Kitchen Aid Mixer Mess!

mtngirl012 · ‎02-15-2016

I am a new owner of a Kitchen Aid mixer. While making cookies, does anyone else find it makes a huge mess even on low when you gradually add dry ingredients to the bowl? What am I doing wrong? Help! I'm about ready to go back to my little hand held mixer I've used for years!

MathisFan · ‎04-06-2010

I've never had that problem with my Kitchen Aid. Can't imagine what the problem could be. Some else, more knowledgeable than I am, may be able to help.

I do, however, have that problem with my Cuisinart hand mixer I purchased. Drives me crazy! I think I'm going to invest in a Kitchen Aid hand mixer.

Brooklynny · ‎07-08-2010

I haven't had that problem at all, and I often make pizza dough which is all flour and very little liquid. I use the dough hook in the large 4.5 quart glass bowl and mix on the lowest speed first, then as the flour and water start to come together, I go up one speed to #2. The highest speed I use for dough is #3, and that's to knead the dough for a minute or two. I know this is different from making cookie dough, but I've never had any flour spill out. Are you perhaps adding too much flour at one time? I made cookies for the Christmas holidays, and I added flour about 1/4 cup at a time with no problem. Perhaps some other posters can chime in with a few hints for you, but you can also purchase the bowl guard that will help keep your dry ingredients contained. By the way, I love love love my KitchenAid and wouldn't give it up for the world!

AspenGrove · ‎08-27-2013

I only had that problem once, but it was my fault because I had the mixer speed turned up high. When I am using the lowest speed, I've never had that happen. However, you might consider getting and using this pouring shield. It came free with my mixer, and I've used it once or twice when I remember I have it—hah! It's actually a great attachment. Nothing can possibly spill out of the mixer when you have it on and it's very easy to add dry ingrdients that way.

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

@mtngirl012 wrote:
I am a new owner of a Kitchen Aid mixer. While making cookies, does anyone else find it makes a huge mess even on low when you gradually add dry ingredients to the bowl? What am I doing wrong? Help! I'm about ready to go back to my little hand held mixer I've used for years!

Oh I hear ya! I have only had mine for a couple years and was POOFED by flour more times than I can count! It happened ALL the time.

My answers were to purchase the Pouring Shield K122794

Only add the dry ingredients on the lowest speed

And only tap, tap, tap very small amounts in at a time.

It has helped tremendously but every once in a while....poof!

I absolutely love my KA and can't believe I wait so many years to get one. Still a lifetime fab purchase I never want to be without again!

Fressa · ‎03-20-2012

I never had that problem with my mixer. I have a pour shield that came with my mixer (but you can purchase seperately) and it makes adding ingrediants a cinch. You don't have to remember to check you speed. (I'm still being teashed about the flying mashed potatoes incident from my beginner days) Find what is comfortable for you....turn the mixer off and add the ingrediants, use a pour shield or consider a larger size bowl. (if it will fit your mixer) The one model of Kitchenaid mixer that I had came with two bowls--one was lower and wider( for wihipping cream, etc.) the other had really hight sides to it. This makes a big difference in your ease of operation. Good Luck!

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

@mtngirl012

I recall creating a mess or two back in the days when I enjoyed making cakes and cookies. My solution was to first try to gradually fold or stir in the dry ingredients by hand with a spatula or big spoon, until they got moistened enough to work well with the beaters.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I would guess you are dumping in too much of the dry ingredients at once. Try shaking it in a little at a time until it is moistened.

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

although I have the pour shield with my lift style KA -- I learned this trick from Martha Stewart so this doesn't happen.

I buy my parchment paper in sheets (at restaurants supply store) -- the trick is to take the sheet fold in half and "pour the flour" slowly into the bowl.

Plus, when adding dry ingredients the mixer should be on "lowest" speed to mix. The reason is not only flour mess but over mixing the dough to incorporate the flour causes it to be over mixed yielding chewy cookies(or thin) due to overworking the gluten in the flour.

Ive used this method for years and no mess perfect cookies everytime!

Hope this helps!

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

@novamc1 wrote:
@mtngirl012

I recall creating a mess or two back in the days when I enjoyed making cakes and cookies. My solution was to first try to gradually fold or stir in the dry ingredients by hand with a spatula or big spoon, until they got moistened enough to work well with the beaters.

Excellent suggestion @novamc1

Thanks!