Install the appA range hood removes steam, grease and smells while you cook, keeps walls and cabinets clean and stops odours spreading through the home. The right model runs fairly quietly and suits even a kitchen that opens onto the living room.
How to choose a range hood
- Installation type. A wall-mounted hood is the most common, an island hood hangs over a cooktop in the middle of the kitchen, and a built-in hood hides inside an upper cabinet.
- Width. The hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop: a 60 cm hood for a 60 cm cooktop, a 90 cm hood for a 90 cm one. Find matching models in stove tops.
- Extraction power. Measured in cubic metres per hour. The bigger the kitchen and the more you cook, the more you need.
- Ducted or recirculating. A duct takes the air out of the home and is the most effective mode. Where a duct is impossible, the hood recirculates through a carbon filter and returns clean air to the kitchen.
- Noise. Measured in decibels. Check the figure at top speed, especially for an open kitchen.
- Filters and lighting. A washable grease filter saves on upkeep, and LED lights brighten the cooktop at low power use.
FAQ
How high should a range hood be installed?
It depends on the model and the type of cooktop, and the manufacturer's manual gives the figure. A gas cooktop usually needs more clearance than an electric one.
Can I install a hood without ducting to the outside?
Yes, if the model supports recirculation. You will need a carbon filter, replaced from time to time as the manual says.
How often should I clean the filter?
Wash a reusable grease filter about once a month, depending on how much you cook. Many filters are dishwasher safe.
