Stainless Steel Still Rules, But Colorful Kitchen Appliances Are Back

Ask any real estate agent and they’ll tell you an updated and well-designed kitchen sells a home. Even if you don’t want to invest in a full-scale renovation, small updates like new appliances, painted cabinets or stone countertops are affordable ways to modernize the room. 

Stainless steel appliances have been popular for decades, and this kitchen finish is showing no signs of waning in desirability. Stainless steel has lots of pull for home buyers. It’s so popular the category has expanded to include different shades like black stainless steel. If you’re torn on what appliance finishes to use in your kitchen, here are a few options that will suit any décor style.

Like we mentioned, stainless steel has been the go-to appliance finish for decades. Metal looks cool and classic, plus it’s incredibly durable. It withstands wear and tear because it’s harder to scratch and dent, and it doesn’t rust. So it can handle the commotion of a busy, working kitchen while maintaining its good looks. Stainless steel appliances can add value if you eventually sell your home, because homebuyers are often willing to pay more for homes with stainless steel appliances. 

Stainless steel is a style chameleon, blending in with countertop materials like butcher block or quartz and most cabinet colors. Also, stainless steel is so popular it’s easy to find a suite of kitchen appliances in the same finish and style. Thanks to its non-porous surface, stainless steel is easy to clean and keep germ-free. One of the most common complaints about this finish was that it shows every smudge and fingerprint. But now there’s a fingerprint-resistant version of stainless steel that can stand up to little hands, pet noses and heavy use. If this is a concern, choose an appliance with this feature, it will be included in the product description.

Meet the newest finish on the block, black stainless steel. It’s an on-trend alternative for people who want stainless steel but don’t want the shiny silver look. Black stainless steel offers a matte finish that blends in with deeper paint colors popular for cabinets right now. Black stainless steel, because of its matte finish, can be more forgiving of smudges and fingerprints. 

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re interested in this finish. Early iterations of black stainless steel used a laminate finish that was prone to scratches and dings. But now manufacturers are using a more durable finish, like darkened stainless steel to prevent superficial damage. Also, if you’re buying your appliances piecemeal or want appliances from different brands, understand that shades of black stainless steel can vary from brand to brand. You may have a hard time matching them.

Thanks to Pinterest and Instagram, it’s easy to see designer kitchen renovations that fuel your fantasies. One thing you see again and again are colorful appliances that look like vintage throwbacks but have state-of-the-art capabilities. They’re becoming a popular alternative to the decades-long reign of stainless steel. These professional-grade stoves and refrigerators add a European sensibility, thanks to their unique details like brass knobs and finishes in a kaleidoscope of colors. 

Get the look for less with GE Café Appliances, a line that lets you choose your own hardware, color and finish, for a completely customized fridge, stove or full suite of kitchen appliances. Café Appliances are more than just a pretty finish. They come with the best technology GE has to offer, like wi-fi capability, built-in water filtration systems and more.

With a big investment like an appliance, you want to know it’s going to look good in your kitchen. While mixing finishes might feel a little scary, it’s easier than you think to get it right. If you like stainless steel, that’s the easiest appliance finish to mix and match between brands and styles since that finish offers uniformity. As we mentioned before, black stainless steel is harder to match. 

If you love the look of a custom range in a standout color, let that appliance be the star. Then use a more nondescript finish that blends in, like stainless steel for the remaining appliances in the kitchen. One thing to avoid is mixing metals that too closely resemble one another like chrome and nickel. The differences don’t feel deliberate and can look accidental. The same goes for white and off-white finishes. Black and stainless steel typically work well together. Black also looks nice with both warm and cool metals; so don't be afraid to explore possible combinations. With a little planning, it’s easy to build a kitchen you love.