What else is happening in the kitchen? (Countertops/Cabinet color/Sink/Floor)

Oh gosh, we aren't quite there yet, but something along the lines of this...We are kinda starting with the appliances and building around them. The floor will be dark grey tile. White counters, cabinets.

Looks like you're going with the GE Cafe Series. I don't like the black with the stainless. I'd go all stainless and make sure your fridge is counter depth.

Yes, GE cafe series indeed, but I adore the the black slate fridge, I'm trying to find something to work with it. I want to believe the black and stainless can live together but there's some hesitation. I thought maybe pairing the fridge with another brand black slate that is affordable but things may look strange with 2 different brands and slightly different matte's. At least in my photo, the handles have something in common, hmmmm.

Kinda works in this photo...

If you love the black fridge, go for it. Maybe honed black granite or soapstone countertops?

If you love it, you love it. However, I'm not sure of the longevity of the trend. Stainless has been around and will continue to be around. Black Slate imo - not so much.

Slate ain’t gonna make it.

Note that in your "kind of works" photo, the black of the refrigerator is repeated in the counter and the vent hood. This will look like a mistaken mismatch with white counters and cabinets. You *might* be able to make it work with black counters and white cabinets.

Even in your "kind of works" photo, however, it would look better with a stainless refrigerator and vent hood to match the range.

Kristin, good eye, I never even noticed the black counters in my "kind of works photo" lol

And to Ashleigh's point, yes, black counters would definitely look better come to think of it.

I'm not too concerned about trends though, the black slate feels right. It's matching it wrong that will bother me.

It's cool! Nice to do something different. Just don't go too matchy with the black. I'd steer clear of any impulse to do black grout or black hardware, but I do think the honed granite or soapstone countertops will bring the look together.

It sounds like you’ve made up your mind on the fridge. Are you looking for validation? Sorry, but I don’t think it’ll good to try to match it with another black. And think it looks weird if that was the only black slate appliance.Iii

Have you tried finding a scratch and dent place where the stove may be discounted?

I find the Slate finish appliances a nice compromise. That black really soaks up the light in a room.

Have you checked Costco for their package pricing?

Is a white stove in the Cafe Series out of the question? Since you haven't picked your white cabinets, you can make sure the white stove/ dishwasher and the white cabs are a good match. Then you can have your black fridge and black counter top

I think it looks just fine. The stainless steel handles on the fridge are the same as the ones on the range, and the range has some black--the glass door reads black as does the control panel. I'd do a dishwasher with a panel that matches the cabinets.

If you mix in black and stainless steel for your other appliances/fixtures, I think you'll be fine. Maybe black sink and faucet, black or stainless steel dishwasher, stainless steel microwave?

I am all for buying appliances from different makers to get what works for you but plain old stainless is still IMO the best choice for “color” If you really want a stand out piece than IMO that would be the range not the fridge. I also find black appliances gobble lighting which is not what you want in a kitchen, BTW the handles on your appliances do not have to match , buy appliances for how you cook and live , I have never had matching appliances from one manufacturer and most of my clients are the same . That is why plain old stainless will always be an easy choice.

Just stayed at a home that had black counters. We were ALWAYS wiping them down. Everything, including water spots, showed on them. I am not a fan. They look beautiful but....I would not choose them for a kitchen.

Black counters can really vary. Some show everything, others don't. If you choose black stone you need to check out your individual slabs before committing. As a general rule, honed granite shows a lot more than leathered granite or soapstone.

Another range option:

• LG LSE4616ST Slide-In Electric Induction Range - Stainless steel ($2520)
• LG LSE4616BD Slide-In Electric Induction Range - PrintProof Black Stainless Steel ($2610)

Thanks everyone for all your comments, they were really helpful. Not sure how I pulled it off, but I tracked down a black matte cafe range deep in the city's underground appliance scene! (legit of course). About 30% less than regular price. Funny enough, I still think the stainless would have worked out as well.

Good for you--you got lucky!

Here’s a pic of black appliances and light counters, it still works i think because the hardware ties it together. Good luck with your remodel project!

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