
Shopping for Kitchen Range Hoods (Published 2021)
Range hoods are essential kitchen appliances designed to remove steam, smoke, and odors from cooking areas. These appliances come in a wide variety of styles, from prominent, sculptural statement pieces to models that are designed to be almost invisible within the kitchen décor. Melissa Baker, co-founder of the New York-based architecture firm Pulltab, notes that while some clients prefer a prominent hood, her firm often opts to conceal them. A common approach for concealment involves installing a slide-out hood, which is mostly hidden within a cabinet above the range and features a retractable shield that extends during cooking. Conversely, for those desiring a professional kitchen aesthetic, Pulltab sometimes specifies large, stainless-steel models reminiscent of restaurant equipment.
Regardless of the chosen style, the primary function of a range hood is ventilation. Jon Handley, also from Pulltab, emphasizes the importance of using the hood to prevent lingering odors in the home. When selecting a range hood, several practical considerations are crucial. Firstly, homeowners must decide whether the hood will vent air to the outside or recirculate it through a filter. External venting is generally more effective, as it completely removes pollutants from the indoor air, but it may not always be feasible, particularly in apartment settings. Many range hoods offer both options, though some may require a conversion kit for recirculation.
Secondly, the lighting provided by the hood is a significant factor. The light should be sufficiently bright to illuminate the cooking surface and ideally should have a color temperature consistent with other under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen to maintain a cohesive look. Poor lighting over the range can detract from both functionality and aesthetics. Thirdly, the width of the range hood is critical for optimal performance. Ms. Baker advises that the hood should be at least as wide as the range itself. For maximum efficiency in capturing smoke and odors, some manufacturers even recommend choosing a hood that extends at least three inches beyond the range on each side.
The article also showcases several examples of range hoods that exemplify different styles and functionalities. The Abbaka Atlas, starting at $4,595, is presented as a professional-style hood available in various colors. The GE Custom Hood Insert, priced at $329, offers internal components for custom enclosures, allowing for integrated designs. The Smeg Portofino, a chimney-style wall-mount hood available in multiple colors, is listed at $1,299. For those preferring an under-cabinet, nearly invisible option, the Zephyr Pisa slide-out hood starts from $579. Finally, the Faber Cylindra Isola, a cylindrical stainless-steel hood designed for island installations, is priced at $1,699. These examples highlight the diverse range of options available to suit different kitchen designs and functional requirements.
#KitchenDesign #RangeHoods #HomeVentilation #KitchenAppliances #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #ApplianceSelection #KitchenDesign #RangeHoods #HomeVentilation #KitchenAppliances #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #ApplianceSelection
0 comment in total
No comments yetYou may also like
































































