Decorative range hoods are a fantastic addition to your kitchen. These functional and beautiful devices extract cooking gasses, helping to keep the environment healthy and fresh, even when you're char-grilling steaks or frying industrial quantities of shrimp. You probably know quite a bit about decorative range hoods already, but this post will help deepen your knowledge further.
You’ll learn:
- What these devices are
- The benefits they offer
- What you should consider before buying one
We’ll also provide some helpful maintenance and cleaning tips and installation information. By the end of this blog, you should be a decorative range hood expert!
What Are Decorative Range Hoods?
Conventional range hoods sit above hobs and use fans and filters to extract cooking gasses, smoke, and steam, keeping the air in your kitchen fresh. Most are entirely functional and don’t add to your kitchen’s aesthetics. Decorative alternatives are different. Manufacturers design these to look beautiful in your home – great for anyone with a luxury kitchen – while offering the same extraction power as regular units.
Decorative range hoods come in various shapes, sizes, and material options. For instance, at CopperSmith, we offer copper range hoods (as our name suggests), stainless steel options, and color-match range hoods designed to reflect your kitchen’s design. You can also get custom range hoods if you want your hood to reflect your interior theme.
Decorative range hoods come with all the features you expect from a standard range hood. Most models offer lighting, touch controls, and remote operation fully installed. The “decorative” part doesn’t impede functionality. Most people install decorative range hoods as focal points in their kitchens. They want something that stands out. That’s why units in our collection are so striking. They immediately generate a sense of luxury and set the tone for the room.
Decorative range hoods are also just as versatile as their conventional alternatives. Depending on your existing setup, you can place them anywhere in your kitchen, including up against the wall, above your island, or under-cabinet. (More on this later).
What Are The Benefits Of Installing A Decorative Range Hood In Your Kitchen?
The benefits of installing a decorative range hood in your kitchen are considerable. You should notice them immediately, especially if you don’t have a range hood installed already.
Benefit #1: Add Style And Personality To Your Kitchen
For most buyers, the most significant benefit of a new decorative kitchen hood is the style and personality it brings to the kitchen. For instance, units from CopperSmith are striking and imposing, setting the mood for the entire room. Range hoods tower over hobs, giving you confidence that you’re removing almost all cooking gasses, even if you own a large cooker.
Also, decorative range hoods act as a focal point for the room by giving it a sense of purpose. Units have a similar effect as fireplaces in living rooms or dining table ornamentation in dining rooms. People can immediately understand the setting when a decorative oven hood is present.
Benefit #2: Improves Air Quality
Another benefit of getting a decorative hood is how it improves air quality. Removing toxic cooking gasses may add to the health and well-being of people in your household.
Researchers find that cooking generates unhealthy air pollutants, mainly from cooking oils, fats, and meats, particularly at high temperatures. For instance, the California Air Research Board says indoor air pollution can worsen multiple health conditions, including headaches, fatigue, throat irritation, and nausea. Children with asthma and people with lung disease, the organization says, are especially vulnerable. Studies show that breathing in cooking gasses, smoke, and grease, can worsen existing conditions significantly.
However, a high-efficiency, high-powered decorative range hood can prevent this. Units from CopperSmith with high cubic feet-per-minute (CFM) ratings extract harmful gasses outside or through special charcoal filters before they cause problems.
Benefit #3: Increases Kitchen Value And Efficiency
Decorative range hoods may also increase your kitchen’s value and efficiency. Modern hoods improve the room’s appearance dramatically, boosting its resale value. They also use advanced, energy-saving components that cut down on energy bills. Extracting more gasses can help reduce air conditioning running and maintenance costs by drawing in more air and reducing grease buildup on sensitive components.
A decorative range hood may even extend the life of your kitchen’s stovetop. Efficient units from CopperSmith remove grease and moisture that could adversely affect its internal components.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Decorative Range Hood
When shopping for a decorative stove hood, how do you know if you’ve found the right one? It’s not always clear.
Fortunately, this section is here to help. We explore everything you’ll need to consider before purchasing to get something that will benefit you. CopperSmith keeps a massive selection of decorative range hoods, making it easier to find what you need.
Size And Shape
First, you’ll need to consider the size and shape of your decorative kitchen hood. Generally speaking, you’ll want your range hood to extend slightly more than the width of your hob but less than the depth. As a rule, it should fully cover the back burners and partially cover the front ones.
Calculating the fan power can be complicated. According to Today’s Homeowner, you need around 100 CFM for every 12 inches of hob width. So for a 3-foot hob, you’d need a 300 CFM fan.
The calculation is different if you have a gas stove because they produce more heat and gasses than electric ovens, requiring greater gas extraction. Generally, a decorative hood above a gas stove needs a CFM of 400 or higher.
The final step is to take the size of the room into consideration. Ideally, the range hood should extract all the air in the kitchen every four minutes.
