Importance of Range Hoods
Range Hoods Promote Clean Air
Everyone knows that second-hand cigarette smoke can lead to numerous health problems. Many people do not realize, however, that the smoke and airborne chemicals released while cooking are also detrimental to respiratory health, which is why adequate air-cleansing systems are so important.
Range Hoods for Commercial and Residential Kitchens
Depending on the type of the unit you buy, many of the range hoods either purify the air near your stovetop or expel the air from your home altogether. The process of eliminating unhealthy gases becomes especially important when people fry their food.
When heated, oils splatter and become airborne. Sometimes you can see the oil spitting off a frying pan. For every splattered droplet of oil you can see, there are literally thousands of tiny oil particles you can't see, and they are very unhealthy to inhale. Moreover, when food becomes even slightly overcooked, it emits carcinogenic smoke. Some of the top-of-the-line range hoods will vacuum the contaminated air and replace it with clean air.
People can opt for either ducted or ductless range hoods for their home kitchens, but federal safety standards mandate that restaurants use ducted range hoods. This is because the filters on ductless ventilators will not hold up in an extremely busy kitchen. There is just too much oil-laden air and smoke in a commercial kitchen, and restaurant employees would be unsafe without the best in ventilation. In addition to having ducted range hoods, restaurants must have air replacement systems to prevent back drafts and explosions.
Range Hoods Eliminate Your Kitchen of Unwanted Odors
Some foods smell delicious. It's very pleasant to enter a kitchen filled with the aroma of sautéed herbs and roasting meats. However, burning foods don't smell nearly as good. Moreover, the smell of fish can linger in a kitchen for hours. Many people love fish. They just don't like the way it smells. When inviting family or friends over for dinner, you don't want to invite them into a fishy smelling home. Most of the strong range hoods either send the fumes outside the house or filter the foul air to make it fresh.
Shopping At The Factory Outlet
Here at The Factory Outlet, you are sure to find many range hoods that meet your needs. Our extensive selection of styles, sizes, and levels of strength cater to all kitchens, including those that have high ceilings, stovetops located on islands, and cabinetry above the cooking range. Whether you are a gourmet chef or someone who rarely cooks, we have a range hood that will fit your budget, look fantastic in your kitchen, and maintain healthy air in your home
Two Types of Range Hoods, Which One to Buy?
Range hoods are classified by ventilation method, degree of loudness, size, and aesthetic style. Here at The Factory Outlet, we have some general recommendations that apply to all potential customers. Beyond those guidelines, the type of range hoods you should buy depends on your personal taste and the layout of your kitchen.
Ducted or Ductless?
The Factory Outlet online catalog includes ducted (or vented), ductless, and convertible range hoods, which can be used in either a vented or ductless system. We recommend a ducted range hood to anyone who has the right kitchen layout. A vented unit vacuums the air above your stovetop and releases it outside your home. This is the surest way to expunge the oil-laden air and smoke produced while cooking. Smooth metal vents work the best and are strongly recommended for use with a high BTU gas stove. The Factory Outlet offers wide variety of range hoods with ducted or ductless ventilation system from the following brands: Veneto Range Hoods, Euro-Kitchen Range Hoods, Broan Range Hoods, Sirius Range Hoods, Viking Range Hoods and Zephyr Range Hoods
In order to set up ducted range hoods, you need the ability to run a vent from your stovetop to the outside of your home. If your oven is located near a window or wall that borders the outdoors, you have it easy. If not, you will have to make a path. Never have the vents dump air into an attic or the interior of a wall. This can cause a fire, attract insects, or lead to the deterioration of wood and sheetrock.
If it is not possible to set up a ducted range hood, or if you are unwilling to set up a ventilation system, there are plenty of high-quality ductless options from which you can choose. Ductless range hoods do not replace dirty air with fresh air. Rather, they filter the air above your stovetop. We recommend ductless range hoods that take charcoal filters, which absorb odors and other pollutants created while cooking.
