Range Hood Material Comparison Stainless Steel vs. Copper vs. Brass vs. Titanium

Searching for the perfect range hood to elevate your kitchen? There are many types of range hoods, and one of the key differences has to do with materials.

This article takes an in-depth look at four of the most frequently used materials for range hoods: stainless steel, copper, brass and titanium. We will compare the strengths and weaknesses of these materials in the article below.

Let's dive in.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting of iron, chromium, nickel, carbon and manganese. Its key feature is that it has anticorrosive and stain-resistance qualities. When it comes to stainless steel, there are different grades with unique properties.

Types of Stainless Steel Used in Range Hoods

Different types of stainless steel are used in range hoods. The three main types of stainless steel used in range hoods are:

200-series stainless steel

The 200-series stainless steel contains chromium, nickel and manganese. Lower nickel content means that it does not have the same corrosion-resistant qualities of higher grade stainless steel. However, it can be less expensive. In the world of range hoods, we find 200-grad stainless steel more often in budget projects. 

300-series stainless steel

The 300-series stainless steel is the most preferred quality level for range hoods. With a higher proportion of nickel alloy, this type of steel stands out as highly resistant to high temperatures as well as corrosion. 304 stainless steel is long-lasting and highly durable. ModernCopper® uses only 304 stainless steel in its construction. 

400-series stainless steel

The 400-series stainless steel contains chromium but no nickel, making it the most corrosion resistant of stainless steel options. 400-level stainless is almost never used in range hood construction, but it is found in cutlery.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Range Hoods

1. Stainless steel is an attractive, nonporous material that's simple to keep clean and maintain, perfect for kitchen use. Resistant to staining, fingerprints and smudges it makes an ideal material choice.
2. Stainless steel is an incredibly resilient material, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear without succumbing to scratches, dents, or dings if handled with proper care and remaining scratch-proof for many years after care has been administered.
3. Stainless steel is highly corrosion and rust-resistant in environments involving moisture such as kitchens.
4. Stainless steel is an economical material with both affordability and durability, making it an excellent option for range hoods.
5. Stainless steel offers an attractive, modern aesthetic that complements many kitchen designs. To achieve the desired effect, it can either be polished to a high shine or left with a brushed finish depending on personal taste and desired results.

Disadvantages Stainless Steel Range Hoods

1. Depending on the range hood's size and construction, stainless steel can be heavy, making installation more challenging and requiring additional support.
2. When exposed to extreme heat, stainless steel range hoods can develop a blue or yellow tint, which can be unsightly and challenging to repair.
3. Certain types of stainless steel can be magnetic, limiting the use of magnetic hooks or other accessories on the range hood.
4. Stainless steel range hoods can show water spots if not properly cleaned and dried, which can be challenging to remove.
5. Customization options may be limited as stainless steel range hoods often come in standard silver color, which may not be suitable for all kitchen designs.

Copper

Copper metal is often utilized in range hoods due to its resilience, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand exposure to high temperatures. Copper's natural reddish-orange color develops over time into a rustic patina or greenish-blue patina that gives it its signature rustic appearance. Copper range hoods are typically handcrafted, making them unique and distinctive.

Types of Copper Used in Range Hoods

Copper is a versatile material used for making range hoods, and it is available in various types. Here are some common types of copper used when making a copper range hood:

Raw Copper

Raw copper refers to an untreated form of the metal with no additional coatings or finishes applied. Range hoods made of raw copper can be constructed from sheets welded together and formed into desired shapes by molding. Left in its natural state, these range hoods may develop an individual patina over time or be polished regularly to maintain its shine and retain durability and corrosion resistance. Raw copper hoods have long been recognized for their long lifespan and strong resistance.

Patina Copper

Patina copper is a type of copper that has developed a natural greenish or bluish coating over time due to exposure to the elements. This type of copper is popular in range hoods because it adds a unique and rustic look to the kitchen. Patina copper range hoods do not require a sealant, making them low maintenance. Additionally, the patina coating helps protect the copper from further oxidation and corrosion.

