An Introduction to Stainless Steel Appliances

Posted on February 7, 2010 | Category: Kitchen Trivia

These days, many people are choosing to adorn their kitchens with stainless steel appliances.  In fact, a stainless steel refrigerator is often one of the “featured” appliances listed when a realtor lists a home for sale.  This shows how much these appliances are valued in the minds of consumers.

The good news is that stainless steel just isn’t for commercial use anymore, as many residential home owners are now finding it to be a sleek, stylish look that makes a kitchen appear contemporary, yet elegant.  In fact, many people consider it to be the “new neutral”, as metal can blend in well with any type of décor.  If you don’t want to go overboard with the industrial look, you can mix and match a bit.  If you want a stainless steel fridge with marble countertops and wooden cabinets, you’ll be glad to know everything will look great together.

The great thing about this material is that it is very durable and strong.  Despite the sleek appearance of stainless steel appliances, they are very tough.  They can last for years and will always remain in style.  This metal is corrosion, fire, and heat resistance.   You won’t have to worry about the appliances ever melting or becoming corroded.  Indeed, stainless steel is tough enough to withstand just about anything, and the appliances will provide you with long term value.

There are actually sixteen different grades of stainless steel.  They are all of different shapes and sizes, with the most common being T-304.  Forks, knives, and many kitchen appliances are made from T-304.  You can learn more about it by reading guides online.

As far as pricing goes on stainless steel appliances, you have a few options.   First of all the internet is the best place to do research on pricing.  You can find great deals on just about every appliance you’ll ever need, as well as guides on how to care for, clean, and maintain them.  If you are a bit more ambitious, you can also seek out your local retail stores in your community.  Many times, they will match internet pricing and give you free delivery and installation at your home.

Another creative option is to consider scratch and dent appliances.    These are usually found at the same local retail stores, but have a cosmetic flaw somewhere on the appliance which prevents the store from selling it as “new”.  Since these appliances will just sit around losing value for the store owner, it makes sense to offer to buy these devices at a discount.  It takes a little bit of initiative and negotiating skill, but I’ve heard of people getting a brand new refrigerator with a minor scratch or dent (sometimes on the side of the appliance) for up to 20 to 30 percent off of retail price.   It certainly doesn’t hurt to try.

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