Our Latest Obsession: KitchenAid Black Stainless Steel Appliances

In fashion, black is always a classic. It’s a timeless color that goes well with everything. Appliance manufacturers have come onboard and are now offering entire lines in black stainless steel. KitchenAid’s selection includes refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, wall ovens, microwaves, range hoods, wine coolers, and beverage centers. We took a closer look at the trend to uncover the best way to incorporate it into your kitchen and help you decide if it’s right for you.

Flawless Finishes

Black appliances surely make a bold design statement, but color isn’t the only consideration. Practicality and maintenance are top-of-mind for most consumers. While traditional silver-gray stainless steel appliances have an almost universal design appeal, they do have their own set of challenges. The same sleek, shiny surface that many find so attractive can be challenging to keep clean. Traditional stainless steel surfaces tend to show dust and fingerprints, and if not thoroughly wiped down, will appear streaky. The KitchenAid line features a PrintShield™ Finish which resists fingerprints and smudges to keep them looking great between cleanings. The KitchenAid black stainless steel appliances are accented with chrome details and textured handles.

On-Trend or Trendy?

Appliance manufacturers have been playing with color for decades. In the 1950s, the trend was toward refrigerators and ranges in cotton-candy hues like pink and turquoise blue. The ‘60s and ‘70s favored farmer’s market colors including avocado green, harvest gold, and nut brown. In the 1980s and ‘90s, appliances were all about the neutrals, and though the colors had clever names like bisque, ivory, and almond, they were really just shades of white.

So, are black appliances a fad, or will they have staying power? Only time will tell, but this choice seems to have a major leg up on previous trends. Though black is not technically a “color” (it is defined as the absence of light), we consider it as one for design purposes. And, in the world of design, black is the ultimate go-to for its boundless versatility. Colors on the visual spectrum have endless variations, so mixing and matching them into appealing combinations can be tricky. Black, on the other hand, works and plays well with every color. In other words, if you change the surrounding decor, cabinets, flooring, or wall paint, black appliances will still match the rest of the room.

Bottom Line: Black appliances are a good choice for homeowners who want to make a bold design statement today, and we think they’re versatile enough to be in style for years to come.

All or Nothing

Is it okay to mix appliance colors, or do you need to replace everything at once? Mismatched appliances can be visually jarring, but budgetary realities might mean that kitchens are updated one piece at a time, rather than all at once. We can imagine periods in the past where turquoise refrigerators and harvest gold ranges tried to coexist in the same kitchen with cringeworthy results. Aesthetically, it’s preferable to have a cohesive suite of appliances, but the versatility of black can make the transition smoother, especially if you’re adding black stainless steel pieces to an existing collection in traditional stainless. The KitchenAid black stainless appliances have chrome details which can help bridge the gap between the two.

Working with Black

To blend in or stand out? Black is an obvious choice for monochromatic design. Paired with white and shades of gray, black stainless steel appliances provide contrast and will work well in contemporary kitchens. If high-contrast isn’t your style, consider adding black stainless steel to a more traditional setting. The KitchenAid line has a softer, warmer look than traditional stainless steel and is a good match for dark cabinetry, countertops, and floors.   

Beyond Good Looks

When it comes to appliances, appearance is just part of the story. The KitchenAid black stainless steel line has great features to match its good looks.

Refrigerators (features vary by model)  

• Configurations: Side-by-side, multi-door, or French door
• Installation: Freestanding or built-in installation
• ExtendFresh™ Plus Temperature Management System
• Preserva® Food Care System keeps food fresh longer
• FreshFlow™ Air Filter minimizes refrigerator odors
• Produce Preserver absorbs ethylene gas to extend the life of fruits and vegetables
• SatinGlide® baskets with Soft-Close with ball-bearing rollers and glides
• Automatic Ice Maker
• Exterior Ice and Water Dispenser
• LED interior lighting saves energy
• Adjustable glass shelves have etched edges to contain spills
• Herb storage compartments are designed with an angled bottom to keep stems wet for longer-lasting herbs
• Measured water fill lets you automatically dispense the perfect amount of water for cooking and beverages.

Wine & Beverage Coolers

Designed for freestanding or built-in undercounter installation, there are models available to keep your wine collection and other beverages at the perfect serving temperature.

Dishwashers (features vary by model)

• Dynamic Wash Arm has nine arms to direct spray into hard-to-reach places.
• Clean Water Wash System removes food particles for cleaner dishes
• Bottle Wash has four adjustable spray nozzles to direct water inside tall glasses and bottles
• ProScrub®  Option features 40 spray jets to handle tough messes
• ProWash™ Cycle adjusts for different soil levels
• Third Level Rack lets you arrange items like serving utensils and measuring cups for thorough cleaning
• Advanced ProDry™ System has a heating element and fan to completely dry dishes
• SatinGlide® Max Rails allow for smooth operation even with heavy loads
• Sliding Tines adjust to accommodate different dish depths
• Fold-Down Cup Shelves and Integrated Stemware Holders hold glassware in place
• Culinary Caddy accommodates tall cooking utensils
• Express Wash cleans efficiently in less time

Ranges (features vary by model)

KitchenAid black stainless steel ranges are available in gas and electric for slide-in or freestanding installation. The line also includes a selection of wall ovens.

• Even-Heat™ True Convection uses a bow-tie design and convection fan for even heating
• SatinGlide® Racks move smoothly even when holding heavy dishes
• Aqualift® cleaning system uses low heat and water to clean up baked-on spills
• Storage Drawer holds pots, pans, and baking sheets
• Hidden Bake features a covered baking element for easy cleanup
• Gas burners range from 5,000 to 17,000 BTU to allow for precision cooking at any temperature

Microwaves (features vary by model)

Units are available for built-in, over-the-range, and countertop installation.

• Convection Cooking circulates air of even cooking at temperatures up to 450-degrees F.
• CookShield interior finish easily wipes clean without chemicals
• Sensor Functions include presets to automatically defrost, reheat, and cook popular dishes
• Steam Cleaning Function uses steam to make cleanup easy
• Sound-Based Popcorn Function detects popping sounds so it stops when the popcorn is done
• Keep Warm Function operates at 10% power to keep dishes ready to serve
• Stoppable Turntable rotates to cook food evenly, or can be stopped when large dishes are used

Range Hoods

KitchenAid black stainless steel range hoods are available for wall-mounted or over-island installation. They include built-in blowers and electronic controls.