What's in a model number, it turns out quite a bit. I ordered this spiral dough hook model "KNS256CDH". I discovered that the "6" in the model number does make a difference as this hook is specifically designed only for certain Kitchenaid wide bowl models (KP26M, KV25, KJ26, and KB26 ) with the bowl lift feature. It is important to note that Kitchenaid also makes another spiral dough hook model "KNS25CDH" (not offered on Amazon) that is specifically manufactured for Kitchenaid "Professional HD" models with the bowl lift feature, models beginning with KG25, and including the Professional HD model I purchased from Costco a few years ago.

Comparing the two hooks it appears that this model available on Amazon is slightly larger than the KNS25CDH hook and therefore if it is used on the narrow bowl models (it will fit) however the clearances are smaller and thus I assume the technical strain on the motor is slightly higher. That is the bad news.

The good news is that this spiral dough hook WILL work with narrow 5Q bowl models in the sense that it does "fit" and will not strike the bowl. Some reviewers appear to indicate that it actually does a more efficient job of kneading the dough. Others have indicated that they have successfully used this hook with KSM5 and other older models. This spiral hook model does contain a warning not to use the hook at speeds other than "2". I assume this will help address the motor burn out discussed in other reviews.

If there is a lesson it is that even though my Kitchenaid bowl lift stand mixer model KG25 came with a spiral dough hook this is not the EXACT spiral hook model originally provided by Kitchenaid with my unit. This hook is extremely well made, fits my stand mixer and does knead the small amount of dough I typically make very efficiently. It also is coated in what appears to be white epoxy paint and not the burnished aluminum so many have found deficient. Nevertheless for my Kitchenaid "Professional HD" model KG25, I plan to order the KNS25CDH spiral dough hook from another vendor.

The best so far. Tried 2 other brands/shapes. Unsatisfied.

The one I received differs in appearance from the pictured. Here you see a rounded appearance on the bottom of where the hook attaches to the machine (it's upside down in this picture); the one I received is flat across this area. If you look here at Amazon under Kitchenaid as the seller, you will see the KNS256CDH one I received that has a flattened bottom. It lists it as only for the 6 QT models, but I have an older 5 quart model (K5SS) and the dough hook is working great. As others have posted, it is a tight fit (less than 1/4 inch), but it does not hit the sides or bottom of the bowl when in motion. I was initially worried when I received this hook because I had read so many reviews and checked so many specifications on sites that I thought I could only try using the KNS25DHNSF model (although NO spiral dough hooks are "officially" listed as compatible with my model machine). However, the one I received that differs slightly from the picture listed here on Amazon, as I said, is working just fine for my breading mixing.

Also, I really wanted the coated version and that is what I received. the coating is well attached and is the same type of coating that came on most of my original attachments when I purchased this machine decades ago. The coating completely covers the surfaces and it does not appear any different than the coating on my flat beater attachment that is still working.

I was so excited when this arrived the other day that I cleaned my bread machine and got ready to bake, bake, bake. I have had it on my wish list forever and decided that, with winter on the way, it was time to order it. The hook fit on the attachment, so, I thought all was well. I got ready to mix, mix, mix, and, to my chagrin, the hook was too big for the bowl! Woe, woe, woe! I have the smaller, 4 quart Kitchenaid and this was made for the monster size! I am SO disappointed, and, from what I can tell, Amazon doesn't carry the size I need. I'll be haunting the bed and bath stores, I suppose. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, is quite happy! Before I went through the trouble of returning it, I took it over to her house. Yep! She has the heavy-duty model and it fits, so, her bread and cookie baking will be much easier! Take it from me, before you get all excited and order this, make sure you have the right model mixer! Darn, darn, darn!

Since writing this review, I have contacted Kitchenaid regarding the spiral hook for my machine. Unfortunately, they do not make this hook to fit the smaller mixer. They did, however, offer their NEW machine for sale...which takes this hook. Right... So, be aware, if you have the 4 quart Classic Plus, you are stuck with the "C" hook for mixing dough. BTW, my mother-in-law used the spiral hook for mixing cookie dough and said it worked great...mixed the dough at the bottom of the bowl, etc. I'm jealous!

Great product at great prices