Thread Number: 32302
KitchenAid K-45 Mixer -- How Old Is It? |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 487095   1/7/2011 at 18:15 (4,829 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I found this mixer at Savers today. Complete with paddle, whisk and dough hook -- how did that happen? It runs smoothly and super quietly. It struck me as worth $29.99 so I snapped it up, and just in time, as another guy was ready to swoop in as I was examining it.
It's obviously a Hobart, but there is no information on the band saying so, or wattage information either (I presume it's the standard 250 watts). Only on the base plate where the bowl locks in does it say "Hobart." How can I tell its age? If a serial number would help, where would I find one? |
|
Post# 487096 , Reply# 1   1/7/2011 at 18:17 (4,829 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 487101 , Reply# 2   1/7/2011 at 18:54 (4,829 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
older. I would guess (but am guessing) 60s. GOOD catch, Ralph. Still lots of life in it. Lawrence/Maytagbear |
Post# 487174 , Reply# 3   1/7/2011 at 22:33 (4,829 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I did some Googling and it seems that it's not easy to pinpoint the vintage on a K45. This model was produced from 1962 to 1979, but the machines themselves don't have evident serial numbers. I did however, find volts (115) and watts (250) information on the bowl's interlocking plate on the base.
I was thinking my machine might be 60's but now I'm more inclined to say 70's. Since it's a K45 and not a K45SS, it precedes the solid state control models, which per my research debuted in 1979. So, I've learned that my mom's almond Hobart K45SS is no older than 1979. The logo on mine is an earlier style and the mixing bowl has the earlier more tapered sides, and a pronounced lip around the edge. Can anyone comment on solid state vs. non-solid state controls? The speed control on mine seems very precise with a brief and seemingly engineered hesitation before kicking up or bumping down to the next speed after the lever has been moved in either direction. One thing is for certain. It's the smoothest, quietest running KA stand mixer I've ever heard, and likely a much better machine than the raspy chirpy Professional model I got my partner for Xmas three years ago. Also, the broken piece on the paddle is some sort of tip section off that one corner, apparently less than 2" long. I've found illustrations and photos of the tip, and of paddles with the tip broken off. I'm debating on whether to try and smooth down the area of the break. I see no purpose for the tip section (but I guess Hobart did in the beginning) nor do I have any reason to think a missing tip will have any impact on performance. This post was last edited 01/08/2011 at 02:06 |
Post# 489185 , Reply# 4   1/15/2011 at 20:28 (4,821 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
My "new" K45 needs all five rubber feet (see pic below where there is no gap between pedestal and bench it's sitting on. The originals all look like quarter-sized under-done pancakes.
On line the per-foot price ranges from around $2 to $3.50, which struck me as ridiculous. Then I saw a comment posted, I believe on Amazon, that advised "Do not buy these!" which went on to state that KitchenAid will replace them for free with no shipping charge either! This morning I called KA parts, gave my model number and the representative went right into arranging to send them to me free of charge. If anybody needs replacement feet, all it takes is a call to KA parts. |
Post# 489405 , Reply# 5   1/16/2011 at 19:47 (4,820 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 489476 , Reply# 7   1/17/2011 at 01:13 (4,820 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hey Rich, I don't mind zucchini bread at all. That's about all I find that particular vegetable is good for.
I did get one of those after-market scraper type beater blades for the Pro HD machine and it does a good job.
I'm still trying to determine a timeline for the K45. Like, when did they start putting the white coating on the flat beater and dough hook? When did they do away with the flat lip on the bowl (which tends to scrape the paint off the pedestal if you're not careful when positioning it onto its base)? When did they start giving it a three-prong plug? On line research produces very little to help, and even KA's own on-line resource people state that Hobart didn't use serial numbers or other forms of identification that would help determine the age of their mixers. All KA can provide is a huge spread, such as somewhere between 1962 and 1979 as I mentioned above.
So far, all I know is that solid state controls were introduced in 1979, which is when "SS" was tagged onto the K45 model designation. As the pictures show, my machine has the earlier bowl, uncoated beater and dough hook, and not shown is the standard two-prong plug. The plug looks like it's from the 70's and may be the best indicator of my machine's approximate age, as I'm fairly certain the yellowed cord is original.
