Either of these options would be entirely based on your preferences. Most consumers prefer the look of stainless steel but some prefer liner inserts to be black so that they do not draw much attention; this may also depend on the mounting height of the liner insert.

We would be happy to send you color samples if it would help to simplify your decision. To request color samples, please call us at (800) 331-2492 between 8:30 and 5:00 central time, Monday through Friday and we'll be happy to help.

Thank you for your interest in our products and have a great day!

I think black will be easier to keep clean. Since it's a liner, it won't be highly noticeable. I have a white VAH liner with natural birch cabs, It was less than ss and I love it.

I was holding my 5 week old DS when I wrote the earlier message. I meant to add that I have a white tile backsplash between my range and my white hood liner(which is covered by a wooden surround). The liner is visible from certain angles/positions, but b/c it connects to white tile it doesn't stand out (to me). I think your cabs sound like they're on the darker end, so I think a black liner wouldn't stand out.

SS might do a better job of reflecting light, however, and make your cooking area seem brighter than a black liner.

We have SS and I have to disagree w/the previous poster, it's very easy to keep clean. With SS, dust does not show, I would think with black it would show. If you plan to wipe down the entire hood every couple of days (including the top & duct covers), then dust is a non-issue. However, if you're like me and only wipe the top down once a month (or even less often), you might want to think about it b/f getting a black hood.

Our SS shows no dust and really, nothing else. I wipe the inside down every couple of weeks or if I've made something particularly greasy...like bacon. Our hood is very effective and nothing seems to escape it...but, it's also 6" wider than our cooktop (which is recommended, btw).

Another thing is that anything fairly large in black can have a "black hole" effect...

My recommendation is a 42" SS hood. We also have a VAH, btw, and really like it.

Cherry w/mandarin orange stain & coffee glaze.

Sorry, I just realized you meant the insert, not the outside...I still think SS is best. For a different reason, though. A year or two ago someone posted that the paint on the interior of their VAH was peeling...so I would probably stay away from anything that isn't a metal finish...i.e., if the black is painted, I would not use it.

[I don't remember if the post was on Kitchens or Appliances.]

You might try posting your question on Appliances as well...

HTH!

Here is a link that might be useful: Appliances Forum