For those new to this website:
Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005). Since 2009, Tamara has been using XRF technology (a scientific method used by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) to test consumer goods for toxicants (specifically heavy metals — including Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Antimony, and Arsenic). All test results reported on this website are science-based, accurate, and replicable. Items are tested multiple times to confirm the test results for each component tested. Tamara’s work was featured in Consumer Reports Magazine in February of 2023 (March 2023 print edition).
Sign the Petition: Link
Originally Published: January 8, 2017
Updated: December 9, 2022
When tested with an XRF instrument, nearly all of the KitchenAid brand mixer attachments — of the hundreds that I have tested to date (with testing completed from 2009 through 2022) have been positive for Lead — typically, at levels that would be considered unsafe and illegal if this were a newly-manufactured item “intended for use by children.“
This is true of the KitchenAid brand mixer attachments with the white or gray coating, and also the shiny or dull-gray (“burnished”) bare metal ones. This also includes the top-knobs on the whisk attachment (which is particularly odd, considering the main body of said whisk is made of intrinsically-Lead-free stainless steel!).
In general, over the years since I originally posted this information, KitchenAid has been completely dismissive of this concern in all of their communications with Lead Safe Mama readers (who often contact them after reading the articles I have written on this subject, asking about Lead-free alternatives/ Lead-free replacements).
Representatives of the brand have even gone so far as to make statements (in writing) to inquiries implying that my (scientific) testing and analysis is (somehow) “false.“ I find this particularly amusing, given I have shared this information continuously since 2014 on social media channels as well as my website — and not once has KitchenAid contacted me directly asking me to take down any of these statements (a request they would have no success in seeing realized, as everything I write is science-based and simply factual).
Extraordinarily, they have even told some customers that my research “has been taken down, as it has been disproven“… um, nope! (I will dig up some of those amazing screenshots from over the past couple of years, and will put together a separate article documenting that bizarre facet of the company’s behavior — as I have been meaning to, but just have not had a moment for yet!)
Q. “Tamara — isn’t this illegal?
In fact, it is NOT illegal for kitchenware (appliances, juicers, garlic presses, ice cream scoops, dishes, etc.) to test positive for unsafe levels of Lead (as detectable with an XRF instrument). It is entirely legal — as long as these items are not explicitly sold and marketed as being “intended for use by children.” If they were marketed for use by children, then one could argue that a Lead level of 100 ppm or higher in the “substrate“ (or a Lead level of 90 ppm or higher in the paint or coating) of the items would make these illegal for sale. However, because kitchenware is considered (by intention and design) to be an item intended for use solely by adults (even though we all know our kids use these things!), they are exempt from existing regulations that would apply if they were expressly made “for use by children.”
“Is this (the fact that these KitchenAid mixer attachments persistently test positive for unsafe levels of Lead) a real concern?”
- The Lead contamination in most of these products appears to be in the metal substrate, not in the white or grey coating (although I have not done any additional destructive testing yet, to determine whether or not there may be any Lead in the coating of some of these items, as well — I am especially concerned about that potential for the older examples [30+ years old]).
- The substrate (base metal) of these KitchenAid mixer attachments appears to be cast-aluminum.
- Cast-aluminum is almost always contaminated with Lead, so it is not unexpected to find Lead in these products!
- Click here to see more examples of Lead-contaminated cast-aluminum kitchen products — ranging from hand citrus juicers to garlic presses to ice cream scoops.
As a result of the above assumption (Lead primarily in the substrate vs. the coatings), I am not too concerned about the potential for Lead exposure when using the white enameled paddles and blades (if used occasionally, and if there are no chips or cracks or deterioration of the white coating). However, given the metal substrate appears to be the contaminated component, I am DEFINITELY concerned about the shiny or dull gray “burnished” bare-metal paddles and blades, as I have heard from countless readers that — after even just one use — those paddles tend to leave gray streaks (i.e. particulates from the surface of the metal) in the food as it is mixed. (Note: when these “burnished” attachments are purchased new, they have a shiny finish, but after use they start turning a dull gray.) So it seems quite reasonable to assume that the bare metal attachments are likely leaving behind at least some Lead contamination of the food along with the visible streaks of gray that they leave behind. Given we know for certain that it literally just takes a microscopic amount of Lead to poison a child (literally, an invisible amount) for a visible impact of the paddle on the food to be present (in the form of gray streaks left on the batter or dough in the bowl) is a significant indicator of the potential for harm.
