Kitchens With Black Stainless Steel Appliances
Black steel has become a sought-after finish for kitchen appliances. Homeowners and designers love the sophisticated, fingerprint-resistant surface of black stainless steel.
But should you invest in this bold, contemporary finish for your next kitchen upgrade? Let's dive deeper into the benefits, drawbacks, design approaches, maintenance, and costs of choosing black stainless steel.
Key Benefits of Black Stainless Steel Appliances
Compared to traditional stainless steel, black stainless offers several compelling advantages:
A Luxe, Modern Look
With its smooth, dark facade, black stainless steel embodies refined, contemporary style. The richness of the nearly black finish looks elegant and feels ultra-high end.
Discreet and Low Maintenance
The matte surface hides fingerprints, smudges, water spots, and condensation better than polished steel. Black stainless allows appliances to keep up appearances with minimal wiping.
Scratch Resistant
The deep black color also conceals scratches better than traditional stainless steel. Light abrasions blend right in.
Design Versatility
Black stainless steel coordinates seamlessly with a wide range of cabinets, counters, floors, and decor. It pairs equally well with cool modern or warm traditional kitchen elements.
On-Trend Style
For those wanting a fashionable, of-the-moment kitchen, black stainless steel delivers a highly popular and current look.
Potential Cons of Black Stainless Steel
However, some possible drawbacks exist that are important to note:
Upfront Costs
Black stainless steel appliances carry a premium price, ranging from 10-30% more than traditional stainless steel.
Care Requirements
While durable, black stainless still requires regular cleaning and care. Fingerprints and water spots will eventually show without wiping.
Style Longevity
The trendiness of black stainless could fade over time. Classic stainless steel tends to have more staying power.
Visibility of Scratches
Although scratches blend in initially, they become more visible over time as the finish wears. Severe scratches are also harder to remove.
Mixing Finishes
Combining black and regular stainless appliances can potentially look disjointed. A unified finish often works best.
Black Stainless Steel Appliance Options
Many leading appliance brands now offer black stainless steel finishes on their product lines:
Refrigerators
French door, bottom mount, and side-by-side refrigerators come in black stainless finishes from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and more. Styles range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury.
Ranges and Cooktops
Luxury brands like Thermador and Wolf offer pro-style ranges in black stainless steel. GE, Samsung, and LG provide more affordable options for electric, gas, induction, and glass cooktops.
Wall Ovens and Microwaves
Select black stainless wall ovens and microwaves from top manufacturers like Cafe, LG, Frigidaire, and GE to match the rest of your appliances.
Dishwashers
Bosch, KitchenAid, Samsung, and GE produce black stainless dishwashers to coordinate with other kitchen appliances.
Sinks
For a unified look, choose a black stainless prep, apron-front, or undermount sink from brands like Kraus, Ruvati, and Lordear.
Design Approaches for Black Stainless Kitchens
What finishes, colors, and materials work best with black stainless appliances? Here are some stylish combinations:
Modern Industrial
Pair black stainless with concrete and metal accents, exposed ductwork, and pendant lighting for an urban loft kitchen vibe.
Monochromatic
Opt for an ultra-sleek, all-black kitchen with black countertops, cabinets, backsplash, and hardware.
Eclectic Mix
Try combining black stainless appliances with warm wood cabinets, marble counters, and brass accents for an eclectic blend.
Crisp Contrast
Allow black stainless finishes to pop against bright white cabinetry, walls, and counters.
Natural Elements
Bring in natural materials like stone, wood, or tile to soften and complement the bold black stainless look.
Caring for Black Stainless Steel
While durable, black stainless requires attentive cleaning and care for optimal results:
Daily Cleaning
Use a soft microfiber cloth with mild soap and water to wipe away fingerprints after each use. Thoroughly dry surfaces.
Weekly Maintenance
Deep clean appliances weekly using stainless steel cleaner and polish to maintain the luxurious finish.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Never use abrasive cleaners, pads, or scrubbing powders. Only use products formulated for black stainless.
Remove Water Spots
Blot up water spots immediately before minerals settle in. Use a stainless cleaner and non-abrasive sponge for dried spots.
Address Scratches
Use a black stainless scratch repair kit to buff out minor abrasions. Consult a pro for deeper scratches requiring refinishing.
Seal and Protect
Applying a stainless steel sealant regularly can help shield the finish from damage and simplify cleaning.
The Cost of Black Stainless Steel Appliances
What price premium can you expect with black stainless steel versus traditional stainless steel finishes?
Average Upcharge
Black stainless typically costs $100 to $500 more per appliance. High-end brands have the largest upcharges.
Budget-Friendly Picks
Some affordable options from brands like Frigidaire, GE, and LG minimize the extra cost of black stainless.
Shop Sales and Clearance
Watch for promotions and clearance deals to offset the higher prices of black stainless appliances.
Buy in Bundles
Purchasing multiple black stainless appliances together often qualifies for package discounts from retailers.
Consider Lifespan
The long lifespan of quality appliances helps justify the larger initial investment over time.
For contemporary styling in the kitchen, black stainless appliances deliver sleek, sophisticated good looks. The lustrous, matte finish gives kitchens a modern, upscale aesthetic.
But along with the handsome styling, weigh practical factors like added costs and care requirements. Black stainless needs consistent cleaning and maintenance to stay looking its best.
While a long term investment, black stainless brings fashion-forward appeal. For design lovers seeking the next bold kitchen trend, black is the new stainless steel.