December 2022 KitchenAid Update (Re: Lead-contaminated cast-Aluminum KitchenAid Paddles, Whisk & Dough Hooks)
#LeadedHousehold | #LeadedKitchen | Beater | Blades | KitchenAid | Mixer | Viral Post | Whisk | XRF Testing | XRFTesting
- Link to recent article (December 2022) with comprehensive overview of the issue
- Link to template/ language to use when contacting KitchenAid
- Link to the Lead Safe Mama point-by-point response to their boiler plate denial/ deflection response (“Throughout our 111 year history…”)
- A piece with videos showing me purchasing and testing a NEW paddle attachment from Walmart in December 2022 (this includes a video showing test results for this new paddle, which is also positive for Lead)
December 12, 2022 — Monday
I just got another note from a reader this morning about the KitchenAid Leaded paddles! (See the image above.)Yay! This week, several LeadSafeMama.com readers and @LeadSafeMama social media followers have (through citing the XRF testing work done by us here at Lead Safe Mama, LLC — see a list of test results below) been successful in their requests to KitchenAid that KitchenAid replace their Lead-contaminated cast-Aluminum attachments (that came with their KitchenAid stand mixers) with the Lead-free stainless steel options — free of charge! Go team! #GoTeam This is how citizen-led advocacy works. Thank you everyone! Here’s a link to the stainless steel paddles set (which I have purchased, tested, and confirmed to be Lead-free).
Continue reading below the image:
Here’s the original overview article link for those who missed it (below). I also want to reiterate this issue (of the cast-Aluminum attachments that come with most KitchenAid stand mixers being contaminated with Lead) is for ALL YEARS and ALL MODELS. The version of the whisk that normally comes with the units has a stainless “balloon” — but the top “nut” is normally made of Lead-contaminated cast Aluminum. If you have KitchenAid attachment paddles and dough hooks that came with your stand mixer, and if you did not expressly buy the stainless ones, they are highly likely to be made of Lead-contaminated cast-Aluminum (probably 99% of the ones I have tested — from all years (historic and current) — have been positive for Lead), which can be a problem IF the white or gray plastic coating chips (if you have the coated ones), or IF you got the gross burnished/ bare metal ones (that turn black over time), which leave gray streaks in your batter/ dough.
Here’s that link again (to the article with all the details. The link is also on the home page of LeadSafeMama.com today), plus I will also put it in stories and highlights on my Instagram page: Here’s that link.
Please note the following additional concern for these KitchenAid stand mixers:
- If you have a machine from this brand made in the past 30 years, the machine itself (the colorful enamel-coated component) is not likely Leaded (although the power cord may be positive for either high levels of Lead or high levels of Antimony).
- Older ones (30+ years old) can have Leaded enamel for the colorful part of the body of the machine.
- To deal with the cord, keep it plugged in (in a safe GFI outlet) behind or at the back of a counter (or table) to limit how often you have to touch it. Wash hands with warm water and soap after touching the cord (especially if preparing food) and if you want to take it a step further, you can wrap a little section (that you might touch often) with painters tape (the blue paper stuff) — but that’s only a last option if the other options don’t work well for you. Do not use ELECTRICAL TAPE as electrical tape is normally positive for high levels of either Lead or Antimony (more about that issue here).
Here are some of the additional posts and articles on this website with specific XRF test results for examples of these products:
- c. 2014 KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachments — original overview
- c. 2014 KitchenAid Paddle: 333 ppm Lead
- c. 1990s Vinyl Coated KitchenAid Fridge: 1,646 ppm Lead
- c. 2010 Yellow Silicone KitchenAid Spatula: 970 ppm Lead
- KitchenAid Burnished Paddle: 445 ppm Lead
- c. 2007 KitchenAid Burnished Paddle: 607 ppm Lead
- c. 2006 Dough Hook: 698 ppm Lead
- c. 2006 Burnished Metal Paddle: 644 ppm Lead
- KitchenAid Whisk Attachment: 274 ppm Lead
- c. 2015 KitchenAid Dough Hook: 315 ppm Lead
- c. 1994 Kitchen Aid Paddles: 600 to 800 ppm Lead
- 2019 Red Silicone KitchenAid Spatulas: 11 ppm Lead
- Black Ceramic Liner of KitchenAid Slow Cooker: 386 ppm Lead
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).
