Range Hoods: A Consumer Guide
A Range, often referred to as a(n) extractor hood, vent hood, vented hood, ventilation hood, kitchen hood, stove hood, extraction hood, or stove ventilation system, is the decorative cover that houses a filtered vent system or blower which removes the smoke, steam, odors and grease from the air while cooking.
The following guide details the differences and specifications of range hoods and provides helpful information when designing the perfect range hood for your kitchen.
Range Hood Size:
The range hood is situated between the upper cabinets and faceted to a wall or over an island suspended from the ceiling and is generally centered directly over the stove. Range hoods are generally constructed to be 4 inches wider than your stove/cooking range. For example, a 36 inch stove would usually be complemented with a 40 inch range hood.
Range Hood Shape:
Range hoods are manufactured in a variety of shapes. Generally the shape depends on the placement in the kitchen (island or wall mounted) as well as your personal style. Modern range hoods tend to take on square shapes with fewer accents whereas more traditional or old world kitchens feature a range hood with a rounder shape and more accents.
Range Hood Finish/Color:
There are 3 main general categories of finishes for a range hood: copper, stainless steel and raw metal. Copper is generally the most expensive option with stainless steel being slightly less expensive and raw metal being the least expensive alternative. Through modern technology and processes, raw metal can be made to take on the look of copper and stainless steel without the hefty price tag. This can be accomplished through the use of patinas, acid finishes or powder coating processes.
Range Hood Components/Mechanics:
The functioning component of the range hood is called the blower or vent system. Generally, a vent hood is first classified as either being self circulating or vented. A self circulating blower contains the air that is removed from the air within itself which is filtered through a high grade vent system. The air when using this system never leaves the home, the grease, smoke and other particles are simply extracted from the air using the filter. When using a vented blower, the air travels through a pipe which is vented through the top of the range hood and out of the house through the roof.
