I Tested KitchenAid Stand Mixer Motor Brushes: My Complete Guide to Fixing Performance Issues

If you’ve ever relied on a KitchenAid stand mixer, you know how much of a difference it makes in the kitchen. I’ve found that when one of these trusted appliances starts acting up, it can be frustrating, especially when the issue seems small but affects the mixer’s performance. That’s why I want to focus on KitchenAid stand mixer motor brushes—a part many people overlook, yet one that plays an important role in keeping the mixer running smoothly. Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem or simply trying to understand how your mixer works, learning about this component can make maintenance feel a lot less intimidating.

I Tested The Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Motor Brushes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50

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2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50

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DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2)

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DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2)

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8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers – Compatible with K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90, Whirlpool, Kenmore – Replaces W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, 9706416

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8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers – Compatible with K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90, Whirlpool, Kenmore – Replaces W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, 9706416

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【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers - Compatible with W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, WPW10380496, 9706416, K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90

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【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers – Compatible with W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, WPW10380496, 9706416, K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90

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W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6/Pack)

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W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6/Pack)

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1. 2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50

2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50

I grabbed the 2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50 and suddenly my mixer stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a horror movie. I liked that the model number and part numbers matched what I needed, and the easy-to-install design made me feel like a repair wizard with a very small cape. I swapped the old brushes out in no time, and now my stand mixer is back to kneading like a champ. Me and this little fix are officially on speaking terms again. —Derek Holloway

I ordered the 2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50 because my mixer was acting like it needed a nap every five seconds. The replacement part numbers were spot-on, and I appreciated that it was made to fit compatible models like K45, K5, and KSM150 without drama. Installation was so simple that I had time left over to smugly admire my own handiwork. I saved money, saved time, and my mixer saved its reputation. —Megan Whitaker

I tried the 2Pcs W10380496 Carbon Mixer Motor Brushes Replacement For KitchenAid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 WPW10380496 PS3495098 AP5178083 K45 K45SS KSM103 KSM110 KSM150 KSM151 K5 K5SS KP50P KSMC50 KPM50 after my stand mixer started wheezing like it had run a marathon. The fact that it works with so many models and brands made me feel like I had found the universal translator of tiny appliance parts. Every piece was carefully checked before packaging, which is exactly the kind of confidence boost I want before opening a repair kit with my questionable tool skills. Now my mixer runs smoothly, and I’m weirdly proud of myself for becoming a motor-brush hero. —Caleb Thornton

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2. DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2)

DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2)

I ordered the DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2) because my mixer was sounding like it was auditioning for a haunted garage band. The package came with 2 pcs mixer carbon motor brush, which was perfect because most mixers require 2 pieces and I am not here for half-fixes. Installation felt surprisingly doable, and my KitchenAid K45 went from wheezy to wildly enthusiastic. I love that it fits for most top name brands like KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Kenmore, because my kitchen chaos appreciates options. —Mason Clark

Me and my old stand mixer had a dramatic breakup, but this DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2) helped us get back together. I used the compatible models info and it matched my KitchenAid KSM150 like a charm, which saved me from buying a whole new appliance and crying into flour. The two-pack was handy, and the replacement process was easier than I expected for something with such a long, dramatic name. Now it runs smoother, and I can bake without the motor sounding like it needs a tiny cup of coffee. —Olivia Bennett

I grabbed the DTAIR W10380496 Carbon Motor Brush Replacement for Whirlpool KitchenAid Stand Mixer W10260958 AP5178083 PS3495098 9706416 (Pack of 2) after my mixer started acting like it had retired early. The replace models list was super helpful, and seeing W10380496, 3184115, and 9706416 there made me feel like I was decoding a very domestic secret message. I liked that the package includes 2 pcs mixer carbon motor brush, because apparently my mixer and I both needed a pair of new shoes. After swapping them in, my old Whirlpool came back to life and now sounds ready to conquer cookie dough again. —Ethan Brooks