#BrandsIHate #ToxicKitchenStuff #KitchenAid #LeadSafeMama
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Is there a class action lawsuit yet? I called and they insisted their products meet FDA standards and their legal team has been notified. She registered my mixer in case of a recall and would only offer me a 20% off coupon for replacements – making them $84. I am not giving them any more money until they are accountable!
Have not heard of a lawsuit YET! But with the Hershey lawsuit, I am thinking about how to start a lawsuit!
Has anyone mentioned any tests to support Canadians possible lead?
I just saw someone post about this and then I read your response to one of the customers about they are no longer honoring it Replacements that is I have one an older one that my mother-in-law gave me that was hers what should I do to get a replacement for the hook and paddle? I waited online for 35 minutes and no one ever answered I’m wondering what I can do now to have my parts replaced any information will be greatly appreciated.
They been saying the same to me.They are allowed to exchange one of my two coated attachments.
The representative said it’s a courtesy exchange.
They are lead tested and past their inspection.
He said I can purchase another one .
Will be 4-6 weeks before getting it.
They’re on backorder.
I have 2 of the coated ones and one has a big chip on it I emailed kitchenaid but haven’t got a reply is there a link that I should click in to get ahold of someone?
Good luck. I was on hold for 50 minutes before getting disconnected. Went to their website and spent 30 minutes with live chat only to get a msg saying they were too busy so live chat was not available. Obviously they are doing nothing for customers.
I will never purchase another kitchen aid product. Horrible customer service.
I fully agree with you
Hello I have one coated attachment and will try calling tomorrow. I purchase my daughter a kitchen aide for Christmas I’m so upset right now because I have a YouTube channel and I have been promoting this product because I love it. ☹️
Trid for 2 hrs to contact Kitchrn Aid. TSpunds like they are avoiding customers, if the ccoed of mixer is also contaminated with lead. They should be giving us refunds or new products. I have renal failure and cause has not beeb founnd. Am going to contact Dr, to do lead study now. IKitchen Aid, you could answer our concerns and not ignore us and sweep rhis unser the rug!!!
I got the same answer
1/25/2023
I called , was on hold for hours. After several try’s I finally got a person who stated “ our products were tested by a third party lab and are safe” . I asked to see a copy of the test results and was told no. I asked who the third party lab was so I could check their credentials and was told they could not share this information. I proceeded to mention that I am a chemist, read an article stating XRF was used for the testing. I am familiar with this beacause of my laboratory work detecting heavy metals. After all this I got no where. I asked that the mixing tools be replaced with stainless steel and this was also refused. Not even a discount! Where can we go from here?
Rosemary
Sign the petition and keep an eye out for new developments? Thank you so much for making the effort Rosemary – and thank you for commenting here!
T
I called the numbers provided and was transferred and on hold for 20 minutes. The cyst service rep continues to say these products are tested and do not contain lead. They would NOT replace them but would allow me to purchase new at $35 each for $105 for all three attachments.
How do you get Stainless Steel replacement attachments for the Kitchen Aid Mixer if you already own one?
People are calling… but they have stopped offering replacements.
When I called and talked to them about my paddles, they never offered me replacements. They said they would call me back about my concerns and questions and never returned my phone call. I ended up paying full price for the stainless steel and ordering them online, which took forever. I waited for months. Once I read your reports, I immediately stopped using the machine until the new attachments arrived!
Hi Tamara do you have any contacts of Canadians having the same lead test results? I asked kitchenaid but they say there wasn’t a recall on my model for lead not sure if that means it’s been tested cause it’s still aluminum attachments
The product is the same regardless of the location unfortunately.
Yes!! All they offered me was 20% an upgraded mixer as they no longer manufacture the stainless attachments for my model. 20% off!!! That’s it! I waited on the phone for 2 hours just for them to give me that insane offer! Something has to give! Even with 20% off, I can’t afford the price of the upgrade. My mixer is my right hand man in the kitchen! I use it nearly everyday. Now I feel like I have a $500 paper weight!
