Black Stainless Steel Versus Stainless Steel

Since black stainless steel appliances debuted several years ago they ve been touted as a warmer alternative to the industrial look of regular stainless.

Black stainless steel versus stainless steel.

In terms of appearance black steel is a different hue of stainless and coordinates well with most cabinets styles. In fact many appliance models are available in each of these three colors. Black stainless steel is new and hot giving you a cutting edge look and allowing your kitchen to stand out from most other kitchens that you see. Stainless steel on the other hand is made.

However black stainless steel is simply a coating over stainless steel. For example this ge range from home depot has the same price point for white black or stainless steel versions. Just as interior decorators will use a dramatic piece to create a focal point for the living room a black stainless steel appliance can. Black stainless steel serves as a statement piece.

However unlike other finishes black steel is an oxide applied to stainless steel. Black white and stainless steel appliances are all popular enough to have very little difference in terms of prices. Stainless steel appliances sometimes look like big tin cans in your kitchen. This combination produces a strong and malleable metal that is most suitable in the construction industry and for making heavy equipments.

In other words the finish can be scratched revealing the stainless steel underneath. The finish is less prone to smudges and fingerprints than traditional stainless steel although some manufacturers offer fingerprint resistant black stainless as a default while others do not. Black stainless is a darker richer color than stainless steel but every manufacturer has their own take. Steel is made from a combination of iron and carbon.

For example kitchenaid s black stainless is a satiny brushed black while samsung s has a mirror finish and a graphite gray tone. In addition some brands include additional protective coatings to discourage smudging. It also doesn t show smudges and fingerprints as readily. In my opinion black steel or at least the finish can be more of a trend than any of the above colors.

Black stainless steel on the other hand is an understated alternative to the traditional glaring silver metal and a big trend in kitchens these days. Steel vs stainless steel. But that s not the only difference. It looks good especially as an alternative to stainless steel and is much easier to clean than stainless.

Some conventional stainless steel appliances not only show fingerprints and smudges but their shiny surface actually accentuates them. The darker and less reflective black stainless finish naturally downplays the appearance of fingerprints.