Are you in the process of renovating your kitchen and seeking the perfect finishing touch? Look no further than the kitchen hood, a crucial element that keeps your kitchen free of smoke and odours to improve air quality. A well-chosen cooker hood can make a significant difference. This buying guide will explore the essential factors to consider when choosing a range hood.
What is Range Hood?
A range hood, also known as a kitchen hood or cooker hood, is a device that is installed above your stove or cooktop in the kitchen.
The purpose of a range hood is to:
- Remove pollutants and prevent them from spreading throughout the house.
- Maintain a fresher, healthier, and more comfortable kitchen atmosphere.
- Protect kitchen surfaces, cabinets, and walls from grease and stains.
A range hood is essential for maintaining a clean, well-ventilated, and pleasant cooking environment.
Types of Range Hoods
1. Chimney/Wall-mounted range hood
Chimney hoods are the most common and popular kitchen hoods, and they are installed against a wall above the cooking stove or hob. These popular hoods have a chimney-like structure for effective extraction and ventilation. They come in various designs, including:
- T-Shape: These kitchen hoods have a T-shaped design and are suitable for kitchens with a central cooking stove or hob.
- Slanted: Slanted kitchen hoods feature a stylish slanted design, adding a modern touch to your kitchen while effectively removing smoke and odours.
- Sliding: Sliding kitchen hoods provide a broader coverage area and are ideal for larger cooking spaces or kitchen islands.
2. Island range hood
Island kitchen hoods suspended from the ceiling above the kitchen island provide a striking centrepiece while extracting smoke and odours.
3. Sliding range hood
Sliding kitchen hoods are ideal for limited spaces or low ceilings. These compact hoods can be installed under a cabinet or concealed within it.
Choosing the right type of range hood depends on your kitchen’s layout, design, and specific requirements. Consider factors such as extraction power, noise level, ventilation options, and maintenance requirements to select the most suitable kitchen hood that will enhance your cooking space’s functionality and aesthetics.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Range Hood
Factor 1: Range Hood Size
- Width: Match the kitchen hood’s width to your cooking stove or hob for efficient extraction. Choose a hood equal or slightly wider than the cooking surface to cover the entire area and effectively capture fumes and smoke.
- Installation Height: Install the kitchen hood at the recommended height, typically around 60-75 centimetres above the cooking surface. Follow manufacturer guidelines and local regulations to ensure optimal performance and efficient removal of smoke, steam, and odours.
Considering these factors ensures that your kitchen hood is the right fit for your kitchen, maximising its performance in removing pollutants and maintaining a clean and pleasant cooking environment.
Factor 2: Extraction power and noise level
- Extraction Power: Choose a range hood with good cubic metres per hour (m³/h) extraction power to match the size of your kitchen. Aim for a rate that is at least 10 times the volume of your kitchen to remove cooking odours and smoke effectively.
- Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the kitchen hood to ensure a pleasant cooking experience. Look for hoods with lower decibel (dB) ratings, typically between 50-60 dB, to minimise disruptions, especially in open-plan kitchens or when entertaining guests.
Consider VATTI kitchen hoods for their impressive features. With high extraction power of up to 2500m³/h and a low noise level of 52dB, they effectively remove odours and smoke while maintaining a peaceful cooking environment. Experience exceptional performance and tranquillity with VATTI kitchen hoods.
Factor 3: Ducted or Ductless Range Hoods
- Ducted range hood: Ducted range hoods, or ventilation systems, utilize ducting to extract cooking odors and smoke from the kitchen, ensuring optimal air quality. This is the highly recommended option since these systems expel the air outside, creating a fresh and clean environment.
- Ductless Range Hood: Ductless range hoods, or recirculation systems, filter the air before recirculating it back into the kitchen. They are suitable for kitchens without external venting possibilities.
Factor 4: Type of Range Hood Filters
A range hood filter is an essential component designed to trap grease, odors, and other impurities, ensuring clean and fresh air in your kitchen. The three most common filter types are mesh, baffle, and charcoal.
- Mesh Filter: Consists of layered mesh screens to trap grease particles while allowing airflow. Affordable, durable, and easy to clean.
- Baffle Filter: Constructed with multiple layers of curved metal panels to effectively capture and redirect grease particles. Ideal for high grease volume and heavy-duty cooking.
- Charcoal Filter: Contains activated charcoal to remove odours and commonly used in recirculation systems. Works in conjunction with other filters to improve air quality.
Please refer to the website Things to Consider When Choosing Cooker Hood for information on other types of grease filters.
Factor 5: Maintenance
Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your kitchen hood. Follow these maintenance and cleaning tips:
- Read the manual: Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance.
- Check and replace filters: Regularly inspect and clean or replace grease filters as recommended.
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the hood’s surfaces with mild detergent.
- Inspect ducting: Ensure the system is clear of obstructions for proper airflow.
However, choosing a VATTI kitchen hood with auto-clean features can streamline maintenance and keep your hood in excellent condition with less effort.
Factor 6: Advanced Features of Kitchen Hood
- Hand-Sensor: Some kitchen hoods feature hand-sensor technology for convenient control. Wave your hand to adjust fan speed, activate lighting, or power the hood on/off, providing hands-free operation and effortless control.
- Lighting Options: Modern kitchen hoods offer versatile lighting options. LED lights, known for energy efficiency and longevity, provide bright illumination. Adjustable lighting levels cater to different needs, enhancing visibility and creating an inviting ambience in your kitchen.
Final thoughts
Choose a VATTI range hood for reliable performance and efficiency, and ensure compatibility with a suitable gas hob. Check our latest guide, “Glass Vs Stainless Steel Gas Hob,” for valuable insights. Elevate your cooking experience with the right appliances for a functional and stylish kitchen.
