White appliances have come into the spotlight in recent years as more homeowners opt for the clean, crisp look in their kitchens and laundries. From refrigerators to washing machines, white appliances offer a timeless and versatile aesthetic that blends seamlessly into any décor. As technology improves, the functionality of white appliances also continues to evolve, giving consumers even more reasons to choose this trendy hue.
The Growing Popularity of White Appliances
White appliances have surged in popularity over the past decade. Where stainless steel once dominated, many homeowners now prefer the light and bright look of white. There are several reasons behind this shift:
- A Clean and Classic Look – White gives off an aura of cleanliness and freshness, making any space look tidy and put-together. The color also has a classic, vintage feel, fitting well with farmhouse, traditional, and modern decors alike.
- Brighter, Lighter Spaces – White bounces light around and makes rooms feel more open and airy. It maximizes natural light in a kitchen or laundry room with windows.
- Neutral Backdrop – As a neutral, white appliances blend in seamlessly rather than standing out. They create a blank backdrop that lets colorful accents pop.
- Coordination – It’s easy to match white appliances with existing cabinetry, countertops, floors, and walls. Their versatility allows flexibility in materials and finishes.
With these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder white appliances are having a moment. Design experts predict the prevalence of white to grow even more in the years to come.
White Refrigerator Options
The refrigerator is likely the most used appliance in any kitchen, making it a prime choice to show off in a crisp white hue. Here are some popular styles of white refrigerators:
French Door Refrigerators
French door fridges have double doors on top and a single freezer drawer below. This style combines ample food storage with a built-in partition that makes organizing easier. Brands like LG, Samsung, and GE offer french door models in glossy and matte white finishes. Features may include:
- Integrated water and ice dispensers
- Adjustable shelves and spill-proof glass shelving
- Temperature-controlled deli drawers
- Smart options like WiFi connectivity and internal cameras
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators have the freezer compartment on one side and refrigerator on the other with no divider between the two. They work well in narrower kitchens. Brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana sell affordable side-by-side white refrigerators with conveniences like:
- Through-the-door water and ice
- Adjustable gallon door bins
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers
- FlexZone adjustable temperature drawers
Top Freezer Refrigerators
In top freezer models, the refrigerator section is bottom while the freezer is up top. They allow full access to contents without having to bend down. Brands like Frigidaire, Electrolux, and Bosch offer stylish white top freezer refrigerators with features that include:
- Reversible doors
- Clear shelving for easy visibility
- Slide-out and tilt-out freezer baskets
- Deli drawers and door shelves for storage
Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Counter-depth fridges sit nearly flush with countertops, creating a built-in look. Brands like LG Studio, Monogram, and SubZero manufacture white counter-depth models with high-end finishes and innovations like:
- Custom panels that match cabinetry
- Advanced cooling and temperature control
- Interior LED lighting and open metal shelving
- Installation within custom cabinet surrounds
Stylish White Washer and Dryer Sets
The laundry room is another spot where white appliances look sharp and resist showing dirt. Here are some trending white washer and dryer options for sparkling clean clothes:
Front Load Washers and Dryers
Front load washer and dryers have doors on the front instead of on top. They are ENERGY STAR certified and use less water than top load models. Brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool make white front load washer and dryer sets touting features like:
- Steam cycles to reduce wrinkles and odors
- Sanitization cycles to kill bacteria
- WiFi connectivity to monitor cycles remotely
- Large capacity drums fit more in each load
Top Load Washers
Top load washers are affordable and tend to fit better in small spaces. Look for models by Maytag, Amana, and GE with enhancements like:
- Built-in sinks for pre-treating stains
- PowerWash cycles with water jets target stains
- Sanitization settings kill 99.9% of bacteria
- Lids with clear windows to see inside
Electric or Gas Dryers
After washing, white electric or gas dryers provide pristine drying. Brands like Samsung, Maytag, and LG sell models with options such as:
- Steam cycles for wrinkle release
- Reverse tumble for less tangling
- WiFi connectivity to monitor drying
- Sensor drying tailored to each load
Compact Laundry Centers
For tight laundry rooms, a white compact laundry center combines both washer and dryer in one unit (stacked or side-by-side). Look for space-saving options from LG, GE, and Magic Chef.
