The KitchenAid Medallion Silver and Contour Silver finishes both offer a sophisticated metallic look, but they differ primarily in their brightness and texture. Medallion Silver is a bright, glossy metallic with a high-sheen, reflective surface that stands out, similar to classic stainless steel. In contrast, Contour Silver is a slightly darker, more subdued metallic with a semi-gloss or matte finish that mutes reflections for an understated and modern appearance.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which silver finish is the right choice for your kitchen appliances.
KitchenAid Medallion Silver
Medallion Silver is KitchenAid's vibrant and contemporary metallic finish, designed to be an eye-catching statement piece on your countertop. Its bright, polished look complements modern kitchen designs and pairs exceptionally well with other stainless steel appliances, creating a cohesive and polished aesthetic.
- What it is: A bright, highly reflective metallic silver color option for KitchenAid appliances.
- Key features: Smooth, glossy surface with a noticeable metallic sheen that reflects light.
- Price: Similarly priced to other standard colors, an Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is typically around $429.
- Style: Modern, sleek, and bright. It acts as a focal point and complements contemporary kitchen decor and stainless steel appliances.
- Pros: Bright and vibrant look makes a statement. Its reflective surface can make a kitchen space feel brighter. Pairs beautifully with traditional stainless steel. Easy to wipe clean a glossy surface.
- Cons: High-gloss surface may show fingerprints and smudges more readily than matte finishes. Can feel too industrial or flashy for more traditional or minimalist styles.
Medallion Silver is ideal for anyone who wants their appliance to be a centerpiece and appreciates a sleek, contemporary metallic finish.
Shop this finish at: kitchenaid.com
KitchenAid Contour Silver
Contour Silver offers a more subtle and versatile take on the metallic trend. Featuring a muted, semi-gloss or matte finish, it provides understated elegance that can seamlessly integrate into various kitchen styles, from industrial to minimalist, without overpowering the space.
- What it is: A darker, muted semi-gloss or matte silver finish for KitchenAid appliances.
- Key features: A less reflective, low-sheen finish that effectively conceals fingerprints and minor smudges.
- Price: Typically priced the same as Medallion Silver and other standard colors, around $429 for a 5-quart Artisan stand mixer.
- Style: Understated, sophisticated, and modern. Fits well with industrial, minimalist, and transitional kitchen designs.
- Pros: Excellent at hiding fingerprints and smudges, making it easy to maintain. Sophisticated, muted look blends well with diverse decor styles. Less likely to cause glare in brightly lit kitchens.
- Cons: May appear dull compared to brighter finishes. Doesn't offer the high-impact "pop" of a reflective color.
This finish is perfect for those who want a premium, modern appliance that exudes subtle sophistication and blends effortlessly into their kitchen decor.
Shop this finish at: kitchenaid.com
Medallion Silver vs. Contour Silver Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The primary difference between these two finishes is purely visual and feel. Medallion Silver is bright, energetic, and eye-catching with its high-gloss, reflective surface. It functions like a classic chrome or polished stainless steel accent, perfect for modern kitchens where appliances are meant to be seen and admired. It creates a crisp, clean look that shines under kitchen lights.
Contour Silver, on the other hand, embraces a more muted, soft-spoken elegance. Its matte or semi-gloss texture absorbs more light than it reflects, resulting in a deeper, more uniform color. This makes it incredibly versatile, allowing it to complement darker cabinets and dramatic countertops in an industrial setting or maintain the quiet simplicity of a minimalist kitchen.
Materials & Construction
It's important to understand that the choice between Medallion Silver and Contour Silver is purely cosmetic. The underlying appliance - whether it's a stand mixer, blender, or food processor - is identical in build quality, materials, and performance. Both finishes are applied using durable powder-coating techniques designed to resist scratching, chipping, and fading over time. The die-cast metal body and internal mechanics are the same, ensuring you receive the trusted KitchenAid quality regardless of your color preference.
Price & Value
There is typically no significant price difference between Medallion Silver and Contour Silver. Both are considered standard finishes in the KitchenAid color palette, and any cost variations you might find are usually due to retailer-specific sales or promotions rather than the color itself. This makes the decision much easier, as it can be based entirely on personal aesthetic preference without impacting your budget. You’re paying for a high-quality appliance, and the color is simply a matter of style.
Who Each One Works Best For
Medallion Silver is designed for the homeowner whose kitchen is a showpiece. If you have sleek, contemporary cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and want your stand mixer to be a sparkling focal point, this is the finish for you. It's for those who love a bright, clean, almost commercial kitchen appearance.
Contour Silver caters to those who prefer a more integrated and subtle design approach. It's perfect for kitchens with a moody, industrial vibe, dark cabinetry, or a focused minimalist design where no single element should scream for attention. If you prioritize easy maintenance and a sophisticated, timeless look over a high-shine finish, Contour Silver is a better fit.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both finishes deliver the premium feel KitchenAid is known for, but they cater to different design tastes and functional priorities.
Choose Medallion Silver if:
- You want your appliance to be a bright, eye-catching centerpiece on your counter.
- Your kitchen has a modern, contemporary style with other stainless steel appliances.
- You love a brilliant, reflective metallic surface that shines under lights.
- You want a classic metallic look that feels clean and vibrant.
Choose Contour Silver if:
- You prefer an understated, modern, and elegant aesthetic.
- You want an appliance that hides fingerprints and smudges for easier upkeep.
- Your kitchen design is industrial, minimalist, or features dark countertops and cabinets.
- You want a sophisticated metallic finish that blends in seamlessly rather than stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Medallion and Contour Silver?
The main difference is the finish. Medallion Silver is bright, shiny, and highly reflective, similar to polished chrome. Contour Silver is a slightly darker, muted silver with a matte or semi-gloss finish that doesn't reflect much light.
Is one finish more expensive than the other?
No, both Medallion Silver and Contour Silver are typically priced the same on KitchenAid appliances. Your choice will be based on aesthetics, not budget.
Which silver finish is shinier and more reflective?
Medallion Silver is hands-down the shinier and more reflective option. Its glossy surface is designed to catch the light and stand out.
Is one finish easier to clean or maintain?
Contour Silver is generally easier to maintain. Its low-sheen, matte finish is excellent at concealing fingerprints, water spots, and minor smudges, while the high-gloss Medallion Silver will show them more easily.
Will Medallion Silver match my stainless steel appliances?
Yes, absolutely. Medallion Silver is specifically designed to complement the look of traditional stainless steel appliances, creating a cohesive and coordinated kitchen.
Is the quality of the KitchenAid appliance the same for both colors?
Yes, the quality is identical. The color is a durable, cosmetic finish applied to the same high-quality die-cast metal body. The appliance's motor, performance, and longevity are not affected by your color choice.
Where can I see these KitchenAid colors in person?
To see the finishes firsthand, you can visit major appliance and kitchenware retailers like Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Best Buy, or department stores that have KitchenAid appliances on display.
Are both colors available on all KitchenAid appliances?
Availability can vary by product. While both finishes are popular on signature items like the Artisan Stand Mixer, it's always best to check the specific product page on the KitchenAid website to see which colors are offered for a particular blender, food processor, or hand mixer.
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