How a Range Hood Can Transform Your Kitchen

A range hood is an oft-found and much-needed kitchen appliance. It is essentially a large fan that hangs above the stove or cook-top that evacuates steam, grease, smoke and odors from the air as foods are being cooked. Today, there are thousands of different range hoods on the market. A range hood can transform a kitchen in a number of ways.

First, it is important to understand a bit more about a range hood. The most obvious part of the hood is called the skirt. This is the rectangular part that hangs above the cook-top. This part should be large enough to completely cover this area in order to do the most effective job. The skirt collects the air and air contaminants, which are then passed through one or more grease filters and are then passed out of the hood via a powerful suction fan. There are two main types of hood ventilation. The first type is known as ducted ventilation because the air is passed through ducts until it reaches the outside. The second type is known as ductless ventilation because the air is re-circulated into the house. In ductless ventilation, an extra filter, usually filled with activated charcoal, further removes air contaminants such as odors and smoke before passing it back into the house.

As can be seen by this description, the first way a range hood can transform a kitchen is by cleaning the air. Removing odors from kitchen air means that powerful foods such as fish, garlic and spicy cuisine can be cooked without making the whole house smell. Having grease removed from the air makes future kitchen cleanup much easier. When grease settles on kitchen cupboards, counters and appliances, it creates a sticky film that is difficult to remove. In addition, people who struggle with allergies will find that having a range hood increases air quality and decreases allergens.

Another way that a range hood can transform a kitchen is by giving it a professional appearance. Almost any professional chef has a range hood to take care of the grease and steam he creates while cooking his food. Many of today’s hoods have a sleek and polished look. Some of the most popular ones are those with a natural metal look such as stainless steel and hammered brass.

Finally, there is a range hood for any type of kitchen. Usually the largest ones are the overhead range hoods, or island range hoods. These are the ones that are installed directly into the ceiling instead of into a wall. They are used when the cook-top is located in the middle of the kitchen such as when it is in an island or peninsula. Wall-mount hoods are, as they are called, mounted directly onto a wall when the cook-top is located against a wall. Although these take up wall space and decrease cabinet space, they offer powerful ventilation. The last type is the under-cabinet range hood, which is usually smaller and less powerful. However, these are great alternatives when there are already cabinets in place.

Range hoods can truly transform a kitchen.  They add a professional look to any kitchen.  Picking the right one can help change the look of any kitchen, for good or bad. Do some research and decide which range hood will make your kitchen look more elegant.

Author Bio: James Toone is an appliance consultant at The Range Hood Store, a leader in kitchen appliances that offers a wide variety of range hoods and island range hoods. James has years of experience helping customers build their dream kitchens.