How to choose a hood for the kitchen by type, power, reviews and cost

The absence of a hood in the kitchen leads to the accumulation of soot and dust on all surfaces during cooking. As a result, the appearance of the finish deteriorates and repairs are required. To avoid frequent cosmetic repairs, an exhaust device must be installed above the stove, which will purify the air. Today, a huge number of models are presented in home appliance stores. Before choosing a hood for the kitchen, you need to familiarize yourself with some recommendations that will allow you to make the right choice.

How the cooker hood works

The action of this device is directed to forced air ventilation. During operation, not only combustion products are removed, but all kinds of vapors and odors. The design of any type assumes the presence of special type filters that capture soot and odor. The hoods are equipped with a special fan system to circulate air. The device is controlled using a special panel. Depending on the model, this dashboard can be mechanical or electronic.

Kitchen hoods can be of several types, depending on the method of air purification:

• recirculation hoods are designed for air purification. They do not have access to the street, the air purified by the filter enters the room again;
• flowing ones cope better with air purification. This system is characterized by the fact that the air is removed through external ventilation to the street.

Before choosing a hood, it is better to weigh the pros and cons. Assess the ability to install each option. Before buying, you can read customer reviews, which can be found on different sites.

The main types of hoods

The air purifier is installed directly above the stove. There are all kinds of options for these devices:

• built-in;
• domed;
• hinged;
• flat.

Each species has similarities in functionality, but a completely different look and feel. Dome options can be used if the kitchen is large enough. In country houses, the stove can be located in the center of the room, in which case it is better to use a hood for a dome-type kitchen. It will look more attractive. Kitchens in apartments have a small area, so it is better to use built-in options. If desired, the device can be completely hidden under the kitchen furniture.

What is important to pay attention to when choosing

The hood for the kitchen, in addition to its appearance, must fully cope with the task of cleaning the air. It is better to first evaluate the qualities of several models and only then make the final decision.

Air filtration system

The recirculation hood for the kitchen is equipped with two filters. One of them is designed for direct air purification, the second for trapping grease and soot particles. The filter that retains fat is a replaceable cartridge. It is a disposable type, therefore, as it gets dirty, it must be replaced with a new one.Such filters can also be reusable. In this case, they are made of either aluminum or steel. In order for the hood to work better, they must be regularly cleaned from dirt.

To neutralize the unpleasant odor, the cooker hood can be additionally equipped with a special charcoal filter. When choosing dome or flat devices, it is better to give preference to options with two filters and normal power.

Exterior of the exhaust device

An equally important criterion when choosing a device is its appearance. The variety of models on the modern market is simply impressive:

• suspended type of hoods are easy to install and relatively low cost. This is the best budget option that has earned positive reviews from many buyers;
• domed models are somewhat reminiscent of an umbrella that is located above the slab. They can be used over an electric or over a gas stove. They can operate in recirculation and flow mode;
• to save space, it is better to use built-in models that are hidden behind a kitchen set;
• if the stove is not located near the wall, the hood is used as an island type. Such models are designed only for flow-through operation;
• pull-out models take up relatively little space, so it is more advisable to install them in very small kitchens.

A correctly chosen design will not only perform the basic functions, but also decorate the interior of the kitchen as a whole.

Fan system and their power

The hood for the kitchen can be equipped with one or two fans. The power of the device directly depends on the operation of the fans. The performance of the product depends on this parameter. To date, hoods are produced with a performance indicator from 180 to 700 cubic meters per hour. The fan speed can be switched as needed. Most often, the device can operate at 4 speeds.

Models with high performance can be quite noisy, which is a kind of disadvantage. The choice of power is also influenced by the area of ​​the room in which it will be installed. For a small kitchen, you can use weaker models.

Which control panel is better

Management is carried out using the dashboard. Different manufacturers place it in different places on the outside of the panel. The main varieties of the control panel:

• touch control is very convenient to use. With one touch, you can start or stop the device;
• the slider type is characterized by the presence of a special slider, when you move it, you switch between modes;
• the keypad is considered a classic option and is very easy to operate.

For convenience, some hoods can be additionally equipped with a switch-off timer. More expensive models are equipped with sensors with an audible signal that monitors humidity and speed. If the air is sufficiently dirty, the hood switches on automatically. These add-ons have earned positive reviews from buyers.

Overall dimensions of the hood

To choose the right built-in or hinged hood for the kitchen, you must first take measurements of the free space.

The main rule for choosing the hood should not be less than the hob.

The stoves in the kitchen can be of different widths, today models from 60 to 90 cm are presented. A gas or electric stove should be slightly covered with an extractor hood. This ensures complete capture of contaminated air and its purification or removal to the outside.

According to the established norms and standards, the hood should be located from the surface of the stove at a height of 75 cm.When using an electric stove, the height can be reduced to 65 cm.It is important to install correctly, otherwise hazardous fire situations may arise.

Pay attention to light sources

For normal and comfortable cooking, the hoods are equipped with light sources. Regular small incandescent bulbs or halogen versions can be used depending on the model. When buying, it is important to pay special attention to this point. The main thing is to have access to the replacement of lighting fixtures.

Connecting communications

For normal functioning of the ventilation system, it is necessary to carry out the installation work correctly. High power allows you to clean the air in the room in a short time. If the hood is connected to external ventilation, it must be connected to it. It is important to control the number of knees and minimize them if possible.

Each bend in the ventilation path reduces the extraction performance by 5%

For the duct, it is worth choosing pipes of a sufficiently large diameter with smooth inner walls, this will allow the hood to operate at full capacity. Choosing corrugated pipes is not recommended as the uneven surface makes it difficult for air to pass through.

The cost of kitchen hoods

A good range hood does not have to be expensive. The cost is calculated taking into account the performance of the model, while the quality of the product will be of the highest level.

• cheap hoods are most often made of plastic. Some details can be made of metal. The control panel is push-button or slider. The speed limit does not exceed three positions. Product capacity does not exceed 450 cubic meters per hour;
• the middle price range includes hoods made of aluminum, stainless steel and tempered glass. The panel in such models can be touch-sensitive. This group includes models with a capacity of up to 650 cubic meters per hour;
• the most expensive models of hoods can be made from different materials. Some models can be finished with precious woods. Most often they are equipped with touch control panels. Additionally, control can be performed using the remote control. On such models of hoods, additional sensors are installed that monitor the level of humidity and air pollution. The productivity of such models in some cases can reach 1600 cubic meters per hour.

The choice of hoods for the kitchen depends on the financial capabilities and the required power. Before buying, it is worth examining the characteristics of several different models in order to ultimately make the right choice. Additionally, you can find reviews for a specific model that will help you evaluate the device. During installation, you must strictly follow the instructions and not violate the technology. Correct operation and timely replacement of filters will allow the hood to operate for a long time.