Types of Range Hoods

Undercabinet Hoods
- Mounted under cabinets above the cooktop.
- Ideal for kitchens with ductwork in walls, soffits, or ceilings.
- Some models have a sliding hood for better steam capture.

Wall-Mounted Chimney Hoods
- Mounted without overhead cabinets; vent gases outside.
- Exposed vent stacks add a bold design element.

Island Hoods
- Ceiling-mounted for kitchen islands.
- Wider than the cooktop for effective smoke capture due to lack of walls/cabinets.

Downdraft Hoods
- Pulls fumes downward and vents through ducts under the floor.
- Less effective than traditional hoods; suited for islands with no ceiling ductwork.

Ductless Hoods
- Filters and recirculates air back into the room.
- Includes grease and carbon filters but doesn't vent contaminants outside.
- Not recommended for effective smoke removal.

Key Features to Consider

Airflow (CFM)
- High airflow doesn’t always equal better performance; prioritize design and efficiency.

Exhaust Timer
- Automatically shuts off the fan after a set period.

Filters
- Types: Stainless steel baffle, aluminum mesh, charcoal.
- Clean/replace every 1-3 months for efficiency.

Fan Speeds
- Recommended: At least two (high for cooking, low for post-cooking ventilation).
- Variable speed settings are helpful but not essential beyond three speeds.

Size
- Hood width should match or exceed the cooktop width (island hoods should be wider).

Style and Material
- Available in stainless steel, copper, tempered glass, wood, zinc, and bronze.

Thermostat Control
- Turns on the fan when temperatures rise, but avoid this feature as it can exacerbate grease fires.

Popular Brands

Broan-NuTone
- Wide range of configurations; available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears.

GE (Profile & Monogram)
- Covers all configurations and price points; sold at major retailers.

Vent-A-Hood
- High-end, specialty hoods (wall-mounted, undercabinet, island styles).

Viking
- Luxury models (30-60 inches); found at Best Buy and specialty retailers.

Whirlpool
- Affordable to midrange undercabinet and wall-chimney options.

Wolf
- High-end models, sold at specialty retailers.

Zephyr
- Diverse options; sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

Pro Tips for Buying a Range Hood

• Match hood type to your kitchen layout and cooking habits.
• Look for efficient smoke and steam removal, not just high airflow.
• Prioritize ease of cleaning and filter maintenance.
• Consider noise levels and additional features like timers and variable speeds.

A good range hood not only enhances kitchen ventilation but also adds a stylish touch to your space!

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