6 models in this file
Kitchen Aid Mixers With Attachments: Build Your Setup
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KitchenAid’s tilt-head stand mixers are built around a front power hub that turns the mixer’s motor into the engine for a whole kit of attachments. That makes the brand unusually useful in a small kitchen, a tiny house or a vacation cabin: instead of a separate food processor, pasta machine and meat grinder crowding the counter, one mixer and a few attachments that store in their own cases can cover most of those jobs.
This lineup pairs two 4.5-quart tilt-head mixers, the KSM85 and the Classic Series K45SS, with four genuine KitchenAid attachments that each replace a different appliance: the Fresh Prep slicer and shredder, the pasta roller and cutter set, the food processor attachment with dicing kit, and the food grinder.
The line-up at a glance
KitchenAid Stand Mixers and Attachments Compared
| Product | Type | What It Does | Included Pieces | Cleaning or Storage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilt-Head Stand Mixer KSM85PBER | 4.5 qt mixer | Mixing, kneading, whipping; 10 speeds | Bowl, 6-wire whip, dough hook, flat beater | Not listed |
| Classic Series K45SS | 4.5 qt mixer | Mixing, kneading, whipping; 10 speeds | Stainless bowl, coated beater, coated hook, 6-wire whip | Bowl dishwasher safe |
| KSMVSA Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder | Attachment | Slicing and shredding | 3 blades, 2-in-1 food pusher, case | Blades top-rack dishwasher safe |
| KSMPRA Pasta Roller/Cutter Set | Attachment | Rolling and cutting pasta | Roller, spaghetti cutter, fettuccine cutter, brush | Hand wipe only |
| KSM2FPA Food Processor Attachment | Attachment | Dice, slice, shred, julienne | Slicing, shredding, julienne discs, dicing kit, case | Storage case |
| KSMFGA Food Grinder | Attachment | Grinding meat, cheese, bread | Grinder, tray, fine and coarse plates, pusher | Storage case |
None of these listings gives a weight or footprint for the mixers, so we compared them on bowl size, included tools and mixing design. The four attachments all fit the power hub on household KitchenAid stand mixers. We compared listings and specifications; we did not test these products ourselves.
No. 1 of 6 · Kitchen Aid
Kitchen Aid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer 4.5 Quart KSM85PBER for Thorough Mixing
9.0/10 Our score
Best for: Bakers wanting 67-point mixing coverage
What the listing says
- 10-speed slide control – from a very fast whip to a very slow stir
- Tilt-head mixer style for clear access to the beater and bowl
- Metal gears, direct drive transmission and planetary mixing action
- 67-point planetary mixing action ensures ingredients are thoroughly mixed without frequent scraping or rotating bowl
Pros
- 300 watt motor
- 67-point planetary action
- Metal gears, direct drive
- Whip, hook and beater included
Cons
- 5 qt bowl only
- Weight not listed
The Kitchen Aid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer 4.5 Quart, model KSM85PBER in Empire Red, runs a 300-watt motor with a 10-speed slide control from a fast whip to a slow stir. The listing highlights metal gears, a direct drive transmission and 67-point planetary mixing action, meaning the beater hits 67 points around the bowl so you scrape less and do not need to rotate the bowl.
It comes with a 4.5-quart bowl, a 6-wire whip, a dough hook and a flat beater. The tilt head gives clear access to the beater and bowl, and the listing lists a safety lock, removable bowl and 120-volt power. It does not specify the bowl material or whether the bowl is dishwasher safe.
This is the mixer for a baker who wants the most thorough mixing coverage in this pair. If a stainless, dishwasher-safe bowl and a stated batch size matter more, the Classic Series below is better documented. For more mixer options, see our guide to KitchenAid stand mixers.
No. 2 of 6 · Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS for a First Setup
9.8/10 Our score
Best for: First mixer for a small kitchen
What the listing says
- Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints…
- 4.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl to mix up to 8 dozen cookies in a single batch.
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl -…
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed,…
- 10 plus attachments to make more with your mixer to make everything from fresh pasta to…
- Model K455 includes (1) 4.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, (1) Coated Flat Beater, (1) Coated Dough…
Pros
- Stainless 4.5 qt bowl, dishwasher safe
- Up to 8 dozen cookies per batch
- Metal construction
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- 59 touchpoints vs 67 on KSM85
- Coated tools, not stainless
The KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, model K45SS in Onyx Black, uses durable metal construction and 59 touchpoints around the bowl. Its 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl is dishwasher safe and, per the listing, mixes up to 8 dozen cookies in one batch using the flat beater and 28 grams of dough each.
