If you don't like the black straps of the Excalibur model, VAH offers the straps in optional finishes like copper, brass or stainless steel. You can also get the bands with rivets which would definitely go with your unfitted/cottage/french bistro look. I'll link a pic below, though I think it would look better to have the rivets a bit closer together than VAH shows in the pic - perhaps 2" apart. Of course, those options will be an upcharge, but it may not be too much; you need to call the company to find out. But I agree that their standard black bands may not go with the decor you've described.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1576604}}

You and I are in remarkably similar situations. DH really wants a stainless hood. I don't like the common chimney style, but I do like the barrel style. I don't have the budget for the Modernaire so I'm considering the Excalibur. It can be customized BTW. Some folks don't like the cleaning issues with the VAHs, but in the thread I linked below Akchicago says that cleaning isn't a problem. The other issue I read about is the noise. Hmmm. I was thinking of asking Akchicago about her hood directly since this thread is from a few years ago.

I really want a white wood hood to match my cabs. I think it'll draw less attention across the room than SS. My FR and kitchen are open to each other.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old thread on Excalibur

shannonplus2, Thanks, I know that one is available but I think it's a little out of my price range. I will check though, Thanks

breezygirl, So, you have the same headache. It's nice to have company. We have had so many decisions to make on this large addition (kitchen, bath, laundry, front hall, and carriage style garage with room above) and are doing it all ourselves. We're a year and a half into this and while it's been daunting we just keep plugging away at it one job at a time. We're finally getting close to assembling our kitchen and these last minute details are driving me nuts. Don't even get me started on the faucet.

I too have read about cleaning issues from some yet others say it's easy. As far as the noise issue goes we did listen to one in the store and I thought it was remarkably quiet. I swear I was researching them all night in my sleep. Researching to the unth degree is definately a sickness. How I wish I could just make a decision without researching it to death.

I love wood hoods as well, I just can't stop thinking about this shape in stainless. I wish you luck with your decision. Keep me posted

Hey, I heard I was being paged LOL! As I mentioned in that older thread I unfortunately have a 6" duct. That really limited my hood's power, and increased its noise, through no fault of the hood. If you can do an 8" duct, I would do that.

The Excalibur looks fantastic. I did opt for the stainless bands with rivets. The hood is made very well and has a solid feel. The lights are perfect, and the switches are intuitive and easy to operate. Breezygirl, I don't think I'd get it in white; I remember reading that people who got it in white had problems with peeling white paint. BTW, I have a mostly white kitchen, and a white range. The combo with my stainless hood looks great. It actually makes my white cabinets look better. I am glad I didn't get a white hood. Be careful with putting two different whites right next to each other; one of them might end up just looking dirty.

As to cleaning, you pop two buckles (like the kind on attache cases), and pop the housing off and into the dishwasher. The blower wheel itself I mostly just spray Formula 409 into it and turn on the fan. I have occasionally taken the blower wheel off to clean it, but that is more of a project.

It is hard for me to know whether I'd purchase this one again - I think it's gorgeous and well-made. But it has been too hampered by my 6" duct for me to know truly how it would ideally perform. I make a lot of hamburgers and steaks in smoking cast iron pans, and the grease and smoke are definitely sucked up by the hood, no problem. Odors are tougher. As to noise, I don't find it objectionable, and noise depends MUCH MORE on your ductwork than on the hood (how long is your duct, how many bends?). It is unrealistic to think that ANY hood, where the motor is at ear level, is not going to make noise. If you want a more silent hood, you have to install an inline or remote blower.