Over time, the filters, which clean the air, become caked with soot. We recommend that you change the interior charcoal filter every three to six months, depending on how often you cook. An exterior aluminum grease filter should be cleaned -- not replaced -- monthly or whenever it looks unsightly. A range hood cannot function with a dirty filter.
What Specifications Should I Look for?
In terms of function, range hoods are measured by two standards: speed and loudness. The speed of a range hood is the rate at which it replaces air. This measurement is expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM). If you have any questions regarding what type of range hood will be appropriate for your stove, please feel free to call the range hood experts at The FactoryOutlet.com at 1-800-550-0056. A member of our team will calculate how much CFM you need based on the specifications of your stove.
Sound volume is another important aspect to consider. The loudest models make it difficult to hold conversations, and people who have noisy range hoods frequently leave them off. Is there any point in owning something if you aren't going to use it? Appliance manufacturers measure noise volume by sones. Approximately one sone equals the loudness of a quiet refrigerator. The sound of an airplane landing exceeds 250 sones.
Choosing the right range hoods for your range (Electric vs. Gas):
Not all range hoods can be used efficiently on both gas and electric ranges. Each range (gas or electric) requires its own CFM standard in order for heat, odors and moisture to be removed from the air when cooking.
- Electric Range
An Electric range will require less CFM than a gas range. Therefore a range hood of up to 475 CFM is more than adequate.
- Gas Range
The proper hood for a gas range will depend on the gas range's BTU. For every 100 BTU's you need 1 cfm from your range hood. Therefore a gas range with 45000 BTU's requires and range hood of about 450 cfm. This assumes the worst-case scenario - all burners on at the same time and in their highest setting.
For conventional electric and gas ranges or cook tops, we offer a complete line of hoods that can fit your needs such as Broan Range Hoods, Zephyr Range Hoods and Sirius Range Hoods . For high output gas ranges or cook tops, the minimum rate of 100 CFM of ventilation per 10,000 BTU is recommended. Higher CFM can be found in Veneto Range Hoods, Sirius Range Hoods, Euro-Kitchen SPAGNA/VETRO Range Hoods, Viking Range Hoods and Zephyr Range Hoods.
Different Range Hoods Style
When designing a kitchen from scratch, you might select your favorite range hoods and then make sure the rest of the layout accommodates its size, matches its color, and allows you to construct a simple ducting path to the outdoors. Some people have a limited number of range hoods to choose from due to the fact that they must select ventilator systems that fit into their current kitchen setups. There are hundreds of range hoods available, and they come in numerous styles. Whether you're remodeling or just looking for something to augment your current kitchen, it's a good idea to know your options before you begin shopping.
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods (Sometimes Called “Fixed Range Hoods”)
Many people surround their ovens with cabinetry. It's convenient to store your cooking utensils, cookware, cookbooks, and spices near the stove. Under-cabinet range hoods fit perfectly into these kitchens. The majority of under-cabinet hoods are ductless, meaning they filter the air rather than expel it from the home altogether. If you decide on a ductless system, we suggest you purchase one that can use a charcoal filter. However, it is possible to have vented systems with an under-cabinet range hoods.
Wall-Mounted Range Hoods
This is the most popular style of range hoods. A wall bordering the kitchen and the outdoors is an ideal place for vented range hoods. This type of setup gives people the option of exhausting their kitchen air directly outside. However, a good number of people run their vents through the attic and out the roof. Wall-mounted range hoods serve both functional and decorative purposes. They're practical because they clean the air in your kitchen. Due to their attractiveness, they have become one of the hottest trends in kitchen remodeling today.
Island Range Hoods
If you have an island stovetop, range hoods suspended from the ceiling are the best way to ensure proper kitchen ventilation. Moreover, island range hoods are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, making them the centerpieces of beautifully designed kitchens. The vents from island hoods usually run through the ceiling and emit gases through a small chimney.
