stand mixer

Are KitchenAid Mixer Bowls Interchangeable?

Courtesy of KitchenAid brand, you can enjoy a wide variety of bowl options that offer a fine selection of colours, patterns and materials. While shopping for the bowl that best matches your tastes can be fun, it’s always good to take a step back and to ask yourself, are all KitchenAid(R) mixer bowls interchangeable? 

In short, the answer is that not all mixer bowls fit all stand mixer models. Generally, bowls can fit one of three basic stand mixer models: bowl-lift, tilt-head or mini tilt-head, and are not interchangeable.

There are still many interchangeable bowl options within each type of stand mixer model. Choose from a variety of capacities, materials that include glass, stainless steel and ceramic in addition to other features like pour spouts.

PRO TIP

Full-sized tilt-head mixers offer the most interchangeable KitchenAid® mixer bowls.

Keep in mind that certain bowls, like the glass bowl that comes with some bowl-lift stand mixers, include special, non-standard beater accessories. If you exchange these bowls for standard stainless steel bowls, you’ll also require a standard beater accessory, which is sold separately, to fit.

PRO TIP

Prior to purchasing a stand mixer bowl, refer to the product details to double check that it’s compatible with your specific stand mixer.

Included with Purchase Purchased Separately Materials Available
Bowl-Lift 5-7 quarts 3-7 quarts Stainless, Glass
Tile-Head 3-5 quarts 3-5 quarts Stainless, Glass, Ceramic
Mini Tilt-Head 3-5 quarts N/A Stainless, Glass
A KitchenAid Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. On the counter is a cake dish with a cake that is missing a piece, a plate with a slice of cake, a sugar jar, an utensils container and a cutting board with sliced peaches, a honey comb and blackberries A KitchenAid Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. On the counter is a cake dish with a cake that is missing a piece, a plate with a slice of cake, a sugar jar, an utensils container and a cutting board with sliced peaches, a honey comb and blackberries

BOWL-LIFT STAND MIXER BOWLS 
Bowl-lift mixing bowls work by connecting to the arms situated at the stand mixer’s base. A lever lifts them into the proper mixing position. 

The 7 quart mixing bowl offers the most capacity for a non-commercial mixing bowl size that’s suitable for KitchenAid® bowl-lift stand mixers. To give you an idea of its size, it’s big enough to make 14 dozen cookies at the same time. The smallest bowl available for this model is a 3 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl & Combi-Whip. Its capacity makes it ideal for making smaller quantities or to perform tasks like whipping eggs. 5 and 6 quart (4.7L and 5.6L) bowls are also available. 

Why not start by purchasing a bowl-lift stand mixer that comes with bowls that are sized 5–7 quarts (4.7L-6.6L)? You can also purchase a 3 quart bowl separately and/or additional 5–7 quart(4.7L-6.6L) bowls in both stainless steel and glass.  

Remember, non-standard bowl sizes are not always compatible with the standard mixer accessories that are included with the appliance. This means that the 3 Quart (2.8 L) Stainless Steel Bowl & Combi-Whip will not be compatible with other stand mixer bowls and accessories. Always ensure that the accessories you purchase are compatible with your bowl.

Someone garnishes cupcakes with blackberries. Next to them is a KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with pink frosting in the bowl. On the counter is a container of flour, a sifter with flour and a bowl of blackberries Someone garnishes cupcakes with blackberries. Next to them is a KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with pink frosting in the bowl. On the counter is a container of flour, a sifter with flour and a bowl of blackberries

TILT-HEAD STAND MIXER BOWLS
Tilt-head stand mixer bowls are not interchangeable with bowl-lift models. To attach a tilt-head stand mixer bowls, all you need to do is twist it onto the mixer’s base. Full-sized tilt-head stand mixers offer a wide array of interchangeable bowls. Choose from 20 options that are 3–5 quart (2.8L-4.7L) in capacity. 5 quart (4.7L) bowls are available in the following materials: stainless steel, glass or various ceramic options. The smallest bowl from KitchenAid® is a 3 quart polished stainless bowl.

The Artisan® Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is light and compact without having to sacrifice the same power as the full-sized KitchenAid® tilt-head stand mixers. This is an excellent choice if you find that you mostly cook and bake in smaller quantities. Mini stand mixers are available with 3.5 quart (3.3L)capacity bowls in brushed stainless or polished stainless with a handle. You cannot purchase separate bowls for the mini at this time.

MULTIPLE STAND MIXER BOWLS

Mixer bowls in different sizes or materials actually serve different purposes. Having multiple stand mixer bowls can help you multitask your way through challenging recipes that feature many steps. 

For instance, to complete your desserts with fresh whipped cream, consider keeping a 3 quart stainless steel bowl in the freezer as you use a 5 quart clear glass bowl to measure ingredients to prepare your entrée.

