Introduction
When choosing new kitchen appliances, one of the most important considerations is resale value. Most people don’t keep the same appliances for life, so thinking ahead to the next owner can help guide appliance color selection. The color and finish of kitchen appliances can greatly impact resale potential. Ultimately, the most popular and timeless colors tend to yield the highest resale values.
What are the most popular kitchen appliance colors?
According to appliance retailers, the current most popular kitchen appliance colors are:
- Stainless steel
- White
- Black
- Bisque
Stainless steel has dominated the kitchen appliance color market for the past couple of decades. The neutral, metallic finish has a timeless look and versatility that appeals to a wide range of home design aesthetics.
White remains a classic kitchen appliance color choice. The clean, bright white finish pairs well with any style. Black appliances have also grown in popularity for contemporary kitchen designs. Bisque appliance finishes provide a popular neutral palette with a soft, warm hue.
How do stainless steel appliances impact resale value?
Stainless steel kitchen appliances tend to yield the highest resale value. There are several key factors driving the popularity and resale value of stainless steel appliances:
- Timeless, classic look. Stainless steel has a versatile, neutral appearance that has remained on-trend for years.
- Matches any kitchen decor. The metallic finish pairs well with any color scheme from modern white to traditional wood.
- Easy to clean. Stainless steel resists fingerprints and cleans up easily.
- Durability. Stainless steel is less prone to dents, scratches and damage from everyday use.
- Coordination. Many kitchens mix stainless steel fridges, dishwashers, ranges and microwaves for a cohesive look.
The broad appeal and durability of stainless steel makes it the safest bet for retaining resale value.
How do white appliance finishes impact resale value?
White kitchen appliances also perform well for resale. Factors that boost the resale value of white appliance finishes include:
- Timeless color. A white palette suits any style from country cottage to sleek modern.
- Clean look. White appliances present a crisp, fresh look.
- Brightens space. The light color reflects light to make kitchens feel open and airy.
- Versatility. White appliances coordinate with any cabinetry, countertops and floors.
While prone to visible fingerprints, white appliance finishes are easy to keep looking clean. The classic white look helps appliances maintain appeal for years to come.
How do black appliances impact resale value?
Black stainless steel kitchen appliances have surged in popularity in recent years. The dark, sleek finish makes a bold style statement. When thinking about resale, black stainless steel appliances may have less demand from buyers than more traditional finishes. Factors impacting black appliance resale value include:
- Polarizing look. While trendy, some buyers dislike the bold black finishes.
- Shows fingerprints. Black surfaces easily show smudges and fingerprints.
- Trendy risk. Black finish risks looking dated faster if dark colors go out of style.
- Fewer matching sets. Can be hard to find coordinating suites if mixing brands.
Black finishes make the strongest style statement in contemporary, modern kitchens. Traditional home buyers may shy away from the bold dark finish, making black appliances riskier for long term resale value.
How do bisque/beige appliances impact resale value?
Warm bisque and beige appliances provide an attractive neutral option. The soft, earthy finish can help appliances blend in for a more seamless look. Factors impacting the resale value of bisque and beige appliances:
- Softer neutral. Appeals to buyers who find stainless and white too harsh.
- Traditional appeal. Fits well in classic, country and traditional kitchens.
- Warms up space. The cream finish adds a welcoming, cozy feel.
- Shows use. Can show small dings, scratches and discoloration over time.
Bisque and beige appliances may not have as broad of appeal for resale as stainless or white appliances. But their versatility and traditional styling help maintain reasonable resale value.
Which finish is easiest to resell?
When evaluating kitchen appliance finishes strictly on resale potential, stainless steel is the clear winner. Factors contributing to the high resale value of stainless steel appliances include:
| Stainless Steel Resale Advantages |
|---|
| Timeless, classic look |
| Matches any decor |
| Durable, long-lasting finish |
| Easy to clean and keep looking like new |
| Many matching appliances available |
No other finish can match the consistent high demand for stainless steel appliances in the resale market. Unpolarizing looks and versatile styling provide the broadest appeal to buyers. That makes stainless steel the surest bet for maximum resale value.
Which finish is the worst for resale value?
Unique or colorful appliance finishes tend to have the poorest resale value. Factors contributing to lower resale prices of unique appliance colors and finishes include:
| Unique Finish Resale Risks |
|---|
| Trendy look risks going out of style |
| Narrow buyer appeal |
| Hard to find matching appliances |
| Fingerprints and scratches more visible |
The more of a style statement an appliance finish makes, the riskier it becomes for long term enjoyment by future homeowners. Unique finishes like the growing trend of color like blue, green or red appliances may impress buyers today, but will likely have a much smaller resale market.
What are the best neutral finishes for resale value?
Neutral colored appliances tend to be the safest options for maintaining resale value. Here are the top neutral finish choices ranked:
- Stainless steel
- White
- Bisque/beige
- Black
Stainless steel tops the list due to its unmatched popularity and timeless look. White follows closely as a classic choice. Bisque and beige have traditional appeal. Black finishes make bold style choices riskier but are having a design moment.
Focusing on neutrals versus colorful appliance finishes reduces the risk of trends shifting and tastes changing down the road. Sticking with the most popular neutrals ensures the broadest demand from future buyers.