To read more about the concern for the potential impacts of aggregate low levels of Lead exposure from items in our home — and especially items in our kitchen and food prep environment — please read the article linked here.
December 2018 Update:
In 2018 I learned some excellent news … KitchenAid has FINALLY come out with a version of their blades and paddles in full stainless steel construction!!! I have since tested several sets of these and they are indeed “all stainless” including in the top “nut” of the whisk. I can’t help but think that it has been the influence of you, Lead Safe Mama readers that put consumer demand on KitchenAid to make these Lead-free versions of their paddles and mixing attachments, but still it brings into greater question that they still make Leaded options and the Lead-free (stainless) options are considered an “optional upgrade!!!” These all-stainless-steel options are an exclusive to Williams Sonoma (or direct from KitchenAid). I don’t have any confidence that you can buy a true, all–stainless option on Amazon or from other vendors; I have concerns that the single blades or paddles or hooks being sold as “stainless steel” by off-brands may likely, in reality, incorporate some cost saving cast-aluminum components like the top “nut” on the whisk).
From the William Sonoma website:
To reiterate: By selling the stainless set as an intentional “upgrade” (per the language from the Williams Sonoma website screenshot above) it really make one wonder what their official (internal) stance is on the non-upgraded original (aka Leaded!) attachments!
To see more KitchenAid attachments and other KitchenAid branded products I have tested (many of which test positive for Lead with an XRF instrument), click HERE — this is a link to the KitchenAid category of posts and articles here on the website (not just related to their stand mixers and accessories).
Related: #AskTamara: What do you use to test for Lead?
Continue reading below the image.XRF test results for the items pictured in the image above:
KitchenAid attachments, c. 2014, as high as 2,434 ppm Lead
Left to right (in the image above and below):
1) KitchenAid Paddle: 1,655 ppm LEAD on white,
2) KitchenAid Balloon Whisk: 110 ppm LEAD in top knob,
3) KitchenAid Dough Hook: 2,434 ppm LEAD,
4) KitchenAid Paddle with Silicone Wiper Blade: 333 ppm LEAD,
&
5) last one is NOT KitchenAid brand (plastic attachment by Beater Blade), and … NO Lead! (Amazon link here to this product*).
The 4th one from the left (I was told) is newish purchased (c. 2014). I don’t know the exact ages of the other examples pictured.
For all of my Lead-free home #SaferChoices, click here!
The readings are XRF readings done by me — Tamara Rubin, owner of Lead Safe Mama, LLC — (and yes, I am trained and certified in using an XRF instrument). XRF readings on consumer goods (using an appropriate XRF instrument and software, as I do) are generally considered “surface” readings. The three white items in the photo above are all coated metal. Given the surface coating is fairly thin (something one can observe with examples of these mixer attachments where the coating has chipped) and actually appears to be a plastic of some type, that supports the assertion that the coating is not likely the problem — but instead, the issue is with the substrate (the base metal) — and the XRF instrument is reading through the thin plastic coating to the higher levels of Lead in the substrate of the product.
To reiterate: Based on my decade (+) of testing these particular KitchenAid items, I am fairly certain that the Lead is in the cast-aluminum substrate of the blades, not in the white coating. In addition to this being a concerning factor — given they also sell the blades without the white coating — it is also a concerning factor because the white coating chips and wears as it ages, exposing the Leaded cast-aluminum substrate underneath, thus making it possible for food contamination to occur.
As you can (and many manufacturers do) make kitchen items and cookware with no Lead, we (as consumers) should expect high standards from a “trusted” household name like KitchenAid, so I personally am disappointed to find any Lead in any of their products — regardless of whether or not the Lead has been proven to be leaching into the food being prepared with these items.
