Range hoods are designed to circulate the air around your stove top – it is basically a canopy or another area that captures the air from when you’re cooking, and extracts it using a fan or blower motor. It basically helps to eliminate all that sticky, oily air that hangs around in the kitchen when you’re cooking up a storm – saving your backsplash your stove top, cupboards and benches from getting covered in grease.
Although it’s not always legally required that you have a range hood in your home, it’s certainly recommended and there are many benefits. If you’ve already made the choice to get one fitted in your kitchen, the next step is to choose the type of range hood you want.
Two of the most popular options is blackened steel and gunmetal. So, what is blackened steal, what is gunmetal and why would you choose either design?
What is blackened steel?
Blackened steel is a finish that’s created on stainless steel, using one of a number of techniques. When blackened, it can produce a range of colors, from dark brown to black – giving off a finish that is rustic and vintage. There are five main techniques for creating a blackened steel finish:
- Hot Blackening – is where the steel is placed in a hot bath or sodium hydroxide, nitrates and nitrites
- Cold Blackening – is where copper selenium is applied to the steel at room temperature
- Wax and Oil – The steel is heated to 400°F and is then covered in beeswax and linseed oil, then reheated.
- Mid-Temp Blackening – similar to hot blackening but uses a lower temperature
- Painted Products – Metal wall panels or sheets are painted to look like blackened steel
The last method is effective, of course, but it’s not the same as having the real thing.
What is gunmetal?
Gunmetal, on the other hand, is a variety of bronze that’s composed of 88% copper, 10% tin and 2% zinc. It’s designed to withstand steam, salt and other corrosion, which is why it is ideal for use in range hoods. It has a dull bluish-grey color and was originally used for making guns – hence the name.
Benefits of blackened steel or gunmetal range hoods
Essentially, blackened metal is a created finish, whereas gunmetal is a specific type of metal; and they both have a range of benefits, including durability and longevity. In other words, it’s built to last well into the future.
If you’re going to go for blackened steel or gunmetal, there are many advantages over other types. These types of range hood not only look amazing, particularly if you’re going for a more antique design in the home, but there are other benefits as well.
Blackened steel is guaranteed to last longer. It requires little maintenance, and it is exceptionally resilient. It is much easier to keep clean than other types of range hood, such as wooden versions, and it isn’t as expensive as other types either.
Blackening the steel protects it from rusting and gives it an edgy look. Gunmetal is durable and built to last – if it can withstand bullets firing out, it can certainly withstand the heat you have your kitchen!
Range hoods provide your kitchen with a huge range of benefits, including improved air quality – which is what they’re designed for. They also help to remove excess heat and steam from your kitchen, remove some of the odors when you’re preparing a feast, and they make it easier to keep your kitchen clean, eliminating some of the oil and grease that is flying through the air during the cooking process. They also provide lighting over your cooking space, which makes food preparation and cleaning up a lot easier.
They’re a great investment and deciding on the design for your range hood really just depends on the look you want in your kitchen in general.
Which do you choose?
Both of these options give you a unique look that’s guaranteed to impress in your kitchen. The type you choose really depends on your personal preference and the end design you’re after. Do your research, take a look at some samples of both designs, and see what’s going to fit well in your new kitchen.
And if you need any further help or advice on the type of range hood to get in your home, get in touch with our team today!