Today I perfomed a test on my K45 per Hobart's service instructions, which advises to hold the planetary with one hand and move the switch lever with the other. With switch in the #1 position, it shouldn't be possible to stall the planetary (except by a very great effort), nor should it slow down noticeably. It passed, but I did hear some clicking from inside the gear case and am wondering if there may be issues with big jobs such as kneading dough. Since I don't bake bread from scratch I don't anticipate any trouble, but perhaps a gear could stand to be replaced at some point. |
Post# 489599 , Reply# 9   1/17/2011 at 16:14 (4,819 days old) by autowasherfreak ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
My KA is from the early 80's, and the plastic coating (guessing) on the beater is pealing really bad, so I've been thinking about getting a new beater, the one with the scraper looks pretty neat.
|
Post# 489868 , Reply# 11   1/18/2011 at 14:13 (4,818 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
What I find interesting is that the higher end bowl-lift type of KA mixers that can be bought today don't have the coating on the flat beater or the dough hook. Our Pro HD came with un-coated ones, the dough hook being the later corkscrew type.
I also don't get why the entry level K5 bowl-lift model has a spring-loaded attachment post, but models further up the line (like the Pro HD) don't use the spring.
I presume that the un-coated beater and dough hook that came with my K45 can be used, but yeah, if I come across some newer ones I'll probably grab them. My mom's early K45SS made by Hobart has the coated type so now I think the clue to when my mixer was made could be in the logo. I've checked on line and don't see any timeline for changes to the KA logo though. Apparently plain old K45's were still being made when the logo was updated, so knowing when that change was made could get me a little closer to determining the age of my machine. |
Post# 489879 , Reply# 12   1/18/2011 at 16:01 (4,818 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Are not dishwasher safe, so if that is a consideration (it is for me).......
Lawrence/Maytagbear |
Post# 489894 , Reply# 13   1/18/2011 at 17:12 (4,818 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 491147 , Reply# 15   1/23/2011 at 22:58 (4,813 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Russell, thanks for that good information. I like the purpose of the "ear" on the flat beater and may pursue finding a replacement that has its "ear" intact.
Interesting that NSF approval hinged on the bowl rim. I wonder why.
Although my mixer has a two-prong plug I think it's probably among the last made before the logo changed. The reinforcement end of the plug looks much like the one on my Hobart K45SS. I wonder if when the logo changed and/or when the K45SS debuted, if that is when the shape changed on the knob that secures attachments in the hub as well. |
Post# 491241 , Reply# 16   1/24/2011 at 13:08 (4,812 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
After Russell's mention of the K4 series, I had to check Google to see what they look like.
No doubt about it, a late issue K4 (K4-C, I presume) is something I hope to find. I think the handle on top makes perfect sense for tilting the head back, and the tail fin is right out of Flash Gordon.
I've seen pictures of K4's using their own original beater (like the 3B/4C types) as well as with the later flat beater, dough hook and whisk found on the K45 and other subsequent models, so other than the different and slightly smaller bowl design the K4's seem capable of doing anything the K45's can do.
The one pictured is missing its "hub cap" and has clearly had its cord replaced. The tip of the tail fin is visible if you look closely.
|
Post# 491287 , Reply# 17   1/24/2011 at 19:42 (4,812 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Not so. Definitely not so. I have a 4C. I love it for the purposes I have used it for. I am even blessed with the original glass bowl and companion beater. I also have a metal bowl. The 4C, from what I've been able to ascertain, was priced and designed to compete with Sunbeam, Waring, ... but still be a KitchenAid. i also have the recipe book/users manual for it. It specifically states it's not intended to be used to make yeast bread dough and similar dense item. It will tackle a dense batter bread/sweet bread and can also tackle heavy dough like chocolate chip cookie dough (see arhives of Kelly finding this unit and using it when he visited with his grandduaughters in Kansas August, 2009. And you are really not supposed to use any other device other than the multipurpose whip/beater that it came with. I can see where it cannot deal with yeast bread dough and kneating like a K45 with the dough hook. But I love it, I'd never had a stand mixer before, only a KA hand mixer that finally wore out after 20 years. I still have my Sunbeam food processor which makes excellent bread dough very rapidly and I use recipes where I don't have to proof the yeast (and take a chance of it either dying or being killed with accidentally too hot a water). I discovered by accident how superior a bread product is the result of bread flour vs. using all-purpose flour. I now use only the bread flour when I make bread. |
Post# 491331 , Reply# 18   1/24/2011 at 22:40 (4,812 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 491343 , Reply# 19   1/24/2011 at 23:32 (4,812 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 491344 , Reply# 20   1/24/2011 at 23:37 (4,812 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Here it is with the original glass bowl which came with these models. They were made form like 1961 until 1977. Not the difference in the mxing attachment. It's an all-purpose, universal type of function. It's very similar to the Combi-bowl, which was a 3 quart bowl for lift-bowl design models which had its own beater and looks similar--so what's old is new again. |
Post# 491353 , Reply# 21   1/25/2011 at 01:48 (4,812 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Thanks Bob. My research indicates that the K4's date back to the 1940's and were originally 3-speed machines. I think Hobart probably dropped the K4 in 1962 when the K45's were introduced. I think by that time the K4's were up to 10 speeds or close to it, so that's why I'd like a later one, probably a K4-C.
