The cooker hood is a vital kitchen appliance crucial to maintaining a clean and healthy kitchen. Also known as a range hood or exhaust hood, it is a ventilation device mounted above the cooktop or range to eliminate smoke, steam, and unpleasant odors from the kitchen. Doing so helps promote healthy air quality by removing harmful pollutants and gases and preventing grease and moisture accumulation on kitchen surfaces, reducing the risk of fire and water damage. However, choosing the fitting kitchen hood can be daunting due to the variety of types and models available in the market. This article will guide you in selecting the perfect cooker hood that suits your kitchen needs.
The Size of Your Kitchen
When selecting a cooker hood, the size of your kitchen should be your foremost consideration. The hood must be appropriately sized to cover your cooktop or range without being excessively large and dominating the space. A 60cm wide slimline hood should suffice for smaller kitchens, while larger or commercial kitchens will require a hood that is at least 90cm wide. If space is limited inside your kitchen, the hood's tubing can be installed outside the kitchen. Opt for exhaust hood models with a reliable ventilation system, which effectively filters out odors and smoke using a carbon sheet before recirculating the air back into the kitchen.
Extraction Rate
The extraction rate of a cooker hood refers to the amount of air it can move in a given period. It is measured in cubic meters per hour (m3/h). To determine the extraction rate you need, you should consider the size of your kitchen, the type of cooking you do, and the frequency of your cooking. A general rule of thumb is that the hood should have an extraction rate of at least ten times the volume of your kitchen.
Choose the Right Type of Hood
The specifications and characteristics of the cooker hood depend on the prepared food type. For example, if you often cook fried foods, such as fried fish, an exhaust hood with high absorption capacity is preferable over one with a light fan. It is essential to plan and choose the right cooker hood before the installation of the cooker hood is crucial. Depending on the model, the cooker hood can be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or under the kitchen floor. There are several types of cooker hoods available on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. The most common types of hoods include:
Chimney Hoods: These hoods are attached to the wall above the cooktop and have a chimney-like structure that extends to the ceiling. They are perfect for larger kitchens and provide excellent ventilation.
Island Hoods: These hoods are designed to be installed above an island cooktop, which is located in the center of the kitchen. They are perfect for open-plan kitchens and provide excellent ventilation.
Integrated Hoods: These hoods are built into a cabinet above the cooktop, making them discreet and perfect for smaller kitchens.
Downdraft Hoods: These hoods are integrated with the cooktop and are perfect for kitchen islands or when there is no room for a traditional hood. They work by drawing the air downwards and out through the cooktop.
Noise Level
Cooker hoods can be noisy, especially when working at their highest extraction rate. Therefore, it is essential to consider the noise level when choosing a hood. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB); the lower the dB rating, the quieter the hood. A hood with a noise level of 60dB or lower is considered soft, while a hood with a 70dB or higher noise level is considered loud.
Design and Style
When selecting a hood for your kitchen, paying attention to its design and style is critical to ensure that it matches your kitchen's decor. Exhaust hoods come in various formats, including modern, sleek, traditional, and industrial. You should also consider the materials used in the kitchen hood's construction, such as stainless steel, glass, or wood.
It is crucial to note that the exhaust hood's tube's design significantly impacts its ability to absorb smoke and odors, as well as the level of noise it produces when in use. The tube and installation accessories are typically not included with the kitchen hood, so you should budget for these additional costs. They can be purchased from a general construction material store or hire an expert installer to take care of them.
In Summary
When selecting a cooker hood, it is essential to consider factors such as the size of your kitchen, extraction rate, noise level, type of hood, and design and style. An ideal cooker hood should have a high absorption capacity, operate quietly, and be appropriately sized for your stove and kitchen. Considering these factors, you can select the perfect cooker hood to suit your kitchen needs.