THE RANGE HOOD IN YOUR HOME
Range hoods – once regarded simply as utilitarian devices for managing cooking odours – have evolved into kitchen focal points, with many attractive designs and styles to choose from. However, all range hoods are made for the same important purpose to rid the kitchen of smoke, grease, and toxins!
There are five main categories of range hoods: Undercabinet hoods, wall-chimney hoods, island hoods, range hood inserts, and downdraft hoods.
Undercabinet Hoods
Undercabinet hoods are great in kitchens with cabinets above the cooking surface. They attach to the bottom of the cabinet, and are ducted through an adjoining wall, chase, soffit, or ceiling to vent smoke and fumes outside. Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves can serve the same purpose as undercabinet hoods; an OTR is a microwave and fan in one, so it can be a great space savor!
Wall-Chimney Hoods
Wall-chimney hoods are the most common type of hood. They come in different shapes, the most common being the ‘tapered hood’. Wall-chimney hoods mount against the wall, about 30 to 36 inches above the cooking surface, and vent out through the wall. They are usually made of fabricated metal such as copper, stainless steel, or bronze, though wood canopies are available. Typically, they don’t have cabinets mounted above them.
Island Hoods
For an island hood to be a viable choice a kitchen must have a large island, one that includes cooking space, food preparation space and even room for seating. Island hoods mount to the ceiling and ductwork runs through the roof to the outside. Most island hoods have a classic chimney shape, but some are flush with the ceiling. Make sure you have legal clearance to run ductwork to the outside before choosing an island hood.
Range Hood Inserts
A range hood insert is a kitchen exhaust fan that fits inside, and powers, a custom hood. An insert is a great option if you choose to design your own wood or metal canopy – just ensure your design incorporates the correct height and shape of your insert so it will fit and function correctly.
Downdraft Hoods
Downdraft ventilation systems are vents installed behind the rear burners of your cooktop. The vents are embedded in the counter but rise to a height of ten inches when activated, at which point a downdraft draws grease and odour across the cooktop and through a filter. Downdraft hoods can be a useful addition to a kitchen; however, since cooking vapours and smoke rise, they are not as effective as ventilation systems above the cooking area.
Choice and placement of hoods is determined by personal taste, but installation standards apply across the board. A tip is to leave at least three inches between your new hood and your cabinets – four to six inches if your hood is a kitchen focal point – rather than building cabinets flush against them, leaving them room to ‘breathe’.
If you don’t have a home on the range, then create the perfect range in your home!
Karen Horte, DID
karenhorteinteriors.ca
Instagram: @karenhorteinteriors