So from what you've stated about the 4-C, just about any 4-C is likely to be newer than any K4, which is not what I would have expected. Your 4-C is very nice looking in that silver color.
Strange how the K4's had that weird way of attaching the bowl to the pedestal. It seems no other model before or since had that same arrangement. |
Post# 1048992 , Reply# 22   10/27/2019 at 12:04 (1,614 days old) by PearlsGirl52 (Illinois )   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
This is on the bottom of the mixer, I can’t find a serial number. How can I find out how old this is?
View Full Size
|
Post# 1049010 , Reply# 23   10/27/2019 at 14:11 (1,614 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 1049022 , Reply# 24   10/27/2019 at 15:16 (1,614 days old) by LordKenmore (The Laundry Room)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 1049188 , Reply# 25   10/28/2019 at 19:02 (1,613 days old) by Louvac (M)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Look under the mixer inside the neck. There may be a white rectangular piece of paper sticker with purplish numbers on it. It looks like an unimportant manufacturing sticker. Let me know what you find! |
Post# 1049504 , Reply# 26   10/30/2019 at 23:20 (1,611 days old) by fisherpaykel (BC Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Maybe the UL or CSA ratings organizations can state when standard voltage changed from 115 volts to 120 volts per their small appliance rating plates to at least narrow the age range. |
Post# 1051033 , Reply# 31   11/14/2019 at 16:48 (1,596 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Anyone knows if there's a serial number stamped somewhere on these? My 4C says Hobart MFG which I assume makes it older than 1975? There's a hand written note under the base, is that a date code?
|
Post# 1059373 , Reply# 33   2/1/2020 at 12:49 (1,517 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Neither of those attachments appear to be the correct size for your mixer. The one with the white coating looks like it's for a larger mixing bowl and the burnished one looks like it belongs on a smaller model of mixer.
There are owner's and service manuals available to download for a fee (see link). You should also consider a later style mixing bowl that has a rolled rim. My K45 had the same scratches on the stand from the edge of bowl rim. CLICK HERE TO GO TO RP2813's LINK |
Post# 1065207 , Reply# 36   3/30/2020 at 15:09 (1,459 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
David, your mixer appears to be among the last ones made before the the SS designation. I would guess it's from the late '70s. The round knobs for the speed and lock levers provide another clue. I think it wasn't long after production began on the SS models that the knobs were changed to the style still in use by KA today (compared to your new Artisan).
The black brush adjusting screws on the side of your mixer also stem from a design change that (by my estimation) was made around the time the SS models were launched. The attachment hub cover on your machine appears from the side view to be the later type with the KA logo on it, which likely means the original plain cover was lost at some point.
I don't know what to make of the sticker on yours. Perhaps if you disregard the 1, then July 3, 1979 could be the date of manufacture. I haven't been able to determine when KA switched from the font style on my mixer in the OP to the style found on yours, but I think it was well before 1979.
Lastly, the "caution" verbiage reeks of advisories and idiot-proofing that began appearing in the late '70s on all sorts of household appliances regardless of manufacturer. |
Post# 1065831 , Reply# 38   4/4/2020 at 03:44 (1,454 days old) by HootOwl46 (South Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Oops, I meant "Ralph," not "Sannazay." |
Post# 1065877 , Reply# 39   4/4/2020 at 12:52 (1,454 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
David, I think you've figured it out. I hadn't thought of the 173 referring to day of the year, but that's likely correct. There is no sticker inside the base of my K45, so it will remain a mystery as to its age until more information shows up on line.
