We Never Expected This Kitchen Appliance Trend To Have Such A Big Comeback

Picture this: It's the '90s, you're in the kitchen. Dinner's bubbling in the oven, there's popcorn in the microwave, and the fridge is stocked with juice boxes. If you look around, you'll notice one thing that these '80s and '90s kitchen appliances had in common: they were all white with a cheap, plastic-y look. The worst part? They yellowed over time. No wonder many hopped on the sleek, stainless steel bandwagon as soon as the early 2000s rolled around. Alas, white appliances went out of style and were considered tasteless. Or so we thought.

Fast-forward to today and these once-outdated appliances are taking back the spotlight with a modern refresh. White gas ranges are now adorned with bronze, black, gold, and silver details. Big, boxy fridges are intentionally being replaced by curvy retro designs, with white being the most versatile choice. Even small machines, like kettles and toasters, are having a moment in white. But it's not just their pretty, updated looks that make them stand out. These appliances instantly brighten up a kitchen, unlike their cold metallic counterparts. And while this neutral shade shows dirt marks more readily, it cleans up easy with a quick wipe. Really, the biggest downside is that some models (usually the low-quality ones) can look a little yellow with age. Luckily, we've combed the internet and found a handful of white options that aren't only made to last, but also brim with character.

Suppose you're thinking of redoing your kitchen. Our advice would be to buy at least two of your large appliances from the same manufacturer, so they're the same shade of white. One well-loved collection is the Matte White Package from GE Appliances. Put simply, their appliances are a classic showpiece, customizable, and finished in matte for a warmer, less stark appearance. Be prepared, though, since they all cost upwards of $1,000. Then there's the Bespoke Kitchen Bundle from Samsung, featuring an ultra-modern, glossy design at $7,875 for a total of five items. If you have a favorite appliance brand, don't forget to check if they offer a white finish, too.

Not ready to splurge on those expensive appliances yet? Look for small alternatives to dip your toe into this kitchen trend. Crate & Barrel has plenty of gorgeous pieces, such as the $130 two-tone HADEN Matte White Coffee Maker or the $125 Alessi Plissé White Electric Kettle, which flaunts a unique ribbed texture. We also can't forget to mention Smeg's iconic line of vintage-style appliances. Something like the Smeg Matte White Toaster for $200 is sure to make a statement all while serving its purpose. One thing to point out: you don't need to change every single one of your appliances to white to make this trend work. These light appliances go with virtually any color and aesthetic, so don't hesitate to mix them with other colored appliances. You could also blend them in an all-white kitchen design or make them pop against darker elements, like wood counters, a patterned backsplash, or painted cabinetry. Regardless, white-toned appliances are here to stay.