What cooker hood to choose that will save from odors and not making too much noise, and be pleasing to the eye??
Our expert has studied the market and made an overview of models of different price groups, design trends and technical capabilities.
Budget models
Flat panel hoods
If the amount allocated to buy a hood is 2000-7000 Dollars, it is worth looking at flat models. They can be inset or canopy type.
Canopy hoods are wall-mounted independently.
Flush-mounted hoods are fixed on the kitchen cupboard. They can be with a sliding block in this case, move out over the cooktop, and the cabinet itself can be narrow or stationary installed under a full-size cabinet, the depth of which corresponds to the depth of the hood . Often, flat-panel stationary hoods have two mounting options: they can be mounted either to the wall or under a wall-mounted cabinet.
Flat cooker hoods can be used in both extraction and recirculation filtering modes. In the first case, the air outlet is carried out through a flexible duct, which can pass inside the kitchen cabinet or be installed separately from it.
In this group you wonāt find any designer frills and elegance, but everything is very practical. Set of functions, as well as control, is extremely simple: a few speeds of fan rotation and switching on the backlight. The least expensive appliances often have a slide switch. Unfortunately, it is not always convenient to use, because you can simply āskipā the desired speed.
Retractable models have recently become the most popular. They are placed inside the wall-hung cabinet, only the intake part of the device is visible from the outside. These hoods are made to feel like two pieces of equipment nested inside one another. When the unit is running, the hidden inside panel extends outward, which increases the efficiency of air cleaning. The models vary slightly in design from one manufacturer to another. The panel, as a rule, has no additional coating. Metal itself gives the product decorative qualities. Operation is also greatly simplified: fan speed and backlight switch, hidden by cover plate when not in use.
Affordable price, universal design, good performance.
Suitable only for small kitchens.
POPULAR MODELS
ELIKOR Integra 60
Price: 2 880 Dollars.
Extractor hood, the market leader.
Output 400 m3/h, width 60 cm, 2 speeds, halogen bulbs 2x20W .
JETAIR Aurora LX60 IX
Price: 6790 Dollars.
Extractor hood.
500 mĀ³ output3/Elegant 60 cm wide, 3 speed, incandescent lamps 2x40W .
KRONASTEEL Kamilla 1M 450 inox
Price: 4549 Dollars.
Canopy extractor.
Efficiency 390 m3/h, width 45 cm, 3 speed, halogen bulb 28 W .
HANSA OSC611 WH
Price: 2300 Dollars.
Flat extractor hood canopy type .
Flow rate 335 m3/Mechanical control, 3 speeds, incandescent bulb 40W , built-in width 60 cm.
The capacity of the kitchen hood is calculated by the formula: S kitchen length x width x h ceiling height x 12 frequency of air change per hour x 1.3 factor min. stock .
Fireplace-type models
In the price group starting from 3000 Dollars you can pick up chimney-type hoods: a classic solution, designed in a modern form.Such models can be distinguished by the characteristic design, consisting of an air duct and the ādomeā itself, designed for the intake and subsequent removal of air. This element is often made in the form of a flat panel, resembling a parallelepiped.
If we talk about design, the budget versions of this type of hoods, as a rule, do not differ much from each other.
The vast majority of the models have stainless steel fronts. However, there are also ācoloredā variants with a decorative coating. It is worth noting that both of them look very stylish in spite of the absence of any original design solutions and can serve quite well as a separate element of the interior.
Users who have higher requirements for the appearance of household appliances, it is worth paying attention to fireplace hoods of the slanted type. The advantage of sloping models is a significant space saving, as well as the possibility of circumferential air suction.
With perimeter suction, air is sucked in all around the perimeter of the panel through a special slot, which increases the performance of the device and reduces the noise level. The advantages of this design include low power consumption and practicality of operation.
This type of hoods will please the lovers of modern design. Tilted shape makes working with a stove or hob much more comfortable. You certainly will not touch the hood with your head.
As for functionality, the described models have a traditional set of functions. Some budget hoods can be equipped with a timer and a remote control, but this is rather an exception to the rule.
