At a Glance:
The Popularity of Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances
7 Most Popular Stainless Steel Refrigerator Models
Nothing is more synonymous with modern kitchen design than stainless steel. Not only is it a durable material, but it’s also stylish, sleek, and even adds to the resale value of your home. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or just replacing your fridge, the odds are that you’ll be part of the estimated 60-75% of homeowners who opt for stainless steel refrigerator models. But that doesn’t mean they’re all the same, and the good news is that, even with the amount of stainless steel appliances available, there are plenty of styles to choose from.
In this guide to stainless steel refrigerator models, we’re breaking it all down, from the popularity of stainless steel fridges to their pros and cons. Then, we’ll highlight refrigerator trends from the past few years and offer tips on how to design a modern kitchen before presenting our picks for the best and most popular stainless steel refrigerator models from Colder’s.
Discover the Best Stainless Steel Refrigerator Deals
You can’t go wrong with the classic look of a stainless steel refrigerator, and we have the latest styles that bring the look into modern design.
Shop NowThe Popularity of Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances
The most popular refrigerator color—and the most desirable one—is stainless steel. So, how did stainless steel become so popular?
Stainless steel was invented in 1913 and first used in commercial kitchens in 1934. By the new millennium, the demand for appliances with modern appeal reached a high point, and the metallic aesthetic began its rise in popularity. While many factors contributed to its rise, there’s no question that stainless steel appliances have become the gold standard and most-wanted appliance finish in American kitchens.
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances
Of course, that story is old news now, and consumers have their fair share of likes and dislikes when it comes to why steel appliances should be in the kitchen.
✅ Durability: Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, rust, and stains, making it a suitable finish for kitchen appliances, especially in areas where there is moisture and spills are common.
✅ Hygiene: Stainless steel is a non-porous material, which means it doesn't harbor bacteria or germs.
✅ Aesthetics: Stainless steel appliances have a sleek and modern appearance that complements a variety of kitchen styles.
✅ Heat Resistance: Stainless steel is resistant to heat, making it suitable for kitchen appliances like stovetops and ovens without warping.
✅ Low Maintenance: Stainless steel appliances are relatively low maintenance. Their smooth, non-porous surfaces are easy to clean, and they generally require less upkeep compared to other finishes—particularly white. Routine cleaning with mild detergents or specialized stainless steel cleaners is typically all that’s necessary to maintain a stainless steel surface’s shine.
✖ More Expensive: Because they’re so desirable, stainless steel appliances tend to be more expensive than their white or black counterparts.
✖ Shows All the Smudges: A common stainless steel complaint is that surfaces easily show fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. Regular cleaning is required to maintain a polished appearance, or you can opt for a fingerprint-resistant finish.
✖ Susceptible to Scratching: Despite being durable, stainless steel can be susceptible to scratching. Abrasive materials or harsh cleaning tools may leave visible scratches on the surface. Care should be taken to avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
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Explore Featured Refrigerators
Consider Refrigerator Trends
From avocado green fridges in the ‘70s to the rise in popularity of French door refrigerators over the past several decades, refrigerator trends are always changing. Let’s look at some of the most recent refrigerator trends and why they’re popular.
| Trend | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Smart Refrigerators | Smart refrigerators are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to access and control various features remotely. This includes adjusting temperature settings, checking the contents of the fridge via cameras, and receiving alerts for maintenance. AI-powered refrigerators use artificial intelligence to learn about user habits and preferences. They can optimize energy usage, suggest recipes based on available ingredients, and even help create shopping lists. |
| Fingerprint-Resistant Surfaces | Refrigerators with fingerprint-resistant surfaces are designed to minimize the visibility of fingerprints and smudges. This feature reduces the frequency of cleaning and addresses one of the biggest common stainless steel refrigerator finish complaints. |
| Specialized Water & Ice Dispensers | Measured-fill water dispensers provide an exact amount of water, helping users avoid overfilling containers. This is convenient whether you’re filling a water bottle or a pot. Additionally, more refrigerators these days feature special ice settings, whether it’s a turbo mode or shaped ice cubes, providing more flexibility when it comes to enjoying beverages. |
| Door-in-Door Design | Door-in-door features provide a separate compartment accessible from the outside of the refrigerator door. This allows users to quickly access frequently used items without fully opening the refrigerator, reducing energy consumption and keeping the main compartment at a more stable temperature. |
7 Most Popular Stainless Steel Refrigerator Models
Need some inspiration for your search for the best stainless steel refrigerator? We’ve done the work for you, providing our top modern refrigerator picks that don the classic stainless steel look. Discover the finish in a different style.
