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Blackened Steel vs. Stainless Steel Appliances

beautiful range hood in a modern kitchen

Are you struggling to decide on which appliance finish will look best in your kitchen? If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or hoping to upgrade your appliances, the lingering question of appliance finish will have to be addressed.

Appliance brands and manufacturers are now offering a much wider range of styles, colors, and finishes, so it ultimately comes down to price, practicality, and preference. Aesthetics can also play a role in how well the appliance fits into your kitchen surroundings. Aside from the retro refrigerators found in bright and sometimes gaudy colors, the three most popular appliance finishes exist to match almost any kitchen décor. Those finishes include white, black, and ever-so-popular stainless steel.

If you aren’t completely sold on one of these options or you’re curious about how upgrading to a new finish might affect the layout and design of your kitchen space, our experts at RangeCraft are here to help you decide. Before you can decide which finish is the right fit for your kitchen, let’s look at the pros and cons of white, black, and stainless-steel appliances.  

Black Appliances

As the industrial era influenced interior design, black appliances started to become much more prominent in household kitchens. Black appliances are sleek, modern, and a great accompaniment to a seamless line of trendy kitchen designs. However, if you gravitate toward a more traditional-looking kitchen with farmhouse elements, a set of black kitchen appliances might result in a clash of styles.

It’s fair to say that appliances with a shimmery black finish are attracting a younger generation of first-time homeowners. The depth of color is best suited to match the influence of inner-city living spaces. Consider your current design and decide whether or not black will allow for a cohesive style in your kitchen.

Pros

  • Sleek and modern aesthetic
  • Low-maintenance and easy to clean
  • Allows for a strong contrast with white cabinets and other bright accents

Cons

  • Few appliance options to shop for compared to other finishes
  • Can be challenging to match with existing kitchen designs and appliances
  • Your space can feel dark and cramped

Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel is the most desirable finish amongst designers, builders, and home cooks alike. Stainless steel can make any kitchen space feel modern and contemporary, while still retaining the existing charm and style of your kitchen design.

Stainless steel blends the durability and ruggedness of black appliances with the timeless, classic style of white appliances. Stainless steel provides a level of quality that would be desired and sought after by anyone.

The biggest knock against stainless steel is the amount of upkeep it takes. This finish is known to show the most streaks, smudges, and fingerprints, requiring routine cleaning to keep it looking good as new. One use of an abrasive cleaning solution could also damage the surface, leaving permanently visible marks and scratches. Be careful while cleaning your appliances and do your best to prevent children from touching kitchen surfaces with dirty hands. Before you know it, wiping down the stainless steel will turn into a full-time job.

Pros

  • Enhances the look of any kitchen design
  • Compliments existing metal hardware, fixtures, and appliances
  • We don’t anticipate stainless steel going out of style
  • Wide range of models, brands, and designs to offer
  • Fingerprint-resistant options

Cons

  • Can be the most expensive option
  • Can easily show smudges and fingerprints (requires routine cleaning)
  • Easier to scuff or damage

New Jersey’s Choice for High-Quality Kitchen Range Hoods

Blackened Steel continues to be a popular color trend at RangeCraft. This unique color brings out the range hood as a strong “Focal Point” in your kitchen! Our Blackened Steel finishes have become quite popular among designers. We offer various shades from light to dark to harmonize with your kitchen decor.

When you’re ready to “vent” about your current range hood, or lack thereof, our team at RangeCraft is ready to listen and help you figure out the next best kitchen hood for you. Whether you’re overwhelmed with options or looking for something specific to fit into your lifestyle, our experts are available for all your appliance needs. Give us a call or visit us to get one step closer to having the range hood that will continue to keep things fresh in the kitchen.