Black stainless steel appliances are a popular choice for consumers looking for an updated look from the silver stainless steel that is a staple in many kitchens. Black stainless steel contains the same elements as traditional stainless but has a black matte finish due to an added polymer protective coating. Appliances most commonly finished in black stainless steel are refrigerators, dishwashers, and washer/dryer combinations.

Black stainless steel has a timeless appeal that holds up well even as other home design trends crash and burn. Yet, that doesn't mean these appliances are perfect or that they work for all homes. Black stainless steel appliances, like any other appliances, have pros and cons associated with them. Read on to learn more.

Pros and Cons of Black Stainless Steel

Pros

• Timeless and classic color

• Matches well with warm, cool and neutral tones

• Easy to wipe free of marks with soap and water

• Hides smudges and fingerprints well

Cons

• More expensive than regular stainless

• Trendy and may go out of style

• Scratches and lighter marks become obvious immediately

• May clash with different black tones or coatings

Black Stainless Steel Appliance Cost

The cost of black stainless steel appliances is generally higher than that of traditional stainless steel appliances. On average, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 more for the same model in black stainless steel. One of the reasons for this price difference is that black stainless steel is considered to be a modern and trendy style. Some specialty appliance stores will offer package discounts when you purchase more than one type of appliance at the same time.

Maintenance and Repair

Many experts say that black stainless steel is lower maintenance than traditional stainless especially when it comes to cleaning. While metallic-finish stainless steel requires special cleaners, black stainless steel is coated and can be cleaned with warm water and a soft rag or with non-abrasive kitchen cleaners. Never use brushes with bristles or abrasive cleaners, as this can lift the polymer-based paint coating off the surface.

Warning

Black stainless steel can not be cleaned with popular home cleaners like Windex or natural options like white vinegar, as the ammonia or acidic content of these cleaners can damage the black coating over time. Opt for a soft microfiber cloth or rag and mild soap and water to wipe away smudges and dirt.

No appliance surface hides all smudges and a big drawback of traditional stainless is how easily smudges and fingerprints show and multiply. But black, combined with the matte sheen, does a remarkably good job of hiding these marks. Black matte ovens even tend to hide the inevitable smoke damage over the door quite well.

One challenge with black stainless steel is that it may need repair. Metallic-finish stainless resists scratches well because it is a solid, homogeneous surface. If it suffers a scratch, there is more of the same material underneath. By contrast, when black stainless steel appliances scratch, it's much more visible and shows the underlying material once the coating scrapes away. Touch-up kits from manufacturers can help, but it's difficult to restore the original matte finish perfectly.

Tip

Most manufacturers sell touch-up paint in small quantities to fix nicks and scratches on black stainless steel appliances. Be sure to use brand-specific paint rather than purchasing a universal paint meant for any matte black appliance.

Top Brands of Black Stainless Steel Appliances

Most of the major manufacturers of stainless steel appliances have a line in a black stainless steel finish. Bosch, Frigidaire, Kitchenaid, and Samsung all carry appliances in a dark matte finish. Generally speaking, these companies have more of a variety of models in traditional stainless. You may encounter a little more difficulty finding the exact black stainless pieces you need in appliance retailers such as Lowes and Home Depot. They may have to be specially ordered.

It's important to note that when pairing black stainless steel appliances from different manufacturers, these blacks may not match—either in shade or in sheen. For this reason, it’s best to stick to the same brand when purchasing a collection of black stainless steel appliances. The difference in two different black matte appliances can often be more disconcerting than when black is paired with a completely different color.

Black Stainless Steel vs. Stainless Steel

Black stainless steel and traditional silver metallic stainless steel are the same material, except for one difference: black stainless steel includes a coating of highly durable, protective, polymer-based black paint.

If you're trying to decide between the two, it may simply come down to personal preference and what else is in your space. Black is a versatile color for your kitchen that can be paired with many shades. But, if you already have graphite tones or other shades of black that could clash, traditional stainless steel may be a better choice.

Black stainless is easier to clean than regular stainless and hides smudges and fingerprints. But, if your appliances are likely to suffer dings and nicks, it may not be the best choice since any scratches will strip away the dark coating and be noticeable.

Though black stainless steel is a trend with solid underpinnings, it’s still a trend. If you’re concerned about keeping up with the latest looks, you may want to opt for traditional stainless steel. Because of the bold, dark hue, black stainless steel appliances may go out of style as trends cycle.

If it's too difficult to choose, you can always go with both. Some designers opt to mix black and silver stainless steel appliances in their kitchens, which can work well with accent pieces or with silver appliances that feature black trim or control panels.

Are Black Stainless Steel Appliances for You?

Stylish and Trendy

Combining black with matte turns ordinary appliances into domestic works of art and dials up their cool factor. If you appreciate the trendy and fashion-forward appeal of black stainless steel, it may be perfect for you. Additionally, if you're selling your home soon, it will appeal to buyers wanting the most updated look.

Practical

Not only are matte finishes stylish, but they’re also practical since fingerprints and minor stains disappear or are minimized on flat finishes. Perhaps there will be several people in contact with your refrigerator daily. If so, it may be helpful to have a surface that hides these fingerprints and smudges well and wipes down easily with basic soap and water.

Coordinates Well

Black is a universal and timeless color that matches nearly everything. It goes with gray, brown, white, beige, and navy. Black stainless steel appliances with white cabinets, in particular, offer a modern appearance and a sleek finish. On the other hand, pairing your black appliances with blue cabinets or other hues like green adds depth and a classic look to your kitchen. There are endless ways black stainless steel can coordinate well with the other finishes of your space.

The Hidden Downsides To Black Stainless Steel Appliances

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The classic white kitchen may have finally met its match. In 2021, dark, moody, and cozy kitchens may just be taking over, and we're not just talking about the paint color.

This bold trend is popping up in all sorts of finishes and fixings, from matte black hardware to slate gray silverware (we're looking at you, Joanna Gaines). And, while we're completely on board with this unconventional aesthetic, there's one very expensive place to consider drawing the line.

Appliances Connection named black stainless steel appliances one of the best appliance finishes for 2021, and consumers would certainly agree. The dramatic look is making its way into kitchens but at a steep cost. You're buying into this trend at nearly $300 more per piece than regular stainless steel, according to BobVila.com. 

But, while these fancy new appliances may look straight out of a luxury catalog (as they should for the price), consider yourself warned: They won't stay that way for long.