Preliminary identification

Vintage KitchenAid Model K45 Stand Mixer in Avocado Green

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a classic Hobart-era KitchenAid K45 stand mixer, finished in the iconic avocado green colorway that defined 1970s American kitchens. Renowned for their bulletproof engineering, these vintage mixers feature solid metal gears and a heavy-duty motor designed to last generations.

Story

In the 1970s, American kitchens exploded with earthy tones like harvest gold and avocado green. This mixer represents the peak of Hobart's legendary engineering, bringing commercial-grade baking power directly into suburban homes.

Maker / Origin

The Hobart Manufacturing Company introduced the first home stand mixer in 1919, but it was legendary industrial designer Egmont Arens who designed the iconic 'Model K' shape in 1937. His streamlined, timeless design was so perfect that KitchenAid mixers still look virtually identical today, representing one of the longest-running unchanged designs in American history.

Condition & Value

The mixer shows moderate cosmetic wear, including minor paint chipping, grease residue around the trim band, and light scratching on the stainless steel bowl. The power cord and plug should be inspected for safety, and the internal gear grease may need to be repacked due to age. Fully functional status maintains the baseline value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.