I chose stainless steel for the look of stainless steel.  The cage is powder coated or painted gray, it is not stainless steel.  I like the cage as it is perfect size for our  bird.  The package was damaged upon arrival as three of the wire parts were protruding through box and the paint was scratched off.  I am keeping it because as I assembled, pliers were required and the finish is further damaged by crimping cage together.