Finding the Perfect Metal Range Hood for Your Home
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and we agree. Your kitchen is where family and friends gather together, sharing great food and endless laughs. And whether you love to entertain or prefer to keep things cozy and quiet while you cook, with a few personal touches--such as a custom metal range hood--your kitchen can reflect your personal style.
Perfect example? Kitchen range hoods. Most people think they’re only there for functionality – to ventilate smoke, steam, and cooking odors. But with the right style and finish, they can also be a striking focal point in your kitchen. Stoll offers a variety of custom range hood styles – from brass hoods to brushed gold or matte black – with options to suit every kitchen aesthetic.
In this blog, we’ll help you find the perfect metal range hood for your home. We’ll show you why metal hoods are superior to wood, the different types of custom metal range hood finishes, and how to mix metals in your home to get a look and feel that’s really you.
Metal vs Wood – Who Wins the Kitchen War?
Wood range hoods bring a traditional element into your home and can be a good option for those looking for a rustic, homely vibe. But metal range hoods are more durable, more versatile, and can fit right into your aesthetic with the right style and finish. Here are some of the ways metal range hoods outperform wood range hoods:
Durability: Metal hoods are made from high-quality materials like brass, copper, and stainless steel, making them much more durable than wood. While wood range hoods can warp and crack over time due to the mix of moisture and heat in your cooking space, metal hoods hold up much better over time.
Maintenance: Metal finish range hoods don’t absorb moisture and grease, so you’ll spend less time fighting stains and odors – and more time perfecting your French toast recipe.
Meanwhile, wood range hoods will eventually need repainting or refinishing to maintain their appearance and avoid damage from moisture or grease.
Versatility: Custom metal range hoods come in a variety of styles and finishes. Not only can you choose from custom colors and accents, but you can also choose which finish suits your kitchen best. A brushed finish brings a natural texture into your kitchen, or if you’re looking for a more antique, old-world look, an aged brass finish might be the perfect fit.
Choosing the Right Metal Range Hood Finish
So, with so many finishes to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for your kitchen? We’ve got some design ideas to help!
Brass Kitchen Hoods
Brass Range Hood | Photo: Plain and Fancy
Brass can add a traditional, antique feel to any kitchen, creating contrast in darker kitchens or standing out as a statement piece in brighter, cozier rooms. Over time, the brass resists tarnishing, but develops a beautiful patina – a warm, natural wear that gives your range hood a rich, aged look.
Polished or Brushed Gold Vent Hoods
Stacked Gold Range Hood | Photo: Crown Woodworking
Luxury. Opulence. Grandeur. That’s exactly what a gold finish will bring to your space! Polished gold will bring a brightness to the room, working well in both traditional and contemporary homes.
Like brass, brushed gold oxidises naturally, developing a stunning patina over time. Adding a brushed gold range hood to your kitchen is the perfect way to add a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication without overwhelming the space.
Metal Range Hoods in Stainless Steel Finish
Stainless Steel Range Hood | Photo: Focil Construction
Stainless steel range hoods are a timeless classic. Their reflective finish can bring openness to a small space, fitting right in with your other kitchen appliances. A stainless steel range is a great choice for more industrial-style kitchens, but it works well as a sleek addition to any modern kitchen. Plus, not only is stainless steel super convenient to clean, but it’s also lightweight, making for an easy installation.
Black Kitchen Hoods
Matte Black Vent Hood | Photo: Stoll Industries
Black is having a major moment – a popular choice for those who want to bring a sense of understated luxury to the kitchen. It’s a little bold and super modern, making your range hood a standout piece, especially when paired with gold hardware against bright cabinetry or backsplashes.
Not only does a matte blank range hood add a sleek upgrade to the kitchen, but it’s practical, too. Black never goes out of style, and it can mask general wear and tear like scratches or dents more easily than shinier finishes. If matte black isn't your style, try brushed black for a slight sheen and texture for depth and visual interest.
Mixing Metals – How to Do It Like a Pro
Drawn to more than one metal finish? Who says you only get to pick one? While it might have been a faux pas at one point, mixing metals has become a popular trend in kitchen design, giving you more freedom to blend aesthetics for a more unique look.
The key is to select a harmonious mix of metals – and not to overdo it! Keep these ideas in mind as you pick out the metals you’ll mix:
- Pick a dominant metal: Choose one metal that will set the tone for your kitchen, anchoring your design. The other metals you choose should either complement or contrast with it, depending on the look you’re going for. For example, if you have all stainless steel appliances, you might opt for stainless steel as your main metal.
- Balance proportions: Mixing metals is great – but don’t go overboard! Stick to 2-3 metals, and use the ‘70/30 method’ to strike a nice balance between them. That means, your main metal should account for 70% of the design, and other metals for 30%.
- Layering finishes: Once you’ve chosen your metals, you can start having fun with mixing different finishes. A mix of matte, brushed, or polished finish adds more dimension to your kitchen. Balance is key here, too – stick to fewer finishes to keep the space cohesive.
- Consider other features: Don’t underestimate the impact of adding additional features like hardware fixtures or ambient lighting to enhance your chosen design!
Pro tip: In our experience, matte black and brushed gold, stainless steel and brushed gold, and brass and matte black make great combinations! That said, every kitchen is different, so feel free to explore until you find the mix that works for yours.
Find Your Dream Custom Metal Range Hood with Stoll
Metal range hoods are a great addition to any kitchen, not just for functionality, but also as a point of visual interest. The great news is, we offer a wide range of hood styles and finishes to suit your personal preference, your kitchen aesthetic, and your lifestyle. If you are designing or remodeling a kitchen, you might also be interested in our metal and glass cabinets, shelves, and other hand-crafted metal products.
Whichever design style tickles your fancy – from warm and classic to sleek and contemporary – we’ve got you covered. With over 50 years of craftsmanship experience, our experts can help you find custom range hoods that will bring any space to life. Reach out to our team today to see how our metal range hood can transform your kitchen.