The KitchenAid Burnished Flat Beater and Coated Flat Beater are designed for the same mixing tasks, but their key difference lies in material and maintenance. The burnished beater is made from raw, uncoated aluminum prized for its long-term durability, while the coated beater features a non-stick surface that simplifies cleanup but can wear down over time.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right beater for your KitchenAid stand mixer.
KitchenAid Burnished Flat Beater
The burnished flat beater is the traditional, heavy-duty workhorse of the KitchenAid lineup. Made from solid, polished aluminum, it's designed for longevity and power, handling even the stiffest doughs without the risk of a coating chipping or peeling into your creations.
- What it is: An uncoated flat beater made from burnished, stamped aluminum for KitchenAid stand mixers.
- Key features: Solid metal construction, matte finish, robust feel. Designed to last for years with proper care.
- Price: Generally more affordable than its coated counterparts.
- Materials/Construction: Made from a single piece of polished aluminum, with no coatings or additional materials.
- Pros: Extremely durable and long-lasting. No risk of coating chipping or degrading. Excellent for heavy, dense mixtures like cold butter or thick cookie dough. More budget-friendly upfront.
- Cons: Not dishwasher safe - the high heat and harsh detergents will cause the aluminum to oxidize, turning it dark grey and leaving a residue. Food is more likely to stick to the surface compared to the coated version. Requires hand washing.
This beater is ideal for frequent bakers who prioritize durability and don't mind hand-washing their attachments in exchange for lifetime performance.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/burnished-flat-beater
KitchenAid Coated Flat Beater
The coated flat beater is the modern standard for convenience, included with most new KitchenAid stand mixers. It features a special non-stick coating over its metal core that allows sticky batters and frostings to slide right off, making scraping and cleaning remarkably easy.
- What it is: An aluminum flat beater covered with a food-safe, non-stick coating.
- Key features: Non-stick surface for easy food release, often white or light grey in color, generally dishwasher safe.
- Price: Typically costs slightly more than the burnished version.
- Materials/Construction: Aluminum core with a durable polyester or nylon-based coating.
- Pros: Easy to clean (most are top-rack dishwasher safe). Excellent for sticky ingredients like honey, marshmallows, or cream cheese frosting. Prevents ingredients from clinging to the beater.
- Cons: The coating can chip, crack, or peel over time, especially if used with hard ingredients or metal utensils. Not as durable in the long run as the burnished beater. May need to be replaced after several years of heavy use.
The coated beater is perfect for everyday home cooks who value quick cleanup and work often with sticky or creamy mixtures.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/coated-flat-beater
Burnished vs. Coated Beater Comparison
Durability & Longevity
The burnished beater is the clear winner for long-term durability. Its solid aluminum construction means there is no coating to chip, peel, or wear out. With proper hand-washing, a burnished beater can easily last the lifetime of the mixer itself.
The coated beater is durable for everyday use, but its lifespan is limited by the integrity of its non-stick coating. Mishaps like dropping it, scraping it with metal utensils, or running it through countless dishwasher cycles can cause the coating to degrade, requiring a replacement.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The coated beater has a major advantage in ease of cleaning. Its non-stick surface releases food easily, and most models are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless. The burnished beater requires immediate hand-washing and thorough drying to prevent oxidation. Putting it in the dishwasher will result in a dark, powdery coating that can ruin ingredients.
Performance & Food Release
Both beaters perform identically when it comes to the primary job of mixing, creaming, and beating. The main performance difference is food release. The coated beater's non-stick surface means less batter gets stuck, making it easier to get all of your mixture out of the bowl. With the burnished beater, you will need to scrape it down with a spatula more frequently, especially with stickier recipes.
Price & Value
The burnished beater typically has a lower upfront cost. Combined with its exceptional longevity, it offers the best long-term value for a baker who plans to use their mixer heavily for years to come. The coated beater costs a bit more, and because it may need to be replaced if the coating chips, its lifetime cost can be higher. However, many users find the convenience and time saved on cleanup to be a worthwhile trade-off.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both styles are excellent KitchenAid attachments, but they cater to different priorities in the kitchen.
Choose the Burnished Flat Beater if:
- You are a frequent, heavy-duty baker who makes dense cookie doughs or works with cold butter.
- You value buy-it-for-life durability over convenience.
- You exclusively hand-wash your kitchen tools and attachments anyway.
- You want to avoid any possibility of coating chipping into your food down the line.
Choose the Coated Flat Beater if:
- Effortless, quick cleanup is your top priority.
- You love the convenience of putting things in the dishwasher.
- You frequently make sticky batters, frostings, meringues, or cheese dips.
- You are a home cook who wants the standard, easy-to-care-for option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid Burnished and Coated beaters?
The main difference is the surface material. The burnished beater is raw, uncoated aluminum that is very durable but requires hand-washing. The coated beater has a dishwasher-safe, non-stick coating that makes for easy cleanup but can chip or wear over time.
Which beater comes standard with a new KitchenAid mixer?
Most consumer-grade mixer models, like the Artisan and Classic series, come standard with a coated flat beater. Some professional or commercial models may include a burnished stainless steel one.
Can you put a burnished flat beater in the dishwasher?
No. The harsh detergents and high heat of a dishwasher will cause the raw aluminum to oxidize. This creates a dark grey, powdery residue on the beater that can easily transfer to your food. Always hand-wash a burnished attachment.
What happens if my coated beater starts chipping?
If the coating starts to chip or peel, it is recommended to replace the beater. While the coating is generally food-safe, large flakes falling into your batter are not ideal, and exposed aluminum underneath can oxidize if not cared for properly.
Which one is more durable?
The burnished flat beater is significantly more durable in the long run. Since it has no coating to fail, it can withstand heavy use for decades as long as it's kept out of the dishwasher.
How do I clean an oxidized burnished beater?
If your burnished beater accidentally went through the dishwasher, you can try to restore it by making a paste of water and Cream of Tartar or using a product like Bar Keepers Friend. Scrub vigorously with a non-abrasive pad, rinse, and dry thoroughly. The beater may not look new, but this can remove the powdery residue.
Is a Flex Edge Beater the same as a coated beater?
No. A regular coated beater is fully coated in a hard, non-stick material. A Flex Edge Beater has a flexible silicone or rubber scraper along one or both edges. This design scrapes the sides of the bowl as it mixes, reducing the need to stop and scrape down with a spatula.
Do I need to buy a specific beater for my mixer model?
Yes, it's very important. KitchenAid makes different sizes for its tilt-head (like the Artisan and Classic) and bowl-lift (like the Pro series) models. Be sure to purchase the beater that is listed as compatible with your specific mixer model number or bowl size.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
