When it comes to choosing finishes for kitchen appliances, there are several options to consider that can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen design. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of each finish will ensure you select the perfect look to match your personal style and cooking needs.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular kitchen appliance finishes, prized for its sleek, professional look and ease of cleaning. Here are some of the pros and cons of selecting stainless steel appliance finishes:
Pros of Stainless Steel Appliances
- Timeless and sleek aesthetic – Stainless steel has a versatile, modern look that has remained popular for decades. It gives kitchens a sleek, professional appearance that fits well in contemporary, traditional or transitional style kitchens.
- Easy to clean and maintain – Stainless steel resists smudges, fingerprints and water spots better than most other finishes. It can be easily cleaned using soap and water, glass cleaner or stainless steel polish/cleaners.
- Matches other stainless kitchen elements – Stainless steel appliances coordinate nicely with other stainless elements like refrigerators, sinks, faucets and vent hoods for a cohesive look.
- Durable and scratch-resistant – High-quality stainless steel is very durable and scratch-resistant, although it can be prone to dents. Avoiding abrasive cleaners will help prevent scratching.
- Neutral color complements any decor – The silver coloring of stainless steel acts as a neutral backdrop that works with any wall color, countertop material or cabinetry style.
Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances
- Shows fingerprints – Oil from fingers and hands can leave noticeable smears and prints on stainless surfaces that require frequent wiping down. Consider a fingerprint-resistant stainless finish to minimize this.
- Susceptible to water spots and stains – Water droplets can leave spots on stainless surfaces, while foods and liquids (like wine, tomato sauce or fruit juices) can stain if not cleaned up promptly.
- Can dent – Stainless steel is durable but still prone to dents and dings if struck with heavy pans or other objects. Be careful when working around stainless appliances.
- Noisy – Stainless steel transfers sound easily, so the material can make appliances seem louder than other finishes. This may be something to consider for laundry rooms.
- Lacks warmth – Some homeowners find all-stainless kitchens to look too clinical or sterile. Adding warmth through wood accents, colored appliances or textures can help offset this.
Best Uses for Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel finish is ideal for:
- Contemporary, modern or minimalist kitchen aesthetics
- Coordinating with existing stainless elements like faucets or vent hoods
- High-traffic areas prone to spills, splatters or frequent cleaning
- Cooks who prefer a professional style
- Neutral color schemes where the finish won’t clash with wall colors
Black Stainless Steel
Black stainless steel is a popular new kitchen appliance finish option that offers a darker, more sophisticated look. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of selecting black stainless steel:
Pros of Black Stainless Steel Appliances
- Sleek, modern aesthetic – The dark color and subtle sheen of black stainless make it ideal for contemporary or modern kitchen designs. It looks especially striking in minimalist, monochromatic kitchens.
- Coordinates with black accents – Black stainless pairs perfectly with existing black kitchen hardware like faucets, pot racks and lighting fixtures for a cohesive, upscale look.
- Shows fewer fingerprints – The dark color helps disguise smudges and fingerprints better than regular stainless. You’ll spend less time wiping down surfaces.
- Adds drama and sophistication – For those seeking a bold, dramatic look, black stainless makes a strong style statement. It feels luxurious and upscale.
- Provides a color contrast – Black stainless stands out nicely against light countertops and backsplashes, creating appealing visual contrast.
Cons of Black Stainless Steel Appliances
- Reflects light irregularly – The darker finish can reflect overhead lights unevenly at certain angles, creating a spotty appearance. Proper kitchen lighting minimizes this.
- Few matching accessories – You may need to mix some stainless and black pieces since matching accessories (pot racks, vent hoods) are still hard to find.
- Shows scratches – Scratches on black stainless are more visible than on regular stainless steel. Apply a protective sealant to reduce scratching.
- High-maintenance finish – You’ll need to clean black stainless more frequently to keep away smudges and fingerprints that stand out against the darker color.
- Trendy rather than timeless – All-black kitchens have risen in popularity, but for a classic look with staying power, stainless may be a safer bet.
Best Uses for Black Stainless Appliances
Black stainless is a great finish for:
- Modern, contemporary kitchen aesthetics
- A bold, upscale, sophisticated look
- Coordinating with existing black kitchen hardware
- An edgy, all-black monochromatic kitchen design
- Adding drama and visual contrast against light counters
White & Bisque Appliances
Crisp white or warm bisque finishes provide timeless style to kitchens. Here are the upsides and downsides of choosing white/bisque appliances:
Pros of White and Bisque Appliances
- Softer, down-to-earth aesthetic – White finishes provide a country cottage or farmhouse feel that creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
- Classic, timeless look – Crisp white kitchens have remained popular for decades, ensuring your design won’t feel dated down the road. Bisque has vintage charm.
