Over the years, a number of people have asked if it was possible to bring a KitchenAid mixer from the United States to Europe, and use it here. I certainly couldn’t live without my 5-quart mixer, and since they’re less-expensive in America than they are abroad (because of the electrical modifications and shipping), many folks, naturally, want to know if they can bring their mixer with them. Several readers kindly chimed in with comments and suggestions (thanks, Sunny!), noting that theirs worked fine with a voltage transformer. And I have friends who’ve had their kitchens in Europe wired for 110V as well as the standard 220V. But I thought I’d ask the folks at KitchenAid what their policy was and I posed a few questions to them, which they kindly responded to. I’ve paraphrased their responses, in italics, for clarity. Q: Will the US-model KitchenAid mixer work in Europe? A: Yes, they will work. But we do not recommend it. US units are 110V, Europe runs on 220V.

This will slow down the unit causing it to overheat. Q: Is it possible to use a converter or transformer? A: That is possible as well, and again, we don’t recommend it. Q: If I take my mixer out of the country, is the warranty still valid? A: If you take the unit out of the United States, it does void the warranty. Q: Are there any other hazards to using a US-model KitchenAid abroad? A: Hazards include: overheating, possible property damage, and personal injury. The bottom line is we don’t recommend use of the units outside the US…due to the hazards that could arise. Another issue that arises is with the KitchenAid ice cream attachment. European models of KitchenAid mixers have certain EU-mandated safety features so the US-model of the ice cream attachment does not fit or work with European mixers, and vice-versa. Please note that I’m not a representative of KitchenAid and if you have further questions about KitchenAid equipment, conversions, and availability in Europe, and elsewhere, you should contact KitchenAid at one of the links below.

Related Links and PostsHouse For Sale In Loddon Norfolk Inside KitchenAid: My visit to the KitchenAid factoryLevolor Blinds Help What to do if your KitchenAid stand mixer breaksMoen Roman Tub Faucet Cartridge Removal KitchenAid: (USA and Worldwide) Métro: Membership-only store that sells KitchenAid mixers in France at a members-only price (Visit website for stores in other countries and membership requirements) KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment (for American models) KitchenAid Ice Cream Attachment (for European models) Buying an Ice Cream Machine With purchase of $50 or more. One promo code per order. USE CODE AT CHECKOUT SHIP16 on all Countertop Appliances FUEL YOUR CULINARY PASSION

Sign up to receive delicious recipes, culinary inspirations and ideas, plus special access to new products and events. Shop tools that help you get the most out of your KitchenAid® products. The largest selection of user-serviceable parts for KitchenAid® Countertop Appliances. Find great deals on factory refurbished and close-out models, save up to 60% off. Locate and purchase large appliances in your area. BROWSE PRODUCTS FIND A RETAILER The KitchenAid® Diamond Blender, with exclusive diamond blending system, provides the ultimate blending performance to stir, chop, mix, puree and liquify, with pulse 1-5 settings and crush ice mode. A robust motor, unique one-piece, BPA-Free diamond pitcher, stainless steel blades and electronic controls combine to create a powerful vortex that is fast and thorough for exceptional blending results. Additionally, Intelli-Speed® Motor Control senses contents and maintains optimal speed to power through all ingredients.

The diamond blending system ensures that all ingredients blend together quickly and efficiently. A robust motor, unique one-piece, BPA-Free diamond pitcher, stainless steel blades and electronic controls combine to create a powerful vortex that is fast and thorough for exceptional blending results. The Intelli-Speed® Motor Control senses contents and maintains optimal speed to power through all ingredients. 5 Speeds/Crush Ice/Pulse Mode Stir, chop, mix, puree or liquify. Pulse mode works with all speeds for staggered blending, while the crush ice feature pulses at precise intervals for optimal ice crushing results. The Soft Start® Feature starts the motor at a slower speed to pull food into the blade then quickly increases to the selected speed setting. Steel-Reinforced Coupler provides direct, efficient power transfer from the motor directly to the blade for robust blending. The coupler is coated for quiet operation. Control Panel with White LED Lights

The Clean-Touch Control Panel wipes clean easily. Die Cast Metal Base The Die Cast Metal Base is sturdy. 60-oz. BPA-Free Diamond Pitcher The 60-oz. BPA-Free patented Diamond Pitcher design is shatter-, scratch- and stain-resistant and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. 5 -Year Limited Warranty A complete description of your warranty coverage, and contact information for service and support. Use & Care Guide Comprehensive information about your new appliance - from getting started to cleaning and maintenance.5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a KitchenAid (Or Any Stand Mixer) Do you have a stand mixer? If you don't, it is probably on your standing wish list. Many people buy stand mixers this time of year (it is Christmas, after all!) so here are a few tips and questions for those of you picking out a stand mixer. Whether you're buying the ubiquitous KitchenAid or another brand of stand mixer, run through these questions and tips as you go about your mixer shopping.

Do I need to buy a stand mixer? - The first question you should ask yourself is whether you really need a stand mixer. Yes, they are gorgeous on the countertop, and they are very handy for certain kitchen tasks. But we have found that a good hand mixer is just as useful for nearly every kitchen task. If you don't make bread, marshmallows, and a few other heavy-duty recipes, you don't really have to have a stand mixer. But does a stand mixer make everything a little easier? And if you make a lot of bread, it's very useful. If I had a stand mixer, would I use it (on average) more than once a week? - This is an arbitrary standard, but I probably wouldn't have bought my own stand mixer if I didn't think I would use it about once a week, or frequently. If you are a yearly baker, you probably don't need a stand mixer. Think over your baking and cooking habits, and try to imagine how often you will use the mixer. Is it worth the counter space if you will only use it once a month? Do I have space for a stand mixer?

- A good mixer is heavy and large. It's difficult to move it around the kitchen, so unless you have a built-in appliance lift or appliance garage, you will need at least a square foot of space on your countertop. Will I use my stand mixer for anything other than baking? - This is where your decision-making process may split amongst the different brands and models. If you really want to use your machine for pasta-making, for instance, the KitchenAid is an excellent choice, with its separate pasta press attachment. On the other hand, if your primary focus is bread, you might want to consider the Viking mixer, which is supposedly more powerful and better-suited to kneading bread. How much can I afford to spend? - Once you have decided that you can afford the counterspace, and that yes, a stand mixer is a good investment for your kitchen and your cooking style, it's time to decide how much you are willing to spend. Stand mixers can be found for anywhere from about $100 to over $400.

If you are into baking and plan on using your mixer for bread, do not even think about getting a lower-priced, lower-powered model. It is worth it to buy the heaviest, most powerful model that you can afford. But if you are just thinking of cookies, cakes, and other basic baking tasks, keep an eye out on Amazon for the occasional great deals that go through there this time of year. Also, if you are within driving distance of KitchenAid or Viking's factories, try to drop in and look for a factory-refurbished model (also available through their websites). Do you own a stand mixer? What do you like about it? What do you wish you could change? Any shopping tips to add to these? More on KitchenAid Mixers:• Pimp Your KitchenAid Mixer• Help Me Break in My New KitchenAid Mixer!• Coming Soon: 90th Anniversary KitchenAid Stand Mixer• Should I Buy a Tilt-Head or Bowl-Lift KitchenAid Mixer?• What Do To If Your KitchenAid Stand Mixer Breaks KitchenAid Attachments:• Hot or Not?