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Here are the most frequently asked questions from our customers about the KitchenAid 4.5qt. 300 Watt 10 Speed Mixer. Don't see an answer to your question? Post your question to this blog, below, and check back throughout the day on Sunday, March 30, 2014, to have your question answered by our KitchenAid team of experts!

Q: This mixer includes a 3-quart bowl. Can you give me some suggestions for how it can be used?

A: It is always nice to have a second bowl! Think of all the accompaniments and additional mixing steps it will allow you to do without having to stop and wash your mixing bowl: frosting for a cake, fillings, whipped cream toppings, combining all the dry ingredients; you will find it really comes in handy. And, because it is shorter and slightly smaller than the 4.5-quart bowl, it will handle those small jobs quickly and will easily fit in the top rack of your dishwasher.

Q: What attachments can I use on the Ultra Plus Stand Mixer?

A: All KitchenAid stand mixer attachments are universal and will fit any KitchenAid stand mixer. Additionally, all KitchenAid stand mixers feature a Multipurpose Attachment Hub that powers the attachments. By using the various attachments you are now able to expand the capabilities of your stand mixer. Simply remove the Hub cover, insert an attachment and convert the stand mixer into a meat and cheese grinder; fruit and vegetable slicer, shredder, strainer or juicer; pasta sheet roller, cutter, or shaper; grain mill; sausage stuffer, and many more culinary options. You can even enjoy delicious homemade ice cream and sorbets with the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker attachment. Although it is not powered through the Hub, it comes with an adapter that enables it to be used on all KitchenAid stand mixers. All attachments come with a Use & Care Guide. KitchenAid attachments can also be purchased from the KitchenAid Brand Shop on QVC.com.

Q: What is the Flex Edge Beater and what does it do?

A: The Flex Edge Beater is a coated metal beater with a flexible edge. It provides more thorough and faster ingredient incorporation. It is perfect for any recipe that states "stop and scrape the bowl". It also makes an excellent tool to wipe the bowl clean when pouring finished batters.

Q: How will I know when to use the Flex Edge Beater versus the flat beater with my recipe?

A: The easiest way to decide which beater to use is to read through the recipe and if the directions read "stop and scrape the mixing bowl" that recipe is a candidate for the Flex Edge Beater. The Flex Edge does the best job on foods that tend to stick and/or collect to the sides of the mixing bowl, like cream cheese, butter, nut butters, and honey. Use the Flex Edge for end products that would be described as "creamy" and "silky".

The flat beater works well for foods that have texture. Mashed potatoes that are smooth but not gummy, quiche, vegetable casseroles, and many quick breads are all good choices for the flat beater. Use the flat beater when cutting a solid fat-like lard, shortening, or butter into flour. The fat encapsulated by the flour needs to retain its structure to produce the flaky texture so desired in items like pie crusts, biscuits, scones, and shortbread.

Remember that the flat beater can do the work of any Flex Edge recipe, but the Flex Edge saves you the labor and time of having to stop and scrape the bowl.

Q: Is the Flex Edge Beater dishwasher-safe?

A: Yes, it is the first and only coated metal flexible beater that will last for many years and is dishwasher-safe.

Q: Are the burnished beaters and wire-whip dishwasher-safe?

A: No. Handwashing only is recommended for the burnished flat beater, dough hook, and 6-wire whip.

Q: What is the advantage of a pour shield?

A: The see-through, one-piece pour shield helps prevent splash-outs and makes it easier than ever to add ingredients. The pour shield is top-rack dishwasher-safe.

Information provided by KitchenAid.