Appliance Finishes – Stainless Steel & Alternatives

No matter which appliance you buy, chances are you’ll hear stainless steel as the primary finish on most of them. However, it’s not the only finish you can get!

Stainless steel is popular for its sleek look and amazing design that fits into nearly any kitchen. But it’s not the only one that can make your kitchen stand out! There are other options such as Black Stainless Steel, Powder Coating, Aluminum, and Carbon Steel. But which is best for your kitchen? And does it matter which finish you get?

You’ll find out all that and more below!

The Different Finishes

Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel. is the go-to for most appliances. Rightfully so, it is a sleek finish that does an excellent job for all-around mess and smudges. It’s praised for its stain-resistant finish that virtually never gets dirty, and if it does, all it takes is a wipe-down to clear up. Plus, appliances with stainless steel are very durable, resistant to corrosion, and perform great in high and low temperatures.

With all these benefits, stainless steel is also just the best in aesthetically fitting any kitchen. The look is now classic and go-to for all appliances which make for a modern layout. Point in case, you can never go wrong with stainless steel.

Black stainless steel

Black stainless steel is a trendy finish that has continuously made the rounds recently. It’s a great statement piece that gives any appliance a modern dark look. Like its counterpart, black stainless steel is also resistant to fingerprints and smudges, some say even more so. In terms of design, black stainless steel also gives a warmer feel than traditional stainless steel and can pair well with white or grey contemporary kitchens.

Though it’s a nice alternative, it also comes with some flaws. One of the biggest flaws is that this finish can be extremely prone to scratching. The black surface is made with a colored acrylic, sometimes polymer, that cotes regular stainless steel and makes it scratch easily. So, contact with anything else could lead to glaring scratches and nicks on the appliance.

Also, not all manufacturers make the same colored “black” stainless steel. So, if you try to mix and match, you may end up with some appliances that have a greener hue or redder hue in their black color.

Powder Coating

Another alternative is Powder Coating, you may or may not have heard of it. Powder coating is a finish that is achieved by sandblasting an existing finish, applying a colored powder, and heating the entire appliance in an oven. Powder coating provides a great long-lasting finish that’s resistant to chipping, fading, scratching, and hard impacts. Plus, it’s a safe environmental option since the powder used typically never carries any harmful solvents when compared to liquid paint and finishes.

Lastly, though it’s generally good around heat and corrosion, it can still be damaged by them. Powder coating is normally not recommended for ovens or sinks since too much heat will make the coating scorch or bubble and too much water damage creates corrosion. Also, from an aesthetic side, once you pick a color, it’s very hard to change it again.

Slate & Black Slate

Slate is a versatile matte finish that brings warm hues to your metallic appliances. It pairs well with just about any kitchen design and provides a rich, elegant, high-end look. Though it’s not shiny like stainless steel, it never looks dirty, is smudge-proof, and never shoes fingerprints. There’s also a Black Slate finish that can bring a more elevated aesthetic and sophisticated durability into your kitchen. Either option can work great and is low maintenance even with a busy family.

If you want an appliance with this finish, you’ll have to purchase from GE as they are predominantly the only manufacturer that sells this finish. You can find alternatives labeled “Matte”, but they won’t be entirely the same.

The Best Finish

Ultimately, we can never truly pick for you. In the end, the decision of which finish is best can only come from you. The best thing to do is to think about your kitchen and what style or aesthetic calls to you the most. After all, your kitchen is a representation of you and rightfully so only you should be the one to decide on finishes and look.

However, if you ever need inspiration or are ready to buy, Airport Home Appliance is always here to help! We have the largest selection of in-stock appliances in Northern California and offer next-day delivery on several appliances! You can visit us in any one of our showrooms or online at any time!