Best Kitchen Range Hood Material for Your Money

Your kitchen range hood is arguably one of the appliances that need the best materials money can buy. Why? Because range hoods move hot air, pollutants, and moisture, which can cause wear and tear. Investing in a range hood that can brave the harshest kitchen conditions is smart. It will pay off in the long run by saving you costs on repair.

Popular material options include stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, glass, and wood. That's a lot of range hood materials with different features to wade through! We will cover the top range hood material options like stainless steel, brass, copper, and titanium.

1. Stainless Steel

Why Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a popular range hood material because of its top features. Its hallmark feature is its exceptional resistance to corrosion and stains. It is a metal alloy of iron, chromium, nickel, carbon, and manganese. Stainless steel has high strength, toughness, and good resistance to wear and tear.

Types of Stainless Steel Used in Range Hoods

AISI 304 Stainless Steel

AISI 304, or 18/8 stainless steel, is the most widely used material for range hoods. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, offering high resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

AISI 316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316 has better corrosion resistance because of its higher nickel content (10% nickel and 18% chromium). It is ideal for range hoods in high-humidity areas. The AISI 316 and 304 stainless steels are all very similar, but they have some  key differences.

AISI 430 Stainless Steel

The AISI 430 is a stainless steel type with good corrosion resistance and durability. It contains 16% chromium and 1% nickel, which enhances its formability. It is less expensive and suitable for cost-effective range hoods.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Range Hoods

1. Smooth, easy-to-clean finishes.

2. Tough, durable, and long-lasting.

3. Excellent rust and corrosion protection.

4. Cost-effective choice.

5. Versatile for any kitchen style

Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Range Hoods

1. Larger models are heavy and may require extra support.

2. It can discolor with constant exposure to high temperatures.

3. Glossy surfaces show fingerprints and smudges.

4. Prone to water spots.

5. Limited design options.

2. Copper

Why Copper?

Copper is a desirable range hood material because it offers several notable features. It is extremely strong, resistant to corrosion, and can handle high temperatures.  A key feature of copper is its ability to develop a beautiful, natural patina as it ages. The patina reinforces its durability and corrosion resistance.

Types of Copper Used in Range Hoods

Pure Copper

Pure copper is a premium material option for range hoods. It is copper metal with no additional element, alloy, or coating. Pure copper range hoods have 99.9% copper with few impurities. Pure copper's atomic structure makes it an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Because it is an alloy-free material, it won't react with acidic or salty food particles. 

Copper Alloys

By combining copper with other compatible elements, you get copper alloys. Copper alloys blend the features of copper with other elements to form durable metals. These alloys includeBrass (70% copper, 30% zinc),Bronze (85% copper, 15% tin), andCupronickel (80% copper, 20% nickel). They have good corrosion resistance and are less expensive than pure copper.

Patina Copper

Patina copper is a type of copper that has undergone natural or accelerated aging. This process involves exposing the copper to air, water, and other environmental factors. This allows the metal to oxidize and form a layer of corrosion. Patina copper range hoods are incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion.

Advantages of Copper Range Hoods

1. Adds style and elegance to any kitchen.

2. Durable and long-lasting.

3. Comes with antimicrobial properties.

4. Low maintenance with occasional wiping and polishing.

5. Flexible for custom designs.   

Disadvantages of Copper Range Hoods

1. Expensive compared to other materials.

2. It is very malleable, making it prone to scratches and damage.

3. The patina process may not appeal to everyone.

4. It will tarnish with prolonged heat exposure.

5. Requires regular maintenance.

3. Brass

Why Brass?

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, making it a good range hood. Its unique combination of properties makes it an excellent choice for kitchen hoods. It has a golden-yellow color with a shiny finish or an antiqued appearance. It has a high melting point and tensile strength with good thermal conductivity.

Types of Brass Used In Range Hoods

Alpha Brass

Alpha Brass is a type of brass with 60-70% copper and 30-40% zinc. It has a unique single-phase structure that makes it easy to work with, even when cold.  It can be easily formed into various shapes and sizes to fit several range hood designs. Alpha Brass also has good corrosion resistance, ensuring it can withstand moist environments.

Beta Brass

Beta Brass has a mixture of 45-55% copper and 45-55% zinc. This mix creates a strong and durable material that can withstand wear and tear. Beta Brass is not as flexible as Alpha Brass but is a good material for high-temperature hoods. It is also more durable and has better corrosion resistance than alpha brass.

Alpha-Beta Brass

Alpha-Beta Brass is a type of brass that combines the benefits of Alpha and Beta Brass. It has a mixture of 55-60% copper and 40-45% zinc. This gives it a good balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. Alpha-Beta Brass also has good thermal conductivity and an attractive appearance.

Advantages of Using Brass Range Hoods

1. Has high thermal conductivity for efficient heat management.

2. Durable and resistant to regular kitchen use.

3. Has good corrosion resistance.

4. Smooth finish resists fingerprints and smudges.

5. Flexible for custom designs  

Disadvantages of Using Brass Range Hoods

1. Prone to tarnishing with moisture and chemicals.

2. Expensive compared to other materials.

3. Heavy, making installation more challenging.

4. It can be reactive to acidic foods and liquids.

5. Softness makes it prone to scratches and dents.

4. Titanium

Why Titanium?

Titanium is a strong and durable metal with a modern silver-gray look. It can handle extremely high temperatures and high-heat cooking. This makes titanium perfect for commercial cooking ranges and high-heat applications. 

Types of Titanium Used in Range Hoods

Pure Titanium 

Pure titanium, or  Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti), is a premium material for range hoods. This type has 99.5% titanium with few impurities. This high-purity alloy gives the material exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. It has a subtle grayish-white color that complements any kitchen design.

Titanium Alloys

Titanium alloy is a mix of titanium with other elements to enhance its properties. The three main titanium alloys are Alpha Alloys, Beta Alloys, and Alpha-Beta Alloys. These alloys offer exceptional resistance to corrosion and are very durable. They can also handle extremely high temperatures without losing their shape or strength.

Advantages of Using Titanium Range Hoods

1. Strong and durable, handling extreme pressure and temperatures.

2. Lightweight, requiring less structural support.

3. Easy to clean with a smooth, non-porous surface.

4. Non-reactive, safe for kitchen environments.

5. Highly recyclable, making it eco-friendly.

Disadvantages of Using Brass Range Hoods

1. Expensive due to its rarity and complex extraction process.

2. Prone to cracking due to its low ductility.

3. Difficult to repair when damaged.

4. Limited availability, making it an exclusive choice. 

Range Hood Material Comparison Table

Conclusion

When picking a kitchen range hood, the material matters a lot. It affects how it works, how it looks, and how easy it is to clean.  The best material for your kitchen range hood depends on your preference and cooking demands. ModernCopper offers the best collection of range hoods in different material options. Select a range hood material that ensures optimal performance and durability.