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 Stainless
steel household appliances are the “in” style right now. People are
being drawn to the strong, clean look of stainless steel for their kitchens. It
has become the fastest growing sector of household appliances.
Not only for major household appliances such as refrigerators and ranges,
but even for toaster, kettles, can openers, microwaves, bread makers and
range hoods. There seems to be no end to the demand for the steel look. So
if a kitchen-remodeling project is in you’re near future then steel
appliances may
be something to consider.
Steel
can provide the consumer with a feeling of strength, simplicity, elegance,
and durability. Part of its appeal is the commercial
or professional look it suggests to people. As part of the Martha Stewart
generation we are fascinated with, and drawn towards, all things shiny and
metallic. To this generation steel denotes: expensive – professional --
status.
Pros
and cons of stainless steel
But
are the steel appliances any better than other types of finishes? The
simple answer is no.
Do
they operate any better than other high-end products? No. Are
they more troublesome? No. They are simply a style
of appliance that the public has fallen in love with at this period of
time. Consumers
like the idea that stainless steel appliances always appear clean (if
properly maintained) while at the same time being a very durable product.
Hence the reason it is the standard in the commercial area, including
restaurants.
Stainless
steel is becoming the new “white”. That is, it will match just about
anything else in the kitchen. It will match most finishes of cupboards,
countertops, and flooring. You can match a classic design
of kitchen with an ultra-modern looking stainless appliance. This is a
very positive feature that has been discovered by both consumers and
designers.
On
the negative side, some people dislike the idea of having to work to
maintain the clean look. Stainless steel does require more cleaning. Fingerprints
have always been a problem for stainless steel. Steel cleaner has to be
used to alleviate this problem. The cleaner leaves a light oily residue on
the steel, which will resist the fingerprints. General
Electric and Sears are about to introduce a new stainless finish that they claim
will resolve the fingerprint problem. If true, this will be a major marketing advantage for these
manufacturers.
Also,
stainless steel is very expensive to produce. So if junior decides to
scratch the dishwasher door you should be prepared for a large repair
bill.
Stainless
steel is a steel to which has been added nickel and chromium, resulting
in a very hard surface. Consequently it's durable, and will resist both
pitting and rusting. The
chromium is what gives it the characteristic shiny surface
layer. The
nickel makes it non-magnetic so when your refrigerator
magnets do not stick, blame the nickel. If
scratched, stainless steel can in fact self-heal. A new layer of oxide
will be produced that can cover over small scratches. But, since the
surface layer is extremely thin rust can result if the scratch pierces
this layer and exposes the base steel.
Not just
high end any
more
Most
appliance manufacturers offer stainless steel appliances in their high end
product lines. General Electric calls their stainless series Profile or
Monogram. Frigidaire calls theirs Pro Gallery. Maytag, Whirlpool, and
others also offer stainless steel versions of their products. Seeing
the demand for stainless steel appliances all these manufacturers will
soon offer stainless versions within their less expensive models. So
stainless steel refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers will soon be
available for all price ranges.
Fad or
functional?
Are
you old enough to remember other fashions from the kitchen? Do you
remember green, yellow, or brown refrigerators? How about turquoise
stoves, or black washing machines. At one time these were all considered
the “in” thing.
So
is the stainless steel appliance just another fad?
I
don’t think so. Stainless
steel appliances are a style that has captured the public attention and
will continue to do so. It's an appliance type that attracts
consumers in ever-increasing numbers, for reasons that even the
manufacturers don’t fully understand.
Whatever the reason for the recent love affair with
stainless steel it appears that it will continue. It is safe to say that
they will remain on consumer wish lists into the foreseeable future.
By Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2004 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
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