Thank you for reading and for sharing Lead Safe Mama posts and articles (when you share what we write, it helps to generate advertising income that — in turn — helps pay for the independent consumer goods testing work we conduct and report here on the website!).
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
Owner — Lead Safe Mama, LLC
#LeadSafeMama
Carrie says
So the lead is only in the top part of the whisk, not in the part that has contact with food? Have you found any lead free whisk attachments?
Thank you for your work!
Sabrina says
How is that even LEGAL?! These are food-contact items?! AAARRRGGHHH!!!!
Jessica says
Wow! Thanks for your research and post. I don’t have a KitchenAid. Have you tested a Bosch mixer?
frank says
The gray film on bare aluminum parts is aluminum oxide (nontoxic). Kitchen aid warns of this and gives instruction on preventing it! Lead in stainless would be an added expense with no benefits. It would cost more for an inferior product.
Tamara says
The thing is they are not just aluminum. I would classify them as pot-metal since they are testing positive for Lead with XRF technology.
Christina Pack says
Are they going to replace the lead parts? My 10yo was given her great grandmothers and she uses it 3x’s a week at least, but not going to let her now
Amber Skinner says
Call them. Lots of people are being issued non leaded replacements.
Jaime says
I called and they refused to replace mine. Of course I can purchase new ones they said. But they won’t replace it for free. After waiting for 2 hours on hold and I told them of my situation and the study that was done. They read a script saying their products are safe. I asked for the study on this. And the person said they couldn’t provide it, but to trust the company. Ha ha. I said no, show me the study that ur company is basing there data that their product is safe. And well they couldn’t. They took down my name and model number. We shall see if anything happens.
T says
Hi Tamara, Thank you so much for informing us about this. I’m afraid to use my kitchenaid mixer now but I’m hoping your answer to the following question will alleviate my worries. When your XRF technology detects lead in the white coated beater, is it definitely detecting the lead in that white surface coating or is it possible it’s detecting the lead that is in the metal, underneath the white coating? If it’s the latter then maybe the white coating protects our food from the lead in the metal underneath? I’m really hoping you can answer this question. I looked up the stainless steel beaters that you mentioned are now available but the description says they’re for 4.5 and 5 qrt. bowls and someone who tried them said they were way too small to use in the 5 qrt bowls to work properly. Thanks again for all the work you do for us.
Tamara says
Hi T!
I really can’t say (based on the type of testing that I do) whether or not the white attachments are likely to be leaching / if the Lead is in the surface coating or just the substrate underneath. I just know that I have found Lead in both types of attachments.
To find out if there is lead in the white coating (and to confirm it is not just detecting the lead in the metal underneath the white coating) the white coating would have to be scraped off and tested separately. This is called destructive testing and I don’t do destructive testing with the work I do.
Sorry to not have a better answer for you. If you subscribe to my blog here you will get updates with new posts and if I ever post an answer to this question you will be among the first to know! 🙂
Tamara
Charlene says
The coating is made of polyester, and the underneath is the same as the metal attachments (aluminum) so it’s possible your reading is the bottom of it. Also, they only leave gray streaks if they’ve been washed wrong. I had that happen when my husband washed them in the dishwasher 🙁 they turned a dull gray and then turned everything it touched gray too. We read the manual afterwards and it does say they are not dishwasher safe. I thought you might find that information useful for your research.
Amber Skinner says
Except they say they’re dishwasher safe ♀️
Mary Ann Garvey says
I called the recall number and the women I spoke to said there isn’t a recall on “my” Kitchenaid mixer. I pressed the issue and she robotically kept saying the same thing. My. Model # is KSM75WH
Serial # W52105988
Ivanka Kim says
Hi, Tamara!
Thank you so much for your research and all the work that you do! I just purchased a Kitchenaid 6 qt mixer and am about to return and exchange it for the 5 qt (mainly because the stainless steel attachments fit that size!). Can you please let us know as soon as you test those new attachments? I am really eager to find out before I order them.
