It's very trendy, and might not be available in the future if you want to match a failed appliance. Sorta like avocado green appliances.

My DH also liked them, then we saw one on display and on the outside edge of the door it had been scratched and it looked like the "black" was a think film that would easily scrape off. That was enough to say no way.

I am not certain of the process, but it could be a lot like anodized aluminum, which is a thin chemical alteration at the surface. Some industry experts seem to think it's here for the long haul, but the reality is that it will be here only as long as it generates enhanced profitability for the manufacturers. Other than white and regular stainless, colors/finishes come and go. Over in Asia, you would be amazed at some of the bright colors that are in use or were recently in use, think Miami art deco.

Laundryvet

I think I know my answer. I went out tonight with my wife to 2 different appliance stores, both of with had LG and Samsung black stainless and all of the floor models at each store had at least a couple of very noticeable scratches on them. We made the executive decision to stick with regular stainless, despite being fingerprint magnets.

We have the GE slate appliances and love them; they match pretty much all colors, finishes and wood.