>Do you think the lack of choice is because of appliance companies not listening to what people want, or do you think people only need three options?

Possibly because way too many people bought avocado green or harvest gold appliances back in the day and people learned their lesson from that? :)

Hit post by mistake. Besides I think the trend now is to panel in when you can, and that certainly lets anyone have any look they want. I would love it if totally integrated appliances were as available at the medium/low end here as they are in Europe.

I think it would be great if appliances came in more colors, like cars. The brightly colored washer and dryer is a (relatively) new option. I think that people are more likely to pick a candy apple red washer and dryer because it is in a laundry room and not a really "public" area like the kitchen. There are some brightly colored fridges/appliances: (SMEG, Heartland, Big Chill, etc) but they seem to be geared toward the retro or quirky kitchen or, like AGA, LaCornue, etc. the very expensive kitchen.

Exactly! Retro kitchens are adorable, but most people have more classic/traditional kitchens- family kitchens.
Where are the options for people with grubby-handed toddlers (or husbands!)? Why does a harmonious put-together kitchen have to equal custom/expensive?

doesn't Viking do different colors?

But I wish others did as well, especially in the midrange.

I'd love the robin egg blue from Big Chill or Northstar, but I don't think budget-wise I could do a whole suite. But, yes, more colors from other manufacturers would be awesome.

I'm really pleased with the feedback. I'm kind of surprised about how many people would like more color in their kitchens (and not retro color!) while still keeping the price in the midrange.

I'm consulting with a design company about future appliance direction and this is really helping me understand what people really want. (and also what they actually do with their kitchens)

If you'd like to influence the way the project goes, I'd love to hear more through our survey which includes pictures of kitchens for your review/critique.

I guess it's a common misconception in the industry that everyone aspires to have stainless appliances, and that stainless goes with any kitchen, regardless of your family's personal style!

Here is a link that might be useful: Your Kitchen Style Survey

>I guess it's a common misconception in the industry that everyone aspires to have stainless appliances, and that stainless goes with any kitchen, regardless of your family's personal style!

It drives me crazy that so many appliances are only available in stainless now, or stainless and black, which is worse. I can live with white, although I'd love a cherry red or turquoise fridge.

But as I said in my previous post, I don't understand why I can buy a cheap, cheap fridge in Europe and it's totally integrated and paneled to match the rest of the kitchen, but in the US I still have to buy The HULK, unless I'm so wealthy I'd never go into the kitchen anyway. :)

>unless I'm so wealthy I'd never go into the kitchen anyway.

This is so true! It's horribly ironic that the only people who truly get to express themselves through their kitchens rarely even use them! lol

Well, actually around here you'll find plenty of people who opted to spend big bucks on the kitchen because it's the most important part of the house to them. I was speaking more of myself (if I had that kind of money I'd have someone else to clean and do the less interesting cooking.)

Yeah it seems like for some families, the kitchen is the natural gathering place- more so than even the living room!

I question the feasibility of offering a broader range of colors in the mid-range market. As I see it, either you're simply going to be adding a modern day avocado green and harvest gold, or, you're going to create a supply issue because you're increasing inventory demand.

Cabinetry is typically custom order. Is that really where you want to go with mid-level appliances? Car dealers have a network. If they don't have the car you want on a lot they find it somewhere else. I'd be surprised if there's enough money to be made in the mid-range appliance market to warrant something like this on a regular basis.

Additionally, unless I'm looking for a single focal point in my kitchen, say a red range, if I want the same color across the board you're now limiting me to all appliances being the same brand. (I'm basing this on the idea that all blacks, whites and stainless tend to match close enough, but differences in green, blue, or red would be much more apparent.) That's not popular around these parts.

I say leave it to the high end. Us low-to-middle folks go through enough heartache making appliance decisions without adding color to the mix.

>Cabinetry is typically custom order. Is that really where you want to go with mid-level appliances?

In this country. But you can go into any Ikea in Europe and find doors and fridges to go behind them, or buy any standard fridge and get the doors at Ikea, so while that's the way it is, it certainly isn't the way it has to be. I know plenty of humble little kitchens in GB and continental Europe (and even China, for that matter) with integrated appliances. It's like saying Induction is only for the upscale. Here, yes. Rest of world, hardly.

It does seem like the US market has some catching up to do, and maybe it's because there's so much competition in Europe. (Most US appliance brands are related through larger managing corporations)

I think there should be not only more color choice, but also choice in the actual 'look'. Many appliances are nothing more than metal boxes, which do little to add to the family kitchen aesthetic. I love the look of vintage iceboxes and cast iron stoves- so much detail and cool forms.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

"But you can go into any Ikea in Europe and find doors and fridges to go behind them, or buy any standard fridge and get the doors at Ikea..."