Thank you!
– Ivanka
Tamara says
I think they are here waiting to be tested. I try to wait to open boxes until I have the time to test them. I have a few boxes still to get through! :-), will see if I can get to them today!
T
Ivanka Kim says
Thank you so much! That’d be wonderful if you already have them at hand. I exchanged my mixer today for the anniversary edition 5 qt. I suppose it is made in 2018. Makes you wonder why in this day and age such big and successful companies continue using harmful materials! Indeed, it came with those white coated beaters and the dull gray metal, awful looking whisk. I’m really nervous about using them. The mixer was an amazing Christmas gift to my family, but if the new stainless steel attachments contain lead…it will end up gathering dust in the closet. Health is more important than quick and fluffy egg whites.
Thank you again for providing all this useful information! I wouldn’t be aware of so many things if it weren’t for your work.
Tamara says
Thank you.
Ivanka Kim says
Hi Tamara!
Just wondering if you’ve had the chance to test those stainless steel attachments yet? Sorry to bother you about it again, I was just making sure I didn’t miss a post or a comment.
Thanks!
– Ivanka
Tamara says
Hi Ivanka,
I thought someone had sent them in, but they didn’t (I have a queue of boxes lined up for testing at any given time) …. so I think I am still waiting for them to arrive in the mail. I will let you know when they do arrive!
Tamara
Ivanka Kim says
All right! Thank you!
Kaitlyn says
Have the stainless steel ones ever been tested?
Ivanka Kim says
Hi Tamara!
I thought you might like to know that KitchenAid responded to my question about their new anniversary edition mixer. I asked them specifically about their ceramic mixing bowl and the coated beaters/attachments. They said they’re all completely lead free. Hopefully they’re adopting more healthy production practices in their products? I really hope so!
I can forward you the whole email if you like.
God bless,
Ivanka
Tamara says
Thank you, Ivanka – I would appreciate that!
My email is: TamaraRubin@mac.com
Tamara
Katrina P. says
Hello Tamara,
Thank you for all you do. I recently came across your testing of Kitchenaid mixer attachments while doing research and comparison shopping on various stand mixer brands. I’d like to purchase a mixer soon, within a couple weeks. 1. Which stand mixer brands are you aware of that do not contain lead or other harmful materials? I’d prefer to not purchase a Kitchenaid as I’ve read the quality of this brand seems to have declined since it was purchased by Whirlpool (previously owned by Bogart). 2. Have you yet tested the stainless steel Kitchenaid attachments that you and Ivanka Kim have corresponded about last month? (5quart or 6 quart)? Would you please share the results asap? Thank you. Katrina.
Claire Crowe komarec says
We should all demand a full refund for them not making a food safe product. Companies need to start being held accountable for this negligance.
Ivanka Kim says
Yes, Claire, I totally agree. When I emailed them, they assured me that the mixing attachments are all lead free…but you should see how bad they look! My mixer is only 3 months old and I’ve barely used it 2-3 times…and there’s already some white, weird looking little chunks falling off the whisk. Not water stains, some weird stuff. I doubt it’s safe to use it, so I ordered the stainless steel ones. (they don’t look amazing either, to be honest, but hopefully will be safer to use!)
Jennifer says
Hi Ivanka,
I am considering ordering the stainless steel
attachments. I was wondering how they are working for you. I am hoping Tamara got the ones that were sent to her for testing.
Jennifer
Tamara says
Hi Jennifer,
I never did get a set of those in the mail to test unfortunately. 🙁
Tamara
Ivanka Kim says
Hi Jennifer,
I got the attachments right before I moved, so they’re literally still in the box. Hopefully I’ll get to try them tomorrow and I’ll let you know!
Cheers
– Ivanka
Khush says
Hi Tamara
What a useful resource you have built-I love it! I remember seeing your blog some years back when I was researching about lead in my crockery. Wish I saw this post before buying my Kitcheaid mixer recently. I would love to know if you tested those stainless steel attachments from William Sonoma or if by now you have some better alternative for the whisk attachment.
