to your attachment, it might not be stainless steel.
Weight
Stainless steel is denser and heavier than aluminum and most plastics. If your attachment has a substantial weight, it may be stainless steel.
Grinder Test
When stainless steel is ground, it often gives off a series of bright sparks. This differs from carbon steel, which produces red or orange sparks, and cast iron, which produces many tiny sparks. Note that this test should be conducted in a safe manner and environment.
Manufacturer’s Information
Check the product manual, packaging, or the manufacturer’s website. High-quality kitchenware brands usually specify the materials used in their products.
Tips to Take Care of Stainless Steel Mixer Attachments
Regular Cleaning: Clean your stainless steel attachments immediately after use to prevent food residue from drying and sticking. This ensures their longevity and functionality.
Dishwasher Safe: If your attachments are dishwasher-safe, take advantage of this feature for a thorough cleaning. If not, hand wash them using mild soap and warm water.
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, dry your attachments thoroughly to prevent water spots or staining. Stainless steel is resistant to rust, but removing moisture immediately is best.
Avoid Abrasive Materials: Do not use abrasive cleaning pads or harsh cleaners on your stainless steel attachments, as they can scratch the surface and dull the finish.
Polish Occasionally: For a shinier look, polish your stainless steel attachments with a soft cloth and a cleaner.
Store Properly: Store your attachments in a dry, clean place to prevent any potential damage or contamination.
Check for Wear: Regularly inspect your attachments for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice anything, consider replacing them to ensure optimum performance.
FAQs
Can I attach KitchenAid attachments to other brand mixers?
Typically, KitchenAid attachments are designed to fit KitchenAid mixers and may not fit other brands due to differences in design and specifications. It’s always best to check with the manufacturer before using attachments across different brands.
Can I attach other brands’ attachments to a KitchenAid Mixer?
Similarly, attachments from other brands might not fit KitchenAid mixers due to different design specifications. It’s recommended to use attachments specifically designed for your KitchenAid mixer to ensure optimal performance and safety.
What is the difference between stainless steel and burnished metal KitchenAid attachments?
Stainless steel attachments are rust-resistant and often dishwasher-safe. In contrast, burnished metal attachments have a distinctive matte finish, but they are not dishwasher-safe and may oxidize if not dried promptly after washing.
What are the 3 common KitchenAid Mixer attachments?
The three most common KitchenAid mixer attachments are the flat beater, used for mixing batter and mashing potatoes; the wire whip, used for whisking air into mixtures like egg whites or cream; and the dough hook, designed for kneading dough for bread or pizza.