I think the original attachment hub covers were easily lost. They were simple round flat plates with teeth around the edge that snapped into place and were pried out. The new types are held in place by the tightening knob on the side of the hub, and just due to their size are a lot easier to keep track of. I keep a vintage knife sharpening attachment in place on my machine and after checking in all of the logical spots, can't find the plain hub cover plate for it now. I know it can't have gone far, and hope it will show up.
You're right about the "missing" planetary spring, but I thought that only the larger bowl-lift models had no spring. I bought my sister a refurbished 6-quart model from KA on line and immediately noticed the missing spring. I called and was told that the bigger models don't use a spring. If your Artisan is a tilt-head type, this is the first I've heard of KA doing away with springs on that design too. I agree that the spring helps to confirm that the paddle/whip/hook has been correctly installed, and it's good to know that a retrofit is possible.
I loaned Robert (our webmaster) my K5/K45 service manual and he has scanned and posted it in the library to be downloaded for a small fee. That may help you with your rebuild/refurbishing, but I suggest you hang onto the K45 until you're sure you like the Artisan.
I wouldn't bother with upgrading the speed control unless it's presenting problems, and besides, a new SS control wouldn't have the vintage round knob on the sliding lever like the original does, resulting in a mismatch with the locking lever.
Ralph
|
Post# 1065900 , Reply# 40   4/4/2020 at 15:15 (1,454 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Chalk it up to too much time on my hands during the current situation, but it occurred to me that in trying to figure out when the KA logo changed to its current iteration, I shouldn't limit myself to researching mixers. Duh.
So I did an online search of dishwasher pictures and magazine ads, etc. It appears that the last dishwasher KA produced with the same logo as seen on my mixer in the OP was the 15 series, which was introduced in the mid '60s. I also found magazine ads from 1966 that showed a 15 series dishwasher but the copy of the ad included the later logo, so the transition appears to have taken place around then.
Based on this, I'd say my K45 can't be any later than the mid '60s unless they had lots of tilt head bands with the older style logo to be used up. I can't say for sure when that logo began appearing. I saw ads from 1960 with it, I think for a series 14 dishwasher, so I suppose my mixer could be at least that old. |
Post# 1094372 , Reply# 42   10/24/2020 at 15:54 (1,251 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I think durability and the noise factor are the big negatives with newer KA mixers, but if you need more capacity, yes, you'll need a new mixer. I would suggest you try to stick with a tilt-head type if there's one on the market that's large enough for your needs. I found the bowl-lift Professional HD that we had was annoying to use.
Per research I posted above, I think your mom's K45 SS isn't likely older than 1979. |
Post# 1094397 , Reply# 43   10/24/2020 at 19:12 (1,251 days old) by Holli (Illinois)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I know for a fact it was bought way before 1979. I was there when she got it. I just can't remember 1972 or 73 (related to when we moved & the new all harvest gold kitchen/ I was about 14). Thanks! |
Post# 1101506 , Reply# 44   12/21/2020 at 12:08 (1,193 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
2    
My grandparents replaced their K45 after years of hard use. I quickly grabbed it instead of them selling it. I agree that it is the smoothest and quietest KitchenAid I have ever used. Nothing beats a true Hobart KA machine. |
Post# 1101508 , Reply# 45   12/21/2020 at 12:39 (1,193 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
One thing I've noticed on my K45 recently is that when I turn it on to top speed to use the knife sharpener attachment, it doesn't always run at top speed. I have to move the speed lever back a bit, then forward, and then it runs at full speed.
I think this serves as a good argument for the solid state speed control, but it's possible that the situation could be remedied if I wanted to bother with taking a look at things under the cover. If the issue gets worse, that's what I'll do. In the meantime, I love using my smooth, quiet K45, particularly with the after-market bowl-scraping flat beater. I can't remember the last time I had to scrape down the sides of the bowl myself. |
Post# 1101545 , Reply# 46   12/21/2020 at 19:25 (1,193 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I posted a timeline for Hobart over 5 years ago...not searching for it, but here's a nice brochure that pegs that K45 at 1962. I know this is nearing 10 years old for the thread, but I hope this will still be of interest. CLICK HERE TO GO TO ovrphil's LINK |
Post# 1101556 , Reply# 47   12/21/2020 at 20:02 (1,193 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Phil, I know it's displayed at the top of every thread, but I really had no idea that it has been TEN YEARS since I acquired my K45 until you pointed it out. Time is flying faster than ever, like a goddamned runaway train.
