Introduction

Oil fumes and smoke produced while cooking not only leave a nasty odor but also cause eye and lung irritation. To combat this problem, an essential kitchen appliance, the range hood or exhaust hood, commonly known as a “cooker hood” or “cooktop hood” is installed over the stove or cooktop. The primary function of a range hood is to remove the airborne grease, cooking vapors, and smoke produced during cooking and eliminate these pollutants through filtration or venting of the air outside. An efficient range hood not only enhances the comfort of your kitchen but also promotes healthy cooking.

Types of Range Hood

Range hoods come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, offering different ventilation options for the kitchen. There are mainly two types of range hoods: ducted and ductless. Ducted hoods, also known as vented hoods, use ductwork to carry the cooking pollutants outside through an exhaust pipe. Ducted hoods are more effective in eliminating cooking odor and pollution but require proper installation and maintenance. On the other hand, ductless hoods, also known as recirculating hoods, features charcoal filters to absorb the smoke and odor, and cleans the air before recirculating it back in the kitchen. Ductless hoods are easy to install but require regular filter replacement.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Range Hood

Choosing the right range hood can be a challenging task, as there are many factors to consider before making a purchase. Firstly, the size, power, and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of the hood should match the size and type of the cooktop or stove. The hood's size should be bigger than the cooktop's size or at least the same size. The CFM measures the amount of air flow that the hood can move in a minute, and is directly proportional to the hood's suction power. Secondly, the noise level and the hood's style should be taken into account. Thirdly, the installation type, ducted, or ductless, and the location of the hood should be considered based on the kitchen's structure and layout. Lastly, the cost and warranty should be evaluated to match your budget and preference.

Conclusion

A range hood is an integral part of a kitchen, enhancing the culinary experience and providing a healthy and comfortable cooking environment. Selecting the right type and size of the range hood based on the cooktop's size and the kitchen's layout and structure is essential to achieve best results. Regardless of the type or installation, range hood maintenance is equally important, including regular cleaning of the filters, removing the trapped grease, and timely replacing the filters. Therefore, a well-maintained range hood not only adds value to your kitchen but also ensures healthy and safe cooking for your loved ones.