It's really important to have a good kitchen hood that can get rid of smells, steam, and smoke, while pushing the air outside. This keeps your kitchen and the whole house smelling nice, without all those cooking smells, grease, and dampness building up. If you're redoing your kitchen, it's a great time to think about getting a better hood for better air.
6 Things to Consider When choosing a range hood for your kitchen
When picking a range hood for your kitchen, consider these 6 important factors. A good range hood does more than just remove smoke; it's also crucial for:
1. Removes Moisture
The increased humidity in the air can lead to mold and mildew. From boil water to cooking pancakes on the grilled, moisture and condensation can be a significant source of mold and mildew in the kitchen. A good fan will pull the moisture from the air, even one that is vented to the inside.
2. Eliminates Heat
Expelling the hot air from the stove or cooktop can help reduce your air conditioning bill during the hot months. No matter whether you're cooking over a gas or electric stove, heat can build up quickly. If you cook frequently, you will raise your airbill considerably in the summer months.
3. Traps Grease
Reduces the amount of airborne grease in your kitchen to prevent it from collecting on your cabinets and countertop. If you've ever cleaned a removable filter from a vent hood, you know the grease it catches can build up and be difficult to remove. Be sure to choose a vent hood with a removable filter or a disposable filter.
To prevent grease and food particles from building up, it's best to change or wash your filter every month.
ProTip Takeaway: A good-quality fan will remove moisture and heat from the air to avoid condensation from forming.
4. Improves Indoor Air Quality
Exhausts formaldehyde and other harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your home. This is only true with a vented range hood. These are vented to the outside, so all the air pulled in is blown out.
Non-vented range hoods will pull moisture and trap grease but will only recycle air back into the kitchen.
If you cook weekly or daily, you'll want to get a vented range hood. It is the only way to keep cooking odors from building up over time. Even if you must do a little extra remodel to make way for the ductwork, it will be well worth the money and effort.
5. Operates Quietly
This is a biggie when choosing the best kitchen hood. Make sure the fan is quiet enough, or it will feel as if you have the sound of the jet engine in your kitchen. The "sones" level is the measurement of sound decibels output. So, getting a range hood with a lower sones rating is ideal. To ensure you have control over your fan, select a kitchen hood that has a multiple fan speed mechanism.
6. Aesthetically Pleasing
Don't let the appearance of the range hood be the last check item on your list. The overall look, style, and finish of your range hood is critical in the enjoyment of the unit over time. Choose a metal or finish that melds with the stove or go for a total contrast with a copper range hood set over a stainless-steel cooktop.
ProTip Takeaway: A kitchen hood that is vented to the outside is the best choice for those who cook frequently.
Start Your Project Today
Are you still looking for inspiration for purchasing or having the right kitchen hood installed during your kitchen remodel? With our complimentary design services, we can help you grow your vision or help by providing excellent design options for you to choose from. Contact us for a free kitchen remodeling consultation today.