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A kitchen remodel often comes down to the details that shape how the space feels once the dust settles. Appliance finishes play a major role in that experience. Custom paneled appliances offer a built-in appearance that blends quietly into the room. Stainless steel brings clarity, contrast, and a professional edge. With Sub-Zero Refrigeration and Cove Dishwashing, both finishes support high performance and thoughtful design. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference, the layout of your space, and how visible you want your appliances to be in everyday life.
Below is a closer look at how each finish functions in real kitchens, along with planning considerations that help create a cohesive, well-balanced appliance suite.
Custom Paneled Appliances: A Unified, Architectural Feel
In kitchens that connect directly to living or dining spaces, visual flow matters. Custom paneled appliances help maintain that continuity by allowing cabinetry and millwork to guide the design. When Sub-Zero Refrigeration and Cove Dishwashers are fitted with custom panels, they sit flush with surrounding cabinets, giving the kitchen a tailored, intentional appearance that feels calm and well ordered.
Reasons Homeowners Gravitate Toward Custom Panels
• A built-in, furniture-style look that works especially well in open layouts and modern interiors
• Full flexibility over finishes, cabinet profiles, hardware, and detailing
• A softer visual footprint that keeps the kitchen looking clean and pulled together
Sub-Zero and Cove Panel-Ready Solutions
• Sub-Zero Designer Series Refrigeration: Create a layout that suits your cooking and entertaining habits by combining refrigerator (24", 30", 36"), freezer (18", 24", 30", 36"), and wine storage (18", 24", 30") columns. Panel-ready options are also available in full-size over-and-under units, as well as undercounter and drawer models, all designed for flush installation.
• Cove Dishwashing: Quiet operation makes Cove ideal for shared living spaces, allowing cleanup to happen without pulling focus from conversation or daily routines. Panels can be matched to surrounding cabinetry, with handle options that suit your design preference.
Stainless Steel Appliances: A Defined, Professional Presence
Stainless steel continues to appeal to homeowners who enjoy a kitchen with strong visual definition. Its clean surface and reflective finish introduce contrast and structure, especially in spaces designed for frequent cooking. In many homes, stainless appliances become the visual anchor that signals the kitchen’s purpose as a working, culinary-focused space.
Why Stainless Steel Remains a Favorite
• A bold, chef-inspired look that adds confidence and clarity to the room
• A finish that complements nearly any cabinet color or countertop material
• Excellent resistance to heat, moisture, stains, and everyday wear
Sub-Zero and Cove Stainless Options
• Sub-Zero Classic (30”, 36”, 42”, 48”) and PRO Refrigeration (36”, 48”): Signature stainless finishes and iconic grilles create a strong focal point. The Designer Series is also available with stainless panels for those who want flexibility without full integration.
• Cove Dishwashing (24”): A stainless-steel panel offers durability and a clean appearance, paired with a highly adaptable interior featuring adjustable racks, fold-down tines, and wash cycles suited for everything from fine glassware to heavily soiled cookware.
Design and Planning Considerations
• Involve your cabinetmaker early to finalize panel dimensions, reveals, and hardware so installations align cleanly with surrounding cabinetry.
• Stainless steel often performs best in high-use zones where durability and a more hands-on feel are priorities.
• Mixed-finish kitchens benefit from clear sightline planning. Position statement pieces, such as Sub-Zero PRO Refrigeration or a Wolf Range, where they naturally draw the eye.
• Daily routines matter. Open entertaining, minimalist preferences, and frequent cooking habits should all guide finish selections.
See the Options Up Close
Seeing appliance finishes in person can bring clarity to the decision. Visit a Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom in Philadelphia or Columbia , MD, to compare configurations firsthand, or connect with us at Town Appliance for current availability, pricing, and sizing guidance. The right appliance finish supports both the look of your kitchen and how comfortably it works for you, day after day.
Photo Credit: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove
