Have you noticed oil in the bottom of the mixing bowl, or dripping off the beater? Don't panic!
Is Your KitchenAid Mixer Leaking Oil? Here’s What to Do.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2022
When it comes to whipping, creaming and blending, it’s no secret that KitchenAid’s stand mixer is the best on the block. But what should you do when your mixer is not running in tip-top shape? Hopefully it’s a quick repair like this secret screw adjustment; or it might be caused by one of these common operating mistakes.
Is My KitchenAid Mixer Leaking Oil?
It might be—but don’t panic yet. If only a small amount has leaked, and the machine sounds normal (no grinding!) it’s still OK to use. Your KitchenAid needs lubrication to do all that handy mixing and whipping, so inside the machine is a lifetime’s worth of solid grease. When you turn on your mixer, the grease distributes throughout the gears to ensure smooth operation. Every now and then, oil can separate from the grease and leak out the beater shaft.
How Do I Prevent a KitchenAid Mixer from Leaking Oil?
If you noticed a little oil in the bottom of the mixing bowl or dripping off the beater, try running your machine to redistribute any separated oil. Crank up the machine to speed 10 and let it run without ingredients for about two minutes. Then, wipe away any excess oil you see.
Do this periodically to prevent oil leaks, especially if you haven’t used your KitchenAid in a while. Also, remember to let your mixer cool completely between uses—an overheated machine can be another cause of oil leaks.
Does My KitchenAid Mixer Need Repairs?
Most likely the oil leak on your mixer will not cause damage to the machine, and the grease is food grade so it will not contaminate any of your favorite stand mixer recipes. But if you’re concerned about excessive oil leaking, and running the machine without ingredients doesn’t seem to help, you may need to have it repaired.
KitchenAid offers “shipping kits” that include a box and packaging materials to safely ship your mixer to their factory in Greenville, Ohio. You can also contact KitchenAid to find out if any of their service centers are located near you.
Use Your Stand Mixer to Whip the Cream for a Dreamy Dessert
Margarita Tres Leches CakeThe first time I had tres leches cake I felt like I was in heaven. I have made it using several techniques and flavors, but this Margarita Tres Leches Cake is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Shortbread Lemon TartBe patient when making the crust for this lemon tart. It will take a few minutes of pulsing for the food processor to work its magic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Bread PuddingThis is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Tart Cranberry CakeYou can't beat this recipe to showcase true fall flavor. The ruby cranberries stay bright and beautiful, and their tartness is irresistible. I've made this cake many times to share. -Marilyn Paradis, Woodburn, Oregon
Chocolate MousseOur favorite chocolate mousse recipe makes a light, fluffy, rich showstopper of a dessert.
Pineapple CrunchA co-worker shared the recipe for this refreshing pineapple dessert years ago. Every time I take it somewhere, it's a favorite. —Betty Wiersma, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Berry TrifleThis Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York
Key Lime Cream PieI am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, with everyone asking for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Upside-Down Strawberry ShortcakeFor a tasty twist, this special shortcake has a berry layer on the bottom. The tempting cake is a sweet that our family has savored for years. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
Pistachio Cardamom CheesecakeCardamom has a sweet and warm taste that makes you think of clove, allspice and pepper all wrapped in one spice. Mix it with pistachios and add to cheesecake for a dessert that suggests the exotic flavors of India. —Carolyn Harkonnen, Loomis, California
Blackberry DumplingsAs long as I can remember, my mother has been making blackberry dumplings. They finish cooking while you eat—and they really do make you hurry through Sunday dinner! It can be an everyday dessert, too, though. Try it with roast chicken, beef or ham. Sometimes I'll make it in winter just to have a taste of summer. —Liecha Collins, Oneonta, New York
Spiced Butternut Squash PieMy mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad's favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida.
Whipped Cream KrumkakeOur hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here's your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa
Strawberry PieOur strawberry pie celebrates the harvest with a beautiful display of sliced fresh berries in a bouncy, sweet filling.
Old-Fashioned Chocolate PuddingOne of the nice things about this easy pudding is you don't have to stand and stir it. It's a must for my family year-round! I also make it into a pie with a graham cracker crust that our grandchildren love. —Amber Sampson, Somonauk, Illinois
Paul’s Pumpkin Patch PuddingThis recipe originated with Donna Esh, whose husband, John, is the manager at the restaurant my brother Jim and I operate. I reworked it slightly and named it after our dad.—John Smucker, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Cream FrostingFresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Chocolate Chess PieThis is one of my mother's go-to recipes. It's a yummy spin on classic chocolate chess pie. — Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri
Rhubarb Custard CakeRhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don't bother! Of all the desserts I've tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Berry Rhubarb FoolA "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Pumpkin Shortbread BarsPumpkin shortbread bars are a lovely alternative to the classic pumpkin pie. Making these as directed will yield a lovely result, and next time, you can try one of our recipe variations.
Chocolate Mint Truffle TartEating a slice of this decadent dessert is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored chocolate baking chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Eggnog CheesecakeLearn how to make a truly scrumptious dessert to be enjoyed all year long: eggnog cheesecake.
Finger-Licking Good Mini Cream PuffsThis recipe is quick and easy to whip up and the kids will love it! They are perfect to pack for a picnic or to have as a snack for family game night I guarantee you can't eat just one…hey are so addicting & they're perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth! —Jennifer Erwin, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Pumpkin CheesecakeMove over, pumpkin pie: This pumpkin cheesecake recipe might just be our new favorite fall dessert.
Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeUpside-down cakes always bring a little wow factor to baking, but this rhubarb upside-down cake brings some surprises too. It’s juicy, tart, sweet and a world away from everything you probably expect from rhubarb.
Chocolate CheesecakeWhat's better than buying a chocolate cheesecake? Making a homemade chocolate cheesecake yourself! This cheesecake is chocolate throughout, and it has a crushed chocolate cookie crust.
Chocolate PuddingBring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Caramel Rhubarb CobblerI came up with this recipe after hearing a friend fondly recall his grandmother's rhubarb dumplings. My son especially likes rhubarb, and this old-fashioned dessert lets those special stalks star.
-Beverly Shebs, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Cherry Chocolate Pecan PieI'm a pie baker and this is one my family frequently requests. With the brandy infused cherries and chocolate chips, it's an awesome twist on a pecan pie.—Sonya Labbe, Santa Monica, California
Tangerine Chocolate SemifreddoWhen I wanted a new frozen treat for my family, I came up with this citrusy, chocolaty version of classic Italian semifreddo. For an elegant presentation on special occasions, top each serving with whipped cream, a tangerine section and baking cocoa. —Claire Cruce, Atlanta, Georgia
