If you’re renovating your kitchen or simply making some changes to your existing kitchen, then replacing your range hood is something that could make a significant difference in the look and functionality of your space.
Zinc Range hoods provide a vital function, helping to keep your home free from smoke, food odors, grease, and more. But they can also form an attractive part of your kitchen, especially if you choose a high-quality design. Zinc range hoods come in a range of styles, helping to transform your kitchen and give it an on-trend upgrade. They are also customizable, to ensure the range hood you choose is the perfect match for your kitchen.
Learn more about the benefits of a zinc range hood and how to choose the right one for your kitchen below.
A Brief History Of Zinc
Hundreds of years before its use as a base metal, zinc ores were already being used to make brass and zinc compounds. The ancients used zinc ore to heal wounds and soothe sore eyes. It is believed that Marco Polo was the first to describe the manufacturing of zinc oxide in the thirteenth century.
It was recognized as a metal in India in 1374, and the Chinese were next to use it for making brass. Europeans began using it in the sixteenth century, with the first large-scale smelting works in Belgium and Germany. U.S. production dates back to 1850, shortly after the “hot-dip” galvanizing method was discovered in France.
Should you consider a different material than zinc for your range hood?
Every homeowner wants to feel in control of the creation of their space. From the exterior color, size, location, and dimensions to the interior layout, theme, ambiance, and finer finishing details, constructing a home from start to finish is a work of art. Interior designers come into the picture and assist in this process, sharing their knowledge and expertise on the latest trends, cutting-edge performance as well as how the homeowner can get the best bang for their buck. Putting together a kitchen is certainly no different; in fact, it can be the most important tool in an interior designer’s arsenal.
To begin, it’s crucial to consider the type of material that will be most prevalent in the space, as it can largely determine the number of options in regard to style, finish, and visible wear and tear. Range hoods are an appliance that requires the utmost attention and care, as they provide an eco-friendly, breathable environment for many years down the road.
Choosing an ineffective material will negatively impact not only the homeowner’s wallet in the future but also the safety of everyone’s health. In this article, we’ll investigate one of interior design’s most prized metals: zinc, it’s prevalence in the modern kitchen design, and why it is a highly regarded material in the realm of range hoods. The thing is, even though zinc is a great material, a natural finish stainless steel is an even better choice.
What is zinc and why is it used in range hood construction?
Zinc is a metal found in Earth’s crust. It is utilized in a variety of modern applications, including brass musical instruments, railroad tracks, silverware, and an abundance of moving parts that make up different machines. Depending on the temperature, zinc ranges in appearance from a blueish-white to a bright, shimmery color.
As the range hood is implemented in kitchen use, it coincides with a vast array of aesthetic desires and personal styles. In regards to range hoods, zinc is an attractive material choice for interior designers due to its neutral, matte finish, impeccable malleability, durability, and eco-friendly nature.
Many homeowners desire a sleek, low-profile kitchen. Appliances, especially range hoods, are subtly complemented with a zinc finish, as its covert appearance can also be decorated with colorful metal straps and flashy lines to accentuate its presence. Additionally, zinc is a material that can be easily shaped without creating too much stress on its body–from ornate curves to sharp, angular lines, zinc provides an endless amount of design opportunities for the interior designer and homeowner.
A zinc range hood blends beautifully with other metals in the kitchen, but don’t be fooled by its soft features. Zinc is a powerhouse, flexible through high heat, freezing cold, and drastic temperature changes caused by frequent use, and its versatility doesn’t stop there. One overlooked fact is that zinc is, indeed, recyclable.
The homeowner can rest assured that not only are they ensuring a particle-free, healthy environment for their family, but that they’re positively contributing to the environment knowing that their range hood material can be repurposed after running its course. Above all, the sheer workability of this material gives interior designers a solid base, leaving them open and enthusiastic to create innovative designs in and out of the kitchen.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR MODELS OF ZINC RANGE HOODS, AND WHERE CAN I FIND ONE?
The purpose of range hoods is to ventilate byproducts such as steam, grease, dust, and odors, expelling them out into the air. Families need to install this appliance, as it will contribute to the breathability of the home while further adding monetary value. However, this doesn’t mean a range hood can’t be stylish and match the aesthetic of the kitchen.
Given the versatility and abundance of zinc, any model of range hood can benefit from its implementation–wall-mount, island hood, ductless, geocentric shapes, the list goes on. Major online retailers, manufacturers such as Home Depot and Lowes, as well as specialty kitchen stores carry a wide variety of zinc range hoods, many times boasting a lower price tag than other materials.
