Choosing a new appliance can be exciting, but also incredibly overwhelming. Gone are the days when there were one or two options… Now, when you walk into an appliance store, there are countless options on display, and countless options that can be ordered specifically for your kitchen. Beyond features and performance, appliance finishes play a major role in how your space looks, feels, and functions day-to-day. Some people don’t really care what color appliance they have; other people care quite a bit. My father, for example, refuses to own a stainless steel appliance; he worries the fingerprints will be too much, and he likes the look of the white appliances more. If someone is redoing their kitchen, they probably want something cohesive, not keen to mix and match finishes when their kitchen is going to be brand new.
From the ever timeless stainless steel, to bold statement-making colors, today’s appliance manufacturers offer more variety than ever. The guide below breaks down the most popular appliance finishes, and will help you determine which option best fits your lifestyle, budget, and design goals.
Considerations for Color Choice
Before diving into specific finishes, it’s important to think through what you are looking for. The “best” appliance finish for you doesn’t necessarily mean that finish will work best for your lifestyle. The finish really depends on how you use your kitchen, and what you want the overall aesthetic to be over the long term.
1. What’s your budget?
Did you know that the finish of your appliance can impact the price? Traditional finishes (white or black) are typically set at a lower price point, while special finishes like black-stainless, or panel ready, may be priced at a higher price point. Regular, or smudge-proof stainless steel, typically falls in between the original colors and the specialty colors. If you’re remodeling your kitchen and want the look of stainless steel without the high price, contact your local Hallocks dealer. Manufacturers know stainless is the top choice for many buyers, and they often run promotions that make stainless appliances even cheaper than standard black or white models!
2. What’s your kitchen style?
If you’re redoing your kitchen, or updating your existing kitchen, it may be important to consider the aesthetic you are going for. Sleek-modern kitchens probably lean more toward white or custom-paneled looks. While, some people prefer the more commercial look with stainless-steel appliances that have big, chunky handles and/or knobs. There is no right or wrong answer here - it’s about your personal taste, style, and what fits in your home.
3. Is maintenance practical?
I mentioned earlier that my father did not want stainless steel appliances. The main reason for this is the amount of upkeep needed; stainless steel is prone to showing even the smallest of finger prints and smudges. That’s not to say the glossy finish on white appliances doesn't show a little bit, but it’s less noticeable than the stainless. I love my stainless-steel appliances, but with a messy husband (sorry, Pedro) and pets, they are hard to keep clean.
4. How long will it last?
Trends come and go, but appliances typically outlive those trends. It’s important for you to think about the fact that these new appliances will be a fixture in your home for many years - will you still like the finish you chose ten years from now? Classic finishes tend to age more gracefully, while finishes that are more trend-forward can feel dated sooner.
Stainless Steel
While you can still find some appliances in a traditional stainless steel finish, many brands nowadays offer their stainless steel appliances with a fingerprint-resistant finish. This is a coating applied on top of a stainless steel appliance that both protects the appliance from scratches and fingerprints and prolongs the lifetime of the appliance’s aesthetic.
If standard stainless steel feels a little bit too bright or reflective in your space, black stainless steel is growing more and more popular. This color combines the durability and smudge proof aspect of newer stainless steels, but with a darker, more muted tone.
Pros:
- Timeless
- Widely appealing
- Matches most kitchen aesthetics
- Fingerprint resistant
Cons:
- Can appear cold or industrial in some kitchens
- Traditional stainless shows fingerprints
- Black stainless varies slightly by brand
White
While many brands are phasing out Bisque and Almond finishes, white remains prevalent in the appliance industry. Nowadays, you even have the choice between a matte or semi-glossy/satin finish to your white appliances. These upgraded textures help white appliances feel more modern. If you have a kitchen on the smaller side, definitely consider white for your appliances, as oftentimes it helps brighten the space making it look larger than it actually is.
Pros:
- Brightens and opens the kitchen
- Less expensive than specialty finishes
- Available in matte or satin
Cons:
- Can show discoloration overtime
- Less contrast in all-white kitchens
- Not as bold as darker finishes
Black
Black appliances have remained a popular choice among first-time homeowners and landlords for decades, and you can still find them in store today! Their popularity comes from their affordability, versatility, and ability to hide everyday use a bit better than lighter finishes. They also work well in almost every kitchen - from traditional to contemporary. However, in spaces with limited natural light, black appliances can sometimes feel too dark for the space.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Hides wear and tear
- Works with multiple design styles
Cons:
- Can make small kitchens feel dark
- May show dust or water spots
- Not as trendy
Panel-Ready
If you’re looking for a true aesthetic choice, you might want to consider panel-ready appliance options. These appliances come unfinished, often with brackets or clips installed to the face of the appliance that are ready for custom panels to be installed. These give you the option of seamlessly integrating your appliances with your kitchen cabinets, for a hidden, homey feel to your kitchen.
Panel-ready appliances are commonly used in high-end or customer kitchens. They are especially popular with refrigerators and dishwashers alike. While this is the most cohesive, panel-ready typically includes additional planning and expenses.
Pros:
- Seamless, custom look
- Allows appliances to disappear into cabinetry
- Ideal for luxury/minimalist kitchens
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires panels to be custom made
- Limited availability in some appliance categories
Bold Colors
In recent years, our experts in the appliance industry have seen a resurgence of colorful appliances. From deep red to icy blue to emerald green, if you’re looking to make a statement in your kitchen or laundry room, many brands offer more options beyond the neutral. If you’re looking to use your appliances as a statement piece, a bold color might be best for you.
The problem with bold colors, though, is that they tend to work best when the rest of the space has more neutral tones. There’s also the added difficulty of what happens if you need to replace a colored appliance, and the color is no longer manufactured.
Pros:
- Makes strong design statement
- Adds personality
Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- More trend-driven
Summary
Choosing the right appliance finish is about more than just looks; it’s about finding the balance between style, practicality, and longevity. Stainless steel and white finishes remain timeless and versatile, while black and black stainless offer modern alternatives with added practicality. Panel-ready appliances deliver a high-end, custom feel, and bold colors provide an opportunity to make a statement.
By considering your budget, kitchen style, maintenance preferences, and long-term plans, you can confidently select an appliance finish that enhances both the beauty and functionality of your space for years to come.