I have a mixer with contaminated parts. Please do the right thing and replace these with stainless steel. To be on the safe side and to be customer friendly!! Thanks in advance.
Sandra
There is a class action lawsuit: https://www.classaction.org/kitchenaid-lead-mixer-lawsuit
It states that if you leave your information, a rep. will contact you.
This is the first I have heard of this!
Please be aware that class actions normally primarily benefit the attorneys bringing the suit.
T
This isn’t a lawsuit, it’s an investigation into the possibility of bringing a lawsuit. I still filled it out though because I want to be included, even if all that happens is getting my attachments replaced with the stainless ones.
I have a mixer with contaminated parts. they need replacing.
No offer to replace here either, though I was offered 30% off. I said no thank you. They have a scripted response stating they’re FDA compliant, which speaks VOLUMES about their integrity, and putting profit over safety. She gave me the corporate address though: KitchenAid Corporate
553 Benson Rd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Sad that this is a company based in our State (Michigan)
I have emailed and now contacted on multiple social Media platforms. The more people complain the better chance we have to get this fixed. Will look at BBB as well.
Thank you!
Can you be more specific about the 30 years? I got mine for my wedding in February of ’93 so that was exactly 30 years ago. Is there a specific date or another way to tell?
Mine is from 1993/1994 and the body is not leaded but the paddles are.
t
Do the newer replacement paddles fit your older mixer? I bought my Kitchenaid stand mixer around the same time 1993/1994.
Yes, they do.
I just got off the phone with them. They only have stainless steel attachments (dough hook, flat beater, wire whip) for the newer tilt-head mixer. Or were they lying to me lol? Sadly I don’t know where to go from here. Besides dropping $500 on a new mixer.
Are they going to make stainless steel attachments in the near future? If not, will be unfortunate for such an expensive appliance that is now useless.
I called and offered to send the article but the customer service rep said that there was no need b/c they were already well aware of it. He said that the issue was escalated up to corporate and the legal team was involved b/c there was a lot of articles and calls about those articles. They registered my product and offered me a slight discount on a replacement paddle, but would not swap them for me. He insisted there was no lead in their products.
I ordered the stainless steel attachments you recommended (via William Sonoma), but they are for the tilted mixer and I have the bowl model/professional series. They don’t make all stainless ones for my machine. Any advice?
Thanks for the important work that you do!
I also own the bowl model/professional series! When I called KitchenAid, they said they don’t make stainless steel versions for this model. I am looking for a solution/answer to a lead-free replacement for this model as well.
Same boat with the professional! Please update!
I would just like to get an accurate answer. Are my attachments contaminated with lead or not? I received my Kitchen Aid mixer, Model No, KSM150PSWH, Serial No. WB4357216, with white plastic coated flat beater and dough hook 1 1/2 months ago on Christmas. It was ordered from Amazon. The wire whip is stainlesss.
If they contain lead, how do I get replacements? I love the mixer and want to use it.
Yes they are.
You can hope to call kitchen aid and ask for and recieve replacement paddles or you will have to buy tbem yourself. Your paddles are contaminated and I wouldn’t use them. Unfortunately.
I have the 6 qt. mixer with the bowl lift (not the tilt head). My paddle has changed in color & appearance, and I’m afraid to use it. It’s only about 4 years old. What do I do since there are no available stainles steel replacements?
I had the same question — I bought the knockoff brand that Tamara tested as lead free for the paddles, but I am at a loss for what to buy to replace the dough hook….
https://tamararubin.com/2017/01/kitchenaid-attachments-c-2014-as-high-as-2434-ppm-lead/#:~:text=Amazon%20link%20here%20to%20this%20product
New Metro KA-6L Original Beater Blade Works w/ KitchenAid 6 Qt Bowl-Lift Stand Mixers, Grey
I was given my Kitchen-aid mixer as a gift many years ago. I am not sure what the year or model is or if my attachments are the ones you are referring to. I have a chip in my paddle and am now concerned to use the mixer. How do I know if mine has lead or not?