Ivanka, I think you got that anniversary edition Misty blue? I got that one recently and haven’t used it. Did you get any confirmed answers for lead in that model? Let me know of your experience further in that anniversary model.
Furthermore, even the steel bowl by kitchenaid for their mixers has the prop 65 warning on it.
Aesthetically it’s such a beautiful mixer, what a shame they can’t make it of better quality. Even a simple stainless steel bowl is made of cheaper materials.
Carmelle says
Ever one should demand a refund or make sure this information goes viral. The shaky coating on my 15 year old kitchen aid mixer she’d all of its website coating years ago, and I had NO idea, the metal under it was lead. That is so wrong. And I use mine four or five time a week.
Deepti says
Hi Tamara ,
I have a Kitchen Aid Mixer , with a white dough hook . Does it contain lead ??
I was reading your thread and said that there are new products now which does not contain lead . Did you tested them ?? Can you please send me a link for them to buy please .
Also , does the stainless Steel bowl contains lead ??
Thanks Tamara for all the hard work you are doing .
Deepti
Carren Panico says
Are ones more recently manufactured lead free?
Tamara says
Hi Carren – no – based on the testing I have done to date I have not found this to be the case, unfortunately! – Tamara
Lisa says
Hi Tamara,
Are the newly available attachments lead free from Kitchen Aid? I have an old model…probably around 13 years old. If those new attachments are not lead free…are there some that fit Kitchen Aid that are?
Thanks!
Tamara says
Hi Lisa,
There is a lead-free option linked in the post above. I have not yet tested one from the Kitchen Aid brand that has been Lead-free. I have not yet tested their brand new stainless steel options, but I have high hopes for them!
Tamara
Lisa says
I mostly use the wire whip option. I don’t see one on your link. Thoughts on that?
Kevin says
I bought the stainless steel dough hook for my 5 qt accolade mixer in October of 2019. However, according to Kitchenaid, this particular dough hook is not compatible with my model of mixer. I was initially going to return it but I decided to try it out and it fit my mixer perfectly and when I compare it to the white one it appears to be the same. I’ve used it since then and it seemed okay, but I recently noticed on the top and bottom of the dough hook there are small pits that have developed and so I tried getting it replaced through Kitchenaid and they told me they would not replace it because they cannot send out replacement part because it’s not compatible to the serial number of my mixer and they are not authorized to do that but they will send me out the white coated inferior dough hook. I told them I didn’t want the white one and I would take my changes with the stainless but they still said they are not allowed to send a replacement.
Hamda says
I have never owned a mixer before and I’m dying to get one but came across your post. I’ve been looking at Kitchenaid and SMEG. Now I’m confused as I would really love to use a safe mixer for my household. Which mixer would you recommend? … and btw, Thank you for sharing all this information with us!
Jamie says
Hi! Thanks for all you do! I am wondering if the stainless steel attachments were tested? Thank you!!
Dev O. says
Why don’t one of you send Tamara a set of the stainless steel attachments to test? They retail for $99. That would expedite the testing and get you the answers you seek.
Federico says
Tamara, thank you for the page!
I have bare aluminum-lead attachments, the ones that stains the cloth when cleaned.
Do you think they are legal? If they are not, the minimum they can do is to replace them.
Is there a lawyer here, or someone who has a friend lawyer?
I’m sure he/she have even better ideas!
Sierra says
Please test the stainless steel kitchen aid attachments!!!
Helen says
Please test kitchen aid stainless steel attachments
Thanks a lot, I support you always
Melissa Stevenson says
Hi Tamara
Very interested to know if you have tested any of the apparently “safe” newer Kitchenaid stainless steel hooks and beater attachments post 2018 production / modifications please??
Many thanks
Melissa
Erica says
Just wanted to add that Crate and Barrel is now selling the all stainless attachments made by Kitchenaid!
Jenny Hubb says
Thank you for your research! Is the stainless steel bowl that comes with these mixers lead free? I tried to stick a magnet to it but it wouldn’t stick…it says stainless steel on the bottom though.
