FDRs are often underappreciated among a wide range of appliances. It is mistakenly assumed that they are technically simple, so an attractive design is paramount. However, it is worth paying attention to the workmanship, quality and functionality, because the differences are great.
Even non-professionals can tell the difference between mass-produced products and quality if they know what to look for. For example, it is worth taking a closer look at the hood body: metal sheet joints that form gaps or sharp edges indicate poor quality workmanship.
The casing of a Miele hood is first extruded upon several times, then the edges are carefully welded and the seams are ground. The result is a first-class surface finish.
The second, outwardly visible quality feature is the metal grease filters. Miele exclusively uses a ten-layer metal grease filter, in which the outer layers consist of stainless steel, so there is no visible discoloration during washing in the dishwasher.
If you take out the grease filter, it makes sense to look inside the hood. On Miele hoods, look at CleanCover, a smooth, powder-coated surface that covers structural elements where tension, cables and sharp edges go, and is easy to clean.
The main task of any hood is to remove unpleasant smells and various vapors in the kitchen. Miele appliances do it most efficiently and especially quietly. High-quality hoods are equipped with an acoustic bag that absorbs motor noise.
The motors used are also so sturdy that even with long ducts and bends, they are quite powerful. One more means to reduce noise is so-called soundproofing of the case. Inside the hood there are sound absorbing mats to reduce noise, vibrations, resonances and provide a more comfortable working environment.
Together, these components create a very balanced package, certified by Germany’s Stiftung Warentest, in the latest 2007 exhaust hood test. The DA 416-4 60 cm wide, wall-mounted decorative hood and DA 429-4 90 cm wide, wall-mounted decorative hood are the two Miele models that were the clear winners.
In both extraction and recirculation modes, the Miele cooker hoods were the best at removing odors and vapors. Stiftung Warentest praised the soundproofing: Unfortunately, the other samples of tested hoods were not as quiet as the Miele models.
A string of design awards testify to the outstanding form and function of Miele hoods. The DA 6290 W in particular won the “iF product design award 2010” and the “Red Dot Design Award 2010” for its innovative LED lighting for the bottom glass panel.
The rarely-awarded “Red Dot Best of the Best” award was given to the DA 6000 W. This model is integrated into the kitchen wall and lowers motorized over the cooktop. “The iF Product Design Award was awarded in 2008 to the DA 5000 D hood. Miele island hoods are unique in that they only open when you’re cooking, so they remove cooking fumes and odours.
These Miele hoods sound impressive and visually appealing, but how effective are they at removing smoke and odors?
These Miele hoods seem to have an appealing design with sleek shapes and a touch-friendly surface. However, I’m curious to know more about their functionality and performance. Do they effectively remove smoke and odors from the kitchen? Are they quiet during operation? And how easy is it to clean and maintain them?
Are Miele hoods not only visually appealing with their sleek shapes, but also satisfying when it comes to touch? I’m curious if they provide both style and practicality.