Tips on how to choose a kitchen hood + pro tips and owner reviews

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

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

To prevent this from happening, it is worth paying special attention to the choice of the hood. And our article will help you in this.

Also here are the best models with descriptions, pros and cons.

Cooking hoods by mode of operation

Circulation

This type can be used to equip units of built-in or hinged type. Such devices clean the air in the room by absorbing vapors and purification through the filtration system.

Inside it looks like this:

• The first filter deposits heavier particles of soot, grease and carbon monoxide;
• The charcoal one purifies the air and absorbs foreign odors.

Advantages:

• easy to install;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages:

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

Flow-through

This type of hood is considered standard. It is equipped with a special mechanism that diverts the exhaust air into the ventilation duct or directly into the street.

This type of exhaust system is mainly used in dome-type models.

Advantages:

• high level of performance;
• quality of air cleaning.

Cons:

• If mistakes are made in the installation of the duct, there is a risk of disrupting the natural ventilation mechanism.

Combined

Combi hoods combine two modes of operation, you can freely switch from diverting to recirculation and vice versa.

In this way, the operation of the hood will be effective in any kitchen. In addition, such a technique is mobile, which is especially convenient if you often move to a new place of residence.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• High price.

Types of kitchen hoods by installation method

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

Built-in .

These varieties have gained particular popularity among customers who want to design the entire kitchen space in a single style. The fume hood is installed inside a cabinet located above the cooking area.

Pros:

• there are inexpensive models;
• different configuration options;
• quiet operation.

However, when choosing a built-in model, you should take into account its disadvantages:

• will require a separate place in the kitchen set;
• Is more expensive than the suspended version.

Suspended

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

The mechanism involves a special motor that sucks steam through a filter, a fan and replaceable cartridges. Like any replaceable part, they need to be replaced as they get dirty.

The hood is compact, will fit into the interior of even the smallest kitchen. In order to optimize space, it can be installed under the cabinet. The technique has adjustable speeds and backlighting.

Pros:

• are small-sized;
• easy to assemble;
• affordable.

Cons:

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

Fireplace

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

In addition, there is a large variety of such models in design, you can pick up for any interior.

Advantages:

• Effectively remove exhaust air, even from a large room;
• solid appearance;
• For kitchens of non-standard layout corner models are available.

Cons:

• high price;
• it is necessary to install a separate air duct;
• noise when working;
• unwieldiness.

Ceiling hood

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

The high power level of these devices allows them to effectively eliminate foreign odors from the room.

Advantages:

• qualitative cleaning of a large volume of air;
• modern, attractive design;
• a wide set of functions;
• The possibility of installation anywhere, including the center of the kitchen.

Cons:

• Take up a lot of space; not suitable for small kitchens;
• high cost;
• noise during operation.

How to choose and what to look for?

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

• The principle of operation. Devices with recirculation will be suitable for kitchens where it is not possible to connect the device to the duct. In other cases, you should prefer a combination or flow type hoods.
• Installation method. It is important that the exhaust unit fits harmoniously into the interior of a particular kitchen. Proper selection will allow it to either make the design of the room more expressive, or become an inconspicuous part of it. In the first case, give preference to dome and ceiling models, in the second - built-in.
• Performance. The power of the hood depends on the volume of air that it is able to remove (or clean) per unit time. The calculation will be simple: according to sanitary norms, the hood should draw at least 10-12 m?/h. Count the volume of the kitchen space, multiply by 12, add a "margin" of 20% and another 5% to 10% if the kitchen uses gas but not electricity - and we get the desired result.
• Type of filter. Filters are divided into devices for fine cleaning and catching soot and grease. The material of the filtration system also differs. The longest-lasting filter is the metal filter, it is not replaceable, and cleaning is done simply by washing with household detergent. Synthetic and charcoal filters require periodic replacement as they get dirty, which increases maintenance costs.
• Type of controls. All hood models can be equipped with push-button, touch-button, or slider controls. Touch models are more convenient, but more expensive than others. The most modern devices have a remote control for remote control.
• Dimensions. The dimensions of the device should correspond to the size of the cooking surface, that is, to 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 height of the fixture of the hood. The indentation from the gas stove should be equal to 75 centimeters, from the electric - 65cm.
• The possibility of extending. A convenient function for small kitchens. The panel is very compact and unobtrusive when not in use, and can be pulled out when needed, increasing the air-cleaning area.
• Noise level. Strong noise produced by a working hood can cause discomfort. It is recommended to buy devices that create noise of 50 dB or less.

