I think it depends on the type of grout you get. There are grouts (epoxy) that are supposedly impervious. At the very least, these are more durable (at a higher cost) than standard cement grout. We got a white grout that was a newer generation expoy type grout to go with our light gray/blue subway tile. The main inconvenience was that we couldn't get it wet for several days. We've only had it installed for a few months but so far so good.

Had we gone with white subway I would have chosen a gray grout. I really like that combination - more than white on white. But white tiles didn't look right in our cream color kitchen.

I have had white subway tile with white grout for my backsplash in two kitchens and never had it get grimy or hard to clean. I lived with one for about three years and the other for about 18 months.

I've had that combo for a couple months now and had your same fear so I sealed it. So far it's been fine. I've had tomato sauce splatter on it and just wiped it off with no problem. I guess it could depend on how you approach cleaning. If you'd rather not have to wipe your backsplash more than once a year, maybe not a good option. If you don't mind giving it a wipe after a day of cooking you should be fine.

Beanpiele- tomato sauce and it wiped off, you've given me hope again!! I've already started looking into sealers. Thanks! ChristyMcK- thanks for the info on the grout. I'm going to look into the epoxy kind. And I also thought of doing a gray grout but I just can't decide if I love it. What to do, what to do?!?

Go with grey grout (and seal that too).

We have grey grout in our kitchen, and white grout in our bathroom. Both use the same white subway tile. Grey would have been too much for a whole bathroom, but it looks unbelievable on our backsplash and up to the ceiling in a few places.

With white grout you really can't see the pattern of the tile at all.