Hi sherri. If you have a chip do not use it at all. To find the year/model, turn your machine upside down, There should be a sticker with model and serial number. the serial number should tell you the year. for instance mine starts with WC495… – the 495 means April, 1995. The model number also tells you about the machine. my model number is K45sswh . That means it is the 4.5 quart in white
Below is the response I got from me reaching out on Instagram. They never reaponded to email.
Throughout our 111-year history, Whirlpool Corporation has been committed to providing safe products for our consumers.
The company’s aluminum alloy stand mixer accessories, including beaters, dough hooks, and whisks, are tested through a third-party, independent laboratory to ensure they comply with all applicable regulations in the locations where they are sold regarding lead content. They are safe for any family’s cooking needs.
In addition, all current models of aluminum stand mixer accessories have a food-safe coating over the aluminum that is tested both for lead content and lead migration to ensure that it is safe for all consumers.
I called Kitchen Aide as a result of your article and was given a “scripted” response about how they have always been committed to providing safe products and that their products are tested for lead content and approved “for the area in which they are sold”. Long story short, I mentioned your study and results and got a stainless steel replacement for my “most used” attachment (on which the white coasting has been chipped since the first month I’ve had it) sent to me. Thanks for the heads up!
Hi Tamara,
We contacted Kitchenaid this morning to get a replacement paddle for our 22 year old mixer. I explained that the plastic coating had come off the bottom part of the paddle and that we were concerned about lead contamination. The customer service representative was very helpful and immediately sent a stainless steel replacement paddle, no questions asked. After reading many other comments, I was totally not expecting that.
I have had mine about that long also. The coating chipped on the bottom of our original paddle, so I bought a new one with the scraper in December of 22. And that too is already chipping. I will give them a call for sure.
After seeing your post on Instagram, I called Kitchenaid and was told: they’ve been in business for 118 years, that there was no lead and I shouldn’t be concerned, etc. I then mentioned your website and third party tests, etc. She then told me that they were currently out of stock on the stainless steel attachments. She then asked for my model number and told me that stainless steel attachment were not made for my model. I don’t know if this is true or not. I purchased two mixers; one for myself and one for my daughter, from Costco around 2010. My takeaway from the conversation was although the customer service rep was polite, I was being fed false info, starting with an obvious script she was reading from about the integrity of the company and safe products, to then telling me they were out of stock and then not available for my model. Had I known, I would never have just purchased the ice shaver attachment earlier this month to add to the many attachments I have for the mixer. Thank you for what you do and I will certainly spread the word.
I wonder if you contact Costco customer service if they can do anything
this was my next thought. costco has a marvelous return policy.
Hi! I have a mixer that was purchased in 1983-1984ish (give or take a few years). I only know this due to the hand written receipts found when she purchased the attachments. Can you confirm if lead is present in the older models as well? I didn’t see anything dated that far back.
Yes – it’s all of them. The older they are the higher the lead levels are. There is also lead in the enamel of the body of the mixers for many of the older models and lead in the electrical cord.
Just called and the rep was sort of nice but stated they’ve had multiple calls about this and all the products are safe for use. She herself has 3 kids who use her kitchen aid all the time and are fine. (So reassuring). She also informed me that they are doing their own 3rd party independent testing that has resulted in safe use. She told me there were stainless steel options for my model but they were not free. They cost. I’ll likely purchase them, I didn’t tell her that, though. I want to be able to use this really nice mixer that was gifted to us but my son uses it more than me. I want to be as safe as possible. One questions I do have, Tamara, let’s say my son doesn’t use my mixer but I do. Whatever food I prepare for him to eat in it, will it still be harmful to him? I’m not sure I understand how lead exposure works. Thank you for your due diligence with this! It’s my prayer kitchen aid will reconsider their cost cutting efforts and start to produce an actual quality product not laced with poison.
