Is Stainless Steel Overrated? (floor, granite countertops, dishwasher, microwave)

[USNRET04]

My over the range microwave died yesterday, looks to be the magnatron and the appliance is 9 years old. I plan to replace it right away.

My dishwasher is showing a lot of wear and may need replacing in the near future. The flattop range and side-by-side refrigerator is OK for now.

All are white. I had planned to do a light upgrade to the kitchen in the near future, possibly just the counter tops to a granite type.

Since I need a microwave now, should I go with SS or just stick with white? Is SS just a fad?

I won't be able to afford the other appliances to at least next year. So it may be odd having an SS microwave and dishwasher next to to the white.

[Ohiogirl81]

What do you like? That's all that matters.

If you like white, go with it and don't worry about fads or what other people like.

Never lose sight of the fact that it's your house!!

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

What do you like? That's all that matters.

If you like white, go with it and don't worry about fads or what other people like.

Never lose sight of the fact that it's your house!!

I completely agree....(to the OP) as long as your not planning on selling any time soon, do what YOU want. It's your home!

That said, I don't think SS is a fad.

[heydade]

TRUE stainless steel is hard to find and very expensive. Most appliances out there that claim to be stainless steel, are actually stainless steel look. And you can thank God for that as well since stainless steel easily scratches and is very prone to smudges and VERY difficult to clean since you always have to clean it to make it look nice. If you want stainless steel, make sure to get SS loook...NOT the real deal. Good luck !

[Narfcake]

Since the rest of your appliances are white, stick with white. Granite and SS has become so commonplace that it's nothing special anymore.

As for living with the mismatch ... for a while, I had a stainless dishwasher, a black stove, and a white fridge. Then I got a white dishwasher and white stove to match, since it was the cheapest route ... then the fridge died, and the cheapest route was a stainless fridge (22cu. ft., never-plugged-in floor sample with full warranty, for $350). I gave up on the matching game after that.

[twinmma]

I like the look of SS, but hate the cleaning. We usually opt for a Satina finish...Looks like SS but much easier to take care of.
that being said...right now we have white appliances in our new home and I must say I find it a bit refreshing...Has a nice clean look to it. we plan on doing our kitchen in a few years and we'll see...I often like black with granite countertops...
Do what you like UNLESS you plan on selling anytime soon and then I would say go with SS.

[nightcrawler]

your house, your taste, do what you want to look at.

Do not worry about when you might be selling (if ever) , trust me, I learned the hard way.
Worring about what I thought the next owner would want, hence 20 years later....LOL

[sbbet]

Whatever you get, it's important to get all your appliances from the same manufacturer or they probably won't match. I have all GE "stainless" in my kitchen and they are very easy to keep looking good.

I had another brand in my last house and they were pint magnets.

[Ketabcha]

I echo those who have said "go with what you like." Most of us spend a lot of our time in the kitchen and your kitchen should be a place that appeals to you.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

As for living with the mismatch ... for a while, I had a stainless dishwasher, a black stove, and a white fridge.

I've got a white stove, a black dishwasher, and an almond fridge. What the previous owner of the home was thinking I'll never know (I have more important bones than that to pick with him/her! LOL). Probably the same thing as you: getting the most for your money.

My next appliance to die will probably be the fridge. I still haven't decided to go with white or black yet -- I waffle from day to day, so it'll be interesting to see whether it's a black or white day when it's time to buy.