!44: Good Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher: Stainless

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Attraction of Stainless Steel Appliances

!±8± The Attraction of Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains added nickel and chromium to improve the properties of the metal in order to allow for increased durability. The process involved in producing it results in a metal with a harder surface than other types of steel that can resist corrosion, pitting, and rust that can occur over time and with increased contact with moisture. Chromium is what gives stainless its added layer of shine as well. Nickel is what gives this type of alloy a non-magnetic feature as well, which is the reason why refrigerator magnets will not work with stainless appliances.

Most of the time, stainless steel scratches can repair themselves, since the chromium in the alloy allows for a new layer of oxide to form on the surface. However, deeper scratches that penetrate through this layer to the base steel can cause a great deal of damage, since rust can occur on the area where the bare metal is exposed.

If you are looking for a high-end kitchen appliance, such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, or range, most manufacturers now offer a line of stainless steel appliances to meet nearly every need. Because of the luxurious look and added durability that stainless offers, makers of these appliances tend to classify these appliances as high end. The popular stainless series offered by General Electric is known as the Profile or Monogram. Pro Gallery is the name of Frigidaire's equivalent line. Other popular brand names such as LG, Whirlpool, and Maytag also offer a similar line of products.

The Icon is considered an even higher end of stainless steel appliances that are offered by Frigidaire. This line of appliances comes at a higher price than other popular stainless models, but offers a finish that is completely steel and emphasizes the clean design and elegance of these types of appliances with the same level of functionality. It is expected that other appliance manufacturers will follow suit by introducing a comparative series of luxury kitchen appliances.

Many people are wondering if the current trend towards stainless products in the kitchen is merely a passing fad. In the 1950s and 1960s, popular trends allowed for household appliances in bold colors such as green, yellow, brown, and even turquoise. At the time, this was the stylish thing to do. However, in the end, it proved to be nothing more than a fad. Today, however, the popularity of the use of stainless steel appliances appears to be here to stay. The combination of a clean look and added durability is very attractive to a large number of consumers. While this look has been used in commercial kitchens for decades now, it is apparent that stainless also has a lot of use in the home as well.

The only downside to using stainless steel for household appliances is its tendency to easily be scratched or scuffed which can really diminish the high end look of any stainless steel item.