Hi Tamara,
I just called KitchenAid to inquire about this issue. I spoke with a customer service representative named Dana and explained that I had learned about XRF testing of the kitchenaid attachments that revealed lead. She informed me that KitchenAid is aware of your article, that they do their own testing, and that this was “misinformation”. She then said as a courtesy to customers with a concern they are willing to offer a 20% discount on new stainless steel accessories. That would equate to a charge of roughly $28 a piece for the attachments. I declined the offer. I just wanted you and your readers to be aware that KitchenAid is apparently now informing its sales representatives that your testing is not valid. I didn’t have it in me to get into an argument with her, so I just ended the call. Really disappointing response in light of what your other readers were getting earlier this month – sounds like KitchenAid is circling the wagons to defend itself against your findings…
Is it possible to get another organization to back up your findings, so this information is coming from more than one source – like Good Housekeeping, UL Labs, Consumer Reports or others? It would add weight to your findings and weaken their defenses.
I have a 2021 Artisan, and I am not in the mood for an argument with them – although I will try. Companies of this caliber should stand behind their products.
Hi LeeAnn,
While I appreciate the sentiment I don’t believe I need another organization to back up my findings. I have been responsible for three CPSC violation recalls this year. I have won two awards from the Federal Government for my work and my work has been highlighted in almost every major news outlet. I was also a guest speaker at Stanford University this year. Oftentimes other organizations take my work and use it as a springboard for their inquiries so that’s possible, but I don’t know anyone looking into this particular concern since (technically) KitchenAid has not broken the law.
Consumer Reports is doing a full story about my work. I believe that was supposed to come out this month but I recently spoke with the journalist and I think it may now be in next month’s printed issue (which is the March printed issue – and should come out online in January.)
Here’s my recent press page (if it helps to share that):
https://tamararubin.com/press/
Folks can subscribe to my newsletter (the subscribe link is in the menu at the top of the page under the “participate” tab) if they want the latest updates on the KitchenAid saga as it unfolds. My next step with this is to report KitchenAid for CPSC violations based on their marketing materials which showcase images of children using their Lead-contaminated products.
Tamara
Are you ever going to test made in stainless or All Clad pans or will you continue to ignore us and test very random and specific items that no one uses? What exactly is the fund that people pay you used for? Im guessing you’re only willing to test and show results to brands that are give you affiliate money? You dont actually care do you.
Hi Josh. Nice to meet you. I am a mother of acutely Lead poisoned children and I run a small business that does community collaborative consumer goods testing. I test what readers send me to test and when I report on these things (especially when I find toxicants in them) I incur significant personal liability as companies often threaten to go after me in response to my test results.
Here’s the post about the business model here:
https://tamararubin.com/2021/04/what-kind-of-business-is-lead-safe-mama-llc/
Here’s the post about how to send something in for testing:
https://tamararubin.com/2019/08/tamara-can-i-send-you-one-of-my-dishes-to-test-for-lead/
This piece has a little more about how things work:
https://tamararubin.com/2022/05/why-i-do-the-consumer-goods-testing-i-do-why-you-cannot-do-this-at-home/
Almost everything on the website with test results is either items sent in by readers for testing (readers who also help cover the cost of the testing) OR items that have been requested by many people and then a group of people chip in to help buy the item so I can test it and report on it.
Since the items are sent in by readers – they are in fact items that people use (normally every day in their homes.)
This video shows how to search the website (it may be helpful if you are new here);
https://tamararubin.com/2022/05/how-to-use-the-lead-safe-mama-website-video/
This is my overview post on Stainless Steel which has many considerations that may be of interest to you:
https://tamararubin.com/2022/08/why-do-some-stainless-steel-cookware-items-have-a-prop-65-warning-isnt-stainless-steel-non-toxic/
This is my overview post on how to choose a safer pan, which also may be of interest in terms of purchasing guidelines:
https://tamararubin.com/2021/01/i-want-to-buy-some-nontoxic-cookware-which-pots-pans-are-the-safest-for-cooking-which-pots-pans-are-the-least-toxic/
Thanks for commenting.
Tamara
Just went to KItchenaids website. Seems that they took what should have been a consequence selling poison, and turned it into a windfall you cannot even buy a replacement paddle they are sold out! I get it on the consumer end…you don’t want to poison your family, the mixer was a huge investment, so buy the replacement to make the best of a bad situation, but it does reward a company that clearly knew they were literally feeding their customers lead! So frustrating! I am not sure what I will do. Like many I am heavily invested in Kitchenaid….it was the first thing we saved for, and then for years I would get an attachment each Christmas. I feel duped
I completely agree! It took us YEARS to be able to buy the mixer! Now I have to REPLACE all of the attachments?! So WHICH meals do we skip to be able to afford that?! I am beyond ANGRY!!
Hi there, I also have a KitchenAid mixer that is over 20 years old. I was very disappointed to read that there is lead in the paddles. I called, shared the information regarding the presence of lead, and received similar responses as were shared above. I asked for stainless steel paddles and the customer service rep after speaking to her manager was only able to offer 20% off an new set. I am very disappointed with this companies response. Thank you Tamara for sharing this information. Many people bake for their children and families using this product and it is upsetting that the company is not doing more to change this situation.
On 1/3/2022, I contacted KitchenAid about my Lift-stand Pro 600 attachments (purchased with the mixer in 2014). I was on hold for over an hour before getting to a representative. The rep noted my concern on my file registration and stated they do not have stainless steel attachments for the 6 quart models.
I called KitchenAid today and after being on hold for 1- 1/2 hours I was read the statement she would stop and then she said it was false information on the internet that one person started and that it was not true and the person was being investigated. I talk her I was recording the conversation and she said that recording KitchenAid was not allow. She offered 20% new products. I told her I would wAit for the lawsuit to come out then
Hi,
Thank you Tamara for bringing this important discussion to us. This is a product that has been on bridal registries for years and has been passed down to loved ones. It is sad that such a trusted brand would prove to not be worthy of that trust.
I just called KA. They do not make a stainless steel paddle for the bowl lift K5 SS Model. Very disappointing and renders my KA mixer essentially useless as the paddle is the accessory I use the most. Does anyone know of a stainless steel replacement for this model made by another manufacturer?
Is there any way to coat it, diy style to make it safe to use?
Have a great day everyone!
Same here. Very disappointed with KitchenAid. They said third party results are not verified. Offered 20 % off SS replacement set. One thing we know for sure, especially after the past few years, the government agencies are not looking after our best interest or health. We must question everything.
Keep me posted on class action.
I tested my attachments and they were lead free.
To the commenters, I suggest testing yours first before you spend the money replacing something that is fine.
Do your own research (i.e. testing) before doing anything.
Hi Sarah – the home test kits don’t work for most consumer goods They were designed to work specifically on Lead paint. Additionally they have a low threshold of detection 600 ppm and many of the attachments are positive for 300, 400 or 500 ppm – so even if they did work on consumer goods they would not show a positive on many of the paddles as they are not sensitive enough,
T
KitchenAid is calling this all “misinformation” and are not offering free replacements. Several friends and I have tried this and it does not work any longer. They are claiming Tamra Rubin’s article to be incorrect and offered me 20% off new replacements, If it makes me feel better. Dana from Arkansas was not helpful at all on the KitchenAid line and when I ask for a manager I held for about 10 minutes, add that to the 35 minutes prior to get someone to pick up in the first place, and she came back and said the manager would not speak to me plus, I needed my KitchenAid model and serial number, which is on the box or on the side or bottom. I asked her to please hold on for a few minutes and she told me she would not hold on any longer than two minutes, even though I held for 45 minutes for them. Even if kitchen aid is completely safe and there is no lead in their attachments. I am never using this crap company’s appliances again because of this . Since the originally suggested instructions do not work, does anyone have any solutions? This is a dead end now, unless you want to purchase from KitchenAid, which I will NOT.
Thank you for commenting. I wanted to make sure you also saw this response I wrote:
https://tamararubin.com/2022/12/deconstructing-kitchenaids-greenwashed-response-to-the-findings-of-lead-in-their-stand-mixer-attachments/
Tamara
Amazing response, Tamara – and equally horrifying counter-response on their part. Thank you. So I suppose they are refusing to replace these at this point?