A few things you should know when shopping for a zinc range hood
Zinc range hoods are growing in popularity, primarily because of their beautiful aesthetic appeal. Zinc has a crisp, silvery coloration with a silky, matte finish. At the same time, it forms to shape snugly and is well-suited to modern, geo-centric designs with sharp angles and clean lines. The contrast of a soft finish over a rigid structure is striking and wholly unique. The result is an economical, durable range hood with a distinctive aesthetic that blends well with other silver metals in the kitchen like stainless steel, nickel, and aluminum.
Here are a few things you should know when shopping for a zinc range hood:
Fitting your range hood
If the company you've contracted to build your hood makes house calls, an expert will look at the kitchen area and take a few measurements to ensure an ideal fit. If not, you'll need to measure the height of the ceiling and determine an appropriate width for the hood based on the size of your cooking area.
Color choices
Zinc coatings are available in darker or lighter shades that can be adjusted to complement a home's décor and provide a good match for the oven range below. Custom designs may incorporate details that provide visual contrast, such as straps and rivets coated in darker or lighter shades.
Know the designs
Researching range hood designs help to make an informed decision on which style of range hood is best for your kitchen. Here's a list of the available designs to get you started: - Single Roll, Slope Front, Venice, French Sweep, Sweep Front, Cylinder, Double Roll, Pyramid, French Country, Ultra Low Profile, French Bell, French Roll, Double Sweep. See all our range hood styles here.
The benefits of stainless steel over zinc
Steel, particularly stainless steel, is a common choice of metal for kitchen hoods, with many modern designs made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has a lot of benefits over zinc.
Stainless Steel hoos offer the following over Zinc:
- Increases tensile strength.
- Forms to shape quickly.
- Reduces necessary weight.
- Resists corrosion.
- Looks attractive.
- Recyclable.
- Provides cost savings.
Whether you’re a master chef who loves to entertain or someone who only stumbles through the kitchen for a cup of coffee, the functionality and design appeal of a custom zinc range hood will transform your kitchen, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary.
A custom range hood serves multiple purposes: it removes smoke, it filters airborne grease and other contaminants, and it eliminates lingering odors.
Is a zinc range hood right for your kitchen?
The short answer is no. Zinc range hoods present a lot of warranty issues such as cracking, finish issues and more.
When it comes to choosing a cooker hood, there are many options available to you. You will first need to consider the difference between a range hood and a vent hood and then decide on the type of hood you’ll need. Your decision may depend on your existing setup and how much work you’d like carried out - a straight replacement could be more cost-effective than changing the way your kitchen is ventilated.
Some things to consider when choosing a zinc range hood for your kitchen include:
The style
There are many styles of zinc range hoods available, providing you with many different options to think about. Most people choose a hood style that complements the rest of their kitchen, although you may decide to have a contrasting piece that creates more of a feature for your space. With different colors and shapes available, you can find zinc range hoods suitable for both traditional and contemporary kitchens, helping to elevate your kitchen aesthetic while providing vital functions for your kitchen.
The cost
Zinc range hoods vary in cost. Basic styles will be more affordable, but if you want something a little more ornate or grand, then you can expect the costs to increase. Explore styles that are within your budget to help you make a decision that’s right for you.
The maintenance
A zinc range hood is very durable, thanks to its strong composition and resistance to corrosion, but it will still need maintenance to help it look its best. There are some excellent tips for how to clean your range hood that will help it stay polished and free from stains, ensuring your hood remains an attractive part of your kitchen. Regular servicing can also benefit your range hood, helping to check that everything is working as it should and that no repairs are needed.
But what makes a custom stainless steel hood an attractive alternative to a zinc hood?
Zinc has a crisp, silvery coloration with a silky, matte finish. At the same time, it forms to shape snugly and is well-suited to modern, geo-centric designs with sharp angles and clean lines. The thing is you can get the same look with a more durable material like stainless steel or aluminum that will age better. The contrast of a soft finish over a rigid structure is striking and wholly unique. The result is an economical, durable range hood with a distinctive aesthetic that blends well with other silver metals in the kitchen like stainless steel, nickel, and aluminum.
Coppersmith’s design team will turn your vision for a one-of-a-kind, custom range hood into an authentic, handmade work of art shipped right to your door. Design service is complimentary, and shipping is free, so contact us today.