Tips on how to choose a hood for the kitchen + professional advice and owner reviews

Installing a hood in the kitchen is a necessity even if the ventilation system in the home is working.

In the absence of an exhaust device during cooking, aromas from the kitchen will inevitably penetrate into the living rooms.

To avoid this, it is worth paying special attention to the choice of hoods. And our article will help you with this.

Also here are the best models with descriptions, pluses and minuses.

Types of cooker hoods by operating mode

Circulating

This type can be used to equip units built-in or mounted. Such devices purify indoor air by absorbing vapors and purifying through a filtration system.

Inside it looks like this:

• the first filter precipitates heavier particles of soot, fat and burning;
• coal produces air purification and absorbs odors.

Benefits:

• easy to install;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages:

• the need to replace filters;
• the room will often have to be aired.

Flowing

This type of hood is considered standard. It is equipped with a special mechanism. venting exhaust air into the ventilation channel or directly to the street.

Such an exhaust system is mainly used in dome type models.

Benefits:

• high level of performance;
• air purification quality.

Minuses:

• in case of errors in the installation of the duct there is a risk of disrupting the natural ventilation mechanism.

Combined

Combined type hoods combine two operating modes, you can freely switch from the exhaust to the recirculation mechanism and vice versa.

Thus, the operation of the hood will be effective in any kitchen. In addition, this technique is mobile, which is especially convenient when moving frequently to a new place of residence.

Pros:

• high efficiency;
• the ability to select the optimal mode of operation.

Minuses:

• high price.

Types of hoods for the kitchen according to the installation method

By the method of installation, all hoods can be divided into the following options:

Recessed

These varieties have gained special popularity among customers who want to arrange the entire kitchen space in a single style. An exhaust hood is installed inside the cabinet located above the cooking area.

Pros:

• there are inexpensive models;
• various configuration options;
• quiet work.

However, choosing a built-in model, it is worth considering its disadvantages:

• You will need a separate place in the headset of the kitchen;
• costs more than a hanging option.

Hanging

These units are the most common and inexpensive. Installed directly above the stove.

The mechanism assumes the presence of a special motor, which sucks steam, a fan and replaceable cartridges through a filter. Like any replacement part, they must be changed as they become dirty.

The hood is compact, fits into the interior of even the smallest kitchen. In order to optimize the space, it can be installed under the wall cabinet. In technology there is speed adjustment and backlight.

Pros:

• small-sized;
• easy to install;
• affordable.

Minuses:

• often not equipped with an air duct, and built-in filters require periodic replacement;
• have little power;
• noisy;
• Only suitable for small rooms.

Mantelpiece

The most powerful units that are used in large kitchens. The principle of operation is to connect to a central ventilation system, which allows you to work with greater productivity.

In addition, there is a wide variety of such models in the design, you can choose for any interior.

Pros:

• effectively remove exhaust air even from a large room;
• solid appearance;
• for kitchens of non-standard layout angular models are produced.

Minuses:

• high price;
• installation of a separate duct is necessary;
• noise at work;
• bulkiness.

Ceiling

These hoods are also called island. They can be rectangular, oval or T-shaped.

The high power level of such devices allows them to effectively remove odors from the room.

Pros:

• high-quality cleaning of a large volume of air;
• modern, attractive design;
• wide range of functions;
• the ability to install anywhere, including the center of the kitchen.

Minuses:

• take up a lot of space, not suitable for small kitchens;
• high price;
• noise during operation.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

To choose a good and high-quality range hood for your kitchen, you need to consider when choosing:

• Principle of operation. Devices with recirculation are suitable for kitchens where there is no way to connect the device to the duct. In other cases, it is preferable to extract hoods combined or flow type.
• Installation method. It is important that the exhaust technology blends harmoniously into the interior of a particular kitchen. Proper selection will allow her to either make the design of the room more expressive, or to become an invisible part of it. In the first case, give preference to dome and ceiling models, in the second - built-in.
• Performance. The amount of air that it is able to remove (or clean) per unit time depends on the power of the hood. The calculation will be simple: according to sanitary standards, the hood should draw at least 10-12 m³ / h. We calculate the volume of the kitchen room, multiply by 12, add a “margin” of 20 percent and another 5% -10% if the kitchen uses gas, and not electricity, and we get the desired one.
• Type of filter. Filters are divided into devices for fine cleaning and trapping soot and grease. The material used to make the filtration system also varies.The most durable filter is a metal one, it cannot be replaced, and cleaning is carried out by simple washing with household chemicals. Synthetic and carbon filters require periodic replacement as they become dirty, which increases maintenance costs.
• Type of management. All models of hoods can be equipped with push-button. touch or slide type of control. Touch models are convenient, but more expensive than others. Most modern devices have a remote control.
• Sizes. The dimensions of the device must correspond to the size of the hob, that is, coincide with them or be slightly larger, otherwise the air outlet will be ineffective. In addition to the width, it is important to consider the mounting height of the exhaust device. The distance from the gas stove should be equal to 75 centimeters, from the electric - 65 cm.
• The ability to push. Convenient feature for small kitchens. In the idle state, the panel is very compact and invisible, and if necessary, can be extended, increasing the air purification zone.
• Noise level. Excessive noise from a working range hood can cause discomfort. It is recommended to purchase devices that generate noise of 50 dB or less.

Popular Brands

When choosing a hood model for your kitchen, it is better to give preference to products of famous brands famous for high quality appliances.

Hoods manufactured under the trademarks of Bosch, Siemens and Krona are very popular. These brands offer flagship models of devices with an average price level.

You can also note brands such as Gorenje and Hansa. There are a lot of positive feedback from buyers about them.

Rating TOP 5 best models

The best kitchen hoods

Pay attention to the rating of the most popular and high-quality hoods, presented below.

ELIKOR Integra 60

Stylish and modern range hood. Compact in size and saves space in your kitchen. It is simply mounted inside a hanging cabinet located above the hob or stove.

Work is possible in one of two modes - the removal of air masses and their circulation.

In the first case, the air will be discharged by the device into the street or into the ventilation channel. In the second mode of operation, fresh air will also be forced into the room. It is possible to choose one of two fan speeds.

The device is equipped with a dual filtration system, including grease and carbon filters. The body of the device is also equipped with an additional lighting system consisting of two bulbs.

Specifications:

• type - fully integrated;
• black color;
• case material - metal;
• operating modes - recirculation, recirculation;
• productivity - 400m3 / h;
• power - 130 W;
• management - push-button;
• dimensions - 60 * 30.7 * 17.5cm.

Krona Kamilla 2M 600 inox

The hood is a built-in type and is a miniature motor unit that is easy to install.

The device is characterized by a high power level, due to which it effectively removes exhaust air and odors from the kitchen. The stylish metal case of white color harmoniously fits into any interior. Has a retractable design for greater convenience.

Installation is carried out on the wall; 60 cm of free space is required for installation. The hood is based on two powerful motors with a low noise level. Maximum capacity is 550 m3 / h, power consumption - 200 watts.

The clock control system allows you to set one of three modes of operation of the exhaust device. Inside the housing is a high-quality grease filter. The working area is illuminated by two bulbs, each power - 25 watts.

Specifications:

• type - fully integrated;
• White color;
• case material - stainless steel / metal;
• operating modes - recirculation, recirculation;
• productivity - 550m3 / h;
• power - 200 W;
• management - push-button;
• dimensions - 60 * 18 * 12cm.

ELIKOR MR 6634 GR

Classical fireplace extractor hood. The model has 3 operating speeds, optimal for air purification at cooking various dishes.

With the simultaneous use of several heating zones, you can increase the power to the maximum, and when cooking porridge, set the appliance to the minimum operating mode.

Button control system. The case is made of reliable and durable stainless steel. The filters are also metal and help protect the internal components of the device and its exhaust pipe from fat particles, prolonging the life of the equipment.

Optimum for installation in the average size room.

Specifications:

• type - fireplace;
• color - ivory / brown / bronze;
• case material - metal;
• operating modes - recirculation, recirculation;
• productivity - 650m3 / h;
• power - 150 W;
• management - push-button;
• dimensions - 60 * 50 * 100cm.

Krona Kamilla 1M 600 inox

The built-in hood will become a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen. Stylish steel color will successfully emphasize modern interior.

It is possible to work in one of two modes - recirculation and removal of polluted air. Control system - convenient and durable buttons. Three power levels will allow you to choose the most comfortable option for yourself.

In maximum power mode, the motor will process 390 m3 per hour. Air purification is carried out by an aluminum filter, which sensitively captures the smallest fat particles.

Specifications:

• type - fully integrated;
• White color;
• case material - metal;
• operating modes - recirculation, recirculation;
• productivity - 390m3 / h;
• power - 125 W;
• management - push-button;
• dimensions - 60 * 30 * 17.5cm.

CATA TF 2003 600 duralum

The hood has a fully built-in retractable design and differs in a concise, strict design. The metal casing is the perfect complement to a hi-tech kitchen.

Productivity of the device is up to 600 m3 per hour, dual-mode adjustment of air flow rate is possible. Button type control.

The hood can operate in recirculation mode or remove odors from the room. The integrated lighting system will make the cooking process even more comfortable.

Specifications:

• type - fully integrated;
• color - silver;
• case material - metal;
• operating modes - recirculation, recirculation;
• productivity - 600m3 / h;
• power - 100 W;
• management - push-button;
• dimensions - 55.5 * 28 * 14cm.

Useful video

Professional advice on how to choose a good cooker hood: