How to choose the best one for your kitchen
Cooker hoods play a crucial role in any kitchen, helping to keep the environment clean and fresh while cooking. Especially if the kitchen is open to the living room and dining room.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key things to consider when choosing the perfect range hood for your home.
1. Types of fume hoods:
a. Wall-mounted hoods, which can be integrated into a kitchen cabinet or visible, called decorative hoods.
b. Decorative hoods are those that you see them and can have a common inverted “T” shape or have a special finish to suit the design of your kitchen: rustic, traditional, modern…
c. Integrated hoods are those that are inside a kitchen cabinet and are not visible.
d. Island hoods, they can be flush with the false ceiling and hardly be seen, as well as being installed in a decorative way and be part of the design of your kitchen.
e. Surface hood, they are part of the cooktop, they are flush with the cooktop and some models rise telescopically.
2. Extraction power:
Depending on the way you cook, the utensils you normally use, among other factors, determines whether you need a hood that covers a larger surface or not. As well as the power of the same. It is very important that this goes according to the installation of the same.
Whether the height at which it is installed, the width of the tube and other details such as whether the kitchen is open to more areas of the house or not.
3. Design and style:
An easy way to integrate the hood with the design and style of your kitchen, is that it is integrated into the kitchen cabinet, but often this solution or is not adequate, or is not what the customer wants for your kitchen.
Therefore, once detected the power and measures required by the customer, according to their way of cooking, you have to see if it fits with your design a more daring decorative hood or with a different finish in line with other elements of your kitchen. There are also extractor hoods flush with the cooktop that, if they fit with the customer’s way of cooking, are totally unnoticed and are very effective.
4. Noise levels:
We will consider the noise emission and how to find a balance between performance and quietness in your kitchen.
The noise of the extractor hood is in accordance with the model we choose and with the type of installation and route of the tube we have, since, if the route of the output to the outside of the hood has many elbows, this increases the chances of having a higher degree of noise inside the house.
5. Additional functions:
Normally the extractor hoods come with a type of LED lighting, sometimes it is not the same as the one we have chosen for the other points of the house. There are hood models with dimmer from cooler to warmer tones, as well as in light intensity.
There are also extraction systems that have remote control to control the hood without touching the button panel, as well as touch controls that are coordinated with the hob that we have installed.
We have to take into account the filtration systems, some are very simple and others are very advanced that purify the air and renew it.
6. Maintenance and cleaning:
We will provide practical tips on how to keep your cooker hood in optimum condition and prolong its life.
Grease filters:
- Regular cleaning: Grease filters trap grease and other debris. Clean them regularly, at least once a month, or more often if you cook frequently. You can wash them by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the type of filter. It is always best to avoid abrasive products.
Activated carbon filters (if applicable):
- Periodic Replacement: If your hood has activated carbon filters, replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, generally every 3 to 6 months. This ensures efficient air filtration. This replacement or regeneration, always according to the characteristics recommended by the manufacturer and the use of the hood.
External surfaces:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the outer surfaces of the hood with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may damage the surface.
Fan and motor:
- Shutdown Before Cleaning: Turn off the range hood before cleaning.
- Dust Vacuuming: Vacuum or wipe dust from the fan blades and motor area to prevent buildup.
Exhaust duct:
- Regular Inspection: Check the exhaust duct to make sure it is not clogged. Clean or replace the duct if necessary.
Lighting:
- Turn Off Before Cleaning: Be sure to turn the hood off and unplug it before cleaning the lights.
- Bulb Replacement: If the bulbs are burned out, replace them with compatible models.
Odor control:
- Ventilation duct cleaning: If your hood is equipped with a recirculation system, clean the ventilation duct to eliminate trapped odors.
Mobile parts overhaul:
- Regular inspection: Check and ensure that moving parts, such as switches and buttons, are in good working order.
Professional maintenance:
- Service: Consider scheduling annual professional maintenance for a more detailed review and to address any potential problems before they escalate.
Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s specific recommendations in your range hood’s owner’s manual. Proper maintenance not only ensures efficient performance, but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier cooking environment.
In short, choosing the right range hood is essential to ensure a clean and pleasant cooking environment. We hope this guide will help you make informed decisions and find the perfect hood for your home.
Additional Resources:
Some recommended brands are:
Proper installation of a fume hood is crucial to ensure its efficiency and durability. Here is detailed information on installation, including pipe routing, use of elbows and exterior protection:
Pipe Routing:
-Direct Route:
• A pipe run as direct as possible from the hood to the outside is recommended to maximize extraction efficiency.
• Avoid long and winding routes, as they may reduce the extraction power.
-Tube Length:
• Limit the length of the exhaust pipe according to the hood manufacturer’s recommendations.
• If the hood is away from an outside wall, you may need a more powerful exhaust fan or shorter pipe to maintain optimum performance.
Use of Elbows:
-Codos Suaves:
• When it is necessary to use elbows, opt for soft elbows rather than sharp elbows, as these allow for more efficient air flow.
• Limit the number of elbows to avoid air flow restriction.
• There are brands that manufacture elbows that facilitate air circulation.
Exterior Protection Grille:
-Protección contra Animales e Insectos:
• Install a grate at the end of the exhaust duct to prevent animals and insects from entering.
• Make sure that the grille does not obstruct the air flow.
-Grid Material:
• It uses a high quality grid made of durable, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term effectiveness.
• It is recommended that they are not made of ceramic as they produce sound reverberations.
• They are recommended of slats and of the same width of the tube.
-Regular Maintenance:
• Inspect and clean the grate periodically to ensure that it is not obstructed by debris, leaves or other items.
Additional Tips:
-Proper sealing:
• Be sure to properly seal all duct connections to prevent air leaks.
Use duct sealing tape or silicone sealant as needed.
-Tubing Selection:
• Use high quality, heat resistant exhaust pipe.
• Avoid the use of adjustable elbows in the horizontal duct, as they may reduce performance.
Always remember to follow the specific recommendations of the cooker hood manufacturer and, if you are unsure, consider hiring a professional for installation – proper installation will ensure optimum performance of your cooker hood!