Let's Talk About Stainless Steel Appliances

You can run, you can hide, (you can make your cabinetry stark white or bright red), but you can hardly get away from stainless steel appliances these days. Be it updated midcentury homes or new-builds, kitchens today love a little (or a lot) of metallic shine. The so-called merits of the finish—easy maintenance, durability, stylishness—can be debated, but stainless steel mania is real.

Despite the usually costing at least a hundred dollars more than black or white finishes, they sure are popular. Take a look.

This editor has no personal vendetta against them, but in previous posts on home—and specifically kitchen—decor trends, quite a few readers seem ready to bid the style adieu. Others were less convinced and they had lots to say:

I'm curious what others would do as an alternative to stainless steel appliances. Almond (off white) and black scream 80s. White seems dated and boring. Bolder colors are polarizing. I love the custom look when integrated into the cabinet materials but this can be expensive.Stainless steel appliances are fingerprint magnets and stainless steel only stains less, not stains never. There is a lot to be said for painted appliances. However, black or dark colors show dirt and stains, too. Personally, I wouldn't mind bringing back appliances in colors. Mint might be flirty and fun. Ice yellow, perhaps? Mocha latte?What would replace stainless appliances for those that hate them, just curious? Personally i like a restaurant/lab kitchen that looks like work gets done in it. People provide the warmth, kitchen doesnt have to.Let's open up this discussion, eh? Stainless steel haters, what would you offer as viable alternatives? For starters, we've dropped a couple of other options below (including the charming retro Smeg fridge that comes in all sorts of colors.) And stainless steel lovers, is it the best decision you made for your kitchen? The comment section awaits your wisdom.

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