Efficient and mild aldol additions of β-keto esters and malonates to aldehydes are described using two novel protocols in the presence of silicon tetrachloride and trimethylchlorosilane, respectively. Scope and limitations of the methods have been discussed. Moreover the stability of the obtained products, trimethylsilyl protection of the hydroxy group, as well as the role of both silicon tetrachloride and trimethylchlorosilane in attaining the final products have been analyzed.