I guess this thread must land near the top of Google search hits because it has been revived a number of times over that period by others, primarily first-time posters. I can get annoyed by revived ancient threads as much as the next person (remember Dick S. trying to set some kind of record with his Flair thread), but I hope that with this one there has been some helpful information gleaned or dispensed as a result.
|
Post# 1101588 , Reply# 48   12/22/2020 at 00:09 (1,193 days old) by ovrphil (N.Atlanta / Georgia )   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Ten years! I know, it's amazing(s.o.b.,where did my last 10 years go?). Eight years ago, I found aw.org(I think, but not 10). Agreed, reviving some older threads can be annoying and I wasn't sensitive to that at first. None-the-less,the old threads come up in my searches and occasionally help me or inspire me to push on. I could have posted the Kitchenaid history as a new thread, though. Kitchenaid is so popular, the older threads can have a timeless value, information-wise.
Anyway, Ralph...enjoy your coming Christmas holiday and time off, if that's what is coming. Best wishes for happy mixing. I think it's great that you still have and use that K45, which may age, but doesn't likely show it quite as much as us mortals. |
Post# 1120076 , Reply# 50   6/12/2021 at 16:25 (1,020 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 1120082 , Reply# 51   6/12/2021 at 17:41 (1,020 days old) by Louvac (M)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
What does the Kitchenaid font look like? I will take a pic of mine once I finish cleaning it up this weekend. The font can be an indicator of a time period. |
Post# 1120089 , Reply# 52   6/12/2021 at 18:48 (1,020 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 1120104 , Reply# 53   6/12/2021 at 20:33 (1,020 days old) by Louvac (M)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
dumb ass but what is "OP" mean? LOL |
Post# 1120106 , Reply# 54   6/12/2021 at 20:53 (1,020 days old) by wiskybill (Canton, Ohio)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
OP usually refers to the original post or poster |
Post# 1120149 , Reply# 55   6/13/2021 at 13:21 (1,019 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
|
Post# 1120154 , Reply# 56   6/13/2021 at 14:07 (1,019 days old) by Louvac (M)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
RP2318 Did you get my email? |
Post# 1120170 , Reply# 57   6/13/2021 at 16:36 (1,019 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 1120182 , Reply# 59   6/13/2021 at 19:20 (1,019 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Oh, there's no shortage of interest in small appliances here!
Members Kevin (kevin313) and Hans (norgeway) come to mind as two who have huge collections. I checked if either of them have a photo album for viewing but they don't. Kevin has a lot of his collection, most of which is cooking/baking-oriented, displayed in an old small town dime store space somewhere in Michigan. Last I heard he was planning to open to the place to the public but I don't know where things stand at the moment. |
Post# 1120184 , Reply# 60   6/13/2021 at 19:45 (1,019 days old) by ea56 (Cotati, Calif.)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Ralph, Kevin’s Store is in Michigan and has been open for over two years now. See thread 1031278 for the 411.
Also, check out his many video’s on You Tube on “Cavalcade of Food”. He’s done several videos hightlighting his extensive collection of small appilances and housewares. They are really interesting and I like the way both he and Ralph, his partner do these videos very much. Eddie CLICK HERE TO GO TO ea56's LINK This post was last edited 06/13/2021 at 21:07 |
Post# 1120185 , Reply# 61   6/13/2021 at 19:54 (1,019 days old) by qsd-dan (West)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 1120246 , Reply# 62   6/14/2021 at 11:05 (1,018 days old) by Louvac (M)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
It never pays to get too aggressive! Help! Does anyone have a spare Kitchenaid Mixer model K45 metal band for sale? When I was cleaning it, the "aid" started to fade off-Shit! I should have left well enough alone! |
Post# 1120263 , Reply# 63   6/14/2021 at 12:55 (1,018 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
At least your mixer's band has the current logo on it so if you have to buy a new replacement, it will look correct for the mixer's age.
