One of the most common questions I get asked during the beginning stages of a kitchen renovation are whether or not stainless steel appliances are going to stick around. The short answer is: YES. Stainless has been around for a long time and it's not going anywhere. 90% of the kitchens I design use stainless appliances. Even if you want a traditional look to your space, stainless steel blends well and keeps the design interesting when repeated.
I will say that with stainless steel appliances, just like everything else you get what you pay for. While technology is improving as far as keeping the surfaces less fingerprint prone, here are some things to consider when it comes to sticky fingers:
- The reason finger prints leave such awful marks on stainless steel is because the metal is covered in tiny grooves. When your hands touch the surface the oil on your palms hangs up in those tiny grooves leaving a mark. The higher the quality stainless steel, the closer the grooves are and the less likely it is to show finger prints. Sub Zero and Wolf have some of the finest stainless steel (and technology) on the market, but it comes at a high cost.
- Only clean your stainless appliances with approved stainless cleansers. They are made specifically to fill in those groves, keeping those surfaces print free.
- ALWAYS rub the stainless appliances in the direction of the grain of the steel; up and down or left to right. Don't ever use a circular motion or a zig zag pattern when cleaning or you'll never get rid of those streaks.
Never the less, if stainless still isn't your favorite here are some equally attractive alternatives.
Jenn-Air recently introduced their Oiled Bronze Finish. I must say that it's not as pretty in person as I had hoped, but it's certainly interesting and has it's place in the right space. I had hoped it was more of a matte copper, but after I saw it in person for the first time it almost looks like a shiny copper that's been painted over black and then scratched (althought the texture is smooth).
Here's something else fun from Jenn-Air: Floating Glass! Available in black or white, floating glass appliances are chic and sophisticated. I love how this white refrigerator was built into the cabinets and paired with stainless steel wall ovens.
Still too boring for you? Well how about an Aga range in Heather? For the investment you'll be making with Aga, I hope you love heather!
Then of course there are always custom appliance panels. Appliance panels are made to match your cabinetry for a completely seamless approach to kitchen design. Regardless of your taste ro style custom appliances panels are always the right answer.