I just called Kitchen Aid. My stand mixer model does not have a stainless upgrade available. I noted that I would not be able to use my unit. The representative offered me 20% off a unit that was not on sale. Furthermore, she repeatedly said that they meet federal guidelines and the accessories are safe for my family. I responded that there is no safe level of lead. She repeated they are safe for my family. There goes $500.
What model do you have? I just got the KV25GOXSL for Christmas. Have not used yet, and wonder if I should return it?
Yes! Return it. If I could I would.
Hi Tamara!
Thank you for this article. I called today and spoke with Josh and told him my concerns. He was very nice but, ultimately they only offered to replace my paddle to the stainless steel one bc I told them it literally had a chip in it. Smh. I’m so upset, as i use my mixer frequently! But I’m glad I at least got my paddle replaced and my mixer registered. Good luck to anyone else out there trying to get some answers or help!
Called kitchen aid about the lead, I was told because my unit was older than 15 yrs and didn’t have a serial number I would have to call hobart about the unit.
Hobart corp said had nothing to do with kitchen aid, that was another hobart company. Called kitcenaid back and they confirmed that the hobart company was closed. They also said since my unitvwas older than 15 yrs without a serial number they could not help me.
Question, are attachments that are listed as dishwasher safe likely to be lead-free? Stainless instead of aluminum? Or could there be contaminated aluminum under a coating?
Sent hours on hold, and never was connected to a KAid associate. The on-line chat was no help at all. Discusted!!
Hello,
After an hour on hold, I was given the same information about the safety of the product, and was also told that since my model was discontinued, there are no stainless parts available, and instead was offered a discount on a new mixer. No thank you- I would rather go completely old school and use my hands instead of this!
What is the website to get replacements for our cast aluminum lead contaminated items? I scoured this post and didn’t see the place to request non contaminated items
You have to call kitchen aid
There are trace amounts of potentially dangerous minerals and chemicals in nearly everything, the question I have is how much of it is transferred to the consumer. The flour in your batter is the worst part, or perhaps the milk.
Have you seen how the metal particulates from the burnished paddles leave gray streaks in the batter? I don’t think it has been studied (in terms of the level of contamination) but the level of lead transferred is not likely to be insignificant given there is visible contamination of the food.
t
I was on hold for 53 minutes and someone came on and hung up on me. I called back, still on hold for 12 mins so far, tried going on the website and every time I filled out a chat they asked me for $5 for a chat answer. Is this worth pursuing? My mixer is over 10 years old. Is it safe to use as is, The paint is not wearing off except on he top rim.
As of today, I just called the number you said was their specific number for this concern and I waited 41 minutes and when the lady finally picked up she gave me a different number to call. (800)857-6320 which answers as “meijer and hesting” companies. The woman (at the whirlpool number you gave) said she doesn’t do anything with the stainless replacements. The number she gave me said all their reps were at a training that day and I should go to their website to look for the answers to my questions and then it hung up. So infuriating!
i have gotten a kitchenaid for christmas just heard i have lead parts what do i do
Return it
I just called and they denied any issue. The rep tried to tell me a story about how they have been in business 110 years using the same materials – bc that makes me feel better . I finally got a supervisor (this was after 2 holds of at least 20
Min each) and she told me the lead was within safe limits. When I told her there are no safe levels of lead in products she stumbled and said she would not be offering anything to me. What
Other recourse do we have? I’m in Canada and I don’t feel safe using this product !
I am very concerned: I was recently diagnosed with the genetic version of Early Onset Alzheimer’s. My grandmother did almost all cooking from scratch and had a beautiful old kitchenaide which I was given until I eventually gave away and got a new one about 11 years ago. I do a lot of cooking from scratch.
One of my sister’s has a kitchenaide, she does the same. her husband was diagnosed with Parkensons a few years ago.
my mom, grandmother, most of mom’s siblings also have Alzheimer’s. though genetic, lead in products, especially in the everyday consumed certainly speeds up the timeline for those above, including all Dementia forms, regardless of genetics.
it is frustrating when, as a consumer, you are trying your very best to protect those you love and yourself by eating as clean and fresh as possible, only to find that this is a loaded gun waiting quietly.
