The KitchenAid Almond Cream and Milkshake options differ primarily in their undertone and the design style they create in a kitchen. Almond Cream is a warm, beige-toned off-white that feels classic and cozy, similar to rich ivory. Milkshake is a softer, cooler off-white with subtle gray undertones, offering a modern and clean aesthetic.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right neutral finish for your new KitchenAid appliance.
Almond Cream by KitchenAid
Almond Cream is one of KitchenAid’s signature neutral colors, known for its warm, inviting feel. This color is not a simple white, it has noticeable creamy, beige, and yellow undertones that give it depth and a vintage-inspired character. It stands out as a softer, more classic alternative to stark white or brighter colors.
- What it is: A warm, creamy off-white color option available across many KitchenAid appliances, including stand mixers, blenders, and hand mixers.
- Key features: Rich, ivory-like tone with distinct warm undertones. Pairs exceptionally well with natural wood, brass hardware, and warm-toned countertops. Coated with a durable glossy finish that resists chipping.
- Price: The color itself does not typically affect the price, cost depends on the appliance (e.g., Artisan Stand Mixers are usually $300-$500).
- Style: Ideal for farmhouse, traditional, classic, or cozy modern kitchen designs. It adds a touch of warmth and elegance without being visually overpowering.
- Pros: Excellent at hiding minor smudges and fingerprints compared to pure white. The warm tone feels timeless and less trendy than some colors. Complements wood cabinets and warm color palettes beautifully. Pairs perfectly with gold, brass, or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures.
- Cons: May appear too yellow in kitchens with very cool-toned, blue, or stark-white lighting. Can sometimes look dated if not paired with updated kitchen elements.
This color is ideal for anyone whose kitchen features warm wood cabinetry, creamy tiles, or earthy tones and who wants an appliance that feels timeless and integrated rather than like a bold statement piece.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/artisan-mixer-almond-cream/
Milkshake by KitchenAid
Milkshake is KitchenAid's answer to a modern, sophisticated off-white. Unlike the warmth of Almond Cream, Milkshake is a cooler shade with subtle gray undertones. This gives it a clean, fresh appearance that aligns with contemporary and minimalist aesthetics while still being softer than a pure optic white.
- What it is: A soft, cool-toned off-white color option available on popular KitchenAid appliances.
- Key features: A muted white with very light gray undertones that prevent it from feeling sterile. It pairs well with white subway tiles, marble countertops, and cool cabinet colors. Features the same high-gloss, durable finish as other KitchenAid colors.
- Price: As a color choice, it doesn't change the base price of the appliance it's on. Price is determined by the specific product.
- Style: Perfect for modern, contemporary, minimalist, and transitional kitchens. Its cool neutrality complements gray and blue color schemes, as well as crisp white cabinetry.
- Pros: Offers a clean, updated look that is very versatile in modern kitchens. Works beautifully with popular materials like quartz and marble. Coordinates well with contemporary hardware finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black. Less stark and sterile than a pure white.
- Cons: The subtle gray undertones might not pair as well with kitchens dominated by very warm, earthy tones like creams or beiges. May require more frequent wiping down to look its best, as smudges can be more visible than on a warmer shade.
Milkshake is the choice for a clean, bright, and modern kitchen aesthetic, especially for spaces that use white, gray, cool blues, and natural stone countertops.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/artisan-mixer-milkshake/
Almond Cream vs. Milkshake Comparison
Color Tone & Undertones
The defining difference between these two colors is the undertone. Almond Cream is unapologetically warm, infused with creamy beige and yellow notes. When you place it in a room, it radiates a soft, cozy light and can almost appear light tan in certain lighting conditions. Its warmth is cozy and classic.
In contrast, Milkshake leans cool due to its subtle gray undertones. It reads as a fresher, calmer off-white. Placed next to pure white, you’ll notice its softness, placed next to Almond Cream, you’ll immediately see its clean, gray-based neutrality. Milkshake is muted and modern.
Style & Kitchen Pairing
Almond Cream thrives in traditional and rustic settings. Think farmhouse kitchens with butcher block countertops, classic shaker cabinets in cream or warm wood tones, and antique brass or bronze hardware. It bridges a vintage feel with modern reliability, effortlessly blending with color palettes that include yellows, greens, and other earth tones.