Fireplace hoods have a decent productivity, which allows using them in kitchens with a large area. When buying it is worth considering the fact that most manufacturers include only aluminum grease filter. If you do not plan to connect the device to the ventilation system, you will need to buy an additional charcoal filter.
Low price, wide range, high power.
Standard design, big size, high noise level.
POPULAR MODELS
ELIKOR Crystal 60
Price: 5 775 Dollars.
Chimney hood.
Productivity 430 m3/H, width of installation 60 cm, 3 speeds, halogen lamps 2Ć20 W .
JETAIR Gaia WH/A/60
Price: 6 250 Dollars.
Sloping cooker hood.
480 m3/h, built-in width 60 cm, 3 speed, halogen lamps 2Ć35 W .
GOLDEN MIDDLE ā the middle price segment
For 12 000 ā 18 000 Dollars, manufacturers offer quite modern models of various types, equipped with a powerful motor sometimes two and electronic control system. There are also models with unusual design.
The main difference between this class of appliances is the obligatory presence of an intensive mode and a timer. Some models also have a filter contamination indicator that automatically reminds the user when the filter needs to be cleaned.
On the whole, the devices of this price group are notable for their high capacity, which allows using them for spacious kitchens.
When an intensive mode is activated, the hood motor reaches a maximum speed to increase the effectiveness of the appliance. After a certain time 5-10 min the hood switches off automatically, leaving the appliance on and unplugging any unpleasant smells. The hood automatically switches back to the previously selected power.
When using a timer, the device automatically stops working after a certain period of time. Thatās why itās convenient to leave the appliance switched on after youāve finished cooking: the hood will remove all the unpleasant smells from the air and turn off automatically without your intervention.
The presence of additional functions, modern design, solid performance.
High noise level, high power consumption.
POPULAR MODELS
DACH OLIVIA 60 inox
Price: 14 590 Dollars.
Chimney-type hood tilted .
Cooking capacity 1000 m3Frequency h, built-in width of 60 cm, 4 speed, intensive mode, timer, halogen lights 2Ć20 W .
MAUNFELD Cascada Trio 60 beige
Price: 13 470 rub.
Chimney type hood tilted .
Capacity 620 m3Output of 1050 m/h, 60 cm width, 4 speed, push-button control, halogen lights 2Ć35 W .
INDESIT IHVP 6.4 AL K
Price: 10560 Dollars.
Chimney type hood slanting .
Cooking capacity 400 m3/Chimney hood, 60 cm width, 3 speed, mechanical push-button control, timer, halogen lamps 2Ć20 W .
WE CAN DO IT ā the premium segment
Brilliant appearance, expensive materials and of course, the most rich equipment ā this description most fully describes the distinctive features of hi-end hoods. Design becomes an important feature.
We would like to mention the Elica OM, a style icon that created an entire style trend and a lot of imitations.
Among the new products by Elica, I would like to mention the FEEL. The companyās engineers have combined the controls of the device and air intake elements. When not in use, the air intakes are recessed in the hood. All you need to do to activate it is to touch the element with your hand and it will slowly start to move out of the housing. Two air intake modules in all. By switching the elements on and off you can adjust the intensity of the suction. The same design has a LED lamp built into the housing. This is a really unusual model.
Noise level is an important criterion for a range hood. The better the hood, the quieter it is. After all, nobody wants to cook under a loud humming accompaniment. Thatās why the manufacturers try to make this indicator as quiet as possible. It is clear that the noise level has a direct impact on the price of the device, the quieter, the more expensive.But even when buying inexpensive products pay attention both to this indicator and to the mode in which it is measured: manufacturers try to show the best and often measure noise level at the quietest mode 1, and the hood will often operate at a higher speed.
Recently, manufacturers have noted increased consumer interest in hoods that have an auto mode function. Itās not exactly a marketing ploy, as it allows for fully automatic operation. Thanks to presence of special sensors and intellectual algorithms the extractor is capable to switch on itself and choose necessary speed of rotation of fans. Scrambled eggs on fire? Extraction switches to high speed operation immediately. On certain models, the sensitivity of the air sensor can be adjusted, which guarantees the absence of false positives.
Stylish design, advanced functionality, modern controls, automatic mode and Wi-Fi.
High and very high price.
