Some of the most beautiful designs in range hoods are those available in copper and copper alloys. Copper range hoods are an excellent choice for kitchens designs with rustic, country, or European themes. Copper finishes, whether smooth or hammered, complement many other materials used in kitchens, such as granite, travertine, wrought iron, brushed nickel, and woods in most finishes.

Copper range hoods are available in a wide variety of finishes. Shiny, bright, smooth copper is reminiscent of Italian bistros and country kitchens. Pounded, multi-toned copper finishes can give an elegant, Old World look. Many kitchen designers suggest that copper and stainless steel can be married quite effectively in overall kitchen design. This flexibility in functional design offers the kitchen remodeler much more latitude in incorporating different metals with confidence. In other words, choosing the popular stainless steel finishes for refrigerator, range, and other appliances does not indicate that the range hood has to be of matching material.

Copper Kitchen Specialists offers a selection of handcrafted copper range hoods that are at the high end of range hood prices, but make such artistic statements that the cost could easily be justified.

The Metal Peddler is another source for standard as well as custom range hoods made of copper.

A benefit to using copper is the antibacterial quality of this metal. In an article about hygienic coatings and surfaces, published by The Paint Research Association in the UK, information about food preparation surfaces specifically related to E coli bacteria indicates the effectiveness of copper. "This bacterium was found to be nonviable in a few hours when placed on copper surfaces, but survived for many days on stainless steel. The copper alloys tested included coppers, brasses, bronzes, copper-nickels, and nickel silvers. The results confirm that the antibacterial effect is present in all the tested copper alloys, and increases with the copper content of the alloy. Furthermore, as expected, this action was faster at the higher temperature."

Copper Range Hoods / Stainless Steel Range Hoods