A:Answer Black stainless steel is exactly what it sounds like. It is actually an appliance where the stainless steel has been tinted black, and yes it is shiny just like stainless steel. The plain black is just black. Sorry I can't tell you if the plain black is glossy or matte. I haven't gotten to see that color in person. I will say I have seen Whirlpool use both glossy and matte black finishes, though, so if it matters you might want to pursue it a bit more.