INTERESTING MODELS
ELICA Mini OM F/55 WH
Price: 31246.
Sloping Chimney Sweep Extractor.
Cooling capacity 1200m3/Chimney hood, 55 cm width, 3 speed, push-button control, noise reduction system, halogen lamps 2Ć20 W .
MOUNFELD KENT 44
Price: 117 560 Dollars.
Chimney cooker hood.
Output of 1050 mĀ³/h3/Automatic, width 44 cm, 4 speed, electronic control, timer, Wi-Fi, LED lamp.
ASKO CW4985S
Price: 68 757 Dollars.
Chimney hood.
Mixture output 800 m3/Hood, 90 cm width, 4 speed, halogen lamps 2Ć20 W .
EXTENDABLE REMOTE-INSTALLED MODELS
The countertop-mounted hood is, in most cases, a pull-out panel with air intake elements and built-in lighting. Such models look very modern and elegant.
The device is controlled by a touch panel. Functional possibilities of such appliances donāt differ much from more habitual fireplace models. Several speeds usually 4 to 5 , lighting control, and the ability to activate the timer. In addition, many manufacturers equip built-in models with a full-fledged remote control.
You should understand that the retractable part of the hood is only the tip of the iceberg. The main part of the equipment is hidden from the consumerās eye and is installed in the inner space of countertop. This design solution has a positive impact on the appearance of your kitchen, but devices of this type have certain disadvantages. So, for example, the installation of cooker hood will demand enough big qualification and also essential āimprovementsā of furniture. Besides itās worth considering that countertop models, as a rule, canāt be combined with gas stove hobs.
The average cost of equipment is about 100 000 ā 120 000 Dollars.
Convenient form factor, high power, practical and modern design.
Requires high quality installation, high cost.
INTERESTING MODELS
ELICA Adagio BL/F/120
Price: 87 013 Dollars.
Recessed hood.
Capacity 800 m3/Switch control, remote control, neon light.
SMEG KDD 60VXE-2
Price: 108 869 Dollars.
Recessed cooker hood.
Flow rate 570 m3/Contemporary design, 60 cm width, 4 speeds, intensive mode, timer, interval work, LED lamp.
FABER Fabula WH
Price: 100 439 Dollars.
Recessed hood.
Performance 1200 m3Amazing output 1200 m/h, 4 speeds, intensive mode, timer, interval function, remote control, LED lamp 20 W .
While preparing this article I reviewed a huge number of models and realized that budget range hoods are very popular among customers and the choice of models is huge.
To the disadvantages of the market can be attributed some uniformity of appearance. A lot of polished metal looks a bit dull. In addition, it is somewhat surprising that expensive and more budget models can have exactly the same functionality.
The top price range hoods, frankly, evoke mixed feelingsā¦ Often there is a certain detachment of manufacturers from customers, expressed in an insufficiently complete description of the models on the companyās website. As a result, you get the feeling that youāre buying a āpig in a pokeā. In addition, it seems that the price of some devices is greatly overpriced, but the functionality is quite usual.
What are the main differences between visor hoods and extractor hoods? Are there any other types of kitchen hoods that I should consider? Iām in the market for a new kitchen extractor hood and want to make an informed decision. Any recommendations?
Visor hoods and extractor hoods are both types of kitchen hoods that serve the purpose of removing smoke, steam, and odors during cooking. The main difference lies in their design and installation. Visor hoods are typically smaller, mounted directly onto the wall above the cooker, and they provide a more limited coverage area. On the other hand, extractor hoods are larger, usually placed above the hob, and they offer a wider coverage for efficient air extraction.
Besides visor and extractor hoods, there are other types to consider. Chimney hoods resemble a traditional fireplace chimney and are ideal if you have a larger space to cover. Island hoods are designed for kitchen islands, while downdraft hoods are integrated into the countertop and rise when in use, providing a sleek look.
To make an informed decision, consider the size and layout of your kitchen, as well as your specific cooking needs. Make sure to check the extraction rate, noise level, and energy efficiency of the hood you choose. Itās also worth considering brands known for their reliability and customer satisfaction. Reading reviews and consulting with a professional can help guide you towards the best kitchen extractor hood for your needs.