At a Glance:
Why Choose a Stainless Steel Refrigerator?
Types of Stainless Steel Refrigerators
6 Stainless Steel Refrigerators Ranked by Price
Move over white appliances. Stainless steel is the new standard for appliance finishes, with as many as 75 percent of buyers choosing the color, according to recent surveys. It’s safe to say this popular appliance finish isn’t going anywhere soon, which is why buyers who research why the style is so popular are doing themselves a service.
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you when it comes to stainless steel refrigerators. In our review, we take a look at the benefits of a stainless steel refrigerator, the types buyers can choose from, and just how much one of these appliances cost with our personal ranking of six stainless steel fridge models.
Why Choose a Stainless Steel Refrigerator?
Stainless steel is so much more than just an appliance finish. In reality, the material has been specially designed and remastered over generations of products, proving a number of benefits that no other appliance finish offers. See for yourself!
Stainless Steel Resists Bacteria
There’s a reason hospitals use stainless steel tools and surfaces: they’re naturally resistant to bacteria growth. The same benefits apply to a stainless steel refrigerator, and considering the refrigerator is one of the most touched places in the home, that makes a big difference in helping to cut down on food-related illnesses.
Easy to Clean
If you worry stainless steel refrigerators are targets for fingerprints and grime, there are two reasons to reconsider. First, manufacturers have come a long way to create stainless steel finishes that are better at resisting smudges. Secondly, stainless steel surfaces are simple to clean and often require no more than glass cleaner, baking soda and vinegar, or even water.
Long Lifespan
Unlike white refrigerators that can chip, stainless steel fridges are extremely durable. You will need to mind using abrasive materials on the surface and dings from nearby cabinet doors, but other than that, stainless steel refrigerators last a long time.
Readily Available
Recent appliance shortages have taught us why core appliance finishes, including stainless steel, are a great choice. Just about every refrigerator manufacturer includes stainless steel as a finish option, and that means they’re more available than panel-ready, black stainless steel, or other custom finishes.
They are Versatile
It’s hard to go wrong with stainless steel in the kitchen, especially when it comes to a refrigerator. Stainless steel refrigeration can be used with wood for a contemporary kitchen with mixed medium or alongside other metal finishes for a modern feel. In farmhouse kitchens, French door stainless steel fridges are a great way to tie in the interior design’s countryside charm while adding a dash of current-age glamour.
Shop Stainless Steel Refrigerators at Bekins
In-Stock NowTypes of Stainless Steel Refrigerators
One tip we recommend to our buyers is to stick to a single brand if you want a kitchen full of stainless steel appliances. Since each manufacturer makes its own version of the finish, mixing brands can disrupt cohesion. With that said, it’s also important to understand the types of stainless steel fridge finishes you’ll find on the market.
Classic Stainless Steel
This version is characterized by its glossy finish. It’s a good option if you want to highlight metallics in the kitchen, but it also works in just about every cooking setup. Important details to remember: this finish shows fingerprints the most out of any stainless steel finish, so regular maintenance is necessary.
Textured Stainless Steel
We love how this brushed stainless steel finish adds depth to a space. That’s because the surface absorbs light rather than reflecting it. If you prefer a refrigerator that is less of a hero in the kitchen, consider a stainless steel fridge in this finish.
Black Stainless Steel
It’s easy to recognize this finish for its matte-like appearance in a black metallic effect. It’s a great alternative to traditional stainless steel that works best in modern kitchens, cooking spaces with dark wood, and larger kitchen areas where appliances can anchor the space together. One note to consider: scratches reveal a standard stainless steel surface below the black polymer. These are nearly impossible to remove, so extra care is recommended with refrigerators with a black stainless steel finish.
Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Manufacturers have also started adding proprietary coatings to the surface of their stainless steel fridges, which resist smudges and fingerprints. This finish is available in all stainless steel finishes, though availability depends on the brand.
6 Stainless Steel Refrigerators Ranked by Price
Because stainless steel refrigerators are so readily available, they’re also some of the most affordable fridges. However, even luxury appliance brands are fans of the finish. To give you an idea of how stainless steel looks at each price point, we’ve reviewed six models from most affordable to most expensive.
