Thanks everyone. We started looking and I do see mainly black sides, but as mentioned, some of the manufacturers are now using grey sides. For me, it didn't matter so much if the sides were SS or not, just the colour black doesn't go with the rest of our kitchen. We're actually not shopping to fill out a builder's package. We've bought a place but ripped out the kitchen and are putting in a new one. Our kitchen designer can't finalize the drawings until we pick our fridge as she says (unlike stoves & built-in dishwashers) the size of the fridge can vary a lot so we need to pick that out first. We're going to be having cherry coloured cabinets, and off white polished porcelain floor (looks like marble) and a lighter coloured tan granite countertops, so the black doesn't fit into our kitchen at all with the colours. The grey is a lot better for us. weissman - I did look at your pictures and they look great. I can see how with your colour choices, the black looks good and wouldn't bother me at all. With our colours it sticks out. Thanks everyone!

I do not like black or stainless steel in the kitchen. They are HORRIBLE to keep clean. They look sterile and depressing to me. A kitchen should be bright, warm, welcoming and homey. It's where women gather to hang out at a party. It's the food of nurturing. White appliances are SO EASY to clean with a damp sponge and are bright and happy and don't look industrial. There, I've said it. Fashion isn't worth the time it takes to CLEAN it.

I second Anglophilia's statement about not using an OTR microwave.I have one in my current kitchen and this is one of the 3 reasons why I am remodelling it. Hate hate hate it. There is no venting ( except me in saying how much I hate it.) I don't want to cook anything which is seared or is a strong smelling (which is everything, froom steak to fish and curries) as it sticks around forever. And we haven't even gotten into addressing the grease issue. As for your other question yes, you can do black and make it a focal point but find another place for the mw and get something that vents to the outdoors.

check out ikea fridge 19 cu foot. .29.5 in wide . stainless/ bottom freezer. /5 yr warranty... I believe from what I read a few mo ago WHIRLPOOL is no longer making their appliances..so this is a newer rollout. they also have a smaller 13.9 cu foot model in stainless. It might be as good or better than any Frigidair/GE/ Whirlpool /etc. Of course....for the size and basic nature of what you can do...there are many times OPEN BOX units avail right away at the Big Box stores....or deep discount/avail inventory/ at an independent appliance store. Stainless for sure . I might be willing to remove the cab above fridge if the inches needed exceeds that space . Now sometimes they are a bit taller ....of course the model w great vertical storage..and narrow...is the LIEBHERR. then when you ever redo your kitchen that can stay w you for the long haul. [If you care to spend more and fall in love w your fridge]