Milkshake is at home in more contemporary environments. It's the perfect companion for marble or light quartz countertops, crisp white or gray cabinetry, and sleek black or brushed nickel fixtures. In a minimalist or Scandinavian kitchen, Milkshake complements the clean lines and neutral palette without introducing the starkness of a pure, brilliant white. It also works in transitional kitchens that mix classic elements like subway tiles with modern finishes.
Versatility & Popularity
While both are versatile neutrals, they serve different design trends. Almond Cream is a timeless classic, consistently popular with those who favor a warmer, more traditional home aesthetic. Its appeal is enduring precisely because it isn't tied to a fleeting, trend-based color palette.
Milkshake has seen a surge in popularity alongside the rise of modern white-and-gray kitchens. It fits the current mood for interiors that are bright, airy, and uncluttered. While it feels incredibly modern right now, its subtle nature grants it a better chance at longevity than bolder colors. People often choose it when they want a white mixer but feel pure white is "too much" or too generic.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both KitchenAid colors are beautiful choices, but they are designed to complement very different kitchen styles.
Choose Almond Cream if:
- Your kitchen has warm wood cabinets, butcher block, or granite countertops.
- Your color palette includes beiges, creams, warm grays, or earthy greens and browns.
- You want a vintage, classic, or cozy farmhouse aesthetic.
- Your hardware is finished in antique brass, gold, bronze, or copper.
Choose Milkshake if:
- You have crisp white or cool gray cabinetry and marble or quartz countertops.
- Your design style is modern, minimalist, Scandinavian, or transitional.
- You prefer working with a bright, airy, and clean color palette.
- Your kitchen fixtures and hardware are matte black, brushed nickel, or chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between KitchenAid's Almond Cream and Milkshake?
The main difference is the undertone. Almond Cream is a warm off-white with yellow and beige undertones, creating a classic, cozy look. Milkshake is a soft, cool off-white with slight gray undertones, resulting in a cleaner, modern appearance.
Is KitchenAid Milkshake just white?
No, Milkshake is intentionally an off-white. Compared to KitchenAid's standard "White" color, which is brighter and more neutral, Milkshake is softer and has a noticeable gray undertone that gives it more depth and a more contemporary feel.
Is Almond Cream too yellow?
In most lighting, Almond Cream reads as a rich, creamy ivory. However, in very warm or yellow-toned kitchen lighting, its yellow undertones can become more pronounced. It's best suited for spaces with balanced or neutral lighting to maintain its soft, creamy appearance.
Which color better hides scratches or stains?
Both colors have the same durable glossy finish that is resistant to chipping and stains. However, the warmer, deeper tone of Almond Cream may do a slightly better job of hiding minor smudges, dust, or light scratches than the brighter surface of Milkshake.
Do the colors online accurately represent what they look like in person?
Screen-to-screen variation is always a factor, and room lighting will significantly impact how a color looks. Milkshake can appear brighter or grayer depending on your kitchen's light. Likewise, Almond Cream can look creamier or more beige. If possible, try to see the colors in person or look at many photos of them in real kitchens online before buying.
How do I style an Almond Cream appliance?
Style an Almond Cream mixer by pairing it with warm elements. Place it on a wood countertop or next to a vase with greenery. It shines alongside gold or brass kitchen utensils, linen dishtowels, and accessories made from natural materials like wood and stone.
How do I style a Milkshake appliance?
To style a Milkshake mixer successfully, lean into a clean aesthetic. It looks great on a light marble or quartz counter next to a stainless steel utensil crock. Pair it with minimalist decor, white ceramic accents, and fixtures in either matte black for contrast or brushed nickel for a cohesive look.
Between Almond Cream and Milkshake, which is more timeless?
Both have a timeless quality. Almond Cream is a traditional classic that has been popular for decades and will likely never go out of style in cozy, traditional homes. Milkshake represents a modern classic and its neutrality ensures it will adapt well to future kitchen trends, far better than a bold, saturated color would.
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