KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-18
Summary
The KHM512 is a compact 5-speed corded hand mixer whose most common complaint is lower power than older KitchenAid hand mixers, with slow whipping and struggles on heavy doughs close behind. Keeping it running costs almost nothing: the only part owners replace is the beater set, and electricity use is minimal. At $50 or below it is a strong buy.
Common problems and fixes
- Less power than older KitchenAid hand mixers — the most common complaint on KitchenAid’s site; owners say it “does not have the same power as my old one” and is “a lot slower than the old one”. No fix; it is a modest-power DC motor by design. Not a warranty-covered defect. [1]
- Slow whipping — Consumer Reports lab testing rated whipping time poor, so it is slow to whip heavy cream. Plan for longer whipping or buy the stand mixer for frequent cream work. Warranty covers defects, not performance limits. [4]
- Lowest speed too fast for delicate tasks — the first speed is still relatively fast for some delicate work. No workaround reported; mix delicate jobs by hand or in the stand mixer. [8]
- Air vents blow flour — the vents can blow flour around if the mixer is not angled correctly, and flour buildup in the vents should be kept clear so the motor stays cool. Angle the mixer and clear the vents as part of upkeep. [8]
Parts and consumables
- Stainless steel Turbo Beaters (KHMTB2) — $34.95 per set at WebstaurantStore, viewed October 2026. No replacement interval reported; owners replace them when worn or lost. [6]
The motor and electronics are not user-serviceable, and there is no proprietary accessory lock-in. [8]
Yearly running cost
Almost nothing. The only recurring cost is replacement beaters (KHMTB2 at $34.95 a set) when the originals wear out or are lost, plus the electricity occasional baking uses, which the research describes as minimal. No consumables, subscriptions or cleaning-specific products are required. [6][8]
When it is a good buy
KitchenAid US lists the KHM512 at $59.99 MSRP, with an April 2025 snapshot showing the white model (KHM512WH) on sale at $44.99 and the Aqua Sky (KHM512AQ) at $54.99. The Kitchn reported a $49.99 sale in 2024 (normally $57.99), and KitchenPicked listed $59.99. [1][2][5][8]
- At $50 or below: strong value — quiet, light, branded basic mixer with replacement parts support.
- $51–60: fair value, especially if color choice matters.
- $61–75: weakening value; KitchenAid’s own 7-speed and 9-speed hand mixers, the Breville Handy Mix Scraper ($159.95 at Consumer Reports) or a Cuisinart 7-speed ($220 W) offer more power and features.
- Above $75: poor value for this model; buy a higher-speed KitchenAid or a competing brand. [8][4]