I found two part numbers for the band and confirmed it will fit 4 and 5 quart models (both tilt head and bowl lift types): W11230105 and 9702637. Prices range from $13 & change up to a whopping $28, neither of which includes shipping.
Reviews on Amazon for this part are mixed, some of them indicating that the notched areas for speed control and lock/unlock levers were a poor fit and needed to be filed down. PartSelect and eReplacementParts sites indicate this part is on back order. It might require some searching before you find a source that has one readily available.
Otherwise, be on the lookout for a parts donor. They are few and far between, but I once saw a discarded and presumably dead bowl-lift model out behind a restaurant near me. I had no use for it and didn't need to add to the clutter in my shop, but it sat out there for a while. |
Post# 1120276 , Reply# 65   6/14/2021 at 14:29 (1,018 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 1120280 , Reply# 66   6/14/2021 at 14:54 (1,018 days old) by Louvac (M)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I will post pics once I get it complete, RP! Thanks! |
Post# 1120934 , Reply# 68   6/21/2021 at 09:09 (1,011 days old) by eronie (Flushing Michigan)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The motors on the new ones are totally different! |
Post# 1120949 , Reply# 69   6/21/2021 at 13:11 (1,011 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Nice job cleaning that beauty up!
I used white appliance touch-up paint on my mixer and it's barely noticeable, and it can be found at any hardware store, including ACE. A bottle of that would likely be cheaper than paint from HL (a store I will never set foot in, btw). Less is more. Just a tiny bit of it on the tip of the applicator brush is all you'll need to make any nicks or scratches disappear.
I agree with you that these older Hobart machines are much quieter and better built than the stuff that Whirlpool has been turning out for the past 30 or so years. I really enjoy using mine, and if anyone else is present, there's no need to yell while it's operating. I find it laughable that on cooking shows people have trouble narrating at an audible level while their shiny new KA mixer is running. |
Post# 1156186 , Reply# 71   8/6/2022 at 16:23 (600 days old) by JannerK45 (California)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hi, The cord on my mom's K45 is disintegrating and I'd like to replace it. Any ideas on where to find one? The ones I've found online say they're for K45SS. Would those work? Pics of identifying markings. Thanks |
Post# 1156203 , Reply# 72   8/6/2022 at 19:42 (600 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
If you take the rear cover off the date is stamped on the fiber board in the rear, mine was made in 1970. |
Post# 1156230 , Reply# 73   8/7/2022 at 02:19 (600 days old) by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Janner, it looks like your K45 was produced in September of 1975, so it's closing in on 47 years old.
I don't see why you couldn't use a replacement cord for a current model K45SS. The SS just means the mixer has a solid state speed control. I haven't looked closely at newer Kitchenaids but my only concern would be that they might all use a grounded three-prong plug now. You can try to find a KA cord with a two-prong plug, but it would probably be new old stock on eBay or something. Or you could use a factory replacement cord with a three-prong plug and not bother connecting the ground wire to the mixer. If your outlet is a GFI type, you could safely use an un-grounded three-prong plug in it. |
Post# 1196502 , Reply# 75   1/3/2024 at 23:39 by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
It could be something as simple as a detached wire. The link below will take you to a sister site that offers for sale different types of literature for appliances large and small, including a comprehensive K5-A service manual. The manual should also help you determine if the speed control or motor could be the source of the trouble. If a new speed control is needed, I'm fairly certain that a solid state control (used on all K5-SS models) will fit without the need for modifications. CLICK HERE TO GO TO RP2813's LINK |
Post# 1196597 , Reply# 77   1/6/2024 at 15:22 by RP2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
Beau, I can't imagine much changing with the brushes, but I think you could find replacements even if Hobart doesn't still have them. Those giant screws on the sides of the mixer head provide access to the brushes, but I don't know if they also function as adjusters. The service manual will advise one way or the other.
I don't think anything else changed with the conversion to solid state speed control by Hobart. It was only after Whirlpool bought KitchenAid from Hobart that certain mechanical parts changed, like from metal to plastic, but I assume the specs remained the same. We lost our mixer expert here a few years ago, but other members may be able to provide more insight than I can.
If nobody else chimes in, you may want to launch a new discussion in the "Super" forum. Really old threads like this sometimes get ignored. This one has been resurrected a number of times over the dozen+ years since I first posted it. It's amazing how little information is available on line about KA mixers, considering their popularity. |