Downdraft Range Hoods
Some people like downdraft range hoods because they take up very little space. Usually situated at the back of a stovetop, these ventilators are hardly even noticeable. They vacuum the emissions created while cooking and send them through vents that lead outdoors. Most of these range hoods have adjustable power and speed options. For light cooking and quietude, you can leave them on low speed. When it starts getting smoky, turn up the power.
Slide-Out Range Hoods
Slide-out range hoods are ideal for people who want the ability to replace cooking emissions with fresh air but don't like the idea of having kitchen ventilators installed. Large range hoods are considered fashionable. However, some kitchens would have to be completely revamped to accommodate them. Sliding range hoods are great space savers. These range hoods are relatively compact, and you only have to pull the fan out when you're ready to cook. Slide-outs are available as either ducted or ductless ventilation systems.
Range Hoods Style Comparison
Fixed Range Hoods (Sometimes referred as “Under the Cabinet Range Hoods.”)
Fixed range hoods are the traditional type used in most households
| Pros |
Cons |
- Most economical option
- Cover the whole stove area
- Have a large filter area
- Easy to install
|
- They are permanently fixed so may get in the way
|
The Factory Outlet offers Fixed Range Hoods from the following brands: Broan Range Hoods, Sirius Range Hoods, Viking Range Hoods, and Zephyr Range Hoods
Canopy Range Hoods
Canopy range hoods can be wall-mounted or island-mounted. They were traditionally used in industrial kitchens but have become popular for domestic use.
| Pros |
Cons |
- Most powerful of the three types
- They create a trendy aesthetic
- Can stand alone, perfect for island bench tops
|
- Most expensive type of range hood
- They may not be to your taste – they will not suit a minimalist kitchen
|
The Factory Outlet offers Canopy Range Hoods from the following brands: Veneto Range Hoods, Euro-Kitchen Range Hoods, Broan Range Hoods, Sirius Range Hoods, Viking Range Hoods and Zephyr Range Hoods
Retractable Range Hoods (Sometimes referred as “Slide-out Range Hoods.”)
Retractable hoods have a frame or bar that you slide out to cover the cooking area. When you have finished cooking you slide it back in, out of sight.
| Pros |
Cons |
- Creates a slim line look, perfect for minimal kitchens
- Some systems have on on-off mechanism triggered by sliding the hood out
|
- More expensive than traditional range hoods
- Generally not as powerful as traditional range hoods
|
Range Hoods Maintenance Recommendation
Neglect and misuse are the downfall of many household appliances. Range hoods are no exception. As with all machines, it's important to adhere to manufacturer recommendations on proper upkeep. Range hoods do not require extensive or painstaking maintenance, but there are steps people can take to ensure their units function properly for many years.
Cleaning the Range Hoods
Many of the Range hoods’ components should be cleaned or replaced on a regular schedule. The premier ductless kitchen vents utilize charcoal filters. After a certain number of usages, however, these filters become clogged and need to be replaced. People who often fry their foods should change filters once every three months. Those who use their stovetops only periodically can get away with waiting six months before replacing their filters. Without a clean filter, a ductless range hood is completely useless.
Aluminum grease filters usually last the lifetime of the ventilation unit itself. However, they should be cleaned once each month. Fortunately, aluminum filters are dishwasher safe. Built-up grease not only affects the performance of a range hood but also makes it look grungy. Most hoods can be washed using standard cleaning agents. Manufacturers recommend that people scrub their units in the direction of the existing brush marks. Moreover, people should wait for painted hoods to cool before scrubbing. Some soaps will act as paint remover when applied to heated surfaces.
Range Hoods Ducting
The purpose of range hoods vents are to channel air to the outdoors. When choosing a layout for your ducts, make the path outside as simple as possible. Ventilation systems are most efficient when the ducts are short and straight. If bends are inevitable, try to limit the angles to 45 degrees. Air loses its traveling momentum when it hits 90-degree turns.