I wish this on no one. educate. share. demand action. clarity without compromising over accepting tiny warning stickers as ok for them to slide through red tape in not protecting us, and future generations. ask for proof, written, not just someone trying to put our fires on the other end of the phone.
these are our families! they must back up their words to earn our trust!!!
Thank you for taking the time to comment Karen!
T
I tried emailing using CountertopCollectionsUSA@kitchenaid.com and it is not working. I then tried https://www.kitchenaid.com/resources/contact-us.html and noticed the terms and conditions say that by using this way of correspondence you are basically agreeing not to sue.
“THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A CLASS ACTION/JURY TRIAL WAIVER PROVISION. EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS PROVISION WAIVES YOUR RIGHT TO USE JURY TRIALS OR CLASS ACTIONS. BY ACCEPTING THESE TERMS, YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE TO BE BOUND BY AND ABIDE BY THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE CLASS ACTION/JURY TRIAL WAIVER PROVISION. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MAY NOT ACCESS OR USE, AND MUST IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE ANY AND ALL USE OF, THE SERVICES.”
They know their number is up!
Oh that’s MESSED UP! Thank you for sharing that!
– T
Wow. What an awful company
If anyone has a KitchenAid 5/6 Qt bowl lift mixer, KitchenAid does not make stainless steel paddle, dough hook or whisk to fit it. I called KitchenAid this morning to confirm after I could not find any stainless steel attachments on their website for my mixer.
Do you recommend I get rid of these attachments? I received them as a gift in 2009. I also have the ice cream maker attachement.
As suggested, I emailed the countertop address last month and finally got a reply about a month later. Basically, they aren’t going to do anything. I did find it interesting that they don’t deny there being lead in their products. Email was as follows:
“Thank you for choosing KitchenAid and allowing us the opportunity to respond to your inquiry. Your email is extremely important to us and we would like to apologize for any delays in responding. We are working diligently to respond to all of our customers, and we regret any inconvenience.
Throughout our 111-year history, Whirlpool Corporation has been committed to providing safe products for our consumers. The company’s aluminum alloy stand mixer accessories, including beaters, dough hooks, and whisks, are tested through a third-party, independent laboratory to ensure they comply with all applicable regulations in the locations where they are sold regarding lead content. They are safe for any family’s cooking needs. In addition, all current models of aluminum stand mixer accessories have a food-safe coating over the aluminum that is tested both for lead content and lead migration to ensure that it is safe for all consumers.
There is no recall on the Kitchen-Aid stand mixers. I would recommend contacting us at KitchenAid Customer eXperience Center by calling 1-800-541- 6390. For your convenience, we are available between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday (EST).
It was my absolute pleasure to assist you today. We appreciate you contacting us and being a part of our KitchenAid Family, have a great rest of your day!”
Well…after being a very loyal kitchenaid customer-two complete kitchen remodels with built in and wood paneled appliances- refrigerators, wine coolers, dishwashers. Double convection wall ovens, convection microwave vent hood, you name it. Also have a blender, toaster oven and mixer to name a few. My blender has faded and the black gasget the jar sits on broke last year. They would not sell me a gasket and said I could have 20% off a new one-right. So, I am sure you would not be surprised to hear the same thing today with their small appliance call center. I asked why I would pay them to replace defective parts, when I could easily go to bed bath nd beyond to get a better price and 20% off. By the way – the appliance dealer replaced the blender gasket for about $10. It’s still ugly and faded pink, but it works. Any suggestions for the mixer parts? Thank you very much!
I just called the customer service and after much explaining how it was wrong for me to have to pay 99 dollars for attachments to replace their toxic attachments that have lead in them (which they of course denied)….the best they gave me was 20 percent off. I will never buy another Kitchen Aid item again. Guess I will have to pay or live without my chocolate chip cookies. -such a scam you got going Kitchen Aid. Shame on them.
Are the new attachments made with a different material?
My daughter-in-law and I signed petition and she jumped thru customer service hoops only to be informed that they are not offering replacements as there is no recall for KitchenAid paddle set. I would rather buy her a new mixer than pay any sum to Kitchenaid for replacement parts! Do you have recomendation for another stand mixer from a scrupulous company?