After reading these reviews, it seems that many people do not check their beater to bowl clearance. If a beater is chipping on the bottom, it means that it is too low. Sometimes, if the beater chips on the top, it means that the beater is actually too high, and the head can not lock properly, which can cause bouncing and chipping. You can look in your use and care guide, or go to kitchenaid.com to watch a video on how to locate the adjustment screw. If the mixer doesn't incorporate the ingredients in the bottom of the bowl, then the beater is too far away from the bowl. If you have a tilt-head mixer, the adjustment screw is located in the neck of the mixer-in the hinge-when you lift up the head, you'll see it. You can place a dime in the bottom of the bowl, and turn the mixer to "stir". If the dime moves around continuously, it is too low. If it doesn't move at all, it is too high and can't reach everything. It should scoot the dime around the bowl 1/4-1/2" at a time. I've had my beater, which is used a lot, for about 5 years, and it has no chips. If you have a bowl lift mixer, the adjustment screw is behind the bowl clip. If it's adjusted properly, you get the best mixing and the least wear and tear on your beater and bowl. The adjustment can change slightly over time.