Range Hood Buying Guide
Today, it’s already hard to imagine a kitchen without a range hood. A range hood plays a very important role in your kitchen. It will be a good addition to a stove and its cooktop. It’s fair to say that a range hood is the housewife’s best friend.
Different types of range hoods are available for sale these days. You should aim to pick a range hood that meets your kitchen style as well as cooking habits and personal preferences best.
How to find the best range hood for your home? Now, it’s time to get the answer. In fact, there are many things to consider when buying a range hood. In this range hood buying guide, we’ll talk you through the most important range hood factors to consider. Also, we’ll give you tips for choosing the right range hood.
So, let’s get started.
The Size of a Range Hood
It’s crucial to select a range hood of the right size. A range hood is installed over the stove. That means that you have to pick a range hood that’s larger than your cooktop. Make sure that a range hood of your choice covers a cooking area. So, such a range hood will manage to gather the smoke and fumes successfully.
The Level of Noise
A range hood is producing noise when it’s working. That’s why the level of noise is a determining factor. You have to select between the power and the level of noise. Keep in mind that some range hoods are very noisy. They make a lot of noise even on lower speed. And of course, you should avoid buying such a hood.
It would be better to get an understanding of range hood’s noise level in advance. It’s important to know that the noise level of a range hood is measured in decibels. It would be better to give a preference to quieter range hoods.
There is a direct link between the noise level and the quality of a range hood. High quality range hoods are quieter. Such range hoods are made from the materials of premium quality. That’s why they produce less noise.
Filter Type
There are different types of filters that can be used in the ventilation systems. It’s possible to use baffle filters, mesh metal filters as well as charcoal filters on ductless models of filters.
Baffle and mesh metal filters can be cleaned. It’s also important to note that high volume of air can go through such filters.
A lower volume of air can pass through charcoal filters. It’s also important to note that filters of this type are not cleanable. That means that such filters have to be replaced.
Exhaust Type
When selecting a range hood, you have to pay a close attention to its exhaust type. There are vented and non-vented range hoods.
A vented range hood is a ducted system and a non-vented range hood is a ductless system. Ducting is used in vented range hoods. It serves as a channel for air in the ventilation system. Ducting connects a range hood to a point where air goes out of the home.
Sometimes, it’s impossible to install ductwork in living environment. In such situations, ductless range hoods (also known as non-vented systems) would be a good option.
No ductwork is used in non-vented systems. The air reticulates and gets back to a home. It’s also important to note that air goes through filters. Filters effectively remove various contaminants as well as fumes and smells from the air. As a result, clean air gets back to a home.
Installation Types
There are two venting options. It’s possible to vent range hoods either horizontally or vertically. It all depends on the installation type of a range hood. Range hoods can be installed in different ways. There are island, under cabinet and wall mount installation types.
It’s necessary to vent island hoods vertically. However, under cabinet hoods as well as wall hoods can be vented horizontally and vertically. When a range hood is vented horizontally, ducting goes through a wall. When a range hood is vented vertically, ducting goes through the ceiling.
Range Hood Costs
Setting a budget is one of the most important things that you have to do before buying a range hood. There are many factors that affect the price of a range hood.
There is a direct link between the price and the type of a range hood. An under cabinet hood is the cheapest option. Wall mount hoods are more expensive than under cabinet hoods. Island range hoods are the most expensive option.
The costs of range hoods depend a lot on their quality. Range hoods of higher quality come with an efficient motor and the additional features. That’s why such range hoods are more expensive.
The quality of materials also matters. Range hoods, which are made from high quality materials, last longer. However, such range hoods are more expensive.
The size of a range hood affects its cost. It’s worth noting that range hoods of a larger size are more expensive.
Don’t forget that a range hood needs to be installed. So, you must be prepared to pay for installation. The installation costs have to be added to the budget.
What is the Right Range Hood for You?
Range hoods are available in a large selection these days. As you can see, there are many important factors that homeowners have to take into account when buying a range hood.
Selecting a range hood is a very responsible task. So, homeowners always have to take it seriously and try to make the best possible choice.
Generally speaking, you need to pick a range hood that will look great in your kitchen and serve you successfully for a long time. Explore all your options carefully before making a decision.
Choosing a range hood is not always easy. If you find it difficult to make a choice, then ask a professional to help you find the right range hood for you. A specialist will analyze your needs carefully and advise you upon an appropriate solution.
