The right kitchen appliances — particularly the largest of them all, the refrigerator — should offer not only functionality but plenty of style as well.
Black refrigerators are a popular option — and for good reason. Typically, they’re easier to clean and better hide dirt, smudges, and fingerprints than alternatives. While white appliances can fade and look dated and stainless steel may feel cold, black offers a modern aesthetic and neutral base to complement other décor.
There’s much more to consider when shopping for a black refrigerator. Our guide includes all you need to know plus a few reviews of our favorites at the end, such as our top pick from Samsung, which is feature-packed and perfect for large households.
This relatively recent innovation is one of the reasons black has become so popular. Black stainless steel offers a warmer aesthetic than silver but features the fingerprint-resistant nature of stainless steel. Many companies offer black stainless steel for all their kitchen appliances, although it comes at a premium price.
Refrigerators range greatly in size, with smaller options typically around 16 cubic feet and large selections featuring capacity over 30 cubic feet. The rule of thumb is that you need five to six cubic feet of space per person in the household, although maybe a bit more if you're a frequent cook.
Refrigerators fall into one of four categories:
Many companies offer fridges that resist smudging, which may be especially useful for those with small children. Such design makes cleaning easier while keeping the unit looking modern and new.
Some companies feature smart fridges that connect to WiFi and may be monitored and controlled from an app. In some cases, you may only be able to check on energy efficiency and water filtration levels, but more advanced models may have a touchscreen interface like a tablet where you can utilize a variety of apps right from the door of the fridge.
Smaller black refrigerators cost up to $1,000, but most mid-size options, including those with black stainless steel, are between $1,000-$2,000. However, if you want a large French-door refrigerator, the price runs higher.
A. For the outside, cleaning is simple: a microfiber cloth can tend to any marks, while a soft cloth with warm water wipes away dirt. Be careful, however, with black stainless steel exteriors. If they scratch, the marks are more visible and harder to fix.
A. The black color, especially on larger appliances, can make a room seem smaller and darker if it doesn’t get a lot of light. Also, while they hide dirt and dust better, they don’t prevent it from accumulating. Lastly, note that black is a popular trend now, and trends don’t always last.
Samsung’s 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with FlexZone Drawer
Our take: Large-capacity, black stainless-steel French door fridge from a leading name in quality appliances.
What we like: Suitable for large, active households. Exterior resists smudges and fingerprints. Features adjustable shelves and intuitive temperature controls. Temperature can be adjusted remotely with your smartphone.
What we dislike: Pricey.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Kenmore Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Our take: Simple, no-frills black fridge for small spaces that comes at a low cost.
What we like: Good for those on a budget or shopping and cooking for one or two people. Interior space is easy to organize. Terrific value.
What we dislike: Lacks any features. Size is limiting.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
GE’s Freestanding Compact Refrigerator
Our take: Quality mini-fridge offers convenient and additional cooling and freezing space.
What we like: From a trusted brand, this clean and compact fridge provides easy storage for drinks and food. Includes can rack and crisper.
What we dislike: Likely not useful as a primary refrigerator in a home.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Anthony Marcusa writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