Ok so you're asking for integrated appliances at a mid-level price, and I won't argue with that. Can't be that hard, right?

When I read the subject line, "Stainless Steel, black, white- do we need more options?" I interpreted this as, "Do we need more color choices?" not "Do we need more integrated appliances?" And I answered accordingly.

Right, but that's one way to get more color choices, isn't it? :)

I feel like putting panels on appliances isn't really adding to the look of the kitchen- especially if it looks exactly like the cabinets.
I think it should complement the existing cabinets, floors, counters, etc... better than the current options (stainless-black-white), but not be too "matchy-matchy". It should be an independent element in the kitchen, yet still create a harmonious 'look' with everything else.

Integrated appliances shouldn't have to mean 'hidden appliances'.

Here is a link that might be useful: Your Kitchen Style Survey

My particular problem (and this is only my opinion) with many mid-range appliances is their appearance.

Some very low end appliances (I am thinking of inexpensive refrigerators right now) are attractive because they have flat doors and no handle or a recessed handle. The mid range options are tricked out with curve doors and lots of plastic that discolors in a different way than the metal itself. I don't know how many kitchens I go in that have white appliances with "yellow" trim.

The black sides to stainless appliances particularly bother me. And the problem is a double whammy. These are the lower price point stainless appliances for the most point and they are going to be installed in more modest remodels where the sides are more likely to be partially exposed (less elaborate cabinetry, etc.) You are just supposed to "ignore" the sides of the appliances.

In a larger sense this "ugly in the back" phenomenon is rampant in the US. The facade of the house has all the materials on it while the sides and back are the cheapest stucco system or vinyl siding available.(In high markets this is common on all but the most expensive custom houses) And where does everybody really use the yard? In back.

Ditto!

My husband was commenting on this just this weekend.
We drove past a cookie cutter-type subdivision, and the houses faced away from the main road, so when driving by all we could see was the cheap vinyl siding, while the fronts where very classy brick!

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

mid range appliances do seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to both looks and functionality...

I think that to a certain extent even cheap appliances function adequately for most people. I had a very inexpensive 18" DW and I now have an 18" Miele DW. The Miele does a better job of disposing of food particles, so it really does clean "better" However, the real difference is fit and finish (durability and cleansibility of the appliance itself) and decibel level.

I have had a couple of small inexpensive refrigerators and I have a 27" width Subzero. All of them have kept food cold. The SZ is the only one that ever needed a repair. The cheap ones were all a real PITA to keep clean and looking nice, that has been the real difference. One of the cheapos was noisy, one of them was as quiet as the SZ.

I don't get heavily involved with appliance selection with clients, because I don't want them to feel "talked into" a certain brand and take the blame for it if something goes wrong with it. Most of the time I would be happy to go with the cheapest one that met their criteria if if also didn't have ugly handles/controls or poor fit and finish.

Dont sweat it. No matter what you get, it will go out of style. This is the way the manufacturers make money...start new trends so everyone remodels and buys new appliances. My neighbor got rid of a good washer/dryer because they wanted the new front load colored set. And stainless is going out of style too now.

The new colors of washers/dryers do look pretty cute. I wonder if the same will happen in the kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

I don't know if stainless is really going out of style... maybe it's just transitioning from 'trendy' to the realm previously occupied by only black and white- 'classic'?

But if it's becoming 'classic', what is taking its place as 'trendy'?

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

Amana is introducing some refrigerators in the $800 range in dark red and navy.

The blue in the Amana may work for us. I will need to check into this.

This is less about color, (since these ARE SS Bl and Wh )and more about simplicity. Here are three low price point, no option fridges that are better looking than a lot of mid range fridges...because they are so plain.
Amana (silver) $700
{{gwi:1423987}}
Americana $400
{{gwi:1423989}}

Hotpoint $529
{{gwi:1423991}}

You bring up an interesting point with the simple designs. Often they look the sleekest- even the lower priced models.

This is kind of related to the growing trend of paneling appliances- do you want your appliances to blend in or to stand out?

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

Why is it that some people feel so strongly about paneled appliances?
I get the feeling some people actually hate them... with a passion...

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

I took that survey but I'll add a few comments here.

What I'd like isn't out there. Either SS and white combo (enough of the SS and black, please!) or warm white not bright white. I don't mean almond/bisque, just a white that isn't quite so WHITE. But even if that doesn't happen, I'd like to see white offered in higher end appliances. White and SS together is clean and classy. As it is, they are almost all SS and sometimes maybe black. But white? Heck, no, if you want white, it's low to mid-range stuff for you.

By the time my remodel is done, I'll have both SS and white appliances. The SS is partly by protest because it's the only color choice available in the appliance I want. I have to wonder how many others end up, like me, with SS because that's was the only option.

