Things to consider when choosing a range hood
A range hood is vital for preserving your kitchen’s air quality and an integral part of the room’s decor. Here are a few criteria to consider when shopping for yours.
Stove placement
First and foremost, choose a range hood that suits the placement of your stove. If your stove is against a wall, you can opt for a chimney hood or a conventional hood (placed under a cabinet). Is your stove part of a kitchen island? In that case, an island or downdraft hood would be more suitable.
Available space
If your kitchen is cramped, choose a hood that will allow you to optimize your space. For example, a model with an integrated microwave can give you more counter space.
Before buying a chimney hood, make sure you have enough storage space: you might need to remove the cabinets above your stove.
Ventilation
Make sure your hood is adapted to your ventilation system. Conventional models, for example, are often created for systems that exhaust air to the outside. On the other hand, if you have a recirculating system, you’ll need a hood with a very good filter.
Air movement
Generally, a 600cfm (cubic-feetper-minute) hood is best for home use. That being said, if you often use multiple burners simultaneously, or if you plan to install your hood more than 30 inches above your stove, you might need a more powerful appliance.