I suppose it really depends on what type of look you are going for and what level of maintenance you want to deal with. Stainless steel will certainly brighten up the space in my opinion while large black appliances will add to the dark cabinets, possibly making the space feel tight.
Stainless steel appliances require some specialized care. Our recommendation to our customer's is to use a WATER based stainless steel cleaner and a micro fiber clothe. We use this type of cleaner in our stores that see a lot of traffic (so lots of finger prints). We spray onto the clothe and wipe in the direction of the grain.
Often I have customers (who have never had stainless steel) that feel strongly that they don't want it stainless because of the maintenance issues. What is interesting is that they then by black shiny appliances that show fingerprints and dust as well! Black appliances can be easily cleaned with glass cleaner and a micro fiber clothe.
I, personally, have owned both black and stainless appliances and feel like the maintenance issues are equal...just with different cleaning products.
Sargent Appliance
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