The classic KitchenAid White and Matte White finishes offer the same high performance but cater to different kitchen aesthetics and maintenance preferences. The standard White has a glossy, reflective surface for a bright, classic look, while Matte White features a non-reflective, modern finish that better conceals fingerprints and smudges.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right finish for your KitchenAid appliance.
KitchenAid White Finish
The standard White finish is a timeless choice known for its high-gloss, smooth surface. It has been a staple in kitchens for decades, offering a clean, bright, and polished appearance that reflects light and can make a space feel more open and vibrant. This classic finish brings a familiar, retro-inspired charm to any countertop.
- What it is: A smooth, glossy, and highly reflective white coating applied to KitchenAid appliances like stand mixers and blenders.
- Key features: High-shine, smooth-to-the-touch surface that is easy to wipe clean. Reflects ambient light, making it a bright spot in the kitchen.
- Price: Generally the standard price for most models. Expect pricing from $350 - $450 for a standard Artisan stand mixer.
- Style: Classic, traditional, and retro. It pairs exceptionally well with farmhouse, cottage, or vintage-inspired kitchen decor.
- Pros: Creates a bright, clean look. Matches a wide variety of kitchen styles. Wipes clean easily. Has a timeless appeal that won't go out of style.
- Cons: Highly reflective surface shows fingerprints, smudges, and water spots very easily. Minor scratches or scuffs can be more noticeable due to the shine.
This finish is ideal for those who love a classic, vibrant kitchen aesthetic and don't mind wiping down spills and smudges to maintain its shine.
Shop this finish: https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-series-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer/p.ksm150ps.html
KitchenAid Matte White Finish
The Matte White finish offers a more contemporary and understated elegance. Its non-reflective, soft texture absorbs light rather than reflecting it, providing a muted, sophisticated look. This modern finish has become popular for its ability to hide fingerprints and its seamless fit with minimalist and industrial design trends.
- What it is: A specially formulated non-reflective coating with a soft, muted-sheen texture applied to KitchenAid's premium countertop appliances.
- Key features: Non-glossy surface that hides fingerprints and smudges well. Soft, velvety texture. Creates a modern, high-end look.
- Price: Typically the same price as the standard white finish for the same appliance model ($350 - $450 for an Artisan stand mixer).
- Style: Modern, contemporary, minimalist, and industrial. It creates a subtle, sophisticated statement without overpowering the space.
- Pros: Excellent at hiding fingerprints, smudges, and minor scuffs. Less glare from kitchen lighting. Looks modern and feels premium. Pairs well with natural materials like wood and concrete.
- Cons: Sticky or greasy soils can sometimes be slightly more challenging to wipe clean compared to a slick gloss surface. Can look understated for those who prefer a bold appliance.
This finish is perfect for anyone seeking a modern aesthetic with practical, low-maintenance benefits for a busy kitchen environment.
Shop this finish: https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-series-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer/p.ksm150ps.html
KitchenAid White vs. Matte White Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The biggest difference between the two is their visual impact. The glossy White finish creates a bright focal point, reflecting light and offering a clean, retro feel that stands out. It's cheerful and classic, making it a safe yet vibrant choice for traditional, farmhouse, or colorful kitchens.
Conversely, the Matte White finish provides an understated sophistication. It absorbs light, giving it a softer, more integrated look that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. This makes it a perfect complement for modern, minimalist, or industrial kitchens that prioritize texture and muted tones. While glossy white shouts "classic appliance," matte white whispers "designer detail."
Durability & Maintenance
Both finishes are applied to the same durable, die-cast metal body KitchenAid is known for, so the core quality is identical. The key difference is day-to-day maintenance. The glossy White surface reveals every fingerprint, water spot, and smudge, requiring more frequent wiping to stay looking pristine.
The Matte White finish is far more forgiving. Its textured, non-reflective surface naturally camouflages smudges and fingerprints, making it ideal for high-traffic kitchens or households with kids. While both are durable, the matte surface may also hide minor scratches better over the long term compared to the high-shine glossy finish where imperfections are more visible.
Price & Value
For most standard models, there is no price difference between KitchenAid's White and Matte White finishes. This makes the choice purely a matter of personal preference rather than budget. On some special edition models, a matte finish might carry a small premium, but this is uncommon for the core product lines.
The value proposition for each is tied to style and lifestyle. If you value a timeless, bright look and don’t mind a quick daily wipe-down, the glossy White is excellent value. If you prioritize modern aesthetics and low-maintenance surfaces that hide daily wear, the Matte White delivers immense practical value for the same price.
Who Each One Works Best For
The classic glossy White is best for homeowners who love a bright, clean, and traditional kitchen aesthetic. It works beautifully in vintage, retro, or farmhouse designs where a bit of shine adds to the charm. If your kitchen features colorful backsplashes, polished chrome hardware, or other glossy elements, this finish will fit right in.
Matte White works best for modern sensibilities. It's the ideal choice for minimalist, Scandinavian, or industrial-style kitchens featuring natural wood cabinets, concrete countertops, or matte black fixtures. It’s also the practical choice for busy families or anyone who prefers not to polish their appliances after every use.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both finishes offer the legendary KitchenAid quality, so the best choice comes down to your kitchen's style and your tolerance for cleaning.
Choose the White finish if:
- You prefer a classic, vibrant, and timeless look.
- Your kitchen has a farmhouse, retro, or traditional style.
- You enjoy a high-shine, polished look and don't mind wiping it down regularly.
- You want your appliance to be a bright and cheerful focal point.
Choose the Matte White finish if:
- You're designing a modern, minimalist, or industrial-style kitchen.
- You want to avoid seeing constant fingerprints and smudges.
- You prefer a soft, understated, and sophisticated aesthetic.
- Your kitchen features other matte finishes or natural textures like wood and stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between KitchenAid Matte White and White?
The key differences are aesthetic and tactile. The standard White is a smooth, high-gloss finish that reflects light. Matte White has a non-reflective, soft-textured finish that hides fingerprints and offers a modern look.
Is there a price difference between the two finishes?
No, for most core KitchenAid appliances like the Artisan Stand Mixer, the standard and matte finishes are typically priced the same. Your decision can be based purely on preference.
Which finish is more durable?
Both finishes are factory-applied to be tough and long-lasting. The underlying appliance is identical in quality. However, the Matte White finish tends to conceal minor scuffs and daily wear better than the high-shine glossy surface.
Is matte white harder to clean?
Not necessarily, but it requires a slightly different approach. While it excels at hiding fingerprints, oily or sticky messes may require a bit more effort to wipe off the textured surface. In contrast, glossy white shows everything but wipes clean very easily.
Do other KitchenAid appliances come in both finishes?
Yes, KitchenAid often offers both White and Matte White finishes across its popular product lines, including stand mixers, blenders, food processors, and toasters, allowing you to create a coordinated look.
What style kitchen does the glossy white finish work best in?
The glossy White finish is perfect for traditional, farmhouse, cottage, and retro-themed kitchens. Its bright, classic shine adds a sense of cleanliness and nostalgic charm.
What kitchen style is best for the matte white finish?
Matte White pairs beautifully with modern, minimalist, Scandinavian, and industrial designs. Its understated and non-reflective nature complements natural materials, clean lines, and other matte hardware.
Will the matte white finish stain easily?
Both finishes are durable and non-porous. They are designed to resist staining from common food ingredients. However, it's always wise to wipe spills - especially potent ones like turmeric, coffee, or tomato sauce - from any appliance surface promptly.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
