Can you mix kitchen appliance finishes?

last year

I have black appliances and need a new dishwasher. Looking at Bosch 800 series and Miele. Miele only comes in Stainless Steel. Bosch comes in both Black Stainless and Stainless Steel. Black KitchenAid refrigerator is 13 years old (working fine). GE Profile Range is 7 years old, Profile Microwave is 1 year old (both in Black Slate). No plans to replace them any time soon. I will only replace them when they die.

No current plans to remodel kitchen, although if/when I ever do, we'd certainly lighten everything up (cabinets/countertops). In fact, we might sell in a couple of years, so don't really want to invest a lot of money in a remodel.

Question - given the above, could I safely choose a Stainless Steel dishwasher even though I have other black appliances? Or should a stick with Black Stainless in order to coordinate with the others? As they are replaced, I could move to Stainless Steel, but wonder what a mixed-finish kitchen would look like, especially to buyers.....

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Comments (12)

Lyn Nielson
last year
buy what you want. Your microwave and oven both have some stainless accents.
eam44
last year
You can mix finishes, but you have other options. To me the biggest issue is the black fridge. They sell brushed stainless steel refrigerator skins that can give your fridge a stainless look. These are magnetic, so you don’t affect the existing finish, you just pop a magnet over it. I wouldn’t worry about the microwave and the oven, but they sell after market trim kits that for those too.
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freedomplace1
last year
The appliance skins are a good idea if you would like to make the look more cohesive. Nice to have the option.

But in any case, the appliance finish police will not be coming to your house. :)

As far as buyers - imo, it is not much of an issue. Buyers who prefer stainless would likely be happy to see a relatively new, good brand stainless dishwasher - so maybe one less appliance for them to have to buy.

Many buyers do renovations and/or just bring in their own new appliances anyway.
freedomplace1
last year
Btw, it’s a very nice kitchen. I am a wood cabinet lover and wood is back en vogue. I also love granite.
ratherbesewing
last year
Appliance skins, who knew? The price seems reasonable although I couln’t find many reveiws. Has anyone seen these in person?
arcy_gw
last year
If you have decided in the long run you want to switch up the finish I think average people would have to do it one by one as an appliance fails. To continue to buy a finish you really are over is allowing yourself to be held hostage to others' opinions. Go for it, start the swap if you prefer. Reality wins sometimes!!!
enajasereht
last year
I love my Samsung stainless. A couple hundred less than the Bosch, same great features. No fingerprints!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Bosch aalways will be my choice but as for finish if down the road the plan is stainless , which BTW is the perfect choice /, then do stainless now . I really dislike any finish other thna plain old stainless no fingerprint finish or color all get dated over time. I fiunk black sucks the light out of a kitchen and so no more black .
Kendrah
last year
Stainless is fine.

Bosch makes the best dishwashers. I have never had a roblem, repair need in any of them in the homes I have owned. Always moved within 8 years of a purchase. I like their configuration inside better than anyone else. Quality roduct. Can’t go wrong.
dreamindecor
Original Author
last year
Thanks All!! Stainless it is!!!
chloebud
last year
Smart to go with stainless. The life span of appliances these days can be disappointing. We had a 12 year old (Frigidaire) fridge die that we thought was fine, so you never know with your current fridge. A ss fridge would look nice in your kitchen!👍🏻
COOLSSMANN REFRIGERATION
last year
Mixed finishes are actually trending right now, and stainless steel is the most timeless choice for resale value. Since you're potentially selling in a couple of years, stainless will appeal to the broadest range of buyers.

The beauty is that stainless steel coordinates well with both your black KitchenAid and black slate GE appliances - it's neutral enough to bridge different finishes without looking mismatched.

Pro tip: When your other appliances eventually need replacing, you'll already be ahead of the game with stainless. Miele's quality is outstanding, so you'll get years of reliable performance.

Bottom line: Choose the best dishwasher for your needs (sounds like you're leaning Miele), not just for color coordination. Your kitchen will look intentional, not accidental.