Whirlpool 33 in. 20.5 Cu. Ft. Monochromatic Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop this Whirlpool Stainless Steel Refrigerator
With over 6,000 5-star reviews, this is undoubtedly a top rated stainless steel refrigerator worth checking out. Thanks to its top freezer design, it’s also a budget-friendly stainless steel refrigerator option with a classic look that’s updated for modern homeowners. The interior aligns with the new-age exterior thanks to LED lighting and frameless glass shelves. If you struggled to find a spot for tall items in your old fridge or just need more room for stacking leftovers, the Flex-Slide bin makes space for taller items. For keeping fruits and veggies fresher for longer, humidity-controlled crisper drawers and electronic temperature controls empower you to create the ideal environment for your favorite foods.
Featured Whirlpool WRT311FZDM Review:
“We had our Whirlpool Refrigerator for 30 years and I thought we would never find another to fit into our built in space. We never had one repair bill on the old one and I hope this one will be just as good. Size, layout of inside are excellent. So much room in a smaller refrigerator.”
Electrolux 21.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Electrolux Stainless Steel Refrigerator
You can achieve the built-in look with this counter depth stainless steel French door refrigerator from Electrolux. Whether you want to chill wine or store appetizers for an upcoming party, the TempAdapt Drawer allows you to finetune the temperature of the spacious compartment to your exact specifications. If you tend to buy a lot of produce and want to make it last, the TasteLock Crisper Drawers will keep you from wasting your fruits and veggies.
Featured Electrolux ERMC2295AS Review:
“A lot of thought went into the organization of this fridge, freezer, and hybrid drawer. There are so many ways to customize the shelves and drawers to tailor it to your own needs making it easier to find what you are looking for. The size is deceiving - although this fridge is technically smaller than our last one, it feels larger due to the intelligent design.”
Frigidaire 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this Frigidaire Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Awarded the best overall side by side refrigerator of 2023 by Reviewed.com, this stainless steel side by side refrigerator is a large-capacity refrigerator where all your favorite snacks and ingredients are within your grasp on its intelligently designed interior. Despite providing nearly 26 cubic feet of capacity, this ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator is still efficient.
Featured Frigidaire FRSS2623AS Review:
“I love this fridge! It is exactly what I was looking for. It looks great and runs quietly. Great price! I liked the features this one offered. Auto defrost, even cooling system, water/ice dispenser in the door. I have absolutely no complaints.”
Kitchen-Aid 25.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop this Kitchen-Aid Stainless Steel Refrigerator
The unique 5 door configuration of this stainless steel bottom freezer refrigerator is a KitchenAid and industry first. You don’t have to worry anymore that you’ll lose track of what’s in your fridge or leave something in the back of the freezer just to gather frost and freezer burn. Instead, everything is at your fingertips and easy to see. The soft-close drawers are designed for specific foods with the left set up with presets for meat/fish, drinks, green/herbs, and deli/cheese, while the right is set up for produce. The avid food organizer in your home will love the 3-tier freezer drawers so that everything can have its own designated spot.
Featured KitchenAid KRMF706ESS Review:
“I purchased this refrigerator several years ago and love it. Three things sold me. 1. The build, it was much sturdier than others I was looking at, the quality of materials appeared to be much better. 2. The look, classy. 3. What really sold me was the 3 freezer drawers, they are the best...No other refrigerators that I looked at had the storage layout that this one did. I bought it and never second guessed my decision. I love it!”
