Range hoods are necessary additions to any kitchen. Having a range hood allows your kitchen to breathe; it removes smoke, steam, and odor. You may not realize when it’s happening, but every time you cook, all of these scent and oil fumes are released into the air, and air rising above the stovetop where it accumulates. Removing all that excess heat keeps your air healthy and allows your home temperature to remain regulated.
But not only are range hoods functional, but they can also be fashionable, too. It adds a stylish flair and can help improve the value perception of your home. But there are plenty of range hoods to choose from, and making the best decision can be a bit overwhelming. Understanding the different types of range hoods can help steer you in the right direction. Here’s what you need to know:
Under Cabinet Hoods
Under cabinet hoods are arguably the most popular type of range hood. Just as it sounds, this range hood is mounted beneath the cabinet that sits directly above your stove. The design is simple, functional, and straight-forward. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to fit in all types of kitchen layouts in an endless variety of design options.
The ductwork here typically sits behind the adjoining wall and releases fumes and exhaust smoke to the outside. Some under cabinet hoods come equipped with shallow hood slides that come out of the upper kitchen cabinet when necessary.
This option does take up a bit more of your cabinet space, but it does save some wall space compared to other options.
Island Hoods
Island hoods are straightforward. These range hood options are mounted above your island countertop, and are a great way to support professional cook tops because they can handle the additional output that comes along with more burners.
Ductwork is vented through the ceiling. These hoods are therefore wider than the cooking surface because they lack cabinets and a wall to help funnel those fumes.
Because island hood ranges create such a focal point in your kitchen, this is a great opportunity to leverage your design. It creates a unique look and comes in countless classic designs that work well with any kitchen style. With so many selections and materials, island range hoods align with many themes. However, as previously mentioned, you may need a larger capacity hood to support the demands of an island stove top.
Ductless Hoods
Ductless hoods work with under cabinet, island, and wall stovetops. This installation keeps smoke, fumes, and odors away from the range but they remain in the kitchen. Instead, they contain filters that trap grease and oil above the stovetop (and in some hoods, there’s an optional filter that can help trap odors as well).
Because they aren’t bound to duct work, they offer more flexibility and don’t have such a complicated installation process. The downside of ductless hoods is that they aren’t foolproof, and while it does trap oils, fumes and other cooking debris are dispersed around the kitchen and the rest of the house.
This recirculation process isn’t for everyone, and you should consider your air quality needs and the duct setup of your home.
Downdraft Hoods
Downdraft hoods are integrated directly into the stovetop and sit behind the burners. Downdraft hoods reverse the direction of fumes and rising smoke and release them through ducts that run underneath the floor.
This ventilation system isn’t very popular, but there are pros and cons to this type of range hood. On the one hand, they are nearly as versatile as ductless hoods, which means there is more flexibility in terms of where it can be installed in the kitchen. They’re tucked away and offer a seamless design.
However, they aren’t as effective at removing steam and smoke—particularly if you’re using taller pots and pans. If you don’t cook as often or make simple meals and prefer additional cabinet spaces, downdraft hoods might be for you.
However, if you enjoy the versatility of cooking how and what you’d like, and enjoy the aesthetic it brings to the table, traditional ventilation hoods might be the better option.
Wall-Chimney Hoods
Wall chimney hoods have no cabinets over the stovetop and have exposed vent stacks that vent outside. Chimney hoods come equipped with a canopy above the range and in internal fan There are also island chimney hoods, which mount and vent through the ceiling’s ductwork.
These are often the biggest focal point of the kitchen and might be ideal for people with higher ceilings who need custom range hoods.
Power pack Hoods
Power pack hoods are ventilation systems that can be added to existing cabinetry, therefore it doesn’t compromise storage space.
Because it’s of the smaller variety and already utilizes existing areas of the kitchen, it might work best for smaller homes and apartments. These recirculating range hoods might be ideal for property owners when ducting to the exterior of the home isn’t possible.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the perfect range hood for your kitchen, there are plenty of options and even more styles to choose from. A great range keeps your kitchen safe from cooking remnants and can really bring a space together.
Search Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration if you’re struggling to come up with ideas, and get in touch with a local contractor to execute your plan.