Lauren says
Hello!
Wondering if the newer models come with stainless steel attachments? Or if newer models have been tested? We received our stand mixer as a wedding gift in 2020 and will need to look into this for our specific model.
Tamara says
The new ones only come with stainless if that is expressly mentioned in the packaging. To my knowledge all of the new ones come with cast aluminum. Per the video posted this week I tested new product this week that was still positive for Lead. Details here: https://tamararubin.com/2022/12/lead-safe-mama-readers-told-me-kitchenaid-indicated-they-were-lawyering-up-so-i-created-a-series-of-videos-in-response/
Bryan Enochs says
I contacted KitchenAid today. I have my model KSM150PSRG with the white attachments and whisk from 2017. I was told that they are within all safe guidelines for lead. They did agree that the accessories do contain some lead but it was well within acceptable guidelines of USDA. They refused to replace my attachments but offered a 20% discount on the $99 stainless set. They said I could send a letter to their consumer department at KitchenAid Countertop Appliances at 553 Benson Road, Mail drop 8060, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. They also sent me an email I can respond to. I think a Class action suit should be filed as they are partially admitting to the problem but not willing to do anything to remedy the issue. This is a very poor business decision on their part as the cost of dealing with this the legal way is going to end up much more than just sending a replacement out to their customers and taking the hit upfront. Not to mention the damage to their brand name / reputation. I won’t be buying another KitchenAid appliance based on this lack of care in handling a customer safety issue. Thank you so much Tamara Rubin for your dedication to consumer health testing!!!!!
Tamara says
Thank you.
Lori Stricklin says
Hi Tamara,
I can’t thank you enough for being a whistle blower when it comes to consumer safety. I just recently saw on a social media post about the KitchenAid attachments containing obscene amounts of lead. KitchenAid should be ashamed of being so deceitful to the public/consumer. Will KitchenAid replace the attachments at no cost? What is the verbiage that needs to be mentioned to get a lead free attachments?
I agree with the comment above about a class action suite naming KitchenAid. I have found that when companies are forced to write a check change takes place. Moving forward,KitchenAid should be more mindful of production practices and consumer safety.
Tamara says
Answers here; https://tamararubin.com/2022/12/a-point-by-point-response-to-kitchenaids-public-statements-regarding-lead-safe-mama-llcs-findings-of-lead-contamination-in-their-standard-mixer-attachments/
Chef daddy says
Wow, I took the time to read this garbage, what a waste of my time… another conspiracy nut job looking for 5 minutes of fame. What is next? Your cell phone is causing cancer again? Complete rubbish! I feel sorry for those of you that are falling for this, I have been using the same mixer for over 40 years with no issues other that I am getting fat….. I am not blaming them for me over eating and getting fat due to my good cooking!
Tamara says
You may want to read about the impacts of low level lead exposure. One of the primary impacts in men is erectile dysfunction and infertility. #DarwinAwardsInAction
T
Chef daddy says
Trust me that ain’t a problem here….. I really hope that KitchenAid sues you for slander and includes all the lost revenue from you trying to steal all the accessories. FYI read the owners manual about the beaters being discolored due to improper cleaning!
Tamara says
You are too funny.
Lori Stricklin says
Hello to all of those concerned with their kitchenaid accessories,
I just called January 10, 2023 and was able to get thru to Kitchenaid(I spoke to Jennifer in Tennessee) regarding the lead exposure of the kitchenaid accessories. I called the 1-800-541-6390 number. I paraphrased the script that Lead free Mama provided and immediately the associate began reciting whirlpool 111yr. promise and commitment to consumers that all of their products have been tested……… I asked what if anything the company was planning to do for consumers who are concerned. She put me on a hold and returned to offer me a bundled set of the 3 attachments with a 20% savings for a total of $79.99. I questioned her regarding the free replacement that the company has provided. Again was placed on hold with the answer that Kitchenaid would replace one of the attachments for free but not all three. I voiced my concerns that this mixer is used regularly and that I find it strange that Kitchenaid would only replace one of the three attachments and that I felt that any company that values consumer safety should do the right thing and replace the entire set for free. So essentially by providing consumers with a discounted bundle or replacing one component they are admitting that yes there is lead in the attachments.