Three KitchenAid Mixer Bowls Three KitchenAid Mixer Bowls
PRO TIP

Using multiple bowls can reduce the need to transfer ingredients from one bowl to another or have to wash a bowl in between steps.

Don’t forget that you can personalize your stand mixer’s appearance, or modernize the look of one that’s been passed down to you. You can do this by selecting a mixer bowl in a pattern, colour or finish that speaks to you.

A KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Next to it  are an onion, a hanging net of onions and some rocks. A KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Next to it  are an onion, a hanging net of onions and some rocks.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KITCHENAID® MIXER GLASS BOWLS AND STAINLESS STEEL OR CERAMIC

Some differences to note between KitchenAid® glass, stainless steel and ceramic mixer bowls are their appearance and function. 

Stainless steel is lightweight and ideal for chilling. Glass is designed to help you monitor your mix. Then there is ceramic, which is oven-safe up to 450℉ (232 C). Keep reading to learn more about these stand mixer bowl options.

KITCHENAID® STAINLESS STEEL MIXER BOWLS
KitchenAid® stainless steel mixer bowls are available in sizes that range from 3–7 quarts (2.8L-6.6L). These bowls are lightweight and can conduct cold and heat more efficiently than glass or ceramic bowls.

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Stainless Steel Mixer Bowl A KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Stainless Steel Mixer Bowl
PRO TIP

Stainless steel mixer bowls are available for both bowl-lift and tilt-head stand mixers.

You can go with a mixer bowl without handles if you appreciate easy storage. You could also go for a stainless steel mixer bowl with a handle to avoid spillage when transferring the contents of the bowl. The tilt-head stainless steel bowls are available in radiant gold, radiant copper and colorfast finishes like matte dried rose. Or you could opt for a stainless colour, which is available with finishes such as quilted, polished, hammered and brushed.

KITCHENAID® CERAMIC MIXER BOWLS
Ceramic bowls, available only for full-sized tilt-head stand mixers, are offered in a range of vibrant colours and designs including fired clay, black shell and white gardenia

The exterior beauty of these bowls matches their utility and functionality. The artistry of their design makes them display worthy as part of your countertop stand mixer. You can even add a personal touch via multiple bowl options.

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Ceramic Mixer Bowl A KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Ceramic Mixer Bowl
PRO TIP

KitchenAid® ceramic mixer bowls are safe for the freezer, microwave or the oven up to a temperature of 450℉. [232C]

KITCHENAID® GLASS MIXER BOWLS
Glass stand mixer bowls are available for both tilt-head and bowl-lift stand mixers. They range in size from 3.5 to 6 quarts (3.3L to 5.6L). The transparent material acts as a viewfinder that lets you monitor your mixing progress. 

Some models have a lid, allowing you to store your mixes right in the bowl. Select KitchenAid® glass bowls let you conveniently measure ingredients in the bowl. You can also transport your tilt-head glass mixer from your microwave to your stand mixer with ease. 

Furthermore, using glass as the primary material adds a touch of class.

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Glass Mixer Bowl A KitchenAid Stand Mixer with a Glass Mixer Bowl

UNSURE WHICH STAND MIXER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Use this KitchenAid® Stand Mixer Finder Tool to create your ideal combination of colour, bowl and attachments—you can even put your unique stamp on it by adding a free engraving.

KITCHENAID® MIXING BOWLS: ARE THEY DISHWASHER AND MICROWAVE SAFE?

Another benefit of all KitchenAid® stand mixer bowls are that they are safe for dishwashers. The tilt-head stand mixer glass and ceramic bowls are also microwave safe, meaning you can use them to melt butter or soften chocolate. Ceramic mixer bowls are safe for proving drawer or the oven up to a temperature of 450℉ (232 C). If you want to chill ingredients in the freezer before mixing, your best bet is either a stainless steel or ceramic mixer bowl.

PRO TIP

The bowl-lift glass bowls have a metal trim band, which makes them unsafe for use in a microwave.

Kitchenaid® Stand Mixer Bowl Material
Safe for use in: Stainless Glass Ceramic
Dishwasher
Freezer
Microwave
Overn (up to 450°F)

TYPES OF MIXING BOWL OPTIONS

KitchenAid® mixer bowls let you create while helping you through the cooking or baking process.

STAND MIXER BOWL OPTIONS MAY INCLUDE:

  • Measurement lines 
  • Lids that allow for easy storage
  • Spouts designed for accurate pouring
  • Handles that make carrying and pouring comfortable
  • Designs and patterns that include holiday sweater cross stitch, white gardenia and more.

Not every option is available for every KitchenAid® mixer bowl. Peruse our full lineup to discover the right size, style and features for your tastes and cooking needs.