- Matches any color scheme – White/bisque finishes blend seamlessly into both light and dark color palettes, adding a neutral base.
- Easy to keep looking clean – Dirt and grime don’t show up nearly as easily on white compared to stainless or black appliances. They maintain a fresh look.
- Warmer ambiance – White and bisque finishes add warmth to kitchen spaces, offsetting the cold look of stainless steel. They also brighten darker kitchens.
Cons of White and Bisque Appliances
- Gets dirty easily – White finishes require frequent cleaning to maintain their like-new appearance, since any spills, dirt or food splatter will stand out prominently.
- High-maintenance – In addition to needing frequent wiping downs, white appliance finishes are also prone to staining and yellowing. Care must be taken to gently clean and avoid damage.
- Shows imperfections – Any nicks, dings, scratches or dents on white appliances will be glaringly obvious. Handle with care during installation and use.
- Not a built-in look – Freestanding white appliances often look less integrated than stainless built-ins. Custom cabinetry panels can help streamline the look.
- Risk of looking dated – All-white color schemes can start to seem outdated after a decade or two, compared to more flexible stainless.
Best Uses for White and Bisque Appliances
White and bisque finishes work best for:
- Farmhouse, cottage or traditional kitchen aesthetics
- Brightening up small, dark kitchen spaces
- Coordinating with existing white cabinetry or tiles
- A relaxed, down-to-earth style rather than sleek/modern
- Homeowners who don’t mind frequent cleaning
Integrated Appliances
Integrated kitchen appliances are designed to seamlessly blend in with surrounding cabinetry for a streamlined look. Here are the pros and cons of integrated appliances:
Pros of Integrated Appliances
- Seamless, built-in look – Integrated appliances are hidden behind cabinetry panels/doors for a clean, streamlined appearance that feels custom.
- Flexibility in finishes – Cabinetry panels covering integrated appliances can be stained, painted or finished to match other kitchen elements like cabinets and drawers.
- Quieter operation – Surrounding cabinetry helps dampen operational noise from integrated appliances.
- Versatility – Individual appliances or entire suites can integrate seamlessly. Common options include refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, wall ovens and even sinks.
- Maximizes kitchen space – Integrated appliances maximize usable space in the kitchen, while their flat facades give a roomier feel.
Cons of Integrated Appliances
- More expensive – Integrated appliances cost significantly more than freestanding models, from hundreds to thousands more per appliance. The surrounding custom cabinetry also adds cost.
- Requires expert installation – Precise measurements must be taken for integrated appliances to be installed properly within cabinetry. This is not a DIY-friendly project.
- Not interchangeable – Once integrated, appliances can’t easily be changed out or replaced without replacing the entire cabinetry surround.
- Limited selection – Far fewer integrated appliance options are available compared to freestanding models. Features, sizes and configurations are more limited.
- Difficult repairs – Gaining access to an integrated appliance for repairs requires removing the surrounding cabinet panels. Diagnosing problems can also prove trickier.
Best Uses for Integrated Appliances
Integrated kitchen appliances work best when:
- A fully customized, seamless look is desired
- Noise reduction from appliances is a priority
- Available space is at a minimum
- Flexibility in cabinetry finishes is wanted
- The budget allows for higher costs
Glass & Transparent Appliances
Unique glass and transparent finishes give kitchen appliances an enticing, futuristic style. Consider the pros and cons of glass/transparent finishes:
Pros of Glass/Transparent Appliances
- Sleek, futuristic look – The see-through finish gives kitchens a modern, forward-thinking style. It creates an ultra-contemporary visual effect.
- View contents easily – Glass fridges, microwaves and oven doors allow easy viewing of contents without needing to open the door.
- Enhances smaller kitchens – Visually lightens and opens up smaller, darker kitchen spaces.
- Softens industrial designs – Adds warmth to harder materials like exposed brick or concrete in modern, industrial kitchens.
- Unique focal point – Draws eyes, sparking conversation. Glass/transparent appliances make a bold style statement.
Cons of Glass/Transparent Appliances
- Shows every speck of dirt – Transparent surfaces highlight every single smudge, drip and stain. They demand constant cleaning to look good.
- Reflects and glares – Glass appliances can create distracting light reflections and glare from overhead lighting.
- Reduced energy efficiency – More heat/cold can escape through glass than solid finishes. May increase energy bills.
- Durability issues – Glass is easily broken, chipped or cracked by sharp objects. Regular wear-and-tear takes a heavier toll.
- Fingerprint magnets – Oils, grease and fingerprints readily transfer to glass and are quite difficult to wipe away completely.
Best Uses for Glass/Transparent Appliances
Glass and transparent finishes work best when:
- You want a super modern, avant garde kitchen look
- Energy efficiency is not a top concern
- You don’t mind constant cleaning and maintenance
- Smaller kitchen spaces need to feel more open
- Making a bold style statement is the priority
Matte Finishes
Matte finishes provide a soft, understated elegance in kitchen spaces. Here are some of the pros and cons of matte kitchen appliances:
Pros of Matte Appliances
- Minimalist, unassuming look – Matte finishes have an understated, simplified elegance that focuses more on function than flashy appearance.
- Discreet and low-key – Lack of sheen helps matte appliances blend in rather than stand out strongly. Ideal for minimalist kitchen aesthetics.
- Neutral palette – Available in black, white and gray, matte finishes provide versatile neutrals that pair with any color scheme or style.
- Fewer fingerprints – Light smudges and fingerprints don’t stand out prominently on subdued matte surfaces.
- Softly diffuses light – Matte finishes don’t create strong reflections or glare in the kitchen. They softly diffuse overhead lighting.
Cons of Matte Appliances
- Prone to scratching – Without a protective glossy finish, matte surfaces are more prone to showing scrapes, scratches and dings with regular handling.
- Requires gentle cleaning – Matte lacks a slippery surface that repels water/debris. Food, grease and liquids must be gently wiped to avoid finish damage.
- Less lustrous – Those desiring gleaming, shiny appliances will be disappointed. Matte definitely lacks visual sparkle.
- Modern aesthetic – The understated look fits contemporary or minimalist kitchens but may seem out of place in ornate traditional spaces.
- Drab to some – Matte’s quiet elegance can seem a bit plain and dreary for homeowners who prefer bold, dramatic styles.
Best Uses for Matte Appliances
Matte finishes work best when:
- A pared-down, minimalist style is desired
- Reduced glare and reflections are needed
- Fussy upkeep and constant cleaning is unappealing
- A soft, subtle surface is preferred over gloss
- Fingerprints showing up readily is frustrating
Which Finish Should You Choose?
When deciding on appliance finishes for your kitchen, consider the following tips:
- Let your kitchen style and color scheme guide the finish selection. What look do you want to achieve?
- Consider the appliance locations. High-traffic spots benefit from durable stainless steel. Integrated suites allow custom finishes.
- Determine how often you want to clean. High-maintenance finishes like white require frequent wiping.
- Decide which material properties are important like durability, noise level, energy use and scratch resistance.
- If resale value matters, classic stainless steel is the safest, most timeless choice.
Ultimately, choose the finish that fits both your unique style and functional needs. While stainless steel is the most versatile and popular choice, matte, glass and integrated appliances offer up-and-coming alternatives. Take your time analyzing pros and cons. Combining a mix of finishes can provide the perfect balance for your ideal kitchen aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appliance Finishes
Still undecided on which appliance finishes are right for your kitchen? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are stainless steel appliances going out of style?
Stainless steel remains highly popular and does not appear to be going out of style anytime soon. The versatile, neutral metal finish has been a kitchen staple for decades. Its classic look pairs well with any style. While alternatives like black stainless and matte finishes are emerging, standard stainless still dominates the market.
Do stainless steel or white appliances show dirt more?
White and bisque finishes show dirt, dust, stains, and imperfections much more readily than brushed stainless steel. Stainless resists smudges better. However, stainless shows water spots, fingerprints and grease residue more noticeably unless cleaned frequently. Ultimately, both require regular cleaning.
What finish is the most fingerprint resistant?
No finish completely resists fingerprints but smooth matte and brushed finishes camouflage them better than polished finishes. Matte black, matte white and lightly textured brushed stainless finishes hide prints and smudges most effectively while still looking great.
Is black stainless steel hard to keep clean?
Black stainless steel does require more frequent cleaning than regular stainless steel. Dust, fingerprints and grease marks show up more readily against the darker finish. Using microfiber cloths and stainless steel spray cleaners helps maintain the look of black stainless. Avoid abrasive pads/sponges.
Do professional chefs prefer stainless steel or matte appliances?
Professional chefs overwhelmingly prefer standard stainless steel, especially in commercial kitchens. The durable, reliable finish resists spills, stains and high heat while providing a hygienic, restaurant-grade look. Matte finishes are too prone to showing use/wear for most culinary pros.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect appliance finishes to suit your personal style, cooking needs and kitchen design requires consideration of durability, aesthetics and maintenance requirements. While classic stainless steel remains the most versatile and popular choice, alternatives like matte, glass and integrated finishes provide exciting new options. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding which finish is right for your home. Combining a mix of metals and materials can help strike that ideal style balance. With some thoughtful planning, you’ll select the perfect finishes to craft your dream kitchen.