Beautiful White Ovens and Ranges
The oven and stovetop range also deserve a fresh white update. Options abound from quality brands:
Freestanding Ranges
Freestanding ranges offer a stove and oven together in one unit. Stainless steel and black have been popular, but white is on the rise. Brands like Frigidaire, GE, and Whirlpool offer freestanding white ranges with conveniences like:
- Both gas and electric models
- Continuous surface grates
- Self-cleaning oven options
- Precise convection cooking
Slide-In Ranges
Slide-in ranges fit in between existing cabinetry for a built-in look. Look for white slide-in models from brands like GE Profile, LG Studio, and KitchenAid with features like:
- Sealed burners for easy cleaning
- Options for induction, gas, or electric
- WiFi connectivity
- Precision cooking modes
Double Wall Ovens
Double wall ovens include two ovens stacked vertically, providing more cooking space. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Kenmore sell double wall ovens in white with perks like:
- Even heat distribution and consistency
- Quiet cooling and venting
- Sabbath mode disables functions
- Easy-clean finishes
More Must-Have White Appliances
Beyond the kitchen, white appliances also look fabulous and perform impressively:
Dishwashers
A gleaming white dishwasher fits right into contemporary and clean decor. Look for models by GE, KitchenAid, and Bosch with superior drying, adjustable racks, quiet operation, and 3rd racks for extra capacity.
Microwaves
Microwaves are available in lovely white finishes from Sharp, GE, Frigidaire, and Samsung, complete with sensor cooking, one-touch menus, LED lighting, and other convenient features.
Wine Coolers
For wine connoisseurs, white wine coolers offer brilliant storage options. Brands like NewAir, Kalamera, and NutriChef sell white wine fridges with dual temperature zones, vibration-minimizing designs, UV-resistant glass doors, and capacity for 7-30+ bottles.
Ice Makers
For chilled drinks and cocktails, invest in a sleek white ice maker like models from GE, Scotsman, and NewAir which can produce 24-65 pounds of ice daily and allow custom sizing.
Why Choose White Appliances?
White appliances provide the perfect backdrop for promoting a light, bright, and spic-and-span kitchen aesthetic. There are many benefits to choosing white major home appliances:
Timeless Appeal
- White for appliances stands the test of time and rarely feels dated. The color has endured as a classic. White refrigerators and ovens feel nostalgic.
Neutral Setting
- Since white is non-committal, it acts as a neutral backdrop that won’t compete with other colorful accents. Rugs, wallpaper, countertops and more can shine.
Bright and Airy Ambiance
- The reflective properties of white make any room feel more expansive and well-lit. It helps small spaces gain the illusion of being larger.
Crisp and Clean Finish
- There’s no denying white conveys tidiness and organization. It accentuates the clean, sparse feel many homeowners want.
Flexibility in Design
- Thanks to its versatility, it’s easy to incorporate white appliances into any existing color scheme and decor style. White works with everything.
Increased Visibility
- With appliances like refrigerators and ovens, white interiors enable you to see contents more clearly. Dark finishes can shadow contents.
White Appliance Design Options
While uniformly white used to be the only option, manufacturers now offer varieties of white to suit every preference:
Matte White
Matte finishes read as soft and muted. They nicely resist fingerprints and are less prone to visible scratches. Matte works well in more traditional kitchens.
Glossy White
Glossy white is shiny and reflective, lending a bright and luminous vibe. It feels sleekly modern and can work with contemporary, industrial or retro stylings.
White Glass Doors
Some refrigerators feature white steel paired with glass refrigerator and freezer doors for partial visibility inside. This creates a striking visual effect.
Antique White
Off-white “antique” shades like almond or biscuit provide a warm, vintage appeal. They work well with natural wood cabinetry and softer color palettes.
White with Colored Trim
For a pop of color, some brands offer white appliances with bold and vibrant trim colors like cobalt blue, emerald green, and fire engine red.
Is White Practical for Appliances?
White appliances retain a pristine appearance better than darker finishes, but they’re not completely immune to showing use and dirt. Here are tips for keeping them looking their best:
Use Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths and sponges gently clean appliances without scratching. They pick up smudges and fingerprints that metal shows.
Clean Regularly
Make appliance cleaning part of a weekly home routine. Quick wipe-downs using suitable cleaners prevent major buildup.
Address Spills Quickly
Don’t let spills sit on white appliance exteriors. Clean messes up promptly to avoid stains setting in.
Consider Placement
Put refrigerators and ovens in low-traffic, low-humidity areas. Increased use and moisture take a toll on pristine white.
Protect With Covers
Use fitted covers or protective pads on contact zones where arms brush against appliances to prevent dirtying or marking.
Check Finishes
Opt for white appliances with scratch-resistant, rust-proof, and stain-resistant finishes like LG’s TrueSteel.
White Appliances Give Kitchens a Lift
White kitchen appliances can vastly transform the look and feel of the space. Here’s how to tap into white appliances’ benefits for kitchen design:
Promote Light and Brightness
White bounces light around, so use ample lighting and mirrored surfaces to maximize the airy effect white appliances lend to kitchens.
Complement Natural Tones
Match white appliances with light woods, marble, quartz, concrete, tiles, granite, and other pale neutral kitchen elements. Avoid bold, dark pairings.
Accent With Pops of Color
White appliances beautifully allow pops of vibrant color in kitchen accents like bar stools, dishware, table linens, rugs, curtains, and art.
Continue the Theme
To make white appliances cohesive, opt for white countertops, backsplashes, cabinetry, and shelves. Create tonal harmony.
Update Hardware
Switching out dark cabinet hardware for brushed nickel, chrome, or glass knobs and pulls modernizes kitchens with white appliances.
Showcase Simplicity
Let white appliances contribute to a general minimalist kitchen theme with sparse decoration, open shelving, and plenty of visible surfaces.
Buying Considerations for White Appliances
Ready to take home some gorgeously clean white appliances? Keep these tips in mind while shopping:
Matching Suites
Opt for appliances from coordinated collections so metals, handles, and finishes seamlessly match across brands and models.
Choosing Features
Consider how features like WiFi, sensors, and disinfection can simplify use of major appliances before buying.
Proper Size
Ensure refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens adequately fit your family’s lifestyle and storage needs.
Review Finishes
Compare gloss, matte, and glass door options to see which finish best fits your kitchen’s existing materials and style.
Prioritize Performance
While aesthetics matter, don’t compromise performance. Seek out energy-saving and durability ratings from reliable reviews before purchasing.
Measure Carefully
Check appliance dimensions against kitchen layouts and spaces to guarantee perfect fit. Verify doors fully open.
Arrange Delivery
Schedule in-home delivery and ask providers to inspect appliances for damage prior to installation and startup.
Popular Brands for White Appliances
Numerous top appliance brands offer trending white options. Here are makers leading the way:
GE
GE Appliances manufactures white refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, microwaves, washers, and dryers integrating smart technology and energy efficiency.
LG
LG produces an abundant selection of white appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, ranges, washers, and dryers focused on connectivity, sanitization, and convenience.
Samsung
Samsung sells white appliances including refrigerators, wall ovens, dishwashers, and laundry pairs concentrating on flexibility, performance, and innovation.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers assorted white refrigerator models, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and laundry machines focused on intuitive design and everyday usefulness.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire manufactures affordable white appliances like fridges, ranges, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, and laundry pairs with simplified controls and maintenance.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid is renowned for white refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, wall ovens, cooktops, and wine coolers made for specialized cooking and food preservation.
FAQs About White Appliances
Q: Are white appliances harder to keep clean?
White appliances do require more frequent cleaning to keep surfaces free of fingerprints and smudges. But white also hides dirt better than darker finishes once wiped down. Using microfiber and addressing messes quickly helps maintain white’s pristine look.
Q: Do white appliances cost more than black or stainless options?
Most brands don’t charge more for white appliances versus other classic finishes like black, stainless, or biscuit. There are high-end white options at luxury price points, but white typically doesn’t affect standard MSRP pricing.
Q: Do I need a kitchen remodel for white appliances?
Not necessarily – white appliances can transform the look of existing kitchens with darker finishes and different color schemes. But for a seamless unified effect, renovating kitchen elements like cabinetry, countertops, and backsplashes in fresh white finishes is ideal.
Q: Are white appliances hard to match decor?
Thanks to white’s versatility as a classic neutral, white appliances actually pair well with a wide range of kitchen design styles. White enameled, distressed, or retro appliances fit cottage themes. Glossy white suits modern. Matte white complements traditional kitchens.
Q: Will white appliances go out of style?
White appliances have remained sought-after and on-trend for decades, while other finish options like avocado green have faded out. The timeless appeal of white makes it unlikely to go out of style any time soon. Designers predict white to keep gaining popularity.
Conclusion
The surge of white appliances in recent years proves homeowners love the clean, refreshing aesthetic white refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and laundry pairs provide. Crisp white makes kitchens and other living spaces feel more open and serene. Thanks to technological advances, durability and performance don’t have to be sacrificed. With stylish options from leading brands, it’s easy to give your home a boost with white’s light, bright beauty. Allow fresh white finishes to inspire decluttering, organization, and an overall simplified lifestyle.