I recently bought a used KitchenAid mixer, and since it's not brand new, along with the fact that I've never used one before, I have some questions I was hoping some "seasoned" veterans would be able to help me out with.

First and foremost, when I first turn on my mixer, it has a bit of a smell to it. It's not super strong, but it's noticeable. It's like the burning scent you get when you run a blender on high for too long.

Is this normal? If not, what's wrong with it?

The second thing that bothers me a bit is the flat beater (the only attachment I have for it at the moment, as the seller ripped me off). The flat beater is metal, as is the bowl, and when I turn on the mixer it rotates - that, I'm sure, is pretty normal. When it rotates however, it scratches against the inside of the bowl. Not a lot, and not to the point where it's actually impairing the beaters rotation, but just enough to make a bit of an annoying sound (metal on metal, after all). It seems to make contact with only one part of the inside of the bowl, rather than making contact the whole way around (if that makes sense), which is probably what originally peaked my concern.

Finally, my mixer's speed goes up to 10 in intervals of 2. I was testing the speeds to make sure each setting worked, and by the time I got to 10 I had to quickly shut it off. It was moving at such a terrifyingly fast speed that I felt like I was in a horror movie! It was really scary!

Is that normal? And if so, what in the WORLD would you use that frighteningly fast setting for anyways??

As you can see, I'm a complete newb when it comes to the KitchenAid. I've been wanting one for over 10 years and now that I finally have one, I'm afraid that my lack of knowledge will inhibit my use of it.

If you can help me at all with these concerns of mine, I'd greatly appreciate it!

And if you have any tips or advice of any kind to a new KitchenAid owner, I'd happily hear it!

Oh, and not sure if it matters or not, but this is the type of mixer I got:

KitchenAid Professional HD Series Mixer

Model: KG25H7XOB

475-watt motor

Direct drive all-steel gear transmission

5-quart bowl

Bowl-lift design