It has 10 speeds, a tilt head that locks while mixing, and comes with a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook and a 6-wire whip. The description points to the power hub for optional attachments such as food grinders and pasta makers, and it carries a 1-year limited warranty. One feature line refers to “Model K455,” which appears to be a typo for K45SS.
This suits a small kitchen building its first KitchenAid setup, especially if you want a bowl that goes in the dishwasher. The KSM85’s 67-point mixing action gives slightly more coverage than the Classic’s 59 touchpoints. For other bowl sizes, our page on the KitchenAid mixer with bowl covers alternatives.
No. 3 of 6 · Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid KSMVSA Fresh Prep Slicer and Shredder for Salads and Slaws
9.6/10 Our score
Best for: Salad and slaw prep
What the listing says
- Genuine KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment – Designed and engineered by the manufacturers of the KitchenAid Stand…
- Compatible with any KitchenAid Stand Mixer.
- Blades Included – 3mm Slicing Blade great for cucumbers, carrots, celery and zucchini; 4mm Medium Shredding…
- Slice or shred into any size bowl for just the amount you need.
- Ideal Slicing Performance, with the 2-in-1 Food Pusher for both large and small diameter fruits and…
- The attachment and included accessories pack organize inside a convenient storage case for easy access and simple storage.
Pros
- 3 blades included
- 2-in-1 food pusher
- Storage case
- Top-rack dishwasher safe blades
Cons
- No dicing or julienne
- Mixer sold separately
The KitchenAid KSMVSA Fresh Prep Slicer and Shredder is a genuine KitchenAid attachment that fits any KitchenAid stand mixer. It comes with three blades: a 3mm slicing blade for cucumbers, carrots, celery and zucchini, a 4mm medium shredding blade for cheeses and firm vegetables, and a 6mm coarse shredding blade for cabbage and potatoes.
It slices or shreds into any size bowl, and a 2-in-1 food pusher handles large and small diameter produce. Everything packs into a storage case, the blades are top-rack dishwasher safe, and it carries a 1-year warranty. It is made of plastic and stainless steel.
This is the lightest way to replace a mandoline and box grater. It does not dice or julienne; for that, the food processor attachment below goes further. See our roundup of the KitchenAid shredder attachment for stand mixers for more on this format.
No. 4 of 6 · Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid KSMPRA 3-pc Pasta Roller and Cutter Set for Fresh Pasta
8.0/10 Our score
Best for: Fresh pasta makers
What the listing says
- Genuine KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment – Designed and engineered by the manufacturers of the KitchenAid Stand…
- Powered by your KitchenAid Stand Mixer to make quick and easy work of fresh homemade pasta…
- Stainless steel rollers and cutters for consistent smooth rolling and clean cutting of pasta dough.
- Easily roll 6-inch sheets of fresh pasta, with 8 thickness settings, to achieve your desired sheet thickness.
- Use the Spaghetti Cutter attachment to cut pasta sheets into classic spaghetti noodles.
- Use the Fettuccine Cutter attachment to cut pasta sheets into hearty fettuccine noodles.
Pros
- 8 thickness settings
- Spaghetti and fettuccine cutters
- Stainless rollers and cutters
Cons
- Hand wipe only
- No storage case listed
The KitchenAid KSMPRA 3-pc Pasta Roller Cutter set turns the mixer into a pasta machine. The roller makes 6-inch sheets with 8 thickness settings, and separate spaghetti and fettuccine cutters slice those sheets into noodles. It fits all household KitchenAid stand mixers.
The rollers and cutters are stainless steel, and the set is hand wipe only, with a cleaning brush included. The listing does not mention a storage case. It carries a 1-year warranty.
This suits anyone who makes fresh pasta often enough that a standalone pasta machine would earn its shelf space. If you only need slicing and shredding, the Fresh Prep attachment is a smaller commitment.
