Kitchen Appliance Guide: Paneled vs Stainless Steel

Are you planning a new kitchen renovation for your home? I’m sure all the myriad of decisions that need to be made are extremely overwhelming. From flooring types, to layouts, and to cabinet styles, there’s just no end to them! However, one of the most pivotal decisions you have to make is choosing between paneled appliances and stainless steel appliances. Each one has its own unique pros and cons that can greatly alter the look and feel of your kitchen.

Making the right appliance choice is crucial as they serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Their large sizes and sheer number take up a lot of visual and physical real estate in your space. In this article, we’ll learn all about the differences between paneled and stainless steel appliances, so you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your ideal kitchen.

What is a Panel-ready Appliance?

A panel-ready appliance is one that’s designed to have a custom panel attached to its door. More often than not, this custom panel matches the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, resulting in a seamless and unified look. Because the appliances seem to disappear into the rest of the cabinetry, a space feels less industrial and feels more inviting. This makes it a popular choice for many homeowners, especially in the high-end luxury kitchen market.

What Appliances Can Be Paneled?

There are many appliances that are available in a panel-ready version, but there are limitations. Appliances such as dishwashers, freezers, and refrigerators are easily available as panel-ready. Taking the panel-ready refrigerator as an example, you’ll have to forego common external features such as a large LCD screen, water dispenser, or ice-maker. Having these would break the illusion of the fridge blending in with the cabinets.

Cooking-related appliances are NOT typically available as a panel-ready appliance. These include built-in ovens, speed ovens, microwaves, and the like. This means that if you want a stacked double or triple oven setup in your kitchen, then you have to carefully consider its placement. You can make it a central focal point on a wall full of tall cabinets, or you can choose to keep it out of sight in a separate chef’s kitchen or butler’s pantry.

Paneled Appliances vs Stainless Steel Appliances

Pros & Cons of Paneled Appliances

Pros

1. Seamless Cabinetry. Using custom panels allows you to hide your refrigerators, freezers, and the like amongst your cabinetry. This can be especially useful for less aesthetically pleasing appliances such as a trash compactor or dishwasher. This creates a clean and cohesive look in your kitchen.

2. High-end Look. Just as custom bespoke furniture looks more elevated and luxurious than a box-store off-the-shelf one, an appliance with a tailor-made panel will have the same effect. Integrating paneled appliances into your kitchen can make it look more thought out and better designed.

3. Increasing Home Value. Because of the two points listed above, paneled appliances appeal to many potential buyers. This means your home can have a higher asking price should you decide to sell it.

Cons

1. Complex Installation. Paneled appliances require additional work compared to the simpler stainless steel appliance. Professionals are a must to ensure everything fits correctly with the right clearances and allowances.

2. Additional Lead Time. Because it requires a custom panel to match the rest of your cabinetry, panel-ready appliances require more lead time than its stainless steel counterpart. You can’t just order one and install it immediately the following day.

3. Difficult to Replace. When you inevitably want to replace and upgrade your appliance a few years down the line, things can get complicated. It’ll be harder to get a new custom panel that matches your cabinetry. The finish on your other cabinetry might have discolored and developed patina over time that will be hard to match with a new piece. Of course you can also choose to replace all your cabinet fronts at the same time, but that will significantly increase costs.

White shaker-style kitchen with integrated stainless steel appliances by Wood & Co.

Pros & Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances

Pros

1. Modern Aesthetic. In contemporary kitchens, the sleek sheen of stainless steel appliances greatly complements this style. It also pairs well with other appliances that may not have paneled options such as ranges and built-in ovens.

2. Ease of Maintenance. A stainless steel surface is much easier to maintain than a wooden panel. Wiping with a soft cloth is often all you’ll need to clean it.

3. Lower Cost. In general, for equivalent appliance brands and product lines, foregoing a custom panel will be the more economical option.

Cons

1. Less Customized Look. For some, this is the deciding factor between the two appliance options. A stainless steel appliance looks less bespoke compared to a paneled one that blends in with the cabinetry.

2. Shows Smudges Easily. While it’s simple enough to wipe clean, one needs to be willing to do it quite frequently. Fingerprints and other smudges can show easily on a stainless steel surface, especially as you get close to a mirror-like finish.

3. Less Design Versatility. In general, there is very limited customizability when it comes to stainless steel appliances. The uniformity in finishes makes it less adaptable to different kitchen styles. It works best when going for a streamlined and modern look, but not so much when you want a kitchen that’s rustic and traditional.

Should I Get Paneled or Stainless Steel Appliances?

As you’ve read just now, there are trade offs regardless of which route you go for. It’s your space, so ultimately, it’s your preferences that will be the determining factor. If you prefer a more contemporary style and embrace the sleekness of metal finishes, then stainless steel is your best bet. If you place greater value on uniformity and less visual clutter, then custom paneled appliances will fit you better. There is no objectively right or wrong answer to this question. It’s a matter of what fits you and your lifestyle better.

If you still can’t decide or if you still have plenty of questions about your kitchen, then it’s best to consult a professional. An architect, interior designer, or kitchen designer will guide you through the process of creating your ideal kitchen.

Wood & Co. has an extensive portfolio of custom kitchen cabinetry, both incorporating custom panels and stainless steel appliances. Get in touch with us, and let’s build your dream kitchen together!

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