The stainless would probably be easier to keep clean, but the tile might look nicer, depending on your personal preference. Right now we have a piece of sheet metal behind our rangetop, but it's temporary. I have 4x8 slate pieces to put up permanently. I will likely miss the ease of cleaning the sheet metal, and considered keeping it (replacing it with stainless), but even though I'm terminally practical, I just can't get myself to like the colder look. The stone is an important part of the overall look and feel I want for the room. Your subways would be easier to clean than my uneven slate. Have you looked at various kitchens, seeing it done both ways, to see which you prefer? Check out the Finished Kitchens Blog slideshow and/or the backsplash slideshow linked on the Finished Kitchens Blog page...I'm sure you'll see both options there. Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Kitchens Blog

Thank you for all your opinions. @Patricia. As it turns out, we are doing a Bosch dishwasher and a samsung microwave, but the refrigerator, range and hood are GE Profile. After much scouring of the internet I actually found the exact application I was looking to do with the GE range I'm looking at with a hood from a different brand. What do those of you with the trained design eye think?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/samsung-flex-duo-5-9-cu-ft-self-cleaning-freestanding-fingerprint-resistant-double-oven-electric-convection-range-black-stainless-steel/9542089/question/15e6097e-fb39-3c12-a6c5-8411088f4ca4 https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5869499/black-stainless-steel-appliances-peeling https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/household/1017006-samsung-black-stainless-steel-degrade-plastic-class-action-lawsuit/ https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Kitchen-and-Family-Hub/Black-stainless-steel-appliances/td-p/1571598 https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/black-stainless-steel-appliances-scratch-regret-267694?amp=1 https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4311756/black-stainless-versus-regular-stainless-steel https://lgcommunity.us.com/discussion/3860/finish-peeling

You can certainly tile your range hood, but I would consult with a designer to get the details right and hire the best tile guy/gal in your area. This tile design was planned carefully and done by a skilled tiler.