Renovating a kitchen isn’t as easy as buying a new sweater, so it’s important to know which trends are built to last — and which ones to skip. Black stainless steel appliances are one to keep an eye on. Show
A Brief History of Stainless SteelStainless steel has only been around since 1913, when it was invented in England. It’s a combination or iron (used to make traditional steel) and chromium, which helps give stainless steel the classic silvery look that has become so popular. Harry Brearley invented the first commercial stainless steel in the early 1900’s.It’s called “stainless” because it doesn’t rust, and that made it a highly useful material in industrial applications. Originally sought after to keep war machines running well without corrosion during World War I, stainless steel quickly took over the world. It caught the eye of designers in the 1920s and 30s, when its shiny, silvery look was all the rage in Art Deco applications — including the in New York City.After World War II, stainless steel began to make inroads into kitchens as more and more people began to build homes in the suburbs. Most appliances were white or , but serious cooks were starting to look for commercial- or professional-grade appliances. These were always clad in stainless steel because it is so durable and easy to clean. Any restaurant kitchen was a shiny place when it came to ovens and cooktops, and the look gradually made it into homes as well. The Arrival of Black Stainless SteelThe Pros and Cons of Black Stainless SteelThe Pros
The Cons
How to Make Black Stainless Steel WorkModern Magnificence
Handsome HistoryBlack stainless steel can work in older homes, too. In fact, its muted sheen and darker tones will often look better than shiny stainless in historic houses. Eclectic Excitement
The Bottom Line – Black Stainless Steel AppliancesDoes black stainless steel match regular stainless steel?Black is one of the very few colors that can be matched with other all other shades. Black matches well with both warm and cool neutrals. It also goes with gray, brown, white, beige, and navy. Black stainless steel appliances with white cabinets, in particular, offer a modern appearance and a sleek finish.
Can I mix and match stainless steel appliances?If you really look at kitchen appliances, most of the brands follow a similar design and are made with stainless steel. So as long as you choose the same exterior finish for your devices, I guarantee no one will notice if you are mixing a few different brands.
What should you not use on black stainless steel?The best way to clean your black stainless steel appliances is simply with warm water and a soft rag or microfiber cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners like window sprays, scouring cleansers, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents or bleaches.
Is stainless steel or black stainless steel better?One of the biggest drawbacks to traditional stainless steel is how smudges and fingerprints seem to multiply across its metallic surface, meaning extra work for you to keep it looking flawlessly clean. Black stainless steel, however, is much more resistant to smudges, fingerprints, streaks, and water spots.
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