Stainless but I responded to your other post. Did you delete it?

Stainless. Your friend is wrong.

Be careful when ordering the new fridge. That is a tight space, and fridge dimensions have changed in the years since that white fridge was made. Note dimensions carefully on your new fridge or you could have a problem.

Here is a link to the OP’s other thread on this question: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6076594/stainless-steel-vs-black-appliances

You can do either. But get a fridge with matching sides. Most SS ones have black sides and look silly if you can see them.

^Good point about the black sides on stainless fridges. Something to keep in mind when looking if the side of the fridge will be exposed.

I think it will be difficult to find the fridge that has stainless steel sides that will also fit in that specific space. I advised the OP in my earlier post to pay close attention to new fridges‘ dimensions. If she can find one that also has SS sides, great. But finding a SS fridge that fits should take precedence over whether it has stainless sides or not.

I think both would look great, but have you thought of a black fan/ fridge, and putting black hardware on the cupboards. I think the black would really look great with those wood tones!

Also, you can buy appliance skins that are inexpensive in colours or stainless steel look to put on sides of fridge if exposed and you don’t like.

Definitely stainless!

I'm partial to black.

Black looks nice with that color cabinet. You’ve already started with a SS range so not sure if you should continue. Most SS fridges I’ve seen have taupe sides. Keep in mind black is not always readily available if you should go that route.

You could do either though I think the fan would look better in stainless as the photo with the mostly stainless OTR micro looks better than the black one in my opinion. Hopefully you’re planning to stick with a true exhaust fan rather than OTR micro.

I have a combo because I prefer black but the range I wanted didn’t come in black so I got stainless. Mine has a lot of black like yours. My fridge and DW are black but not right next to the range as yours are. My OTR micro is all black and I think it would have looked better if I’d gotten a stainless one with some black, more like the range. I saw one black fridge with stainless handles which would have been nice but I didn’t like the fridge otherwise.

Stainless steel. I have black appliances and would never do it again they are hard to keep clean and make the kitchen dark

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]

I don't mind a black stove, but black fridges look like big ol' coffins to me. Can't stand them and, as pointed out above, they are light suckers.

Herbflavor. Thanks so much.

"If she can find one that also has SS sides, great. But finding a SS fridge that fits should take precedence over whether it has stainless sides or not."

Good point! The sides of our fridge are hidden by cabinets but are a gray color that blends perfectly with the stainless finish on the front. Not sure why they don't do that with more brands instead of black sides.

https://flashingkings.com/products/stainless-steel-flashing-roll-brushed-stainless-sheet-metal-for-flashing-backsplash-decoration-protection-kitchen-bath-arts-crafts-project-diy-10-lengths

This might be a solution for the unfinished sides of a SS fridge. I've seen flashing used successfully in several kitchen applications. Won't hurt to check this out, especially with the limits imposed by Covid-19. You may have to take what you can get that fits the location and improvise with the sides.

I think stainless. Stainless will also lighten up the kitchen.