feeny Either will go with a modern design. Why don't you post a picture of your kitchen so people can weigh in. Or isn't it built yet?

ggjayne It isn't built it yet. We're finalizing on the layout still.

jan74 I think paneled doors are more traditional and contemporary, and the ss door is more modern. So go with the ss.

ASVInteriors I feel that fridges can go both ways. I have seen enough modern kitchens with panel doors on the fridge to stand right in the middle of this one. Also, right now stainless steel and brushed nickel are very much on trend... but other metallics are entering the design foray so who knows how soon it will be necessary to cover up fridges again?

feeny "appliance panels scream traditional" Really?
Personally I happen to like the SS look, but appliance panels can be as modern or traditional as the style of the panel:

jan74 It still says contemporary, rather than modern, in all those photos to me exactly because of the panels. Like the last one, if you lost the panels, I'd call it modern.

feeny My point was simply that none of them "scream traditional."

Yarbro Home Improvement LLC Touché feeny ;) I stand corrected. Going to delete my comment

feeny ;-) You are a good sport, Yarbro. And I do agree that many panel-ready fridges end up in very traditional kitchens. I just wanted to make sure other options were being represented.

Yarbro Home Improvement LLC Understood & appreciated ;)

ggjayne But are panel doors as sturdy as the stainless doors? I tried opening a panel door fridge at a showroom and it was so heavy.

feeny Why do you assume if it was heavy it wasn't sturdy? I've never heard anyone complain about panel-ready appliances not being sturdy, but I have to admit the only one I own is a dishwasher. My fridge is SS. Others?

Meredith L. Bohn Interior Design Definitely would choose sleek modern panels- SS is harder to maintain and clean, and you see it everywhere...why not go with cabinet panel and make it distinctive? as stated above, they can be very modern and they are very sturdy.