The Best Rangehoods for November 2022 in Australia

Source: coffeness.de

Without a range hood, the smoke, odors, and grease produced when cooking will linger in the kitchen, resulting in unpleasant smells and poor air quality. Installing a range hood above the cooktop can help. A range hood draws in cooking grease, moisture, and heat, then either filters and recirculates it or directs it outdoors. The best range hoods improve kitchen ventilation and keep the air clear.

Keep reading to explore the different types of range hoods and their features to find the most suitable unit for the kitchen.

How We Chose the Best Range Hoods

For those who love to cook, adding an efficient range hood is one of the best upgrades one can make to a kitchen. Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and so do range hoods. To suit a variety of kitchen layouts and designs, we chose range hoods from several categories, so shoppers can find an option whether looking for a wall- or ceiling-mounted model. We also included a mix of ducted, ductless, and convertible options to suit different needs. Manufacturers measure the power of their ducted range hoods in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air exhausted. Simply put, the higher the CFM, the more powerful the range hood.

Through extensive product research and reading consumer reviews, we chose efficient range hoods that are pleasant to use (i.e., reliable and reasonably quiet). We prioritized range hoods from trusted brands and included products at different price points to make sure there’s an option for any kitchen.

Our Top Picks

There’s a range hood available for every type of kitchen, and they’re offered at a wide range of prices. This list offers a variety of choices for a top-notch range hood that suits shoppers’ varying needs and budgets.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Range Hood

Before choosing a range hood for the kitchen, consider these key factors. Though shoppers might assume that all range hoods work the same way, several characteristics can affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about some of the most important qualities to keep in mind when shopping for the best range hood.

Type

There are several styles of range hoods available. The best range hood for a specific shopper depends on their needs and their kitchen’s layout. Wall-mount, under-cabinet, kitchen island, and microwave range hoods are the most common.

• Wall-mount range hoods are installed above the stove in place of cabinetry. Though they are typically ducted, ductless and convertible models are also available. They have a chimneylike shape and exposed vent stacks, which lend an industrial look to the kitchen.
• Under-cabinet range hoods are installed on the underside of the upper cabinetry. They can be either ducted or ductless. In ducted models, air is taken in and exhausted through vents in the adjoining wall or directed toward vents in the ceiling.
• Kitchen island range hoods are installed above kitchen island cooktops or peninsulas and vented through the kitchen’s ceiling. It is recommended that island mount hoods be at least 6 inches wider than the stovetop for proper ventilation because they lack cabinets on either side to aid in directing air toward the hood.
• Microwave range hoods can be either ducted or ductless, and they are typically less powerful than stand-alone units. Nearly all over-the-range microwaves come equipped with ventilation capabilities.

There are some other types of range hoods to consider, including inserts, downdraft, and professional-grade units:

Hood Size

Hood size is an important factor to keep in mind because unless shoppers are completely redesigning their kitchen, their range hood will have to fit within specific dimensions. Generally speaking, a range hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop.

The standard width of a kitchen range is 30 inches, and therefore most vent hoods on the market also measure 30 inches wide. Though this size works for most kitchens, those with larger ranges or custom-designed kitchens may prefer bigger models.

Source: coffeness.de

Filter Type

A range hood filter is essential for trapping grease, smoke, odors, and other contaminants. Made of metal or charcoal, vent hood filters help reduce air pollutants in the kitchen. The filter is especially important in ductless vent hoods for proper air recirculation. The most common filters include baffle filters, mesh filters, and charcoal filters.

• Baffle filters are highly efficient filters made of interlocking, three-sided baffles that are excellent for trapping grease as air flows through. They often are made from stainless steel and are durable, easy to clean, and attractive. Baffle filters tend to be better at trapping grease but are also more expensive than mesh filters.
• Mesh filters generally are made of aluminum, manufactured into multiple layers of mesh. The layers of mesh trap grease and other contaminants when the range hood is switched on. Mesh filters are less durable but also less pricey.
• Charcoal filters are usually used in addition to a baffle or mesh filter to trap contaminants and neutralize odors. They are most common in ductless range hoods since these range hoods recirculate the air. For those converting a ducted hood to a ductless version, compatible charcoal filters can be added to improve odor control.

Noise Level

The level of noise a range hood produces is typically measured in sones. The sound a refrigerator makes is approximately 1 sone, while 4 sones is the level of an average conversation. Some manufacturers instead measure the sound output of their range hoods in decibels.

Anything under 65 decibels (or 13 sones) should be a tolerable level of noise while cooking. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that a more powerful range hood with a higher CFM tends to be louder.

FAQs

If you still have questions about how to choose the best range hood for your home, the following answers to some of the more frequently asked questions may help.