Fingerprint Resistant vs Standard Stainless Dishwashers

How fingerprint resistant finishes work

Fingerprint resistant stainless steel is standard stainless steel with an added thin coating. This coating is often a polymer or a nano-coating that fills the microscopic pores of the metal. Because the surface becomes smoother and less porous, oils from your fingers do not bond as easily. This makes smudges less visible and easier to wipe off.

Standard stainless steel has an open grain structure. Fingerprints and water spots cling to the tiny grooves. A fingerprint resistant finish does not eliminate fingerprints entirely, but it hides them better and reduces how often you need to clean the front of the dishwasher.

Smudge and fingerprint visibility

The most noticeable difference is how quickly each finish shows smudges. On standard stainless steel, a single touch can leave a cloudy mark. On fingerprint resistant finishes, the same touch leaves a faint mark that is often invisible unless you look at an angle.

This matters if the dishwasher is in a high-traffic area, near a refrigerator door, or within reach of children. Many homeowners choose fingerprint resistant for that reason. However, no finish is truly smudge-proof. Greasy hands or food residue will still show, but they are easier to remove.

If you already have stainless steel appliances and do not mind wiping them down, standard stainless provides a consistent look. Fingerprint resistant finishes can have a slightly different sheen, so pairing them with older standard stainless appliances may create a subtle mismatch.

Texture and look

Standard stainless steel usually has a brushed finish with visible grain. This grain is directional and reflects light in a uniform way. Fingerprint resistant finishes often have a smoother, more matte appearance. Some manufacturers apply a fine texture that breaks up light and hides prints as well as smudges.

The texture can affect how the dishwasher blends with your other appliances. A matte finish looks modern and understated, while a brushed finish has a more traditional, commercial-kitchen look. There is no universal standard, so check the specific model you are considering. This is a personal preference rather than a performance issue.

If you value a precise color match across your kitchen, standard stainless steel from the same brand and series is more likely to match. Fingerprint resistant coatings can alter the hue slightly. That is why some buyers choose to buy all their appliances from the same brand and finish series. Learn more about dishwasher finish types.

Care and maintenance

Fingerprint resistant finishes require less frequent wiping. A daily quick wipe with a dry microfiber cloth may be enough. Standard stainless steel may need a dedicated stainless steel cleaner to remove fingerprints and water spots, especially in humid areas.

For both finishes, avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemical cleaners. They can scratch the surface or wear away the protective coating on fingerprint resistant models. Use warm water and mild soap for routine cleaning, then dry with a soft cloth.

If you notice streaks on a fingerprint resistant model, a stainless steel cleaner is safe as long as it does not contain chlorine bleach or abrasive particles. Apply it with the grain of the finish, not in circles.

Over time, the coating on a fingerprint resistant finish can wear off from aggressive cleaning. Once that happens, the surface will behave like standard stainless steel. Standard stainless steel has no coating to wear away, but it shows scratches and fingerprints more readily. For detailed cleaning steps, see our guide on how to clean dishwasher exterior stainless steel.

Durability and scratches

Standard stainless steel is not coated, so it is not subject to coating wear. It is still susceptible to scratches from metal utensils or abrasive pads. Fingerprint resistant finishes have a thin layer that can be scratched off, but the underlying metal is the same.

In practice, both finishes scratch at a similar rate if you handle them the same way. The difference is that scratches on standard stainless steel show fingerprints inside the scratch, making them more visible. On fingerprint resistant models, the coating may hide fine scratches, but deeper scratches will still show.

If you have pets or young children who may drag items across the dishwasher door, standard stainless might be easier to repair because you can buff out light scratches with a stainless steel scratch remover. Fingerprint resistant coatings cannot be repaired with the same method; you may need to reapply a clear coating or accept the wear.

Which finish should you choose?

Choose fingerprint resistant stainless if you want to spend less time wiping, have a busy family, or have a dishwasher in a prominent spot. It is especially useful if you cook often and touch the door handle frequently. Check out our best 24-inch dishwashers for models with this finish.

Choose standard stainless if you prefer the classic brushed look, do not mind a quick wipe after loading, or are matching existing appliances that are not fingerprint resistant. Standard stainless also tends to have a more uniform sheen across different brands. See our best stainless steel dishwashers for options.

There is no wrong answer for cleaning performance. The finish does not affect how well the dishwasher washes. A fingerprint resistant exterior is a convenience, not a performance upgrade. Consider your tolerance for smudges and your kitchen aesthetic when deciding.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does fingerprint resistant stainless steel completely prevent fingerprints?

No. It reduces their visibility and makes them easier to wipe off, but heavy grease or oil will still show. It is not a permanent coating and can wear off over time. For more on the coating, see what is a nano-coating.

Can I use stainless steel cleaner on fingerprint resistant finishes?

Yes, as long as the cleaner is non-abrasive and does not contain bleach. Apply with a soft cloth along the grain. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads. For maintenance tips, see how to clean dishwasher exterior stainless steel.

Which finish is easier to keep clean?

Fingerprint resistant. You can often just wipe with a damp cloth and dry. Standard stainless tends to show fingerprints and water spots, so it requires more regular attention.

Does the finish affect dishwasher performance?

No. The finish is purely cosmetic. It does not change cleaning ability, noise, or energy use. Both finishes share the same internal components and wash systems.

Can I remove scratches from standard stainless steel?

Yes, you can use a stainless steel scratch remover or a fine abrasive pad, always going with the grain. This is not recommended for fingerprint resistant finishes because you may damage the coating.

Will fingerprint resistant finish match my old standard stainless appliances?

It may look slightly different because the coating can alter the sheen and color. If you want a perfect match, choose the same brand and finish series for all appliances. Compare different finish types.