Frequently Asked Questions
PRODUCT QUESTIONS
How do I know if the SideSwipe will work on my mixer?
The SideSwipe Spatula Mixer Blade is designed to fit specific models of single-beater stand mixers, and will only work on the models listed. Please see the chart on SideSwipe Solution page. If your mixer is not listed, you cannot use our product at this time.
When will you have new models of SideSwipe?
Two additional models of the SideSwipe Spatula Mixer Blade are coming this summer. To be notified when the new SideSwipes for KitchenAid bowl-lift mixers are available, sign up for our newsletter: click on the Buy Here link (above) and enter your email address in the box at the left of the screen.
What kinds of recipes can I use the SideSwipe for?
SideSwipe can be used for most of the recipes that you use your standard flat beater for. It works well for mashed potatoes and baked goods, especially those with thick, sticky ingredients like peanut butter or cream cheese. To prolong the life of the mixer blade, we recommend that you mix chunky ingredients like chocolate chips and nuts in at the end of the mixing cycle on your mixer's slowest speed.
What shouldn't I use SideSwipe for?
SideSwipe is not appropriate for bread dough or frozen mixes. You should also avoid using SideSwipe for very heavy doughs and mixtures like Buckeyes. A good rule of thumb is if your mixer slows considerably when you normally mix the dough, use your metal paddle instead.
Do I need to adjust my recipes for SideSwipe?
SideSwipe mixes batters and doughs faster and more thoroughly than your standard metal paddle. We suggest that you reduce both mixing time and mixing speed for your recipes and check the consistency of your batter frequently. After the first few uses, you'll develop a feel for how quickly it mixes, and can avoid overmixing your recipes.
Can I use SideSwipe on high mixer speeds?
SideSwipe works in an entirely different way than your metal paddle, so you’ll find that lower speeds are needed to accomplish the same (and better!) results. It’s safe to use higher speeds for creaming and mixing light batters. But you should use slower mixer speeds during and after the point you add flour. SideSwipe will mix well, you’ll reduce the flour “cloud” and batter splatter, and you’ll prolong the life of the fins. You'll get a feel for the differences after using SideSwipe a few times.
I heard that I may need to adjust my mixer to use SideSwipe. Is that necessary?
We recommend that you raise the height of the mixer blade slightly before you use SideSwipe. It takes only a screwdriver and about a minute to follow the simple directions that are included with the product (or you can find instructions on KitchenAid's website). This step is most important for older mixers or ones that have a lot of "miles" on them. We have found that a mixer's beater position can drop with heavy use. This is not an issue for KA's standard blade, but may create a less-than-optimal "fit" for SideSwipe as it makes contact with the bowl. Mixer adjustment will be unnecessary for SideSwipes for bowl-lift mixers (coming soon).
Can I put SideSwipe in the dishwasher?
We recommend that you hand-wash your blade, but it is safe to wash on the top rack of your dishwasher. (Keep away from knives and sharp objects)
Can SideSwipe damage my mixer?
No. SideSwipe connects to your stand mixer the same way as your original blade, and the motor needs to work only a little bit harder because of increased friction on the bowl. In our tests with various batters, SideSwipe increased the work of the motor between 10 and 20 percent. The strain is considerably less than when you make bread dough using the hook, and is far below the manufacturer’s total wattage rating.
SALES INFORMATION
Can I buy the SideSwipe in a store in my area?
Can I pick up my purchase at your facility?
Sorry, no. SideSwipe is currently available only on this website. Our business insurance and license do not allow us to have customers visit our facility.
I live in Canada. Where can I get your product?
We are working to set up a Canadian distributor this summer after our full KitchenAid line is available. If you'd like to be notified when this is arranged, please email us and ask us to add you to our Canadian list.
I live outside North America. Where can I get your product?
We are not able to distribute outside the US at this time. We will consider expanding our distribution late in 2008.
Do you offer gift certificates?
We do not offer gift certificates at this time. We will add them to our offerings later in 2008 when we expand our product line.
What is your return policy?
You have 30 days to return your order. To make a return, you must contact our Customer Service Department by email to receive a Return Authorization number (RA). Exchanges for defective product will be shipped free of charge. Returns for any other reason will be credited to your account less shipping and handling charges.
COMPANY POLICIES
Are my credit card purchases secure?
We use Volusion and Authorize.Net to protect your credit card information when you make a purchase. They use the latest 128-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and other cutting edge hardware and software technology to encrypt your information as it travels through cyberspace. Authorize.Net is trusted by more than 185,000 merchants on the web, and is certified as compliant with the payment card industry's new data security standards.
Can I place an order by mail?
We understand that some people are nervous about ordering online. Our ordering system is protected by Volusion and Authorize.Net, which secures credit transactions for more than 185,000 retailers. But if you'd rather not put your credit card number into cyberspace, send us an order listing the following: quantity and models of products you’d like, and your shipping and billing address (where your credit card statements come). We also need your email address and telephone number so we can contact you. Include your credit card number (with expiration date and security code from the signature bar). You also can pay by MONEY ORDER made out to Frut LLC. (To figure shipping and tax, use the shopping cart order form on the site.) Mail to Frut LLC, P.O. Box 2490, Westerville OH 43086.
What are your shipping policies?
We are committed to providing our customers quick, accurate shipping services at the most economical price. For a small company such as ours, our best rates are usually from the US Postal Service. We are unable to ship anywhere outside the U.S. at this time. Please click on the Shipping link in the green bar for complete details.
JUST WONDERING . . .
Why haven't you responded to my email?
Sent us an email, but never got a response? We respond to all emails from our customers. Unfortunately, though, we often get failure notices saying the message could not be delivered. If you never heard back from us, try again, or check the pertinent areas of the website. We often update our site information to answer questions we receive.
Where did your plastic package go?
We've eliminated our plastic clamshell package for our mail-order customers. We now ship in reusable bubble bags. It's better for the environment, and allows you to get at your new SideSwipe even faster!