In 2023, KitchenAid discontinued their Professional and ProLine bowl-lift stand mixer models (model names may vary in non-USA countries), to be replaced by the new 5.5/6.0/7.0-quart models: KSM55/KSM60/KSM70 respectively. The first model released was the '7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer with Redesigned Premium Touchpoints’ (KSM70SNDX) which was released in November 2022 and featured stainless steel attachments and a new double flex edge beater. The other models (KSM55, KS60, and standard KSM70) were released in the first half of 2023.
Compared to the out-going AC motor bowl-lift models (e.g., the discontinued Professional 600), the 5.5/6.0/7.0-quart models (KSM55/KSM60/KSM70) feature a number of improvements:
- An all new 500W AC motor which is also significantly quieter and more efficient than the one found in previous AC motor models.
- The main planetary, the part to which accessories like the whisk and beater attach, on the new models is mechanically affixed to the main drive shaft via an alignment hole and pin. This solves a major point of failure in the old AC motor models (e.g., Professional 600) which used a friction fit method of attachment which was highly prone to failure over time.
- A quieter, more efficient, and more reliable all-metal gearbox design based on the DC motor gearbox design. This new gearbox replaces the noisy old worm-follower gearbox with a dual planetary reduction design similar to those used in power tools. It also gets rid of the bronze sacrificial bevel gear which was used in the old gearbox design.
- The addition of a new 1/2 speed setting to handle folding of ingredients.
- A new 7-quart AC motor offering.
These models expanded the practice introduced with the DC motor bowl-lift models where the motor and gearbox are all a single unit. This makes it cheaper for KitchenAid to assemble but more expensive to repair, should any part need it.
So far, KitchenAid has worked to standardize the parts across all mixer sizes with these new models, where possible, making it easier to source replacement parts.