The KitchenAid Ruby Red and Empire Red both offer a classic pop of color, but they cater to very different kitchen styles. The main difference is their undertone and aesthetic: Empire Red is a warmer, fiery red with a vintage feel, while Ruby Red is a cooler, more classic "true red" that suits modern spaces. Price, performance, and build quality are identical between them.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right shade of red for your home.
KitchenAid Empire Red
Empire Red is arguably KitchenAid's most iconic color. It's the bold, warm, and energetic red consumers often picture when thinking of the brand's stand mixers. With its slight orange undertone, it brings a lively, retro charm to any kitchen counter and has become a staple in farmhouse and vintage-inspired designs.
- What it is: One of KitchenAid's signature colors, a warm and fiery red with a distinct vintage aesthetic.
- Key features: Bold, warm tone with an orange undertone. The finish is a durable powder coat designed to resist fading and chipping.
- Price: Same price as other standard colors, an Artisan Stand Mixer is typically around $429.
- Style: Retro, vintage, farmhouse, and eclectic. It stands out as a clear statement piece.
- Pros: An iconic and celebrated color for the brand. Its warm hue adds energy and vibrancy. Pairs perfectly with retro and farmhouse decor. The finish is known for its long-lasting durability.
- Cons: The specific orange undertone may not suit all kitchen color palettes. It can feel overly bold for minimalist or ultra-modern spaces.
Empire Red is ideal for anyone wanting their appliance to be a vibrant, retro focal point that adds nostalgic character to the kitchen.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/colors/empire-red.html
KitchenAid Ruby Red
Ruby Red offers a more classic, versatile take on the red appliance trend. It's a cooler, deeper red without the warm undertones of Empire Red, giving it a more modern and sophisticated look. This rich, jewel-toned color provides a bold splash of personality that blends seamlessly into contemporary designs without feeling overtly retro.
- What it is: A classic and vibrant red color option with a cooler, more 'true red' undertone.
- Key features: Clear, rich red hue without warm undertones. Made with the same durable, fade-resistant powder-coat finish as other colors.
- Price: Priced identically to Empire Red models (approx. $429 for an Artisan Stand Mixer).
- Style: Modern, contemporary, timeless, and classic. It's bold yet versatile enough for various designs.
- Pros: Complements modern and minimalist kitchens well. A versatile red that pairs easily with stainless steel, black, or white accents. Offers a vibrant look that is timeless. Easier to match with other reds in a kitchen.
- Cons: Lacks the iconic "vintage" status of Empire Red. Some may find it less bold than Empire Red's fiery tone.
Ruby Red is a perfect fit for home chefs who want a pop of color that feels current, sophisticated, and can adapt to different styles over time.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-series/p.artisan-series-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer.ksm150psrr.html
KitchenAid Ruby Red vs. Empire Red Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The biggest distinction is in the style each color conveys. Empire Red immediately creates a sense of nostalgia. Its warmer, tomato-red coloring feels energetic and cheerful, making it a natural centerpiece in kitchens with farmhouse sinks, open shelving, and eclectic patterns. It's a choice for someone who wants the appliance's look to be part of the kitchen's fun, retro character.
Ruby Red is the more modern alternative. Its cooler, primary-red appearance is sleek and polished, pairing effortlessly with modern design elements like granite or quartz countertops, flat-panel cabinets, and stainless steel finishes. It provides a strong color accent without tying the kitchen to a specific era, making it a safer and more versatile long-term choice for contemporary homes.
Price & Value
There is no difference in price or value between Ruby Red and Empire Red. For any given product, such as the widely popular Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, the price is the same regardless of which of these two colors you select. The value is purely subjective and depends entirely on which aesthetic you prefer for your kitchen. You don't pay a premium for either, so the decision should be based solely on which color works best with your decor.
Materials & Construction
Beyond the color pigment, every aspect of the appliances is identical. A stand mixer in Ruby Red has the same die-cast metal body, high-performance motor, and durable components as one in Empire Red. Both are finished with KitchenAid's premium powder-coating to ensure the surface resists chipping, scratching, and fading. You're getting the same level of American-engineered quality and the same standard 1-year warranty no matter which color you buy.
Who Each One Works Best For
Ruby Red is best for the homeowner with a modern, contemporary, or transitional kitchen. If your style leans towards clean lines, neutral palettes (like grays, whites, and blacks), and brushed metallic accents, Ruby Red will integrate beautifully as a bold, sophisticated focal point. It's for the person who wants color without committing to a strong vintage theme.
Empire Red is the perfect choice for those who love character, warmth, and nostalgia. It shines in farmhouse, retro, cottage-style, or eclectic kitchens where charm is a priority. If your home has warm wood finishes, patterned backsplashes, or antique details, Empire Red will feel right at home and enhance the space's personality.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both red finishes from KitchenAid deliver the same performance and quality, so the best one is simply a matter of personal style.
Choose KitchenAid Ruby Red if:
- Your kitchen has a modern, minimalist, or contemporary design.
- You prefer cooler tones and a classic, "true red" color.
- Your kitchen features a lot of stainless steel, white, or gray.
- You want a pop of color that feels timeless without feeling explicitly tied to a vintage era.
Choose KitchenAid Empire Red if:
- You have a farmhouse, retro, or eclectic kitchen aesthetic.
- You love warm, fiery colors with a touch of orange.
- You want that iconic, statement-making color the brand is famous for.
- Your kitchen incorporates warm wood tones, cream cabinets, or playful patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between KitchenAid Ruby Red and Empire Red?
The key visible difference is the undertone. Empire Red is a warmer red with a slight orange tint, giving it a vintage, fiery look. Ruby Red is a cooler, "true" red with a more modern and classic appearance.
Are Ruby Red and Empire Red KitchenAid mixers the same price?
Yes, for the same model (e.g., the Artisan Series 5-Quart mixer), the price is identical for both colors. The choice does not affect the cost.
Which red is brighter, Ruby Red or Empire Red?
While both are vibrant, Empire Red is often perceived as "brighter" or more "fiery" because of its warm, orange undertones that catch the light and feel more energetic.
Is Empire Red considered the 'classic' KitchenAid color?
Yes. Empire Red is one of KitchenAid's original and most longstanding signature colors. It's often what people associate with the brand's iconic design heritage.
How can I see the colors in person before buying?
We recommend visiting major retailers that carry KitchenAid appliances, such as Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Best Buy, or Target. They often have floor models on display, allowing you to compare the colors under store lighting.
Is the quality the same for both appliance colors?
Absolutely. The color is purely a cosmetic choice. The build materials, internal motor, moving parts, performance, and warranty are identical regardless of which color you select.
Which KitchenAid red is better for a modern kitchen?
Ruby Red is generally the better choice for modern or contemporary kitchens. Its clean, cool tone complements sleek surfaces like stainless steel, quartz, and marble seamlessly.
Do these KitchenAid colors fade over time?
No, KitchenAid appliances are finished with a durable powder-coating process. This method, similar to automotive paint, is baked on and designed to resist fading, chipping, and scratching through many years of use and cleaning.
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