8 KitchenAid Mixer Attachments & Accessories Worth Buying—And 4 That Aren’t

Minimize the amount of scraping-down-the-sides-of-the-bowl that you do with this wonder attachment. I’ve loved it for all kinds of batters and doughs, as it seems to mix them both more thoroughly and with less effort overall. I will note, however, that while it has a one-year warranty, after about four years, the silicone edge started to crack on mine. But that’s after almost weekly use for years—many of my silicone spatulas break down faster than that.

If you bake regularly, it’s so helpful to have a second bowl on hand, just so you don’t have to wash and dry it between each use (like making cake batter and frosting ahead of a big birthday party, for example). This one, in particular, is my absolute favorite for practical purposes—it’s got a pouring spout, is dishwasher safe, and you can easily see the measurement markings along the side, making it all the easier to whip up a recipe without dirtying a ton of measuring cups. (Though for intense baking projects you may want to whip out the scale and weigh your dry goods, I know. But fellow lazy bakers, rejoice! This shortcut exists!)

Plus, this style is compatible with all 4.5- and 5-quart mixers, and it comes with a lid.

Your kitchen counter has enough clutter on it, and taking the bowl off your KitchenAid mixer to unwrap its power cord to plug it in every time you use it gets old, fast (or at least it did for me). At $9, this four-pack is an affordable solution you can share with a few friends—or apply to other gadgets in your home to feel Marie Kondo-caliber organized.

First, a caveat: If you aren’t really into pasta, nor do you have such aspirations, keep scrolling. However, if a really great Italian dinner is your love language, and you’re all about hosting Sunday suppers, then this set will streamline your pasta making. It is incredibly reliable and fairly easy to use (so much so that some friends let their elementary school-aged kids help use it).

Oh, and if you’re a sourdough bread baker, consider this the next evolution in your dough game—after all, sourdough pasta is one of this year’s hottest food trends.

In terms of meal prep tools, I was torn between the Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder and the full-blown food processor attachment ($150). Ultimately, price, day-to-day use and overall reviews shifted the scales in the slicer/shredder’s favor. While it can’t chop and dice veggies, it excels at slicing, shredding and grating them, and is less terrifying (at least to me) than using a mandoline. Latkes, carrot cakes, zucchini lasagna—they’re just a few of the dishes that are about to get so much easier for you to make.

I hemmed and hawed over this one, because I have been burned by ice cream makers before, but I’ve been assured that KitchenAid’s is actually legit. The heavily insulated walls allow you to make an entire half-gallon of ice cream at a time—and in 30 minutes, when the ice cream mixture is already chilled. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need significant freezer space to chill this bowl (not to mention cabinet space, when it’s not in use). So keep that in mind—and how often you’ll realistically make ice cream—before clicking add to cart. But hey, this could be the start of your Ben & Jerry era…

Your Mom was right: Looks aren’t everything. But when it comes to your mixer, you deserve a gorgeous bowl that complements that custom color you chose and turns the gadget into the showpiece of your kitchen. So, if you don’t opt for the glass bowl but still need a spare (or maybe a third bowl, because you’re that serious of a baker), might I tempt you with this coppery-gold beauty? Or a hammered stainless steel one?

Granted, you’ll need to measure your cabinets first, but if yours ranges from 12 inches to 24 inches, this may be the best investment in your kitchen you make all decade. This little lift stores your stand mixer in the lower cabinet, and when you need it, you just pull and lift up the little shelf, and suddenly, it’s counter height—without taking up any counter space. Soft-close dampeners let it rise and retract slowly and smoothly, and while I haven’t tried it personally, I’m very tempted after poring over the 144 five-star reviews (and despite the eight one-star ones). 

It’s the gift someone who doesn’t bake buys for a baker around the holidays. It’s a cool gadget, but you know what’s just as effective? Blasting the whisk with hot water. Batters and whipped cream melt away quickly enough, and in my experience, this just becomes one more thing to wash.

But if you must try it: $19 at Amazon

Let’s be honest: Do you really make zoodles (or sweet potat-oodles) often enough to drop $130 on this? When a handheld spiralizer takes up less space and costs just $18? I rest my case.

But if you must try it: $130; $80 at Amazon

Unless you are making your own OJ fresh every single morning, a handheld juicer will work just fine—and cost less and take up less space. I promise.

But if you must try it: $28 at Amazon

To be fair, the KitchenAid food grinder has an incredible reputation for how well it grinds meat and how durable it is. If you are a hunter or burger-making purist who truly loves cooking from scratch, move this to the “worth it” column. But for most home cooks, the novelty far outpaces the frequency of use.

But if you must try it: $100; $80 at Amazon