The KitchenAid RVSA (Rotor Slicer/Shredder) and the KSMVSA (Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder) are both official attachments that turn your stand mixer into a food-prepping phenom, but they differ significantly in design, features, and user convenience. The RVSA is the classic, no-frills original with a focus on basic function, while the more modern KSMVSA offers an updated design that includes a much-needed storage case and a more versatile 2-in-1 food pusher.
Here’s a detailed look at both slicer/shredder attachments from KitchenAid to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.
KitchenAid Rotor Slicer/Shredder (RVSA)
The RVSA is the original workhorse of the KitchenAid attachment lineup. Its classic white plastic design has been a staple in kitchens for years, offering a simple and effective way to slice vegetables and shred cheese directly into a bowl. It’s a straightforward tool designed for one job: reliable, continuous shredding and slicing.
- What it is: The classic, original slicer/shredder attachment for all KitchenAid stand mixers.
- Key features: Comes with four stainless steel cones: a slicing cone, fine shredding cone, medium shredding cone, and coarse shredding cone. The plastic housing attaches to the mixer's power hub.
- Price: Around $49.99
- Style: Functional and classic with a simple white plastic housing that matches traditional appliance aesthetics.
- Materials/Construction: A durable white plastic main housing with sturdy stainless steel cones and a simple plastic food pusher.
- Pros: More affordable price point. Proven, reliable design that gets the job done. Often includes a fine shredding cone which may not be in the base KSMVSA kit. Durable metal cones last for years.
- Cons: Lacks a storage case, so cones are easy to lose in a cabinet. The design can be more difficult to clean. Looks dated compared to modern appliances.
The RVSA attachment is for the home cook who prioritizes time-tested function and a lower price over modern design and organizational features.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.rotor-slicer-shredder.rvsa.html
KitchenAid Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder (KSMVSA)
The KSMVSA is KitchenAid's modern answer to food prep, solving many of the common annoyances of the original RVSA. With its sleek gray plastic body, thoughtfully designed 2-in-1 food pusher, and an included storage case, this attachment is built for convenience, ease of use, and simple organization.
- What it is: A redesigned, modern blade-style slicer/shredder attachment for any KitchenAid stand mixer.
- Key features: Includes three blades (medium shredding, coarse shredding, slicing), a 2-in-1 food pusher for handling both wide and narrow foods, and a compact storage case to keep all parts together.
- Price: Around $59.99
- Style: Sleek and contemporary with a silver/gray finish that pairs well with modern mixers and kitchen decor.
- Materials/Construction: A high-quality plastic housing with interchangeable stainless steel blades designed for easier insertion and removal than the older cones.
- Pros: Comes with a fantastic storage case to keep everything organized. The 2-in-1 food pusher makes it safer and easier to shred smaller items like carrots. Sleek, updated design is easier to clean.
- Cons: A bit more expensive than the RVSA. The base pack only includes three blades, while some RVSA kits include four cones.
This attachment is ideal for anyone who values organization and user-friendly features and is willing to pay a little extra for the major convenience upgrade a storage case provides.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.fresh-prep-slicer-shredder-attachment.ksmvsa.html
KitchenAid RVSA vs. KSMVSA Comparison
Design & Usability
The most immediate difference is in the design aesthetic. The RVSA boasts a classic, slightly bulky white plastic shell that feels purely functional. It works perfectly well, but it's a tool of its time. The process involves dropping metal cones into the housing and using a single, wide food plunger.
The KSMVSA features a more streamlined and modern gray body. Its biggest usability upgrade is the 2-in-1 food pusher, a wide pusher handles larger items like potatoes, while a smaller, narrower tube nested inside is perfect for guiding slender ingredients like carrots or celery, providing much better control.
Accessories & Storage
This is where the KSMVSA truly shines. It comes packaged with a compact case that neatly stores the main housing and all three blades. This solves the long-standing problem of the RVSA cones rattling around in a drawer, getting misplaced, or dented. The RVSA does not include any sort of storage solution.
While the KSMVSA's case is a major pro, the attachments themselves differ slightly. The RVSA often comes with four metal cones (fine, medium, coarse shred, and slicing), whereas the standard KSMVSA kit comes with three blades (medium, coarse, and slicing). The "fine" option with the RVSA can be important for recipes requiring very finely shredded cheese or vegetables.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both models feature dishwasher-safe blades/cones, which is a big help with cleanup. However, the KSMVSA's simpler, smoother design and blade-style inserts generally make it easier to rinse off and clean than the older cone-style RVSA, which has more crevices where food can get trapped.
The main housing for both attachments should be hand-washed to protect the gear mechanisms inside that connect to the mixer.
Price & Value
The RVSA is the budget-friendly option, typically coming in about $10-$20 cheaper than the KSMVSA. If every dollar counts and all you need is basic slicing and shredding capability, the RVSA represents a great value. However, the KSMVSA arguably offers better overall value for most people. For that small price increase, you get a smarter design, the versatile 2-in-1 food pusher, and the incredibly practical storage case, which could easily be worth the price difference on its own.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both attachments will shred cheese and slice cucumbers reliably, but they are designed for different user preferences and priorities.
Choose the RVSA (Rotor Slicer/Shredder) if:
- You're shopping on a strict budget and want the lowest-priced option available.
- You already have a system in place to store loose kitchen tools and attachments.
- You value having a "fine shred" cone included in the base set.
- You appreciate the classic, no-frills design that has proven its reliability over decades.
Choose the KSMVSA (Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder) if:
- Kitchen organization is a top priority, and you need the dedicated storage case.
- You often work with smaller vegetables like carrots and would benefit from the 2-in-1 food pusher.
- You prefer a modern aesthetic that matches contemporary appliances.
- You're willing to pay a little more for major improvements in convenience and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid RVSA and KSMVSA?
The main difference is in design and accessories. The KSMVSA is the modern version with a sleeker look, a versatile 2-in-1 food pusher, and comes with an essential storage case. The RVSA is the classic, more basic version that is cheaper but lacks the organizational and user-friendly features of the KSMVSA.
Do these attachments fit all KitchenAid stand mixers?
Yes, both the RVSA and the KSMVSA are designed to fit the universal power attachment hub on the front of every KitchenAid stand mixer, from the Classic to the Professional series.
Are the cutting cones/blades interchangeable between the RVSA and KSMVSA?
No, they are not. The RVSA uses cone-shaped shredders that secure in a unique way, while the KSMVSA uses flatter, blade-style inserts. You cannot use RVSA cones in a KSMVSA housing, or vice-versa.
Is the KSMVSA worth the extra money?
For most users, yes. The addition of the storage case alone prevents losing parts and makes storage much neater, justifying the small price difference. The improved 2-in-1 food pusher also adds a level of safety and control that is a clear upgrade over the older model.
Which KitchenAid shredder is better for shredding cheese?
Both models excel at shredding cheese. For best results with either attachment, make sure your cheese is very cold - even putting it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before shredding can prevent gumming and lead to a cleaner shred.
How do you clean these slicer/shredder attachments?
For both models, the stainless steel cones (RVSA) and blades (KSMVSA) are top-rack dishwasher safe. The plastic housings should always be washed by hand with warm, soapy water to protect the internal components.
Can the RVSA or KSMVSA be used to slice meat?
No, these attachments are not designed for slicing raw or cooked meat. They are intended for use with firm fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and nuts.
Where can I buy extra blades for the KSMVSA?
KitchenAid sells additional blades, including a fine shred blade and a vegetable sheet slicer blade, that are compatible with the KSMVSA housing. They can be found on the official KitchenAid website and at authorized retailers.
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