How to choose a hood
We independently test the products and technologies that we recommend.
Hood device
All hoods have a fundamentally similar structure:
- frame;
- ventilation unit (motor);
- control system;
- grease filters.
It would seem that everything is simple. But not really. Devices are classified according to a number of other features, in which it is easy to get confused. It:
- construction type,
- design,
- installation type,
- performance,
- noise level,
- principle of operation,
- availability of additional functions.
In order to easily navigate the sea of proposals and be able to choose the “right” hood, we will analyze each item in as much detail as possible.
Hood type
Let's start with the design. Based on this parameter, the hoods are divided into:
- wall-mounted (traditional). Such a model must be bought if the stove is installed against the wall. Wall outlets include:
- hinged,
- T-shaped,
- domed
- visor, more about which we will talk a little later, in the "Design" section.
- Angular. The model is similar to the wall, but has a shape that allows you to install it in the corner of the kitchen.
- Embedded. The hood is installed in a wall cabinet, less often in the ceiling, so that only its lower part remains open. When planning such a model for the house, it is important to know the exact dimensions of the device in order to take them into account when ordering a furniture set or laying a mounting hole in the ceiling. A characteristic feature of many "built-ins" is a retractable panel, which is visible as a thin strip on the front side and also acts as a decor. Such hoods are called telescopic. Built-in appliances that do not have such a panel are classified as fully built-in.
 |
| Telescopic hood |
- Desktop. Such an extract is recessed in the countertop and is put forward only during cooking. It is reasonable to purchase this model if you are going to install a hob instead of a traditional gas stove. The beauty of this solution lies in the fact that in this case the cooker and hood form a single complex that does not take up much space, but gives the interior originality and aesthetics, and the user - convenience. The height of the table hood can be adjusted according to the size of the cookware used, giving the work area a neat and stylish look.
 |
| Table hood |
- Island. Such a model should be bought for a free-standing stove, that is, the one that is located in the middle of the kitchen. The island hood is attached to the ceiling just above the work surface. In addition to size, product design is of great importance, as the device immediately catches the eye.
 |
| island hood |
Mounting type
This parameter partially repeats the previous one, since it also depends on the design. But here everything is simpler, and according to the type of installation, the hoods are divided into only three groups:
- Wall. These are wall-mounted, as well as corner models, fixed on the wall. Sides adjacent to the wall must have mounting hardware.
- Ceiling. As a rule, island models, as well as some types of wall models, fixed on the ceiling. Here you should choose a product that will not visually overload the interior.
- Embedded. These are hoods mounted in a cabinet and in a countertop. They are suitable for those who have little space in the kitchen or who do not attach much importance to the hood as an interior decoration.
Design
They produce kitchen hoods for any style of interior design. The appearance of the device depends not only on the shape, but also on the materials for the manufacture of the case and decorative elements, which include:
- stainless steel,
- plastic,
- painted metal,
- glass,
- wood.
The most popular types of design hoods:
- dome(classic hood, forming the shape of a dome, expanding to the bottom);
- T-shaped (hood in the shape of an inverted T, often made of metal and glass and used in high-tech and modern interiors);
- visor(most often, flat horizontal wall-mounted hoods). Such a model, as a rule, does not have its own air duct, there is only a hole on the top panel for an exhaust pipe. In some cases, visor hoods are hidden in a wall cabinet so that the design of the kitchen set looks holistic;
- inclined(located vertically to the countertop at a slight angle. Due to the original design, as a rule, it is not cheap);
- country(mainly domed hoods with figured or carved wooden or plastic lining).
 |
| Country hood |
Performance
You can judge the performance of the hood by the declared power: the higher it is, the better the performance. However, when choosing a device with high power, one must be prepared for greater power consumption.
The performance of the hood is also estimated by the volume of air that it passes through itself per hour. This figure is written in the technical specifications of the product. You can calculate which indicator is suitable for your kitchen using the following formula: multiply the area of \u200b\u200bthe room by the height of the ceiling, then by 12 (air exchange rate). The result obtained must be increased by 1.3 times - the minimum margin coefficient.
You should buy a hood with a performance value that exceeds the figure obtained, because the length of the ventilation pipe, its pollution, bends will negatively affect the air purification process. You can choose equipment with a large margin of performance, since:
- several speeds of work allow you to adjust the operation of the hood according to the situation;
- a powerful device will not hurt if its dimensions are suitable, it does not bother the noise of work, the high price.
Based on the above principles for evaluating performance, optimal for rooms up to 10 sq.m. you can consider the hood for 500 - 700 cubic meters, for large kitchens it is better to take models for 900 - 1200 cubic meters.
Noise level
This parameter directly depends on performance. The greater the power of the hood or the higher the speed, the more noise it makes. But here you should also take into account the area of \u200b\u200bthe room itself. In a small kitchen, a powerful extractor hood may seem too noisy, while in a large room this will not be a problem.