No. 5 of 6 · Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid Food Processor Attachment with Commercial Dicing Disc for Full Prep
8.8/10 Our score
Best for: Replacing a separate food processor
What the listing says
- Dice, slice, shred or julienne a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables or cheeses
- ExactSlice system with external adjustable slicing lever always you to easily to go from thick to…
- The wide feed tube accommodates various sizes of food for less prep work
- Model KSM2FPA includes (1) slicing disc, (1) shredding disc, (1) julienne disc, (1) dicing kit, (1)…
Pros
- Dicing kit included
- ExactSlice thick-to-thin lever
- Wide feed tube
- Storage case
Cons
- Bulkiest attachment here
- Mixer sold separately
The KitchenAid Food Processor Attachment with Commercial Style Dicing Kit, model KSM2FPA, dices, slices, shreds and juliennes fruits, vegetables and cheeses. The ExactSlice system uses an external lever to move from thick to thin slices, and a wide feed tube cuts down on pre-cutting.
It includes a slicing disc, a shredding disc, a julienne disc, a dicing kit and a storage case, and the description says it works well for cauliflower rice. The warranty is listed as a 1-year hassle-free replacement.
This is the attachment that most directly replaces a separate food processor in a small kitchen. It covers more cuts than the Fresh Prep slicer, at the cost of more pieces to store. For puréeing rather than cutting, our guide to the KitchenAid food mill covers that job.
No. 6 of 6 · Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid KSMFGA Food Grinder Attachment for Burgers and Sausage
8.0/10 Our score
Best for: Burgers, sausage and bread crumbs
What the listing says
- Genuine KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment – Designed and engineered by the manufacturers of the KitchenAid Stand…
- Connect to any household KitchenAid Stand Mixer power hub and use the power of the motor…
- Fine and coarse grinding plates to create a variety of fresh, inventive foods
- Expand your creativity with the sausage stuffer kit (KSMSSA) or fruit and vegetable strainer (KSMFVSP), sold…
- The KitchenAid Food Grinder is packed and organized inside its own storage case, designed for easy storage and quick access.
- Model KSMFGA includes: (1) Food grinder, (1) Food tray, (1) Fine grinding plate, (1) Coarse grinding…
Pros
- Fine and coarse plates
- Food tray and pusher
- Storage case
Cons
- Sausage kit sold separately
- Durable plastic, not metal
The KitchenAid KSMFGA Food Grinder Attachment connects to the power hub of any household KitchenAid stand mixer. It includes the grinder, a food tray, a fine grinding plate, a coarse grinding plate and a food pusher, all packed in a storage case. The listing describes durable plastic construction.
The description suggests burgers and sausage from turkey, beef or bison, grinding hard cheese and making fresh bread crumbs. A sausage stuffer kit and a fruit and vegetable strainer are sold separately. It carries a 1-year warranty.
This suits cooks who want to grind their own meat without a dedicated grinder. It is the most specialized attachment here, so buy it after the slicing and pasta tools if you are building a setup gradually.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right KitchenAid Mixer and Attachments
Start with the mixer. Both are 4.5-quart tilt-head models with 10 speeds. The KSM85 offers 67-point planetary mixing and a 300-watt motor; the Classic Series K45SS offers a dishwasher-safe stainless bowl, 59 touchpoints and a stated 8-dozen cookie capacity.
Next, list the appliances you want to replace. The food processor attachment covers dicing, slicing, shredding and julienne. The Fresh Prep slicer covers slicing and shredding in a smaller kit. The pasta set replaces a pasta machine, and the grinder replaces a meat grinder.
Then think about storage. The Fresh Prep slicer, food processor attachment and food grinder all come with storage cases, which keeps small parts together in a cabinet. The pasta set does not list one.
Finally, consider cleanup. The Fresh Prep blades are top-rack dishwasher safe and the Classic Series bowl is dishwasher safe, while the pasta rollers and cutters are hand wipe only.
Questions people ask
FAQ
Do these attachments fit both mixers?
Yes. The attachment listings say they fit all household KitchenAid stand mixers via the power hub, which both the KSM85 and Classic Series have.
Which KitchenAid attachments should I buy first?
For a small kitchen, start with the food processor attachment or the Fresh Prep slicer, since slicing and shredding come up most often. Add pasta or grinding tools if you make those foods regularly.
What is the difference between the Fresh Prep slicer and the food processor attachment?
The Fresh Prep slicer has three blades for slicing and shredding. The food processor attachment adds julienne and a dicing kit, plus an adjustable ExactSlice lever.
Can the pasta roller go in the dishwasher?
No. The KSMPRA listing says hand wipe only, with a cleaning brush included.
How big a batch can the Classic Series mix?
The listing says its 4.5-quart bowl mixes up to 8 dozen cookies in a single batch using the flat beater.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
