Why Your Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker Attachment Doesn’t Fit

KitchenAid 5KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker (Accessory for All KitchenAid Stand Mixers)

If you already own a Kitchenaid mixer, the ice cream maker attachment set is a low-cost way to enable your mixer to create homemade ice cream without the use of rock salt.

The mixer can produce homemade ice cream effectively, but only if the attachment is installed properly.

But what if your Kitchenaid ice cream maker attachment doesn’t fit? 

If the ice cream maker attachment doesn’t fit, check to be sure you’re using the freeze bowl adapter on tilt-head models and that your assembly drive adapter is properly installed.

The drive adapter slides on the A side for tilt-head models and the B side for Bowl lift models.

Also, carefully install the ice cream maker bowl and dasher, being sure to mount these items in the necessary divots.

If you fail to install any of these components properly, the attachment won’t work.

Also, note that the Artisan Mini mixer doesn’t work with these attachments. 

Failing to properly install the bowl, the dasher, or the assembly drive adapter will cause the ice cream maker to malfunction.

Keep reading to learn the specific steps for installing each of these components properly. 

We address the differences between Bowl Lift and Tilt Head Kitchenaid models as well below. 

The Artisan Mini Mixer Isn’t Compatible

Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater, Black Matte

While Kitchenaid attachments are normally interchangeable between all the different models, the ice cream maker does not work with the Artisan Mini models.

This is because the freezer bowl is too large to work with the Artisan Mini.

If you have this model, you cannot take advantage of the ice cream maker attachment set. 

The Freeze Bowl Adapter Ring Isn’t Installed

On some select tilt-head Kitchenaid mixer models, a special adapter must be installed on the bottom of the freeze bowl.

This plastic ring attaches to the underside of the bowl, lifting up off the surface and bringing it closer to the mixer. 

Without the ring adapter, the bowl will be too far away from the assembly drive adapter installed on the Kitchenaid mixer.

You’ll have a gap that doesn’t allow the assembly drive to engage the dasher properly. The result is an ice cream maker that doesn’t rotate. 

The Assembly Drive Adapter is Installed Improperly

The assembly drive adapter has two different openings; one marked A and the other B.

A is an opening designed for use on the tilt-head Kitchenaid models. B is the side meant for all Kitchenaid Bowl Lift models. 

If you put this adapter on backward, it won’t engage properly, and the dasher won’t connect to the bottom of this adapter effectively.

If you aren’t careful, you could damage the mixer attachment or the top of the dasher by installing it in reverse. 

Once engages, make sure you use the correct mixer setting for making ice cream as you don't want to use a setting that is too fast.

The Wrong Bowl is Being Used

KitchenAid 5KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker (Accessory for All KitchenAid Stand Mixers)

While it’s rare to choose the wrong ice cream bowl for your Kitchenaid mixer, if you have multiple ice cream makers, this could be your issue.

Many ice cream makers have similar-sized bowls.

If you attempt to use your Kitchenaid mixer with a bowl that’s meant for a different device, this will prevent your dasher from fitting properly and keep the ice cream maker from functioning. 

Be careful to match the proper ice cream bowl with your Kitchenaid mixer before you attempt to use the assembly drive adapter and the dasher. 

The Bowl Isn’t Positioned Properly

The ice cream maker bowl must be carefully installed into your Kitchenaid mixer for it to function right.

If you use a Bowl Lift model, there’s a single indentation near the base of the mixer, and there are small divots on either of the bowl handles that mount over the pins of the mixer’s lift arms.

Engage the bowl in all three locations before lifting it into position on your Bowl Lift model. 

When using a bowl on a tilt-head model, you must install the bowl ring adapter and then seat the bowl into the mixer base just right.

Turn the bowl to lock it in place, and you’re ready to begin mixing your ice cream.

Use this guide to help you determine when to stop churning your ice cream for the best results. 

The Dasher Isn’t Seated Properly

KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment - Excludes 7, 8, and most 6 Quart Models, Fits 5 to 6 quart Mixers

When placing the dasher in your Kitchenaid ice cream maker bowl, there is a small divot for the bottom of the dasher to sit in.

It’s essential that the dasher sits down inside the divot fully. If the dasher isn’t sitting in the divot, it will be too high up to engage with the assembly drive adapter.

Only after you get this part properly positioned can the ice cream maker start working.

Click here for more tips on how to use the Kitchenaid Ice Cream maker.

 

You must take care to install every component of the ice cream maker attachment into your Kitchenaid mixer for it to function properly.

Follow the instructions above, and you’ll get everything properly aligned so it can do its job.

Once your ice cream maker is functioning properly, use these ice cream maker tips to help you get the best results.