Popular Manufacturer Brands

When choosing a hood model for your kitchen, it is better to give preference to the products of well-known brands that are famous for high quality appliances.

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

It is also possible to note such brands as Gorenje and Hansa. About them a lot of positive feedback from buyers.

Rating TOP-5 best models

Best cooker hoods

Take a look at the rating of the most popular and high-quality cooker hoods below.

ELIKOR Integra 60

Stylish and modern extractor hood of the built-in type. Compact in dimensions, it saves space in your kitchen.. Easy to install into a cabinet above a hob or cooktop.

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

In the first case, the air will be discharged by the device outdoors or into the ventilation duct. In the second mode, fresh air will also be blown into the room. It is possible to choose one of two speeds of fan rotation.

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

Features:

• type - full recessed;
• color - black;
• case material - metal;
• operating modes - removal, recirculation;
• productivity - 400m3/h;
• power - 130 W;
• control - button;
• dimensions - 60*30,7*17,5 cm.

Krona Kamilla 2M 600 inox

The hood belongs to the built-in type and is a miniature motor unit, which is easy to install.

The unit has a high power level, thanks to which it effectively removes exhaust air and foreign odors from the kitchen room. The stylish white metal housing blends harmoniously into any interior. It has a retractable design for more convenience.

It is installed as a wall-mounted hood, requiring 60 cm of free space for installation. The hood is based on two powerful, low-noise motors. The maximum output is 550 m3/h and the power consumption is 200 W.

The clock control system allows you to set one of the three modes of operation of the hood. A high quality grease filter is placed inside the cabinet. The working area is illuminated by two bulbs, the power of each - 25 watts.

Characteristics:

• type - full-built;
• color - white;
• the body material - stainless steel/metal;
• operating modes - removal, recirculation;
• productivity - 550m3/h;
• power - 200 W;
• control - push-button;
• dimensions - 60*18*12cm.

ELIKOR MR 6634 GR.

The classic extractor hood of the fireplace type. The model has 3 operating speeds that are optimal for cleaning the air when cooking of various dishes.

When using several heating zones at the same time, you can increase the power to the maximum, and when cooking porridge, set the device to the minimum operating mode.

The control system is push-button. The body is made of reliable and durable stainless steel. The filters are also metal and help to protect the internal components of the device and its exhaust pipe from grease particles, prolonging the service life of the technique.

Optimal for installation in a medium-sized room.

Features:

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

Krona Kamilla 1M 600 inox

The built-in hood is a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen. The stylish steel color will perfectly accentuate modern interior.

The hood can be operated in one of two modes: recirculation and extracting dirty air. Control system - convenient and durable buttons. Three power levels allow choosing the most comfortable for you option.

In the maximum power mode the motor will process 390 m3 per hour. The air is cleaned with an aluminum filter that sensitively captures the smallest grease particles.

Features:

• type - full built-in;
• color - white;
• case material - metal;
• operating modes - removal, recirculation;
• productivity - 390m3/h;
• power - 125 W;
• control - button;
• dimensions - 60*30*17,5 cm.

CATA TF 2003 600 duralum

The cooker hood has a fully recessed pull-out design and is characterized by a concise, austere design. The metal housing is the perfect addition to a high-tech kitchen area.

The device capacity is up to 600 m3 per hour, two-mode adjustment of air flow rate is possible. The control is push-button type.

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

Features:

• Type - full flush-mounted;
• color - silver;
• housing material - metal;
• operating modes - removal, recirculation;
• capacity - 600m3/h;
• power - 100 W;
• control - button;
• dimensions - 55,5*28*14cm.

Useful video

Professional tips on how to choose a good kitchen hood: