I think the difference is the outdoor one is of heavier steel and can withstand the elements better. An indoor one is lighter steel and isn't proofed against elements so things like humidity and moisture can have a greater impact. I would just go for the outdoor one meant for the job instead of guessing if an indoor one would work.

If its aluminum, yes.

ZLine makes a line of black hoods, and the description reads as below which makes me think it may last better:

Each piece is hand cut and crafted utilizing premium grade stainless steel which accomplishes its sophisticated "piano black" finish through a technique called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Coating. Also known as sputtering, this technique utilizes a vaporization process to create an atom-bonded, strong ceramic layer in order to achieve its stunning black stainless shine and built-to-last quality. The PVD ceramic layer is composed of abrasion-resistant material, ensuring that its pristine finish will be enjoyed for years to come.

The motor is not sealed for the dampness/moisture that will be outside, nor the wiring.

Are part of "the elements" salty ocean air?

Hmmm. My Wolf/Broan down-roof blower either tolerates damp (and snowy at times) outdoor air, or the moist greasy air that arrives via the duct. This is also true of my NuTone blower I have used for decades. Both likely have sealed bearings. The housings I don't recall. But nearly all roof blowers are effectively inside the duct. Even blowers internal to hoods have to tolerate grease and moisture.

There is a standard rating system that specifies the types of environments in which an electrical appliance, etc can be used, and it has to do with a fixed enclosure's ability to withstand certain environmental conditions.

I can drive on bold tires for a month and everything will be fine but when a certain driving condition occurs off the road you go.

That being said, it's not only how long the hood will last, it is for your protection also.

Is this for you or one of your clients?

Permit will require it to be rated for the use is my guess.

The location of the range hood is over a grill cooktop, and is surrounded by walls on three sides and has a ceiling. The patio where the outdoor kitchen is located has openings to the pool, so not climate controlled, but definitely very well protected from the elements. This is for a client and I'm not finding a black range hood rated for exterior use. The only difference between exterior and interior stainless steel range hoods is the rating of steel used, and has nothing to do with the interior components or sealing. I'm just wondering if anyone has used a black range hood in a protected and covered, non-climate controlled room, to know if the black finish holds up well. Thank you!

We have a stainless hood under a lanai in a similar setup. I would also worry about the durability of the finish. Even inside a screened lanai and under roof, the stainless hood gets quite dirty, just from being outside. Make sure the black finish will withstand harsher cleaning.

If the hood is large enough, and high enough, has enough air flow rate (CFM) and is always on when the grill is hot (not a sure bet), then automotive paint could be used. Although perhaps too matte for good looks, even exhaust system paint could get you black instead of exposed stainless, and heat wouldn't be an issue.

The rating for an exterior range hood has everything to do with the wiring and motors ability to resist corrosion in an exterior environment. Same as ceiling fans, lights, and other electronic equipment. But, it sounds like you have a bigger problem with a grill located too close to the home for fire codes.

Seems like the durability questions are revolving around wiring and motor differences between indoor and outdoor units. Tech support for a company making both should pinpoint any differences. Maybe the version with the finish you want can be assembled with outdoor internals.

@DeWayne, the OP is in FL, so the fire codes are just fine ... don't forget they do block construction. Very common setup. I have never heard of someone's house burning down here in FL because of the lanai grill.

Outdoor Lanai and Grill with outdoor dining & lounge space in Naples Florida vac · More Info

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Not everything is block. Lots of cypress crackerboxes in FL too. And all of them burn.

It might work, but be sure every screw and other fasteners are stainless steel. Our lanai ceiling fans, made for outdoor use, are showing rust at many screw points. Salt air makes it happen fast.