If you’ve been wondering whether stainless steel appliances are still a winning choice in the kitchen or if they’re so last decade, here’s your chance to dive deep and learn what experts think. We asked three interior design pros to chime in on all things stainless steel, and they certainly delivered.

Here, you’ll gather their take on whether stainless steel is in or out and learn more about the benefits of the material. Our designers also share some common misconceptions and how to remedy them, so your kitchen doesn’t look dated, no matter which route you go.

What Do Designers Think About Stainless Steel Appliances

All of the designers we spoke with firmly believe that stainless steel appliances are not going out of style.

“Buyers like stainless steel because of the durability, the modern look, and the neutral tone that can complement other colors in the kitchen,” Maedeh Ziaei Moayyed, a senior interior designer with TriVistaUSA Design + Build, says.

She isn’t alone in this belief. Kelly Emerson, a senior designer with Aidan Design, also agrees that stainless steel appliances are here to stay due to the material’s versatility.

“Stainless steel is a warm metal finish that works well with other silver finishes available in plumbing and cabinet hardware,” she says. “It also pairs well with warm brass finishes.”

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Why Designers Like Stainless Steel

Stainless steel’s versatility is just one reason that it stands out to the pros. Moayyed explains how stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens, which gives a sense of professionalism and high quality to residential kitchens.

Additionally, stainless steel appliances come at a wide range of price points, making it easy for a mix of buyers to enjoy their look, Emerson adds.

Plus, stainless steel can play as large or as small of a role in a kitchen as a homeowner would like, Dotan Trabulsi, the owner and principal designer of Optimal Home Remodeling & Design, says. He shares that mixed-metal kitchens featuring brass pulls against stainless appliances are having a moment.

“Stainless now plays a supporting role rather than the solo star,” Trabulsi says.

Last but not least, stainless steel is evolving and does not have to be silver in color, if that isn’t your shade of choice.

“Panel-ready and black stainless options let clients keep the durability of steel while warming up the visual palette,” Trabulsi says.

Misconceptions About Stainless Steel

If you’ve been hesitant to embrace stainless steel in the past, it may be for one of the two reasons below. Read on to learn about how some common misconceptions can easily be remedied.

Moayyed acknowledges that some people are inclined to avoid stainless steel appliances because they’re worried they’ll show fingerprints. However, she says, it shouldn’t be a major concern, as using the proper cleaning products or applying special coatings will make it easy to care for your appliances.

Another misconception about stainless steel is that it will appear too harsh in a kitchen. However, this can easily be remedied, Trabulsi explains.

“If you want a softer look without losing the material’s longevity, flank a stainless range with white oak drawers and add a slim stainless band on open shelving to tie the metals together,” he says.

Dated Appliances to Avoid

Not into stainless steel? No problem—the material simply isn’t for everyone. However, given that it’s clear from these designers that stainless steel appliances are still in vogue, you might be wondering what types of designs to avoid as you pick your appliances. The answer is essentially anything super colorful, according to Emerson.

“In the 50s, 60s and 70s, popular colors in appliances were avocado, almond, turquoise blue, harvest gold and even pink,” she says. “Black and white became popular in 80s and 90s, and later stainless steel. Stainless steel is and will remain timeless.”