Useful Information for Buying Range Hoods

There are multiple types of range hoods, and there are also different classification methods.

We'd better to know these kinds of information before we buy range hoods. Otherwise, it may not be suitable for your kitchen.

General classification of range hoods

The general classification of range hood refers to the commonly used classification. This classification can basically be seen from the appearance or installation method, there are the following classifications:

• Under Cabinet
• Wall Mounted
• Island Style
• Insert
• Downdraft

Under Cabinet is common in many countries. It is installed under a cabinet and the body itself is a long flat shape;

Wall Mounted and Island Style are similar in appearance, but Wall Mounted relies on wall installation. Island Style does not require a wall and can be installed in the middle of the room;

Insert range hood is to wrap the body inside another component (then the main body of this component can be completely installed inside the ceiling, only the bottom of the range hood is exposed), the range hood is not visible from the side, only from the bottom.

The airflow direction of Downdraft range hood and other range hoods is completely opposite, it goes down. This kind of range hood is special and used for some stoves with downward exhaust;

According to the type of exhaust hood

According to the exhaust method of range hoods, there are two main categories: Ducted (also called Vented) and Ductless, and it can also be called straight exhaust type and circulating exhaust type.

The old Ductless (circulating) range hood sucks in the oil fume and filters it, and then exhausts the filtered air back into the room, so there is no need to connect to an outdoor pipe.

The newer circulating exhaust type range hoods might be used with ducts , so the current circulating exhaust type range hoods might not be in Ductless type.

Obviously, Ducted straight exhaust type range hood can more effectively remove the cooking fume and humid. But it must have a corresponding exhaust ducts.

Note that there might be 'Convertible' in the description text of some range hoods, which means that the range hood can be used for Ducted, also it can be converted for Ductless without exhaust pipes (recirculation).

According to the fan types of the range hood

The fan types of range hoods are generally divided into three types: rotary, axial and centrifugal.

Rotary is the traditional kind of fan that resembles a blade. Old-fashioned range hoods and exhaust fans are this kind of revolving fans.

An axial fan is similar to a rotary fan and is a blade type fan with an outer ring. It is quieter than traditional rotary fans and slightly more efficient, but it also still simply sucks the cooking oil fume and exhause them in the air directly.

The centrifugal fan uses a centrifugal wheel to separate the oil into the oil collecting cup. Centrifugal range hoods generally have two or more motors and are the quietest and most efficient range hoods.

The unit of exhaust capacity of range hoods

The smoke exhaust capacity of the range hood is also called the exhaust air volume. We will have to consider the exhaust capacity when we buy a range hood.

The exhaust air volume of the range hood is measured in CFM units (in some countries, the unit is CMM). CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute. CMM = Cubic Meter per Minute.

Many range hoods in local families are below 200 CFM, which may be enough for them, but in some other countries such as China, people may need around 500 CFM (14+ CMM) or more, or even up to 700 CFM or more because cooking Chinese food may generate much more smoke and cooking fume.

But please note that it is not that the larger the CFM value, the better. This needs to take into account the size of your kitchen and house, and the size of the exhaust duct installed.

Hope the above information can help you to choose a range hood.

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