Should you choose appliances to match your cabinets?
Matching major kitchen components like cabinets and appliances creates a cohesive look. But it’s not always necessary to have appliances mimic cabinet finishes for good resale value. The most important factor is choosing on-trend, neutral appliance finishes.
If your cabinet selection is also a popular, versatile finish like white paint or stain, matching white or stainless appliances is ideal. But some factors, like choosing colorful or unique cabinets, make matching appliances more limiting for resale. In that case, keeping appliances like the fridge neutral for broader appeal is best.
Do professional-grade appliances increase resale value?
High-end, professional-grade appliances can provide prestige to a gourmet kitchen. However, ‘pro-style’ appliances alone do not significantly boost resale value. Typical upgrades a buyer appreciates most include:
- High-performance features like convection cooking.
- Added functionality like double ovens.
- User-friendly tech features like WiFi connectivity.
- Sleek built-in look for a seamless design.
- Durability of materials and construction.
Commercial-inspired styling is less important than professional features and performance. Focusing investment on appliances with great design, technology and versatility has the widest appeal for resale value.
Is it worth buying used appliances for rentals or flips?
Second-hand appliances can save significantly upfront. But used appliances come with higher long term risk for rental properties or home flips. Problems that may arise with used appliances include:
- Frequent repairs and part replacements.
- Outdated technology and missing features.
- Inability to match other appliances.
- Lower energy efficiency.
- Shorter overall lifespan.
The small savings on the purchase of used appliances can be quickly eaten up by repair costs. New energy efficient models with warranties are the smarter long term investment for rentals and flips.
How often do buyers replace kitchen appliances?
Many buyers plan to update appliances that are over 10 years old. According to surveys, the expected lifespans buyers have for common kitchen appliances are:
| Appliance | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10-15 years |
| Dishwasher | 8-12 years |
| Range/oven | 12-18 years |
| Microwave | 8-12 years |
New home buyers expect to replace appliances averaging over 10 years old. Sellers with dated appliances over 15 years old would benefit from replacement. Budget conscious buyers may prioritize upgrades to fridges and dishwashers first.
What are signs an appliance should be replaced before selling?
Certain red flags indicate an appliance has reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacement. Signs it may be time to replace appliances before listing a home include:
- Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs.
- Visible rust, dents, cracking or leaks.
- Loud or strange noises during operation.
- Door seals or hinges not closing properly.
- Excess moisture or inability to maintain temperature.
- Damage from past leaks.
- Outdated technology lacking key features.
Replacing visibly damaged or dysfunctional appliances can make a home much more attractive to buyers. A new fridge or dishwasher can also sweeten the deal when negotiating the sale price.
Should you replace all kitchen appliances before selling?
Replacing all major kitchen appliances can modernize a home before sale. But a full kitchen appliance update isn’t always needed or cost-effective. Considerations include:
- Age and condition of current appliances.
- Whether appliances are fully functional.
- Latest technology and energy efficiency upgrades.
- Cost to replace multiple appliances at once.
- Expected listing price and resale value increase.
For appliances in good, working condition, a facelift such as stainless re-facing or deep cleaning may suffice. Prioritize necessity and value by upgrading appliances most likely to impact the sale.
How much does it cost to replace kitchen appliances?
The typical cost to replace common kitchen appliances averages:
| Appliance | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Dishwasher | $500 – $1,000 |
| Electric Range | $500 – $2,500 |
| Microwave | $150 – $500 |
Costs vary based on appliance type, features, brand, and finishing upgrades. Additional expenses may include disposal fees, installation, and modifications to existing kitchen layouts.
Upgrading multiple appliances at once can also qualify for discounts from retailers. For a big kitchen update, costs typically run $5,000 to $10,000.
Is it worth it to replace appliances before selling?
Replacing older, worn appliances can significantly help a home sell faster and for a higher price. The upgrade cost may pay off through:
- Increased listing price possible.
- Faster offer and sale.
- Buyer willingness to take on fewer repairs.
- Competitive advantage over dated listings.
- Improved negotiating position.
Even small upgrades like replacing an old fridge or dishwasher can modernize a kitchen. For best return on investment, prioritize fixes that are eye-catching and frequently used.
How can I reuse or recycle old kitchen appliances?
Instead of sending old kitchen appliances straight to the landfill, more sustainable options include:
- Sell or donate usable appliances. Old appliances still in working order can be sold or donated to families in need.
- Trade-in programs. Some brands offer cash credit for old appliances when buying new models.
- Repurpose features. Remove usable parts like handles or shelving and reuse elsewhere.
- Metal recycling. Many metal components like sinks and fridges can be recycled for scrap.
- Responsible disposal. Use approved facilities that capture hazardous waste from old appliances.
With some creative thinking, you can keep aging appliances out of landfills. Be sure to wipe personal data from smart appliances before disposal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen appliance finishes comes down to selecting versatile, neutral styles that will have long-lasting appeal for future homeowners. Stainless steel and white finishes are classics that will serve anyone well for years of functionality and enjoyment. While personal style should always be considered, those looking for the best return on investment for resale should focus on popular neutral finishes from quality brands. With smart appliance selection, you can benefit from appliances that function well, look great, and retain their value.