LG 27.2 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this LG Stainless Steel Refrigerator
For families with kids, this fingerprint-resistant stainless steel refrigerator is ideal for minimizing the mess in your kitchen. You’ll have room for everyone’s favorite snacks, last night’s leftovers, and all the ingredients for this week’s meal plan thanks to the large capacity design with over 27 cubic feet of storage. This side by side refrigerator also features a water dispenser and ice maker with a slim design so that you don’t have to sacrifice precious freezer space.
Featured LG LRSXS2706S Review:
“The first thing you notice is how classy this refrigerator looks in the kitchen. The lines are clean, highlighted by the fact that there are no door handles jutting out from the front. The stainless steel finish stays very clean and when it does get smudged you can wipe it clean with a slightly damp cloth…Overall, I have been very pleased with this new LG refrigerator.”
KitchenAid 22.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop this KitchenAid Stainless Steel Refrigerator
This counter depth stainless steel refrigerator features several of the top refrigerator trends: a fingerprint-resistant finish, LED lighting, and measured water fill. Not only that, but it features a counter depth design that adds to its sleek modern look. We love the long pro-style handles and convenient ice and water dispenser, and because it’s from KitchenAid, quality comes standard.
Featured KitchenAid KRSC703HPS Review:
“Our new KitchenAid is perfect for us! Among the many things we love about it are: the layout of the fridge, the lighting inside, the many choices on the exterior of the door, and that it runs so quietly.”
LG Studio 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side by Side Refrigerator
Shop this LG Studio Stainless Steel Refrigerator
If you want to achieve the custom look of a built in stainless steel refrigerator, this counter depth model is a sleek choice, and its extra large-capacity makes it perfect for large families. Whatever are the must-have items for your family, you can rearrange the bins and shelves to a layout that works best for you. So that you don’t have to give up freezer space, the SpacePlus ice maker is specially designed to take up a minimal footprint.
Featured LG Studio SRSXB2622S Review:
“This is our second LG fridge - the first being a 36" model in another house we have subsequently sold and so far, this 42" counter depth model has been all it promised to be. Temps are right on, no more frozen veggies and no more runny ice cream. The lighting is exceptional and having all the drawers and door self closing is exceptional.”
Whether you prefer a French door or side by side refrigerator or want to come in under budget with a top freezer model, a stainless steel refrigerator is the ideal finish to give your kitchen a modern look. With a wide selection of fridges from trusted brands, Colder’s is the best place to shop for stainless steel refrigerator models in Wisconsin. Shop our entire stock online or visit one of our Milwaukee appliance stores today!
→ Learn more: 4 Awesome Built In Refrigerator Styles & Price Tags
FAQ
Is stainless steel better for a fridge?
Stainless steel is a fantastic choice for refrigerators because it’s durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to clean. It also gives your kitchen a sleek, modern look that never goes out of style. While it doesn’t affect how well the fridge keeps food cold, stainless steel can be more fingerprint-prone—though many newer models come with smudge-resistant finishes to help with that!
Do magnets stick to stainless steel refrigerators?
It depends on the type of stainless steel! Some stainless steel refrigerators, especially those made with certain alloys, aren’t magnetic, so your fridge magnets might not stick. If you love displaying notes and artwork, look for models that are magnet-friendly or consider using magnetic clips on the sides if they’re made of a different material.
Do all stainless steel refrigerators have black sides?
Not necessarily! Many stainless steel refrigerators do have black or dark gray sides, as it helps keep manufacturing costs down while still looking sleek. However, there are models with stainless steel or panel-ready sides if you prefer a seamless, high-end look for your kitchen.
Where to buy a stainless steel refrigerator near me?
If you're looking for a stylish and high-quality stainless steel refrigerator, Colder’s has a great selection to fit your needs! Whether you want a fingerprint-resistant finish, a French door design, or something energy-efficient, we’ve got options to match your space and budget. Stop by one of our showrooms or check out our website to find the perfect fridge for your home!
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee. Still need help? We offer zero percent appliance and furniture financing for your home needs!
Shop Stainless Steel Refrigerators at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop refrigerators online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find stainless steel refrigerator models in the latest styles, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
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