The KitchenAid Gloss Cinnamon and Empire Red offer the same legendary performance but cater to different kitchen aesthetics. Gloss Cinnamon is a warm, medium-brown hue perfect for earthy and rustic styles, while Empire Red is the brand's iconic, bright red that brings a bold, vintage pop of color.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid color for your countertop statement piece.
KitchenAid Gloss Cinnamon
Gloss Cinnamon is a sophisticated and inviting color option from KitchenAid, featuring a rich, earthy brown tone with warm undertones. Its high-gloss finish gives it a sleek, polished look that highlights its depth and warmth, making it a perfect choice for kitchens with rustic, traditional, or neutral decor styles.
- What it is: A warm, medium-brown color with a high-gloss baked-enamel finish available on select KitchenAid appliances.
- Key features: Rich, earthy brown tone with subtle reddish undertones. High-gloss finish that is durable and easy to clean.
- Price: The color does not affect the price, a 5-Quart Artisan Stand Mixer in this color typically costs around $429.
- Style: Fits well with rustic, farmhouse, and cozy kitchen aesthetics. Adds a sophisticated and warm look without being overpowering.
- Pros: A unique, less common color that adds understated elegance. Complements neutral color palettes and wood finishes. High-gloss finish is simple to maintain.
- Cons: Availability is limited to select appliances, primarily stand mixers and blenders. May not feel as bold or impactful as brighter options like Empire Red.
Gloss Cinnamon is ideal for anyone who wants to add a touch of warm, sophisticated color to their kitchen without overwhelming the space.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/gloss-cinnamon-artisan-stand-mixer
KitchenAid Empire Red
Empire Red is the signature color of the KitchenAid brand - a bold, vibrant true red that has been a kitchen icon for decades. It makes a classic statement, evoking a sense of powerful performance and timeless style. The high-gloss finish enhances its bright hue, making any appliance an immediate focal point in the room.
- What it is: KitchenAid's classic, bright red color with a durable, high-gloss baked-enamel finish.
- Key features: A bright, true red that adds energy. It is an iconic and recognizable color and is widely available across almost the entire KitchenAid product portfolio.
- Price: The pricing is consistent with other standard finishes, with the 5-Quart Artisan Stand Mixer also at about $429.
- Style: Quintessentially vintage and retro, but also works in modern kitchens as a bold pop of color. Its energetic and confident tone suits a wide range of decor styles without feeling out of place.
- Pros: A timeless and classic look that never goes out of style. Creates a vibrant focal point. Widely available on a large number of KitchenAid appliances making it easy to create a matching set.
- Cons: A more common color, so it won’t feel as unique. The bright, glossy finish may show fingerprints and smudges more easily. It might feel too bold in a minimalist or very subdued kitchen.
The Empire Red is perfect for those who want a classic, energetic appliance that makes a confident style statement.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/empire-red-artisan-stand-mixer
KitchenAid Gloss Cinnamon vs. Empire Red Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
Choosing between these two colors comes down to the aesthetic you want to create in your kitchen. Gloss Cinnamon provides a warm, earthy, and sophisticated feel. Its deep brown tone integrates beautifully with wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and neutral color schemes. It’s comforting and inviting, perfect for creating a cozy, almost rustic ambiance with a modern touch.
Empire Red, on the other hand, is all about energy and confidence. It's a classic pop of color that stands out and demands attention. This color is a staple for a retro or vintage kitchen vibe, but it also works exceptionally well in contemporary white or black kitchens to provide a single, bold statement piece.
Materials & Durability
There is no difference in quality or durability between the two color options. Both Gloss Cinnamon and Empire Red are applied to the same die-cast metal appliances. The durable finish is a baked-on enamel that is designed to resist chipping, scratching, staining, and fading over time. Both feature a high-gloss finish, which simplifies cleaning and maintenance while looking beautiful in your kitchen.
Price & Value
Both colors are typically priced identically across all applicable product lines. An appliance in Gloss Cinnamon will cost the same as an appliance in Empire Red, so budget shouldn't be a constraint. This color selection will be determined by your style and personal preference with respect to the aesthetic pleasure and harmony each color would bring to your kitchen style.
Availability & Product Range
Empire Red has a distinct advantage in terms of availability. As KitchenAid’s signature color, it's available on almost every countertop appliance they make - from mixers and toasters to blenders and food processors. This makes it easy to coordinate your suite with a matching look.
Gloss Cinnamon has a more limited release and is mostly found on key products like the Artisan stand mixers and K400 blenders. If you're planning to buy a complete matching set with all your countertop accessories, the experience with Gloss Cinnamon may be more difficult compared to those looking to have fun with the color Empire Red.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both KitchenAid colors bring beauty and legendary quality to your counter, but they serve very different design goals for your kitchen and space.
Choose Gloss Cinnamon if:
- You prefer warm, subtle, and earthy tones that feel sophisticated and welcoming, not flashy and showy.
- Your kitchen decor includes rustic, farmhouse, or traditional elements with wood tones or neutral color paint palettes.
- You want a unique appliance color that harmonizes seamlessly with other elements in your kitchen space without being overpowering.
- The idea of a timeless yet refined appliance color finish is appealing.
Choose Empire Red if:
- You love a bright, energetic pop of color that commands attention and stands out in your kitchen.
- You're looking for a classic, timeless color appliance style with a bit of a retro flair without feeling outdated.
- You want your new countertop color to be a primary focal point of your kitchen, making it a classic timeless kitchen accessory.
- Having a matching set with other KitchenAid appliances to coordinate your kitchen color scheme is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between KitchenAid Gloss Cinnamon and Empire Red?
The main difference is the color. Gloss Cinnamon offers a warm, earthy, and rich medium-brown tone, while Empire Red is a vibrant classic red that is iconic to KitchenAid appliances.
Are prices different for the Gloss Cinnamon than Empire Red?
No, there is typically no price difference between them. This allows kitchen appliance selection based on aesthetic preference without price being a factor.
Which color is KitchenAid more well known for?
Empire Red has been a signature and iconic color for KitchenAid for decades. It's more widely recognized and available across a broader range of products. Gloss Cinnamon is popular among those seeking a warmer, contemporary look.
How should each finish be cleaned?
Both finishes can easily be cleaned by wiping with a soft or damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners to protect the high-gloss finish.
Does Gloss Cinnamon look more orange?
Gloss Cinnamon has a warm tone with subtle reddish undertones, resembling the color of cinnamon spice. It's not orange, but rather a rich brown with warm highlights.
What about fading?
These colors are designed not to fade. The finish is baked on to ensure it remains vibrant and beautiful with proper care over the years.
Can you see these colors in person?
Yes, major retailers may have showrooms where you can see the colors in person. This is the best way to get a true sense of how the colors will look in your kitchen.
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