Everyone burns their food once in a while. In order to prevent the smoky smell and haziness from spreading, the range hoods should be at least as wide as the stovetop. Another recommendation is to situate the range hoods no more than 30" above the cooking surface. A wide, low ventilator catches cooking emissions before they pollute the kitchen.
Adding External Fans
Some range hoods are designed for the installation of external fans. If you want to install your own fan, just be sure to read the specifications on the model you're about to buy. Not all range hoods are meant to be tampered with. If you add your own fan to a unit that already has its own power source, you will probably do more harm than good. All manufacturer warranties are void when range hoods are misused
Range Hoods for the Fashionable Kitchen
The majority of home decorating magazines and television shows say the latest trends in kitchen design include personalization, color, and high-tech appliances. White is the traditional color for a kitchen. Many professional decorators still believe that the kitchen, the heart of a household, should feature bright colors. In recent years, accents have become very popular. Colored cabinet knobs and appliances add contrast and liveliness to the whiteness.
Regardless of whether or not your kitchen consists of bright colors (it doesn't have to), state-of-the-art appliances, such as cappuccino makers, futuristic microwaves, and range hoods can add a 21st Century look and feel to your kitchen. Wall patterns and floors might not be as ostentatious as they were several decades ago, but owning the most high-tech appliances on the market has never been considered more chic.
Fabulous range hoods are great start towards revamping your kitchen for a more modern appearance. Range hoods come in numerous finishes, including stainless steel, painted pastels, black, and various types of wood. Many of the range hoods can take up practically no space at all, or they can hang from the ceiling in the center of the room. It all depends on what you want. Do you want something that blends in with your current kitchen layout, or would you prefer a range hood that grabs people's attention as soon as they enter the room?
Stainless Steel Range Hoods
It's often difficult to find the right balance between designing an eye-catching kitchen and staying within the boundaries of traditionally accepted modeling. Nobody wants their kitchen to look bland and ordinary. However, it's equally important to stay away from that dreaded classification known as tacky. A kitchen becomes tacky when you start decorating rebelliously for the sake of being different. If you want to be on the cutting edge of kitchen modeling without crossing that line, stainless steel is the way to go.
Stainless steel is generic enough to match any color scheme, but its luster and shine make it stand out from the ordinary. It's the perfect combination of conservative and stylish, managing to project both images without compromising either. While the Kitchen Accessories Unlimited online catalog features numerous finishes and styles, a large portion of them come in stainless steel. You can opt for a small hood that fits under your cabinets, or your can really make a statement by purchasing one that has an attached chimney. The Factory Outlet offers stainless steel Range Hoods from the following brands: Veneto Range Hoods, Euro-Kitchen Range Hoods, Broan Range Hoods, Sirius Range Hoods, Viking Range Hoods and Zephyer Range Hoods.
Lighted Range Hoods
Ideally, you should situate your range hood no more than 25-30" above a cooking surface. Since many hoods take up considerable space, they tend to hinder the lighting over the cooking area. Light is of utmost important when cooking. If you can't see your food, it's hard to tell if it's ready to be eaten. In the dark, some foods will appear more thoroughly cooked than they really are.
A lighted range hood solves this problem. Moreover, many people like the way it looks to have additional lighting over their ovens. If you spend the money on a nice oven or range hood, why not illuminate it as much as possible? Some people keep a few lights on even when they are out of the house or asleep. They don't want their kitchens to be pitch black, as they might get up for water or snacks during the night. When you go out and return home to a dark house, you have to feel around for a light switch in order to see anything. A hood lamp provides enough light so that you can see where you're headed. Lighted range hoods are available with both standard lighting and halogen bulbs. The Factory Outlet offers lightened Range Hoods from the following brands: Veneto Range Hoods, Euro-Kitchen Range Hoods, Broan Range Hoods, Sirius Range Hoods, Viking Range Hoods and Zephyer Range Hoods. |
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