April 16, 2011 - 6:40am
Hobart K45SS
I have a co-worker that has a KA Hobart K45SS she wants to get rid of but has no idea what would be a fair price. I was contemplating buying it for my 23 YO daughter. It is in excellent condition with attachments.
My daughter is mostly interested in using it for cup cakes, cookies, cakes, etc. That doesn't mean she will never do an occasional loaf of bread, pizza crust, or rolls. Would I be better off passing even if this is truly in the excellent condition she is touting? Also, are parts available for future repairs?
What should I be looking for when I check it out? I have never considered buying a used mixer before but I have read they were better made when owned by Hobart. Thanks. Terry R
Share
these earlier Hobart made mixers are workhorses. parts are available. I doubt it is worn out- turn it on and absent strange noises, you are fine. I have the comparable 5 quart model (K5SS) bought in 1989 and it it still going strong. Price then for mine was $269 so guessing the 45ss was $239 when bought brand new.
If I didn't have one I would buy it in a heart beat given the new ones are vastly inferior to those made in the early days - use the search box and you will find much info - mostly negative on the newer models (past 10 or so years) - and solid positive reputation for the earlier models...
Good luck, not sure what the price should be but you will likely work that out...
see this link for parts. Per my prices above, knock $30 off of each - my receipt was hard to read and the price guidance above included a $30 attachment/grinder, thus deduct same for a rough sense of new cost.
http://www.mendingshed.com/kitaidparts.html
Thanks for the info on the mixer. I am checking it out today. If everything is as she describes it. I can have it for $50.
Will the same attachements you buy for the new mixers fit on this one?
yes, all attachements are standard and will fit. $50? Jump on it!
yes, all attachements are standard and will fit. $50? Jump on it!
yes, all attachements are standard and will fit. $50? Jump on it!
Picked up the mixer today. There was a brownish discoloration at the band that goes around it. My husband took the silver belly band off and it was discolored with something under it. He took a cleaner he had and got it all off. I looks like it just came out of the box now.
The bowl and all three beaters look like they have never used. Any ideas as to what the discoloration might be and will it be a problem? Sounds great and goes through all the speeds very smoothly.
Sitting on the counter it looks brand spanking new. About to put together some pizza crust for it's trial run. Thanks, Nickisafoodie.
http://artisanbreadbaking.com/ka_greasing
The brownish color is due to the grease inside coming out from the housing. the link attached shows how to take apart and replace the grease. I did it once in 22 years.
If your hubby is mechanically inclined, and he follows the link/directions, it will be as good as new. If not, the cleaning he did on the outside will buy a few years of use. So while not mandatory, it would be a good thing to do if he is up to it. Don't sweat it if not. If he does, it will be easy to see the internal gears and if there are any metal shavings. I didn't on mine, but the grease did look worn and thin compared to the new grease so I am glad I took it apart. Again I would say do it if you can, but would not worry about it if not...
Hope this helps...
Wow! What a great tutorial!!! If I didn't have a husband that is a Mr. Fixit, I almost think I could do it.
Question? Where do you get food grade grease and what is the name of it? I can't see just using it to death when a little TLC might give her many more years of use.
Thanks again. Terry R.
Per the artisanbreadbaking link above use "wheelbearing grease from NAPA or Sears. $4 a pound." Comes in a tub and is honey colored, very thick like shortening. You want grease that lubes gears the best. The grease never comes in contact with food so not to worry about food grade...
Thanks, because food grade grease doesn't seem to be readily availabe. I even called Kitchen Aid. They said the amount of grease I was describing was normal if the mixer had been unused for an extended period of time.
She told me to turn it on to speed level 10 and run it for 2 minutes to warm the oil in there and it would be fine.
I think I will go with cleaning it all out and starting fresh just to in case it will keep it working longer for her. Terry R
Be careful when making pizza dough in this mixer. Pizza dough is one of the hardest doughs for these smaller mixers.
I am not saying you can't make it, but just be careful and don't overload or overheat the motor.
I will have to remember to tell her that. I have a recipe book from KA that came with my KSM90 that has a pizza dough recipe I like. That model is relatively new and is 300 watt. I do make pizza dough in it.
I have three different mixers and use all of them for different things. I don't mix up bread in my KA but I do like the pizza dough I make in it. I tend to use the KA the least. I get a little frustrated with getting the ingredients in it. I like it more for dessert type things and pizza dough.
dough, just don't ever go beyond first speed; adjust your mixing times as necessary.
Here's a link to a service manual.
http://www.kitchenaidparts.be/centers/servicemanual/mixer.pdf