6 Types of Range Hoods

If you’re in the process of completing a kitchen remodel or simply updating some old appliances, one thing you may need to start shopping for is a vent hood. Range hoods come in a variety of different strengths, materials, types and designs. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, the variety of cabinets above your countertops, your brand of oven and stove combination and your personal tastes, you may need to find out a little bit more about vent hoods in order to select one you will be happy with.

Additionally, you must keep in mind the primary purpose of a range hood, which is, of course, to control the smoke, smells and temperature changes that are associated with cooking at the stove. You must also decide how your hood may be vented in order to disperse all unwanted vapors from the stove and protect the beauty and structure of your kitchen cabinets as well as protect the lung health of your and your family.

1. Under-Cabinet Range Hoods

One of the more common and compact options for range ventilation is the under-cabinet hood. This sort of range hood is mounted underneath of the cabinets that are positioned directly above your stove. The design of the required venting system is simple for the most part and versatile enough to be able to go with any kitchen style.

In order to provide ventilation, the duct work for the hood is either placed behind the hood out of an exterior wall or up through the cabinet above the hood. This can take away any storage you may want to utilize in your cabinet, but for the most part this type of hood does end up saving a little bit of wall space.

2. Wall-Mounted Range Hoods

Another range hood that helps preserve space in your kitchen is a wall-mounted hood. This choice in range hoods is attached to the wall above your range. In many new kitchen designs, instead of having a cabinet in the space over the stove, the hood is typically installed. For installations with existing cabinetry, one cabinet piece may need to be removed in order to make way for the hood. These hoods sometimes come with a chimney that helps with the ventilation, and they typically vent out through the an exterior wall behind them.

Unlike under-cabinet hoods, a wall-mounted hood can serve as a design element in your kitchen, adding a distinctive look to your cook space depending on the product style you choose. For this reason, you may end up paying a little bit more for this piece, as it adds so much more than just function to your cooking space.

3. Island or Ceiling Mounted Range Hoods

Kitchens that have a range located on an island or not against a wall may need to be paired with an island or ceiling mounted hood. For larger, professional style cooktops, a ceiling mounted hood can handle the extra output that may come along with additional cooking burners and tools.

Like a wall-mounted hood, this type of venting device can add a unique look to your space. Some designs come in a selection of modern materials such as copper, glass or even ceramic–all beautiful options for different kitchen design themes. In order to keep the sight line through the kitchen from being blocked by the range hood, some contractors may choose to install this variety of hood a bit higher than other types. To keep up with the demands of your stove’s exhaust, you may need to purchase a larger capacity island range hood.

4. Wall Ventilation Fans

Some homeowners opt to install a wall ventilation fan in their kitchen instead of a range hood. While a fan system can be helpful in situations where the ventilation is poor, it may not work as well when odors or fumes need to be cleared out quickly from your kitchen. Only a powerful range hood can handle keeping your kitchen free from noxious smoke and smells that may come from cooking with various powerful ingredients.

Keep in mind that if you skip the step of teaming up your stove with the right size and style of exhaust hood, you may find small bits of grease building up along the walls of your kitchen. This doesn’t just create a messy look, but it can also increase the chances of a dangerous grease fire spreading throughout your kitchen.

5. Downdraft Ventilation Hoods

A less common ventilation system is called a downdraft ventilation hood. This type of exhaust product is kept inside of the cook space hidden away until it’s time to use it. Once you need to run the fan, it pops up along the back of your range. This can be a great solution for kitchens where space is limited. It can also work for stoves that are part of a kitchen island or against the wall. The design for these kinds of ventilation products is unobtrusive and can complement any type of look in your home.

6. Ventilator Power Pack Hoods

If you don’t care for the look of some of the more common range hoods, such as the wall-mounted or ceiling variety, you may want to go with the more seamless style of the ventilator power pack. This variety of kitchen exhaust system can be easily added to existing cabinetry without using up all available storage space. You won’t need to remove any cabinets or adjust the look of your kitchen with a power pack choice because it is small and continuous within the parts already installed in your kitchen. If you decide to use a power pack, you need to work with your contractor to have one custom fit into your current kitchen setup.

Takeaways

When you begin the process of upgrading your range top for your kitchen, you also need to think about choosing a new range hood. A system that keeps the air in your cooking space free from lingering odors, smoke and other bothersome cooking remnants can help maintain a comfortable and healthy atmosphere throughout the rest of your home. With the amount of options of vent hood styles currently available and almost no limitation on the placement or style of hood, there is truly something that can satisfy everyone’s tastes. This small change in your home can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen as well as the functionality of your cook space.