If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen or just want to update the appliances in your home, here’s something to consider: slate or stainless steel finishes. First, let’s break them down.

Slate vs Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?

Slate: Somewhat new on the appliance scene, slate appliances are darker than stainless steel and have a low-gloss finish that resemble stainless steel. However, slate is not reflective and doesn’t have the glare that stainless steel can have – slate is smudge proof, won’t show fingerprints and very rarely looks dirty.

Slate is a neutral color with an earthy tone that blends well with just about any theme – warm, cool, light or dark. Another bonus with slate is that the metal hardware in your home will really stand out, so if you’ve gone the extra mile in meticulously choosing the hardware in your home, slate could be for you.

Stainless Steel: For many years now, the star of the appliance show has been stainless steel. Because of this, all major appliance brands offer stainless steel, which makes mixing and matching a breeze. “Stainless” is the name, but expect smudges, fingerprints, water spots and more with your stainless-steel appliances. That said, there are a few manufacturers now offering fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.

However, there is good reason stainless steel is the envy of all other types of appliances. It’s incredibly beautiful and modern look is stunning and almost incomparable with its rivals – and of course, always looks good on the home buyers’ market. On top of that, stainless steel appliances are resilient against water damage and rust. You will have your stainless steel appliances for years and years, and will see little-to-no signs of wear or damage.

Slate Appliances: Pros and Cons

Slate – the Pros:

• Slate, with its warm earthy tones, is very accommodating and fits well with just about any of its surroundings.
• Compared with basic black or white appliances, slate looks high-end.
• Because of its hard, matte finish, slate is very durable and holds up well against everyday wear and tear.

Slate – the Cons:

• Mixing and matching brands is difficult as not many major appliance brands offer slate appliances.
• As slate is new on the scene, it’s unknown how long it will stay trendy and it may be considered a niche product. With the introduction of black stainless steel appliances via many major appliance brands, this could affect slate’s popularity… it’s too soon to tell.
• House on the market? Slate appliances could affect the resale value of your home as it is not very well known and people out house shopping are looking for stainless steel.

Stainless Steel Appliances: Pros and Cons

Stainless Steel – the Pros:

• The most popular in appliance finishes, every major appliance manufacturer makes stainless steel appliances. This makes it easy to mix and match brands.
• There is good reason stainless steel is everyone’s favorite – the high-end look is breathtakingly beautiful and truly makes a statement.
• House on the market? Homebuyers are looking for stainless steel appliances and it is usually at the top of their kitchen wish list.

Stainless Steel – the Cons:

• Choose your stainless steel appliances carefully if you want to use them to display your child’s latest art projects – many stainless steel appliances are not magnetic.
• Break out your wallet – because of the high quality of stainless steel appliances, they tend to cost much more than other appliance finishes.
• Maintenance… as stainless steel shows smudges, fingerprints, water spots, dust and grime, you’ll have to clean them often.

When it comes to deciding between slate and stainless steel appliances, the pros and cons of each can make for a hard decision. Either way, you’re sure to love whichever you choose as both are stunning for any home.