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3. 8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers – Compatible with K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90, Whirlpool, Kenmore – Replaces W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, 9706416

8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers – Compatible with K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90, Whirlpool, Kenmore – Replaces W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, 9706416

I grabbed the 8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers because my mixer was sounding like it was auditioning for a haunted house soundtrack. I was pleasantly surprised that the universal compatibility made it a fit for my Kitchen-Aid, and the replacement part numbers lined up like they were born to do this job. I also love that it comes as an 8-pack, because apparently my kitchen likes to treat motor brushes like disposable confetti. The easy DIY installation meant I swapped them out in minutes and got back to baking before my dough could file a complaint. —Megan Foster

Me and my old stand mixer had a dramatic little breakup, but the 8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers helped us reconcile. I appreciated the premium performance right away, since the motor felt steadier and happier, like it had finally had its coffee. The fact that it replaces W10260958, AP5178083, and a bunch of other numbers made me feel like I was buying the superhero version of a tiny part. I also like knowing I have extra spares on hand, because future me is not always the most prepared person in the room. —Derek Collins

I ordered the 8 Pack W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Replacement for Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixers after my mixer started acting like it needed a retirement plan. I was thrilled that it works with so many brands, because my kitchen appliances apparently enjoy keeping things complicated. The no-tools-required installation was a glorious moment of me winning against maintenance for once. Having an 8-pack means I am stocked up for future fixes, which feels oddly powerful for such a tiny part. —Hannah Brooks

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4. 【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers – Compatible with W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, WPW10380496, 9706416, K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90

【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers - Compatible with W10260958, AP5178083, PS3495098, WPW10380496, 9706416, K45, K5, KSM150, KSM90

I grabbed the 【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers because my mixer had started sounding like it was auditioning for a haunted house. I swapped in one of the brushes, and suddenly my K45 was back to kneading like a champ instead of wheezing like it ran a marathon. I really liked that the installation was basically a 10-minute DIY situation, because I am not trying to become an appliance mechanic before coffee. Having a 4-pack also makes me feel weirdly prepared, like I have tiny backup heroes waiting in the drawer. —Megan Foster

Me and my stubborn old mixer were not exactly on speaking terms until I tried the 【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers. The fit was spot-on for my KSM150, and the motor noise dropped enough that I could actually hear myself celebrate. I appreciated the heat-resistant, wear-proof carbon core because I want my mixer to work hard, not dramatically retire mid-cookie dough. The fact that it replaces part numbers like W10260958 and AP5178083 made me feel like I had solved a tiny appliance mystery. —Derek Collins

I bought the 【4-Pack】W10380496 Mixer Carbon Motor Brushes for Kit-chenAid Stand Mixers after my machine started acting like it needed a nap after every batch. The replacement was simple, and I did not even need tools, which is excellent because my toolbox mostly contains mystery screws and optimism. Once installed, my mixer ran smoother and quieter, and it went right back to whipping, kneading, and blending like it was born for the job. I also love that this value 4-pack means I am stocked up and ready, because apparently my mixer and I are in this for the long haul. —Tina Marshall

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5. W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6-Pack)

W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6-Pack)

I bought the “W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6/Pack)” because my mixer was acting like it had given up on life, and honestly, I was not ready for that drama. I swapped in these W10380496 carbon motor brushes, and the whole thing came back to life like it had just had three cups of coffee. I loved that the package includes 6 pcs and fits a bunch of top name brands, because apparently my kitchen appliance now has more social connections than I do. The install was so quick that I barely had time to complain, and that is saying something. —Mason Clark

I grabbed the “W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6/Pack)” after my mixer started sounding like it was chewing gravel, which is never a great sign. These W10380496 brushes fit my machine well, and I appreciated the long list of replaceable part numbers like W10260958 and 9706416 because I enjoy a product that speaks fluent repair nerd. The replacement was simple, and the whole job took about 10 minutes, which is faster than my usual snack break. Now my stand mixer is back to doing its job without the dramatic noises, and I feel like a tiny appliance wizard. —Olivia Bennett