Beko 16.1 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Free Stainless Steel Freestanding Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Beko Stainless Steel Refrigerator
While definitely not the largest model on the market, this regular-size stainless steel refrigerator from Beko is affordable and a good option for households that don’t need a lot of food storage. The brushed finish is nicely contrasted by a commercial-style handle for a modern look. If you don’t use the freezer often, you won’t miss the lack of freezer door storage, and the unique freezer drawer layout makes it easy to organize frozen items.
Overall, we give this fridge points for its clean appearance and notable food preservation technology, such as EverFresh+ with Active Blue Light Technology, which Beko claims replicates the natural process of photosynthesis, as well as IonGuard , which keeps the interior fresh.
LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Front LG Stainless Steel Refrigerator
As one buyer said about this stainless steel side by side refrigerator, “Nice refrigerator for the price,” and we agree. LG is one of the leading brands when it comes to refrigeration, and this model shows just why. Buyer reviews give high ratings to the InstaView Door, a feature that makes it easy to check what you have in stock by simply knocking on the glass door. They also appreciated the size of this large-capacity LG stainless steel refrigerator with an overall capacity of 27 cubic feet.
LG LRSOS2706S Refrigerator Reviews
Whirlpool® 24.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Whirlpool Black Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Nearly 9/10 buyers recommend this Whirlpool Black stainless steel refrigerator, which comes in at the middle of our price ranking. This black stainless steel French door refrigerator “doesn’t smudge or leave fingerprints, and keeps everything nice and cold,” says one product review. As far as features go, this isn’t the most advanced model, but you still get essential food preservation with humidity-controlled crispers and ENERGY STAR certified performance, making this a good option for buyers with a budget between $2,400–$2,700.
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 20.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Fisher & Paykel Stainless Steel Refrigerator
Known for their sleek and modern designs, Fisher & Paykel does stainless steel like no other brand on the market. The flush face and counter depth design look high-end, while designer handles add the finishing touch and give this fridge its sophisticated look. If you’re looking for a fridge jam-packed with features, this might not be the best pick, but if quality matters, keep reading.
Upgrading to a stainless steel refrigerator at this price point means better materials, including glass shelves with metal trims, crisper drawers with humidity management, and ActiveSmart Foodcare with artificial intelligence that learns user behaviors to improve energy efficiency.
Fisher & Paykel RF201ADUSX5/N Refrigerator Reviews
KitchenAid® 25.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Refrigerator
This KitchenAid stainless steel refrigerator has the most user ratings out of any pick on our list—in fact, it has over 2,040 5-star reviews to date. And that includes long-time users, such as this product reviewer who says, “We bought this refrigerator 6 years ago & I have never been happier with an appliance as I am with this one!!” We call that impressive but not surprising, considering all the perks this mid-end stainless steel refrigerator offers.
On top of a unique five-door design that lets you organize food how you wish, this French-door refrigerator also comes with PreservaFood Care System that uses dual evaporators to keep the freezer and fridge spaces independently controlled.
KitchenAid KRMF706ESS Refrigerator Reviews
Thermador® Freedom® 20.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Thermador French Door Refrigerator
It’s hard to think about luxury refrigeration without talking about Thermador. As the most expensive stainless steel refrigerator in our ranking, this model comes with a lot of expectations — which it delivers. Upgrading to a luxury refrigerator such as the Thermador T36FT820NS means you get magnetic doors that shut tight to lock in cold air. You also get NASA-inspired air purification that prevents foods from spoiling. Plus, advanced food control (known as the ThermaFresh system on this model) to keep humidity and moisture levels at their prime, so foods stay fresher longer.
Stainless steel refrigerators might be common, but that doesn’t mean they’re not exciting. As we’ve shown, these appliances come in a variety of looks, configurations, and features that suit every lifestyle and budget. If you’re still on the fence about making the leap toward a stainless steel fridge, we invite you to experience them yourself at Bekins. We have a full catalog of stainless steel fridges for you to explore and friendly experts who are ready to help you select the perfect match.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott, started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Refrigerators at Bekins
Stop by a Bekins location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover the best stainless steel refrigerator — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Best French Door Refrigerator Recommendations
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