Range Hood Selection: How to Choose the Right One for Your Kitchen

For many remodeled kitchens, the range hood is the focal point of the room. Range hoods are both functional and stylish, so understanding the available options is important for creating your dream kitchen that looks and works the way you need. 

Why Do You Need a Range Hood?

A range hood is an essential appliance for your kitchen for several reasons, and makes cooking more pleasant and safer. 

Ventilation & Air Quality

The main function of the range hood is to provide ventilation, improve air quality, and keep your kitchen safe. It helps remove smoke, steam, heat, and odors during cooking, improving air quality and preventing unpleasant smells from lingering in your kitchen and home.

Additionally, grease and oil can become airborne as you cook. A range hood captures these particles, preventing greasy buildup on cabinets, walls, and other surfaces. 

Safety

By removing pollutants and excess moisture from the air, a range hood can help maintain a healthier indoor environment. They reduce the risk of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or other combustion byproducts accumulating in your kitchen. 

Types of Range Hoods

Range hoods come in several types, each suited to different kitchen layouts and needs. Each type has its own set of benefits and considerations, so the best choice depends on your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and aesthetic preferences.

Ducted or Ductless

Ducted and ductless range hoods serve the same primary function – ventilating and cleaning the air in your kitchen – but they operate differently and have different characteristics. 

Ducted range hoods expel air outside through a duct system. They capture smoke, steam, and odors from the cooking area and vent them outside the home. They require a duct to be installed that runs from the hood to an exterior wall or roof.

Generally speaking, they are more effective at removing heat, smoke, and odors than ductless hoods. They use metal or mesh filters that need to be cleaned regularly but don’t require frequent changing since the air is vented outside. 

However, because of the need for ductwork, their installation can be more complex and expensive, and they are limited to locations where ducting can be routed to an exterior wall or roof. 

Ductless range hoods recirculate air back into the kitchen after filtering it through charcoal or carbon filters. They clean the air, but do not expel it outside. While they help with odors and smoke, ductless range hoods may be less effective in improving overall air quality than their counterparts.

They also require regular replacement of their filters to maintain effectiveness, and grease filters need periodic cleaning. However, they are easier and less expensive to install as there’s no need for ductwork, and they provide flexibility as they can be installed in a variety of locations.

Mounting Styles

Range hoods come in several mounting styles, each designed to fit different kitchen layouts and aesthetic preferences. 

• Under-cabinet range hoods are mounted directly underneath a kitchen cabinet above the cooktop. They are cost-effective and work well in kitchens where space above the cooktop is limited. However, they may be less powerful than other types and can limit cabinet space above the cooktop.
• Wall-mounted range hoods are attached to the wall above the cooktop and often extend out with a chimney or duct that goes up to the ceiling. They provide powerful ventilation and can be more effective for larger kitchens.
• Island range hoods are suspended from the ceiling above a cooking island where the cooktop is in the middle of the kitchen. They require a ceiling-mounted duct system, which can be more complex to install.
• Downdraft range hoods are integrated into the cooktop or installed on the countertop. They pull air downward rather than upward, are hidden within the countertop, and pop up when needed for ventilation. Compared to traditional hoods, downdraft range hoods are generally less effective at removing heat and smoke and can be more complicated to install and maintain.

Which Range Hood is Right for My Kitchen?

Choosing the right range hood for your kitchen involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your ventilation needs, fits your kitchen layout, and complements your design preferences. 

Assess Your Kitchen Layout and Cooking Habits

First, consider how often you cook and the type of cooking you do. For example, if you cook frequently or with high heat, you might consider a heavy-duty or professional-grade range hood.

Your kitchen layout will also determine the mounting style and ventilation type you need. For example, if you have a cooktop on an island, a ceiling-mounted hood is best, while if you have limited space or a tighter budget, an under-cabinet hood is the better choice..

Calculate the Correct Size and Power

When it comes to size, you should understand CFM rating. The CFM rating measures the cubic feet per minute of airflow, with a higher CFM rating indicating greater power. Generally, low to moderate cooking requires 300 to 400 CFM, while 400 to 600 CFM is recommended for frequent cooking or high heat. You should also take into account the noise level of the hood. 

Choose the Right Features

Lighting, controls, and filters are all additional features of range hoods. 

• Integrated lights can help illuminate your cooking area, and you can choose between LED, halogen, or incandescent options. 
• Decide which type of controls you’d like, such as touchpads, sliders, or remote controls. 
• Filters are another consideration. Some, like metal mesh filters, are durable and washable, while others, like charcoal filters for ductless models, need regular replacement.

Consider Design and Aesthetics Style

Choose a finish (stainless steel, black, white, etc.) and style (modern, classic, professional) that complements your kitchen decor. Working with a professional kitchen remodeler, like GJK Remodeling, helps ensure the range hood integrates with your cabinetry, overall kitchen design, and not a single detail is missed!

Need Help with a Kitchen Remodel? Turn to GJK Remodeling

When choosing the perfect range hood for your kitchen remodel, trust the experts at GJK Remodeling to guide you through every step of the process. Our experienced team understands the nuances of kitchen design and will make sure you select a range hood that not only fits your cooking needs but also complements your kitchen’s style.

From evaluating the best mounting style and ventilation type to recommending high-quality brands that suit your budget, we offer personalized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Don’t leave this crucial decision to chance. Contact GJK Remodeling today, and let us help you create a Life Remodeled.