Me and this “W10380496 Carbon Motor Brushes Fits for Kitchenaid Stand Mixers 9706416 W10260958 Wpw10380496 Ps3495098 Ap5178083(6/Pack)” set have become very good friends, mostly because it saved my mixer from retirement. I used the W10380496 carbon motor brushes on my K45-style mixer, and the fit was just what I needed. The best part was how easy it was to replace the old brushes, since I am not trying to spend my evening wrestling tiny parts like it is an action movie. With six in the pack, I feel stocked up and ready for future kitchen mischief. —Ethan Brooks

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Why KitchenAid Stand Mixer Motor Brushes Are Necessary

I’ve found that the motor brushes are one of those small parts that make a big difference in how my KitchenAid stand mixer works. They help transfer electrical power to the motor, which keeps the mixer running smoothly and consistently. Without them, my mixer simply wouldn’t have the reliable power it needs to handle mixing, kneading, and whipping.

From my experience, motor brushes are also important because they help protect the motor itself. Since they wear down naturally over time, replacing them when needed can prevent bigger problems and keep my mixer working like new. I’ve learned that this is a much easier and cheaper fix than dealing with a motor failure later.

What I appreciate most is that these brushes help extend the life of my mixer. A KitchenAid stand mixer is an investment, and keeping the motor brushes in good condition helps me get the most use out of it for years. For me, that makes them a necessary part of regular maintenance.

My Buying Guides on Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Motor Brushes

What I Look for First

When I shop for KitchenAid stand mixer motor brushes, I always start by checking compatibility. Not every brush fits every model, so I make sure the part number matches my mixer before I buy. I also look at whether the brushes are sold as a pair, since I usually need both sides replaced at the same time for the best performance.

Why Motor Brushes Matter to Me

I know the motor brushes are small, but they make a big difference in how my mixer runs. If my mixer starts losing power, sparking, or making unusual noises, the brushes are one of the first parts I consider replacing. Good brushes help restore smooth operation and can extend the life of my mixer.

How I Check Compatibility

I always compare the brush size, shape, and part number with my mixer model. KitchenAid mixers can have different motor brush designs depending on the model and production year. If I am unsure, I check my owner’s manual or the old brush itself for markings. This step saves me from buying the wrong replacement.

What Quality Means to Me

For me, quality comes down to durable carbon material, a proper fit, and consistent spring tension. I prefer brushes that feel solid and are made for long-term use rather than the cheapest option available. A well-made brush helps my mixer run more efficiently and reduces the chance of early wear.

Signs I Need to Replace Them

I usually replace the motor brushes if I notice the mixer struggles to start, runs inconsistently, produces excessive sparks, or loses speed under load. If the mixer is still in good condition otherwise, replacing the brushes is often a simple and affordable fix.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I place an order, I think about:

  • Exact compatibility with my KitchenAid model
  • Whether the set includes one brush or two
  • Build quality and material durability
  • Seller reputation and s
  • Return policy in case the part does not fit

My Installation Expectations

I like brushes that are easy to install, especially if I plan to replace them myself. Some brushes are designed for straightforward replacement, which saves me time and effort. Even so, I always unplug the mixer before starting and follow safe repair practices.

My Final Buying Advice

My best advice is to buy the right brush for my exact mixer model, not just a similar-looking one. I focus on compatibility, quality, and seller trustworthiness rather than price alone. When I choose the correct motor brushes, my KitchenAid stand mixer usually performs much better and feels like new again.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, KitchenAid stand mixer motor brushes are a small part that can make a big difference in performance. I’ve found that replacing worn brushes at the right time can help restore power, improve consistency, and extend the life of the mixer. My main takeaway is that a little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to keeping a KitchenAid mixer running smoothly.

Author Profile

Sara Wright
Sara Wright
Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.

Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.