Guide to Buying Range Hoods – Practicality and Elegance

Anybody who has suffered the ordeal of scrubbing a kitchen clean is fully aware of the value of efficient rangehoods. Rangehoods extract grease from the air, before it has chance to cling to every available surface. Filtering the air also removes most of the strong cooking odors from the air, a distinct advantage with the trend towards open plan homes. Cooking without the benefits of range hoods leads to ingrained grime staining the walls and countertops around the stovetop. Tiring, time consuming scrubbing, and heavy-duty grease removing chemicals, are the only way to clean this avoidable mess.

How do Range Hoods Work?

The basic concept behind all range hoods is an extractor fan that efficiently removes the grease, steam and odors released whilst cooking. This is accomplished by ventilating the air outside, through an external duct, or by filtering and recirculating the tainted air. Most rangehoods employ a rotary extractor fan, although high quality models are often fitted with a centrifugal extractor fan. These fans reduce the amount of noise and also increase the efficiency of the process.

External Duct Range Hood

External rangehoods extract the grease and odors from the stove top and vent them outside, through a duct. This type is extremely efficient, but they do carry some disadvantages, and cost a little to buy and install than internal rangehoods.

The Advantages of External Rangehoods

• External range hoods are the cheapest type to use, because they do not need frequent filter changes.
• These rangehoods are extremely efficient, and vent most of the smells, steam and odors out of harm’s way.
• If the stove is situated next to an external wall, the fitting process is reasonably easy, certainly within the scope of a competent DIY enthusiast.

The Disadvantages of External Range Hoods

• If your stove is situated next to an internal wall or on an island, you will need longer ducting and a more powerful fan, resulting in more expense and more noise.
• If you need to employ a professional to fit your external range hood, this can be costly and messy.
• If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, they may complain about the smell. Of course, if you live in an enclosed apartment, an external range hood is simply not an option.

The first consideration is the power and efficiency of the extractor fan. This is given in cubic feet per minute, although it must be noted that powerful extractor units generate proportionately more noise. Therefore, for large and powerful range hoods, a centrifugal extractor fan is a far better choice, allowing you to watch TV, or talk, in relative peace.

Ideally, the rangehood unit should be a little longer than the stovetop, ensuring that grease and steam cannot escape and leave unsightly brown stains on the surrounding walls and decor. Rangehoods are available in cabinet or wall mounted options, so it is a good idea to measure the available clearance before shopping around.

The other deciding factors are really down to personal preference and budget. Many range hoods incorporate an internal light alongside a variable speed switch, which are extremely useful options. Deluxe options contain heat sensors, automatic shut-off switches and even carbon monoxide detectors, albeit at a price. Once you know what you are looking for, it is time to evaluate the three range hood options, external, internal and combination.

Internally vented range hoods extract the tainted air and use a system of activated charcoal filters to remove the worst of the grease and aroma, before recirculating the air into the kitchen.

The Advantages of Internally Vented Rangehoods

• Internally vented range hoods are the easiest type to fit, especially in circumstances where an external type is impractical.
• They are the cheapest type to buy and to install, taking only a couple of hours.
• They are extremely unobtrusive, perfect for the minimalist look.

The Disadvantages of Internally Vented Range Hoods

• Internally vented hoods are not as efficient as the external type, and do not extract all of the grease and odors.
• The filter eventually clogs with grease and grime, so needs replacing every few weeks, an added running cost.

Combination rangehoods, as the name suggests, incorporate the best and the worst features of the internal and external types. They trap odors and grease in an activated charcoal filter, and then vent the air outside. Most types allow you to switch between internal or external venting, depending upon your exact preferences at the time.

Combination range hoods are extremely adaptable, but they expensive to buy and carry the recurring cost of filter replacement, as well as the more difficult installation.

The All Important Aesthetics

Efficiency and practicality are not the only factors influencing a decision, and the appearance and aesthetics of the range hood is extremely important. As well as standard white, black and beige paint finishes, stainless steel and copper are also available, fitting into any contemporary design, and giving the kitchen an added touch of quality. These metallic finishes are much easier to keep clean, avoiding the discoloration that can afflict lower quality finishes.

However, remember that rangehoods are designed for a specific purpose, so make sure that you select a suitable type and capacity before worrying about the overall aesthetics. An expensive finish will not look so high quality if it is coated with ingrained grease because the extractor fan is underpowered.