Choosing a finish for a new KitchenAid appliance can be as important as choosing the appliance itself. Liquid Graphite and Contour Silver are two popular metallic options, but they create entirely different looks: Liquid Graphite is a dark, sophisticated charcoal-gray with a soft metallic sheen, ideal for modern spaces, while Contour Silver is a bright, classic polished silver that offers timeless versatility.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two gorgeous finishes to decide which is the right statement for your kitchen countertops.
KitchenAid Liquid Graphite Finish
Liquid Graphite is a premium KitchenAid finish that offers a bold, contemporary look. It's a deep, dark gray that reads almost black in some lighting, infused with a subtle metallic finish that gives it depth and a slight luster without being shiny. This color is designed for modern, industrial, or minimalist kitchen aesthetics where it can either blend with dark decor or stand out as a dramatic statement piece.
- What it is: A deep charcoal-gray or near-black metallic finish with a matte or semi-gloss appearance.
- Key features: Sophisticated modern color, subtle metallic luster, less reflective finish reduces the appearance of fingerprints.
- Price: The finish does not typically alter the base price of the appliance, it's a colorway offered on standard models like the Artisan Series Stand Mixer.
- Style: Contemporary, modern, industrial, and minimalist.
- Materials/Construction: A durable, high-quality coating applied over the appliance's sturdy metal housing.
- Pros: Creates a bold, high-end look. The muted finish is good at hiding smudges. Pairs well with both dark and light countertops for contrast. Has a unique and trend-forward appearance.
- Cons: Less versatile than traditional silver or stainless steel. May look too dark or heavy in traditional or country-style kitchens. Can show dust more easily than lighter colors.
Liquid Graphite is perfect for homeowners who want their appliance to be a deliberate, stylish part of a modern kitchen design.
Shop this finish: kitchenaid.com/liquid-graphite-appliances
KitchenAid Contour Silver Finish
Contour Silver is KitchenAid's take on a classic bright silver. It's a clean, polished, and highly reflective metallic finish that feels both modern and timeless. This versatile color is designed to coordinate effortlessly with a wide range of kitchen decor and other stainless steel appliances, making it a safe yet sophisticated choice for almost any home. Its bright surface helps bounce light around the room, contributing to an airy, clean feeling.
- What it is: A bright, polished metallic silver finish with a highly reflective surface.
- Key features: Clean and classic look, polished sheen, coordinates easily with other kitchen appliances, timeless appeal.
- Price: Like Liquid Graphite, choosing Contour Silver does not generally change the price of the KitchenAid appliance itself.
- Style: Versatile and timeless, works well in transitional, contemporary, classic, and eclectic kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: A protective, high-shine coating applied over the die-cast metal body of the appliance.
- Pros: Extremely versatile color that fits most kitchen styles. Timeless look that won't feel dated. Brightens up countertop spaces. Easy to match with stainless steel faucets, hardware, and appliances.
- Cons: Highly reflective surface can show fingerprints, water spots, and smudges more easily. Can feel less unique or "safe" compared to more dramatic color options.
Contour Silver is the ideal choice for anyone wanting a durable, beautiful appliance that flawlessly integrates with existing decor and other stainless steel pieces.
Shop this finish: kitchenaid.com/contour-silver-appliances
KitchenAid Liquid Graphite vs. Contour Silver Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The primary difference between these two finishes is the aesthetic. Liquid Graphite is moody, modern, and dramatic. Its dark, semi-matte surface makes a strong style statement that works best in intentionally designed contemporary or industrial kitchens. Think dark cabinets, white quartz countertops, or concrete floors.
Contour Silver is bright, energetic, and classic. Its polished, light-reflecting surface feels clean and versatile, seamlessly blending into everything from all-white kitchens to spaces with warm wood tones. It's a "go-with-anything" neutral that complements rather than commands attention, similar to traditional stainless steel.
Durability & Maintenance
Both finishes are applied with KitchenAid's high-quality standards and are built to withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen. The durable coating on both is resistant to scratching and chipping with normal use.
Maintenance is where they differ slightly. The matte surface of Liquid Graphite is more forgiving when it comes to fingerprints and smudges. The highly polished sheen of Contour Silver, on the other hand, can make water spots and fingerprints more visible, requiring a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth more often to maintain its sparkle.
Versatility & Kitchen Integration
When it comes to versatility, Contour Silver has the edge. It's designed to be a close sibling to standard stainless steel, making it incredibly easy to coordinate with other major appliances, faucets, and cabinet hardware. It's a safe bet that will look good no matter how you decide to redecorate your kitchen down the line.
Liquid Graphite is more of a specialist. It looks stunning when it coordinates with a design theme - think black hardware, dark stone, or as a strong contrast in an otherwise neutral kitchen. However, it may feel out of place in more traditional, rustic, or colorful spaces. It’s less about blending in and more about creating a specific, modern vibe.
Price & Value
You can breathe easy on this point - there is generally no price difference between KitchenAid appliances based on these two color choices. An Artisan Stand Mixer in Liquid Graphite costs the same as one in Contour Silver. The value, therefore, is entirely personal. The right choice is the one that best fits your kitchen's design, brings you the most joy to look at every day, and aligns with your long-term style goals.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both finishes offer the same legendary KitchenAid performance, so your decision really comes down to personal style and your kitchen's existing decor.
Choose Liquid Graphite if:
- You have a modern, industrial, or minimalist kitchen aesthetic.
- You want your appliance to be a bold, dramatic focal point on your countertop.
- Your kitchen features dark cabinets, black hardware, or deep-colored stone countertops.
- You prefer a less reflective, sophisticated matte-metallic look over a high-shine polish.
Choose Contour Silver if:
- You're looking for a timeless and versatile finish that will never go out of style.
- You need your new appliance to match existing stainless steel appliances.
- Your kitchen is bright and airy, and you want a finish that reflects light.
- You prefer a classic, foolproof look that feels clean and polished.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Liquid Graphite and Contour Silver?
The main difference is appearance and vibe. Liquid Graphite is a dark, near-black charcoal gray with a subtle metallic, semi-matte sheen. Contour Silver is a bright, classic polished silver with a highly reflective, glossy finish.
Is Liquid Graphite just black?
No, it's not a flat black. Liquid Graphite is a very deep gray with visible metallic undertones that give it more dimension and softness than a simple black finish.
Is Contour Silver the same as stainless steel?
They are very similar and designed to coordinate well. However, Contour Silver is typically a polished, smooth coating, whereas many stainless steel appliances have a "brushed" texture. Contour Silver often appears a bit brighter and more reflective.
Which finish is easier to keep clean?
Both are simple to clean with a damp cloth. Due to its less-reflective surface, Liquid Graphite tends to be more forgiving with fingerprints and smudges. The high shine of Contour Silver may require more frequent wiping to remove spots and maintain its polished look.
Does the finish affect the price of the KitchenAid appliance?
For most standard models, no. KitchenAid typically offers finishes like Liquid Graphite and Contour Silver as standard color options, meaning the price is dictated by the appliance's model and features, not its color.
How durable are these finishes?
Very durable. KitchenAid appliances are known for their robust build quality, and that extends to their finishes, which are designed to resist chipping, scratching, and fading with regular household use.
Which appliances are available in these colors?
Both colors are available on many of KitchenAid's most popular countertop appliances, including their iconic stand mixers, blenders, and food processors.
Which color is more popular?
Contour Silver is a classic bestseller due to its timeless versatility and similarity to stainless steel. Liquid Graphite has grown in popularity with the rise of modern and industrial kitchen designs.
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