I hear you on the SS and black! Some of the ranges I've looked at have a lot of black. I think SS and white would be good, too. Since our kitchen is white and blue, that would look so much better.

BTW, I contacted Amana about the color fridges, and as of now there are no plans to offer them in larger sizes. Unfortunately, 18.9 cu ft is just too small. Great for an urban condo/loft, though. Even 22 cu ft. would work for us.

There is someone on the Kitchens forum who posted her kitchen with all SS except the white Jenn Air floating glass SXS fridge. It looks gorgeous, and a good demonstration of how appliances do not have to match.

When I read your comment about white & stainless, it was like an epiphany. I have no idea why it hasn't been done in appliances before.
Right now I'm staring at my Mac mini, with its white/matte silver combo and picturing it as a fridge.

That would totally work. It would tone down the harshness stainless can sometimes have and give a bit more interest to white.

One thing the survey has revealed is an amazing number of people just plain prefer white. Even more than stainless or black- the "design-y" colors people are supposed to want.

In fact a couple people who had stainless already said they wished they had white! Totally opposite of what Trend Today or whatever kitchen blog you read usually says.

So would matte silver metal work on a fridge? That would eliminate the fingerprint issue.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

Glad my comments helped although I wish the SS/white option was available now since I need appliances now. It's always puzzled me that it hasn't been more readily (Viking and American Range ranges come in white/SS but that's about it I think). It's not something new - look to the vintage ranges with their white/chrome mix. Classic finishes and yet it would be right at home in today's kitchens.

I'm not sure what you mean by matte silver. Aren't some companies already doing this? I think they call it titanium or platinum or something along that line. Or do you mean a brighter, lighter finish than that? I'd like that. Some of the gray tones I've seen are awfully dull and on the dark side, at least to my eye. Then again, I'm not a fan of black appliances.

Interesting to read that some people who have SS wish they had white. I don't think SS is a trend but I do think the huge predominance of SS in the market is a trend. I sure hope to see a swing towards more balanced options for us consumers.

We recently purchased all new appliances for our kitchen. Our range is a white 40" Ilve Majestic with chrome knobs and handrail. The combination of the white enamel finish with the chrome rail and the stainless steel cooktop is so much more beautiful than we expected - we purchased based on photos and had not seen the range in person.

I do think that white softens the look of the appliance and silver adds definition and interest. Not sure why more manufacturers don't offer this combo.

I think it would be a brighter, lighter metal. Mostly the key would be the finish- it would be bead-blasted or sand-blasted (as opposed to mirror finish or brushed) to give it a matte look and a satin feel to the touch. A good example is the mac mini I mentioned (see link)

I'm not entirely sure if some ranges already have this, but I haven't seen it yet. The satin/matte would be less reflective and show fingerprints much less.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1423982}}

I love that finish! Wish it was available NOW! Yeah, I know, I don't ask for much. But honestly, if this was one of the current choices, I'd be so very happy.

I don't care much for the 'silvery' look - but that mac is nice - for those who want to go that way. there is a lot of 'silvery' stuff in kitchens anyway - like faucets.

I don't see why they can't go with colors - they could co-ordinate between brands. that'd be smart of them so more people could buy them. can't think of a 'color' i'd really want in a large kit appl tho. I prefer the almond myself. even bisque is a bit yellow for me. I don't like wht or blk or ss. I'm going to need to buy a stove, dw and sooner or later a new ref. and the choices are lean out there with my requirements. 18" dw for one. (why don't they make more dw in 18"? not everyone has a huge kit or lots of people.) and cabinet covered appls don't really appeal to me either. it gets to be too much!

mereanne - can you post a pic of your stove?

If there were universal color choices (to elevate the fear of not being able to find a matching replacement later on) what would some good semi-neutral choices be?

maybe almond, deep mocha, sage, khaki, stonewashed denim... maybe some greys- cool grey, french grey, and slate?

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Design Survey

According to Pantone's color predictions, these colors will be big in 2010. Maybe these would work for appliances as well?

Here is a link that might be useful:

Well, I have to say the fact that Bluestar has ALL of the RAL classic colors (including lime green and bright orange) is a major godsend for me because I can exactly match my cabinets. I still like all the stainless on the range but it will look nice and sleek to have the same color brown-grey as the cabinets right across from the range.

desertsteph

Actually there are more options than ever before for an 18" DW. When I did my first kitchen I had two choices:
a White Westinghouse produced (I believe) unit, that was sold by Kenmore, Westinghouse, GE and a couple other brands...and Miele.

So very low end and high end. Now there are other options including a GE Monogram. This came about because of people wanting multiple dishwashers, and satellite kitchens in master suites or family rooms, and separate bar area DWs.

Look at a large site like AJ Madison or other online retailer and plug in 18" under dishwashers.