Powder-Coated Copper

Powder-coated copper is a type of copper range hood coated with a layer of colored powder. The powder-coated finish helps protect the copper from tarnishing or aging, which can be an issue with raw copper range hoods. This variety provides homeowners with several color options for matching their range hood to their kitchen's color scheme, and it features scratch-resistant coating to reduce wear-and-tear over time.

Advantages of Copper Range Hoods

1. Copper range hoods boast a distinctive, warm aesthetic that adds elegance and sophistication to any kitchen.
2. Copper is an exceptionally long-wearing material, making it a wise investment when selecting range hoods.
3. Copper has natural antibacterial properties that can help limit the spread of harmful bacteria and other contaminants in the kitchen, thus protecting against cross contamination.
4. Copper range hoods are generally straightforward to keep looking their best; all they require for regular upkeep is some polishing to preserve their aesthetic value.
5. Copper is a malleable material that can be shaped and customized to fit a range hood's unique design and size requirements, offering a wide range of customization options.

Disadvantages of Copper Range Hoods

1. Copper is expensive compared to other materials.
2. Copper is a softer metal than other range hood materials, which makes it more prone to dents and scratches over time.
3. Copper can change color over time due to oxidation, resulting in a green or brown patina that may not be desirable for some homeowners.
4. Copper range hoods may not be suitable for high-heat cooking as they can discolor or tarnish when exposed to extreme heat.
5. Copper range hoods require regular polishing and maintenance to maintain their appearance and prevent corrosion or oxidation.

Brass

Brass is an alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc that is commonly used as material for range hoods due to its durability, malleability, and beautiful aesthetic. It has a distinct golden-yellow hue which ranges from shiny finish to muted antiqued appearance–enabling brass hoods to fit seamlessly with different kitchen styles and designs.

Types of Brass Used in Range Hoods

Brass is a popular material for range hoods because of its durability and elegant appearance. There are three main types of brass used in range hoods:

Raw Brass

Raw brass is a type of brass that features a natural matte surface without being treated or coated with chemicals or finishes, giving it its distinctive rustic appearance. Over time it will oxidize naturally to form its unique patina that gives raw brass range hoods such a rustic aesthetic. This patina can be desirable for some homeowners who prefer a more rustic or vintage look.

Polished Brass

Polished brass is a type of brass used in range hoods with a shiny and reflective surface. Polished brass undergoes a unique polishing process that removes any impurities or oxidation on its surface, leaving behind a smooth and polished surface that adds elegance and sophistication to a kitchen while being an ideal option for homeowners who prefer classic looks. Polished brass range hoods add an air of sophistication while providing homeowners with an option that adds traditional appeal.

Antique Brass

Antique brass is a type of brass material that has been intentionally given an aged or weathered appearance through various techniques such as acid treatment, sandblasting, or distressing. It has a darker, richer color compared to polished brass and raw brass and often has a rustic or vintage look that can add character to a kitchen design. However, because of its intentional aging process, antique brass may be more prone to tarnishing and require special care to maintain its appearance.

Advantages of Using Brass Range Hoods

1. Brass has superior heat conductivity, helping evenly disseminate heat in your kitchen.
2. Brass is an extremely robust material that will withstand regular use over many years.
3. Brass is highly corrosion-resistant, making it the ideal material to use in humid or damp kitchen environments.
4. Brass range hoods are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.
5. Brass can be easily shaped and molded, allowing for intricate designs and customization.

Disadvantages of Using Brass Range Hoods

1. Brass can quickly tarnish if neglected; when this occurs, brass becomes dull and unattractive and may be difficult to restore to its former lustre.
2. Brass can be more costly than other materials used for range hoods, which could present an issue for homeowners with tight budgets.
3. Brass is a relatively heavy element, which may make installation more difficult or require additional support.
4. Like copper, brass range hoods often come in a standard color, which may not be suitable for all kitchen designs.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight metal that's both strong and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent material choice for range hoods. With a unique surface color that stands up well against repeated moisture exposure, titanium also boasts superior dimensional strength compared to most metals and has a higher melting point than most alloys. All these features and a high impact strength make titanium an increasingly popular choice for range hoods in modern kitchens.