The noise of the hood directly affects the well-being and comfort, therefore, for small kitchens up to 10 sq.m. you should choose equipment with an upper noise threshold of no more than 70 decibels. A higher level with prolonged exposure adversely affects the nervous system.
When buying equipment, you need to look at the minimum noise level indicator in the product characteristics. You can ask the seller to connect the device to the mains and talk: if you are standing near the hood running at the first speed, calm speech (40 dB) should be clearly audible.
Principle of operation
There are two methods for cleaning the air with an extractor hood. It is worth considering that almost every hood can work in any of them:
- Air outlet. The device removes the polluted air taken by the fan to the street through the ventilation system.
- Recycling. The air is cleaned with carbon filters and returned to the kitchen.
The choice of which mode the hood will operate in depends on:
- on the state of the ventilation system or its location - it happens that it may be clogged and poorly pass air or the ventilation shaft is located too far from the installation site of the hood, which makes it difficult to supply the exhaust duct;
- from the ability to keep the window open - the air temperature in the room drops if you install an exhaust device;
- from financial opportunities - replacing filters in recirculation models costs money, while grease filters are reusable, they just need to be washed to be used further.
 |
| Types of hoods according to the principle of operation |
Control
You can turn the hood on / off, switch speeds using different control systems:
- rotary switch. The handle must be turned to the desired position. Such a system is usually present on simple devices.
- Pushbutton switch. Using the buttons, you can select different functions, programme the operation of the hood.
- Slider (slider). The lever moves to the desired position, setting the desired power to the hood.
- Touch control. The electronic panel is equipped with multifunctional advanced models.
The presence of one or another control system in the hood depends on the set of functions. In daily use, the most practical is the touch panel, because:
- functions are switched with one touch, which is very convenient;
- the panel does not have convex elements, which means it is easy to clean, unlike the slider and handle.
 |
| Sensor hoods |
Filters
As we mentioned earlier, charcoal filters are installed in recirculating hoods to purify the air. In exhaust models, there is no need for carbon filters. But hoods of any type, one way or another, are supplied with grease filters-grids. They are usually not universal, that is, not interchangeable. Therefore, when buying a hood, you need to pay attention to the material from which its filters are made:
- Acrylic. The most affordable filters, but difficult to clean, quickly become unusable.
- Alloy of metals. Products are durable, they can be cleaned and washed.
- Aluminium. The filter is not afraid of corrosion, it is durable, can be cleaned, but at a price more expensive than acrylic and metal
- Stainless steel. The filter is superior in quality and price to all previous ones, has an aesthetic appearance, is washable and does not rust.
Additional functions
Hoods, especially premium ones, can be equipped with additional features. They do not affect the main function of the equipment, not all housewives need them, but they increase comfort during operation.
Backlight
The lighting system is present in all hoods. These can be incandescent, fluorescent or halogen lamps. Of these three types, incandescent lamps are the most expensive and short-lived. However, other types of lamps also have their disadvantages regarding brightness and power. The most profitable are LED lamps, which have:
- small size;
- different location options;
- comfortable lighting;
- low energy consumption;
- long service.
In some models of hoods, decorative lighting is performed in order to emphasize the special design of the product, to focus on the working area of the kitchen. Whether to choose a device with decorative lighting should be decided based on your own desire.
 |
| Hood lighting |
Remote control
You can do without a remote control, but with it you do not need to stretch your hand to the hood body. The remote costs extra money, so before buying a hood with a remote control, you need to weigh the pros and cons.
Filter replacement indication
The option notifies that it is time to replace or clean the filter from grease and dirt. A rather useful solution that allows you to maintain clean air in the kitchen, since it is sometimes difficult to independently assess the degree of clogging of the filter without inspecting it.
Smoke sensor
Notifies you of the appearance of smoke and unpleasant odors, in fact, allowing you to use the hood in automatic mode. It will automatically turn on when smoke is detected and turn off when it is removed. It is very convenient for normalizing the operation of the device. It will function exactly as long as required.
sleep timer
This mode allows you to automatically turn off the hood after a specified period of time, which is quite convenient, especially for forgetful people who care about saving energy.
The hood is not new in the kitchen interior. Every year there are devices that are more advanced in design and technical characteristics and simplify life. Paying attention to every detail and function of the equipment, you can purchase an ergonomic, practical, productive and beautiful hood at an affordable price.
Unpretentious "workhorses" for heating a home and providing it with hot water.
Find out how to choose the right model for a particular type of work.
Beat and stir: A hand mixer is a popular kitchen helper.
Riding a bike is not only fun, but also a huge benefit to the child's body.
Good tyres in the low-cost segment are not a myth, but a real reality.