Rita says
So contacted kitchen aide today and spoke with a rep and her supervisor and they will only replace either the paddle or dough not both. I told her they sold me an unsafe product and I wanted them all replace. They off me a bundle for $100 I told her I already paid for a set that is unsafe. All they would do is replace the paddle. I’m so bad at kitchen aide. Can anyone help?
Lori Stricklin says
Hi Rita,
That was the same response I had-Kitchenaid would replace only 1 accessory not all 3. They did offer me the bundle at 20% of ($79.99) but like you I don’t want to give Kitchenaid another cent and replacing one of the three components is not helpful either. Let me know what else you have discovered.
-Lori
Ginna says
Hello,
My daughter sent me a Tik Tok video of this last night and I was shocked to hear the Kitchenaid attachments have lead in them. I have the dough hook and paddle that are coated in white plastic, however mine are not chipped in any way. I am still afraid to use it though being that it is not certain if the lead is leaching through. I am appalled that kitchenaid is not doing something for consumers to remedy this problem. It took me so long to upgrade from my handheld mixer and spend the money on a Kitchenaid and now I can’t even use it:( You would think they would offer replacements for free to avoid a lawsuit. In the end it would be much cheaper for them. Oh well I still have my handheld that has served me well for 25 years!
I will keep checking on here for updates on the plastic coated ones leaching out lead if they are not chipped. The stainless steel ones are not an option for my mixer.
Stacy says
I’m confused. Are the white coated ones safe with no chips or cracks or are they also full of lead in the white coating?
Laurie A Garner says
My mixer and attachments are from 1997. You say all years and all models, but I don’t see any testing of parts from before the 21st century. Do you have plans to test older pieces to see if they have lead?
Tamara says
I have tested many many older pieces too – I don’t report on every single thing I test (not enough time in the day.) Test results are consistent across the decades for these products and the older ones tend to have higher levels of Lead.
The website has over 3,500 posts and pages with information. Here’s the button menu for searching the site (for future reference): https://tamararubin.com/instagram-menu/
T
Tamara says
Also – mine (from 1994) is listed:
https://tamararubin.com/2017/01/mykitchenaid/
T
Kim says
Who do I contact about get them replaced.
Lillian Russo says
Hi,
Just called Kitchen Aid
The recording said there is no recall?
Kim Matthys says
Tamara…thanks for your work on this. KA needs to do the right thing for their loyal customers before they become disloyal. Shame on them for just tyring to get by!!
Scott Shipton says
So l have my Mom’s mixer that is 40+ years old and mine that is 35 years old. My mom’s, the under side of the stand is not coated but bare aluminum!
I called kitchen aid today to get replacements, was told they would be just discounted…so l told them, l will just wait for the lawyers and hung up!
I am willing to be part of a class action…
Danielle says
I can’t even BUY stainless steel replacements for my kitchen aid. I bought a Costco model from 2012 and their paddles and hooks that are stainless DONT WORK with my mixer. When I talked to them I got a “too bad” and “our products don’t contain lead” but they say they can’t show me their 3rd party testing. My ONLY options are to trash my mixer or buy more paddles that chip super easily. I’m furious.
Dushyanthi Satchi says
What about the paint of the mixer? Does it have lead? Do certain ones have less lead?
Galia says
Happy to report that you can now buy the Kitchen Aid brand of stainless steel attachments on Amazon!
Susan Gates says
Hi Tamara
I must have missed the posting for a lead safe alternative to Kitchen Aide mixers. Specifically the KitchenAid
KitchenAid 5.5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand
Mixer – KSM55
Is there one?
Thank you, Susan
Kali blocher says
Hello Tamara, have y[u tested any other kitchen aid attachments? Like the pasta makers? Or shredders?
Tamara says
Nearly all of the aluminum ones test positive for at least some Lead.