Types of Titanium Used in Range Hoods

Titanium is a relatively new material for range hoods, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its durability and strength. Here are the three types of titanium, for reference.

Raw Titanium

Raw titanium, or uncoated titanium, is an attractive material for range hoods due to its strength, durability and corrosion-resistance properties. With its natural silver-gray hue that can be polished up into an appealing shine finish, raw titanium makes for an eye-catching option in modern kitchen designs. Range hoods made from raw titanium are also lightweight and easy to clean.

Anodized Titanium

Anodized titanium is a type of titanium that has undergone an electrolytic process to form a rigid, protective oxide layer on its surface. This oxide layer provides durability and corrosion-resistance for range hood construction; additionally it is resistant to scratches that help preserve its appearance over time. Anodized titanium comes in various colors like bronze, blue, and purple making it suitable for many kitchen designs.

Colored Titanium

Colored titanium is a range hood material treated with a process called physical vapor deposition (PVD). This process uses a vacuum chamber to apply a thin layer of metal oxide to the titanium, which creates a colored finish. The PVD process produces an extremely durable and scratch-resistant surface suitable for range hood use. Furthermore, its wide array of colors--gold, bronze, black and blue--provides endless design opportunities.

Advantages of Titanium Range Hoods

1. Titanium is known for being both strong and long-term durable. It can withstand both high pressure and extreme temperatures while remaining corrosion resistant - which makes it an excellent material choice for range hoods.
2. Titanium is much lighter than materials such as stainless steel, copper and brass making installation and support much simpler.
3. Titanium range hoods are easy to keep clean and maintain, making them a popular choice among those seeking low maintenance options.
4. Titanium stands out as an allergenic-free material for range hoods, providing safe ventilation solutions to those who have allergies or sensitivities.
5. Titanium is highly recyclable, making it an excellent material choice for those seeking sustainability.

Disadvantages of Titanium Range Hoods

1. Titanium is an extremely rare and costly material, meaning range hoods made with it are typically considerably more costly than those constructed using other metals.
2. Titanium can be challenging to work with, making fabrication of range hoods from this material difficult and time consuming - increasing production costs in the process.
3. Given their relative scarcity, titanium range hoods may be difficult to come by in specific styles or sizes.
4. Titanium is an extremely durable material, but damage repair may prove challenging when exposed. Scratches or dents may prove challenging to eliminate while welding repairs may prove costly and time-consuming.

Material Comparison

Here is a comparison of the four materials based on the following:

Cost Comparison

Stainless steel range hoods are generally the most affordable option compared to copper, brass, and titanium. Titanium range hoods are usually the most expensive due to the high cost of titanium material. Brass range hoods can also be costly due to the price of the brass material. Coppers fall somewhere in between titanium and brass in terms of cost.

Durability Comparison

All four materials are long-term durable, with titanium being the strongest and most resistant to corrosion and wear. While stainless steel and copper may also last long-term, additional maintenance may be needed in order to keep their shine and avoid corrosion. Brass is the least durable and can tarnish quickly, requiring more upkeep to maintain its appearance.

Maintenance Comparison

Stainless steel and titanium require only basic cleaning to remain looking like new, while copper and brass require more frequent polishing in order to prevent tarnishing and corrosion.

Aesthetics Comparison

Each material offers unique aesthetic qualities. Stainless steel is modern and sleek, while copper and brass have a warm, traditional look. Titanium has a unique and futuristic look, with various colors available for a customized appearance.

Environmental Comparison

Stainless steel, copper, and brass are all recyclable materials, making them environmentally friendly options. Titanium is also recyclable, but the process is more complicated due to its high melting point.

Conclusion

Stainless steel is the most practical choice for modern vent hoods. Of course, for a rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen, copper with a patina finish is an excellent option. One of the key advantages of stainless steel is that it can be finished in creative ways. Our own collection allows you to customize your range hood in any number of colors. Check out our shop for a quick idea of what is possible.