The KitchenAid Mixer in Porcelain White and its trendy counterpart, Milkshake, offer the same powerful performance but cater to different kitchen aesthetics. Porcelain White is a classic, high-gloss white that provides timeless elegance, while Milkshake is a warm, matte pastel pink that delivers a stylish, vintage-inspired personality.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right KitchenAid mixer color for your home.
KitchenAid Porcelain White Mixer
The Porcelain White mixer is a staple in the KitchenAid lineup, renowned for its clean, classic look. Featuring a durable glossy finish, this colorway seamlessly integrates into nearly any decor style, from modern minimalist and traditional farmhouse to contemporary. It's the go-to choice for those who want a reliable and iconic appliance that won’t go out of style.
- What it is: A classic stand mixer with a high-gloss, pure white finish.
- Key features: Available on popular models like the Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head, featuring 10 speeds, a die-cast metal body, and compatibility with dozens of attachments.
- Price: $399-$429, depending on the model and retailer.
- Style: Timeless, elegant, and versatile. Complements both classic and contemporary kitchen designs.
- Materials/Construction: The body is made of durable die-cast metal with a glossy, porcelain enamel coating that's easy to clean and resistant to stains and chipping.
- Pros: Timeless look that never goes out of style. Versatile enough to fit any kitchen decor. Glossy finish is exceptionally easy to wipe clean. Resale value tends to be strong due to its classic appeal.
- Cons: A 'safe' choice that may lack personality for some buyers. Gloss finish can show fingerprints and smudges more readily than a matte one.
This mixer is perfect for the home baker who values a clean, timeless aesthetic and wants an appliance that complements any kitchen design flawlessly.
Shop this color: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers.html
KitchenAid Milkshake Mixer
The Milkshake mixer is a newer, trend-forward color that brings a touch of softness and personality to the kitchen. It features a warm pastel pink hue with a smooth matte or semi-matte finish, evoking a sense of nostalgic, retro charm. This colorway is designed to be a statement piece that adds character and warmth without being overpowering.
- What it is: A modern stand mixer with a trendy, soft pastel pink color and a non-glossy finish.
- Key features: Shares the same specifications as other Artisan Series mixers, including a 325-watt motor, a 5-quart bowl, and a versatile power hub for attachments.
- Price: $399-$429, consistent with other standard Artisan color options.
- Style: Playful, modern-retro, and charming. Works exceptionally well in kitchens with vintage, shabby chic, or soft-color palettes.
- Materials/Construction: Built with the same durable die-cast metal body, but finished with a matte or semi-matte paint coating.
- Pros: Unique color adds a pop of personality. The matte finish helps hide fingerprints and reduces glare. A warm, inviting hue that stands out beautifully.
- Cons: As a trendy color, it may not feel as timeless in the long run. Its specific style may not blend well with all kitchen designs. The matte surface can require more gentle cleaning to avoid scuffs.
The Milkshake mixer is ideal for anyone who wants their appliances to be a reflection of their personal style, adding a warm and playful accent to their countertop.
Shop this color: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers.html
KitchenAid Porcelain White vs. Milkshake Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The most significant difference lies in their visual impact. Porcelain White is the quintessential neutral, its glossy finish provides a polished, clean look that blends into the background of any kitchen, whether it's sleek and modern or traditional and cozy. It’s an understated choice that prioritizes function and classic form.
In contrast, the Milkshake color is explicitly designed to be noticed. Its soft pastel pink hue and modern matte finish make it a decorative accent. It brings warmth and a vintage-inspired charm that perfectly suits eclectic, shabby chic, or pastel-themed spaces. Milkshake is for the user who views their mixer as both a tool and a piece of decor.
Finish & Durability
Both mixers are built on an identical die-cast metal frame, guaranteeing the same level of mechanical durability. However, the finishes have different characteristics. KitchenAid's Porcelain White features a glossy enamel coating that is incredibly smooth, non-porous, and easy to wipe down. It's highly resistant to staining from ingredients like food dyes or spices.
Milkshake's matte finish has a softer, lower-sheen appearance. This finish is excellent at hiding fingerprints and smudges. While durable, matte surfaces are occasionally more susceptible to showing oil marks or scuffs and require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth to maintain their uniform texture.
Price & Value
Functionally and mechanically, these mixers are identical. Consequently, their pricing is the same, typically ranging from $399 to $429 for the popular Artisan 5-quart model. Both represent an equal investment in a high-performance kitchen appliance.
The difference in value is purely subjective. The Porcelain White offers timeless value, ensuring it won't look dated in a decade. The Milkshake mixer provides immediate stylistic value, transforming a common appliance into a personalized statement piece.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both mixers offer identical, industry-leading performance, so the right choice depends entirely on your kitchen's style and your personal taste.
Choose the Porcelain White if:
- You want a clean, classic look that will never feel outdated.
- Your kitchen design is modern, traditional, or you plan to redecorate in the future.
- You prefer an appliance that blends seamlessly with other stainless steel or white appliances.
- Easy and quick cleaning is a top priority - the glossy finish is simple to wipe down.
Choose the Milkshake if:
- You want your mixer to be a unique decorative accent on your countertop.
- Your kitchen has a vintage, retro, or shabby chic aesthetic.
- You love soft, warm colors and want to add a touch of personality to your space.
- You prefer a modern matte finish that conceals fingerprints exceptionally well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between KitchenAid's Porcelain White and Milkshake colors?
The primary difference is aesthetic. Porcelain White is a classic, high-gloss pure white. Milkshake is a trendy, warm pastel pink with a smooth, non-glossy matte finish. Functionality, power, and build quality are identical.
Are the mixers completely the same besides the color?
Yes. If you are comparing the same model (e.g., Artisan 5-Quart Tilt-Head), everything from the motor power and 10-speed settings to the bowl capacity and attachment compatibility is exactly the same.
Is one finish more durable than the other?
Both are highly durable and designed for a kitchen environment. The glossy enamel of the Porcelain White is exceptionally stain-resistant and easy to wipe. The matte finish of the Milkshake mixer is excellent for hiding smudges but may require gentle cleaning to prevent scratches or buffing.
Does the Milkshake color look different in person than online?
Like many colors, its appearance can vary slightly depending on your kitchen's lighting. It is generally described as a very soft, muted, warm-toned pastel pink, not a bright or vibrant one. Watching video reviews can provide a better sense of its true color.
Will the Milkshake color go out of style?
Pastel and retro colors are currently popular, but trends can change. Unlike Porcelain White, which is timeless, Milkshake is more of a style-forward choice. However, its soft and muted tone gives it more staying power than brighter, bolder fad colors.
Which color is easier to clean?
The Porcelain White's high-gloss finish is arguably the easiest to clean. Spills and sticky ingredients wipe off its slick surface with minimal effort. While the Milkshake's matte finish hides minor smudges better, it requires a soft cloth to clean thoroughly without leaving streaks or shine marks.
What model do these colors typically come in?
Both Porcelain White and Milkshake are anchor colors in the popular Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer line, which is the model most people are familiar with.
Where is the best place to buy a KitchenAid mixer?
They are widely available directly from the KitchenAid website, as well as major retailers like Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, and Amazon, often with competitive pricing and promotions.
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.
