Yes, there are many different types of "stainless steel" and, of those types used for exposed decorative surfaces, there are many different finishes.

If you want to get really nuts about the topic as it applies to typical consumers, study up on the various "stainless" alloys and finishes promoted by various knife-makers. Those people get really serious about balancing aesthetics with practicality and purpose-specific applications.

Based solely on observation stainless steel (a combo of metals) appliance fronts appear to be a bit of a misnomer. There may be some kind of metal but I see a lot of manufacturers add some type of qualifier (EZKleen, Stainless Steel Finish, Decorative Steel, etc.)

Seems like different makers use different finishes -- going for a look instead of just crafting the door out of a traditional gauge of the alloy.

Just my two cents.

There are many different types. For example our Electrolux fridge doors are 201 stainless, the KA dishwasher we just ordered is 400 stainless. The various different metals they use in each mix can change the color/look of the stainless. Some can look more blue, or yellow, or gray, and some is more of a silvery/whiter color. Also the brush number they use on the stainless, and whether the brushing is vertical or horizontal also affects the look.

Some makers polish the stainless with built-in patterns of swirls etc. to cover hand prints and smudges better. If you don't like yours, you should just follow up what cat mom said and find a cleaner that works easily for you. My step daughter uses Windex for all her Kitchenaid appliances. I like it too. It seems to clean without leaving streaks and residues.

Thank you so much for all your help everyone! I really appreciate all of your great advice.
Ugh!! I agonized over picking a fridge. Never, not once, did any appliance person mention the differences in finishes of stainless. Installer hauled my old non streaking, non handprinting, stainless fridge away last night. All morning I've been wiping down this streaky, greasy, expensive eyesore! Super Bummed.
The fridge came with a bottle of cleaner. I used it, and now I have the oily residue that catmom mentioned.
Catmom, What is BKF? I think I need try going your route.

The name is a bad translation. It's never "Stain" less. In other languages it is called unreactive, or unoxygen-reacting, or unoxydizable, or unrustable, or "noble" meaning in the sense that it repels everything unless it's other steel welded onto it. Physical contact does not produce a reaction in the stainless. This is not the case for other metals, which "react" more. Chemically. Even glue doesn't stick well onto it.

But, it can get dirty.

An infinite number of recipes for the ingredients to stainless steel is possible. Read on Wikipedia. Some recipes make it white like nickel, others make it a gray, dull or shiny. ETc. Some recipes are deemed to produce a surface that looks nice, others not.

hth

BKF is Bar Keeper's Friend.

Yup, BKF--Bar Keepers Friend. Canister of BKF powder is ~ $2.99 (?) at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and you can use a 20% coupon for it. I mix ~ 30-50% isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70% type) with hot water, and enough drops of lavendar essential oil to smell nice without being overpowering in a spray bottle. I use this to clean my granite, my SS sink, my SS appliances.... Bought a bunch of nice, colorful microfiber cloths for 1.00 ea at Christmas Tree Shop (Store?), and use them with the spray.

My bff's fridge was looking pretty sad--smeary and fingerprinted. I scrubbed it first (with BKF), and then went over it with the spray. bff was thrilled--thought the finish had been ruined.

Just a few comments from a materials engineer. To put things straight, I'm familiar with various stainless alloys but do not work directly with them. I deal with zinc coated steel.

Davidrol's comments in terms of the name are a little off but he is correct that one should read other sources for more info. One should think of it as 'stains' less. Any alloy will have an environment that will corrode or attack it. Basically the stainless alloys will have different levels of chrome or nickel. Depending on the alloying level of each element different oxides or passivating layers will form on the surface. These thin oxide layers on the surface are what prevent any corrosive attack. For the most part in the home environment most of the alloys wheter 200, 300 or 400 series alloys will provide adequate red rust resistance. However, fingerprints are a different matter and really is not directly effected by the alloy. Just rub a mirror and see if it looks different after you touch it with your greasy fingers.

In terms of finish any given alloy can be ordered with various finishes. This could be a 'matte' rolled look, brushed or even polished. All depends on what the various manufacturer specifies.

In terms of the various stainless look finishes, these are typically a low carbon steel substrate that could have a zinc coating or not but also have a clear paint layer on top. One should avoid scrubbing on these types of surfaces.

In general some stainless alloys may be more susceptible to attack by various household cleaners. I for one have experience with ammonia containing cleaners leaving surface rust on 400 or magnetic stainless. I will vouch for Bar Keepers Friend in being able to remove various levels of staining and leaving it fairly resistant to additional stains. One should also note that this product is also recommended by All-Clad for removing any bluish stains on their pots. (All Clad generally will sandwich aluminum between 300 and 400 stainless alloys in their pots, but their more pricier versions have many different layers.)

In terms of fingerprinting seen on the surfaces one again should reference the manufacturer's manual. Some give recommendations. We had fairly good luck with 'stainless wipes' found at Bed Bath and Beyond on our old stainless appliances. (Our current home has white appliances, and my wife feels they look 'brighter' so we decided to keep white with any new appliance.)

I would test a spot if you are going to use BKF on your fridge. I use it, but only on the insides and bottom of my cookware (all clad stainless) it has scratched the lid on my all clad stainless, evening using a soft sponge. It works perfectly for removing the blue heat stains though. I use straight 70% rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle on my fridge and wipe with the "grain".