How to choose the best range hood for your kitchen
, by Pei Wen Tan, 4 min reading time
How to choose the best range hood for your kitchen
Range hoods are a necessity in your kitchen in order to air out the smoke that may occur when you cook. If you happen to have a small disaster in your kitchen, range hoods can prevent your smoke alarm from going off and mitigate the impact of the mistake.
Range hoods aren’t typically the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about the fixtures and fittings in your kitchen. But they are an important part of your home that you will use daily as you cook.
As with any products that you buy for your kitchen, you should choose your range hood carefully. With the rise of e-commerce and new brands creating competition, there are many range hoods for sale in today’s markets.
There are a few considerations to take into mind when choosing the best rangehood for your kitchen – from the types of range hoods, the materials used, and the configuration of the item.
Type of range hoods for sale
There are multiple types of range hoods for sale. The type that you choose will generally depend on the configuration and layout of your kitchen.
Undermount range hoods
If there is a kitchen cabinet above your stovetop, an undermount range hood may be the best bet for you. This is mounted underneath your cabinet and is an attractive option as it is less obtrusive and hidden away.
One downside is that they may not cover the entire area of your cooktop so they may not work as well in extracting steam, depending on which burner you use.
Retractable range hoods
Retractable or slide-out range hoods slide in and out manually, allowing you to push them out of sight once you’re done with cooking. The light and fan turn on as you pull them out.
Due to their smaller steam collection area, they may be less effective in eliminating steam. Opting for retractable are harder to clean as there are more crevices.
Canopy range hoods
Canopy range hoods are reminiscent of a freestanding flue and are efficient at venting steam as they cover the entire area of the cooktop. They can be wall canopies, which are installed against the wall, and can also be used for island cooking areas. Canopies are typically a bit more expensive than other options.
When choosing your range hood, it’s a good idea to consider the configuration of it, and how easy it is to clean.
Ducted or recirculating
There are two different types of venting options: ducted or recirculating. A ducted vent uses ducted piping to vent the smoke externally, to go outside the home. These can be quite difficult to install, but are the most efficient option.
In contrast, recirculating vents pass the dirty air through a carbon filter before it returns back to the kitchen, to reduce odours and grease and oil. In comparison to ducted vents, the aluminium filters must be cleaned and the carbon filters replaced regularly.
Materials
Range hoods can be made from wood or metal. When it comes to wood, people typically go with red oak, cherry, or hard maple. Metal range hoods can be made from zinc or stainless steel. They can also have elements of glass.
Stainless steel is a common material as wood tends to be more expensive and requires more maintenance in order to remain clean. Stainless steel is highly durable and cost-effective.
The filters used in range hoods are typically made of aluminium. Purchasing a range hood with dish washable filters can make it easy to maintain the cleanliness of your kitchen. Recirculating range hoods must also have a carbon filter which needs to be replaced regularly.
Light
Having light in your rangehood can make your cooking experience easier, as you are able to clearly see your cooktop as you prepare your dishes. There are three different types of light you can choose from – halogen, LED, and incandescent.
Halogen lights are brighter than their alternatives. LED lights are more energy-efficient than incandescent. Whatever light you choose, it is recommended that you choose globes that are easy to replace, so that it’s not a hassle when a bulb goes out. Choosing two globes will also provide you with more light when cooking.
Air flow
The extraction or air flow rate is normally measured in cubic metres per hour. An air flow rate of over 600 cubic metres per hour are considered the most powerful, but there are often different options for speed in range hoods.
Opting for a range hood that has different fan options can allow you to better control the air flow in your kitchen.
Button controls
When choosing your range hood, opt for a model that has buttons placed easily so that you can control the speed of the fan and the lighting of your kitchen.
You can easily reach and use sliding or push buttons on the front panel.
Considering all these factors in the purchase process will help ensure that you pick the best range hood for your kitchen. Take care to install your model properly when undergoing your renovation.
It’s a good idea to call a professional for help unless you are confident that you can perform the task yourself.
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