The KitchenAid Licorice and Onyx colors are both sleek black options, but they differ entirely in their finish: Licorice is a high-gloss, reflective black, while Onyx is a modern, non-reflective matte black. This single difference in finish impacts not only their appearance on a countertop but also how they handle daily upkeep like fingerprints and smudges.
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right black finish from KitchenAid for your kitchen's style and your lifestyle.
KitchenAid Licorice
The Licorice finish is a deep, rich black with a shiny, high-gloss surface. It’s designed to be a statement piece, reflecting light and creating a classic, polished look that stands out on a countertop. This vibrant, elegant finish has a timeless appeal that works well in a variety of kitchen designs, from traditional to contemporary.
- What it is: A deep black color option with a high-gloss, reflective finish.
- Key features: Shiny surface that reflects light, vibrant and deep black color, polished appearance.
- Price: The color choice itself does not typically alter the price of the appliance.
- Style: Classic, sophisticated, and elegant. Best suited for modern, monochrome, or even traditional kitchens where you want the appliance to pop.
- Materials/Construction: A durable, high-quality gloss coating applied over the appliance's body, designed to resist chipping and fading with standard use.
- Pros: Looks luxurious and elegant, reflects light which can brighten a kitchen space, easy to wipe clean, creates a classic statement piece on the counter.
- Cons: Easily shows fingerprints, smudges, and water spots, requiring frequent wiping to maintain its shine. Scratches or imperfections can be more noticeable on a glossy surface.
This finish is ideal for homeowners who want their kitchen appliances to make a bold statement and don’t mind a little extra wiping to keep things looking sharp and shiny.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers
KitchenAid Onyx
The Onyx finish, often called Onyx Black, offers the same deep black color but in a contemporary matte finish. Instead of reflecting light, Onyx absorbs it, giving appliances a subdued, modern, and almost soft appearance. Its non-reflective surface is perfect for minimalist, industrial, or modern kitchens where a sleek, understated look is preferred.
- What it is: A rich black color option with a smooth, non-reflective matte finish.
- Key features: Flat, non-glossy surface that absorbs light, fingerprint-resistant, modern aesthetic.
- Price: Typically the same price as its glossy counterparts for the same appliance model.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, industrial. Perfectly complements concrete countertops, natural wood tones, and other matte surfaces.
- Materials/Construction: A high-quality matte coating that is equally as durable as the gloss finishes and designed for longevity and resistance to fading.
- Pros: Excellently hides fingerprints, smudges, and minor water spots, requires less frequent cleaning, offers a very clean and contemporary look, pairs well with modern design elements.
- Cons: The matte texture can hold onto grease stains more tenaciously than a gloss surface, can look a bit dull in poorly lit spaces, dust can be more visible against the dark, flat color.
The Onyx finish is perfect for households that prioritize low-maintenance surfaces and a modern, integrated aesthetic where appliances blend into the decor rather than standing apart from it.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/
KitchenAid Licorice vs. Onyx Comparison
Finish & Appearance
The most immediate and impactful difference is the finish. KitchenAid Licorice has a mirror-like gloss that feels classic and vibrant. It bounces light around the room and draws the eye, making the appliance a distinct focal point. This shine gives it a polished, almost luxurious character.
In contrast, KitchenAid Onyx is subdued and understated. Its matte surface absorbs light, creating a deep, velvety black that doesn't compete for attention. This gives it a distinctly modern and professional feel, lending itself to clean lines and minimalist designs.
Maintenance & Durability
When it comes to maintenance, there's a clear trade-off. Licorice's glossy surface is unforgiving with fingerprints, smudges, and splashes. While it's simple to wipe down with a soft cloth, keeping it streak-free requires constant attention, especially in a busy kitchen.
Onyx is the clear winner for ease of upkeep. Its matte finish diffuses light, making fingerprints and smudges nearly invisible. This makes it a more practical choice for families or anyone who prefers a lower-maintenance surface. Both coatings are designed by KitchenAid to be durable and resist chipping, so longevity is comparable between the two.
Style & Kitchen Pairing
Licorice blends beautifully with traditional and transitional kitchens. It pairs well with other high-gloss surfaces, like polished stone countertops, shiny backsplashes, and chrome or brass hardware. Its classic look ensures it won't go out of style and can complement a wide array of color schemes.
Onyx is the go-to for modern, industrial, or Scandinavian-inspired kitchens. It looks fantastic next to raw materials like concrete, slate, or butcher block, and it complements other matte black fixtures, hardware, and cabinetry common in contemporary design.
Price & Value
Thankfully, your decision doesn't need to be influenced by price. For any given appliance model, KitchenAid generally charges the same amount for the Licorice and Onyx colorways. The value proposition for each is tied directly to your personal preference for style and practicality. Onyx adds value through lower maintenance, while Licorice adds value through its high-impact visual appeal.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Licorice and Onyx finishes offer a beautiful black option for your kitchen, but they cater to different aesthetic tastes and maintenance preferences.
Choose Licorice if:
- You love a classic, high-shine finish that feels polished and luxurious.
- You want your appliance to be an eye-catching statement piece on your counter.
- You don't mind regularly wiping down surfaces to keep them looking pristine and fingerprint-free.
- Your kitchen features other glossy elements, like polished stone countertops or shiny hardware.
Choose Onyx if:
- You prefer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that’s understated and modern.
- You want a low-maintenance finish that effectively hides fingerprints and smudges.
- Your kitchen has an industrial or minimalist style with materials like concrete, wood, or stone.
- You want your appliances to blend seamlessly with your decor rather than stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between KitchenAid Licorice and Onyx?
The primary difference is the finish. Licorice is a deep black with a glossy, reflective surface that shines. Onyx is the same shade of black but with a flat, non-reflective matte finish that absorbs light.
Which KitchenAid color is easier to keep clean?
Onyx is generally easier to keep looking clean because its matte surface does an excellent job of hiding fingerprints and mild smudges. The glossy Licorice finish shows everything and requires frequent wiping to look its best.
Does Onyx black look gray?
No, Onyx is a true, deep black. However, because its matte finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, it doesn't appear as intense or stark as the glossy Licorice. In a very brightly lit room, it may seem softer, but it is not gray.
Is there a price difference between Licorice and Onyx appliances?
Typically, no. For a specific KitchenAid appliance model, the price is usually the same regardless of whether you choose a standard glossy finish like Licorice or a matte finish like Onyx.
Which finish is more popular?
Both are very popular. Licorice is a timeless choice with long-standing appeal. However, Onyx aligns closely with current design trends that favor matte finishes and modern, minimalist aesthetics, giving it a surge in popularity in recent years.
Will the finish on Licorice or Onyx chip over time?
KitchenAid applies high-quality, durable coatings designed for kitchen environments. Under normal use, neither finish should chip or peel. Heavy impacts from sharp objects can damage any finish, but both are built to last.
How do Licorice and Onyx look with stainless steel appliances?
Both colors pair extremely well with stainless steel. Licorice complements the shine of polished stainless steel for a coordinated, gleaming look. Onyx creates a sophisticated contrast with brushed or satin stainless steel, emphasizing a mix of modern textures.
Is one color more durable than the other?
In terms of chemical resistance and fading, the durability is comparable. Both finishes undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand typical kitchen use. The practical difference in durability relates to how visible wear and tear might be, minor scratches might be more obvious on a high-gloss surface like Licorice.
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