You can calculate this by measuring the cubic footage of your kitchen and dividing it by your unit’s CFM. For example, if your kitchen’s volume is 2,000 cubic feet and you have a decorative range hood with a CFM rating of 400, then it will fully exchange your kitchen’s air every five minutes, which is slower than recommended.
Finally, you might need to consider your range hood’s shape, depending on your ceiling height and the amount of space you have. Tall units can look great in some settings, but not others, so you’ll need to check before you buy.
Ventilation Type
The next step is to consider the ventilation type you want. Our decorative kitchen hoods come in two flavors:-
- Ducted range hoods
- Ductless range hoods
For most people, ducted range hoods are the more familiar option. These suck cooking gasses, smoke, and grease away from the hob and through a vent to the external environment. Some vents go through the wall behind the cooker, while others pass through the ceiling via ductwork or under the cabinets. (The design you choose depends on your kitchen layout).
Ductless range hoods work differently. These extract cooking gasses using fans and then pass extracted air through a filter (usually containing charcoal). This filter removes most unwanted particles, pumping fresher, hot air back into the kitchen.
Each ventilation type brings various advantages and disadvantages. Ducted range hoods are great because they remove all waste gasses from the kitchen and don’t require you to change filters periodically. By contrast, ductless options are easier to install and help keep warm air inside your home (which is perfect on cold days). However, they can let some gasses escape back into your kitchen.
CopperSmith’s decorative range hoods come in both formats. If you’re stuck, talk to us to discover the best option. Apartments choose ductless versions because they take up less space and don’t require outside wall access, while detached homes usually opt for ducted models.
The Style And Design
You’ll also want to consider the style and design of your new decorative range hood before you buy. Ideally, it should match your kitchen’s overall theme (unless you plan to renovate the entire room).
As mentioned above, buyers need to consider several styles, including:-
- Wall-mounted. Wall-mounted decorative range hoods are the most common stove hood type and mouth securely on the wall. Ducted versions come with ducting that lets waste cooking gasses vent outside.
- Island-mounted. Island-mounted range hoods usually attach to the ceiling above island hobs. They are more powerful than wall-mounted versions because of the additional air movement around kitchen islands.
- Under-cabinet. Under-cabinet range hoods are a specific type of range hood that fits under a cabinet-style facade. These help kitchens with lots of cabinets near the cooker look more seamless.
- Chimney-style. Lastly, there are chimney-style hoods. These feature a tall, chimney-like design above the main fan and extraction area.
When choosing a decorative range hood, consider how it looks. Most range hoods have a basic brushed metal finish, but options from CopperSmith offer more aesthetic value.
For instance, check out CopperSmith’s Artisan AT2 custom range hood. This three-sided unit has a customizable apron and half-round trim, giving it a unique look.
Also, look at our Artisan AT10 brass decorative range hood. It features a striking design, with options for customizing the straps, strap texture, rivet style, rivet finish, mount, width, height, crown finish, crown profile, color, and texture.
In general, stainless-steel decorative range hoods are best for modern and contemporary kitchens, whereas copper and brass suit rustic kitchens. (More on this below).
Noise Levels
Another consideration you need to make before buying a decorative range hood is noise level. Loud units can disturb your cooking and prevent you from engaging in pleasant conversations with family members or guests.
According to Forbes Magazine, sound levels below 13 sones or 65 decibels are tolerable for a hood range. Above that and units can make it difficult to hear what’s cooking in the pan or have conversations with guests without shouting.
High-quality decorative range hoods can produce as few as 40 decibels when in operation. That’s about the same as a quiet library and less noisy than refrigerators or electric toothbrushes.
Range hoods are quietest when new. That’s because components don’t rattle, and filters aren’t clogged. Proper maintenance helps to keep them quiet long-term, which we discuss in the next section. Range hoods with low CFM ratings are also quieter. That’s because fans don’t need to displace as much air, meaning less noise from disturbance. If noise is a concern, you can get decorative range hoods with in-line fans. These sit in the ducting, not the hood, keeping them further away from the kitchen, thereby reducing sound levels.
You can also get range hoods with sophisticated “silent” fans. These suck up the same air volume but create less noise.
Features And Functions
When buying a range hood, it is also critical to consider its features. It needs to provide sufficient functionality for you and your family. Some features you might want to consider include:-
- Lighting. Bright lights help you see your cooking better. LEDs are the best option because they provide consistent light long-term and don’t require regular replacement. They may also be better suited to the intense environment around the range hood.
- Speed settings. You might also want your range hood to have speed settings for adjusting fan operation according to your cooking needs. For instance, you might choose a low fan speed when boiling lentils but a high one when frying fish.
- Filters. Another consideration is the filter type your decorative range hood uses. Various options exist, including mesh, charcoal, and baffle.
- Controls. Lastly, you may want to consider buttons, knobs, and remote controls on your decorative range hood. These should be grease and rust-resistant and capable of withstanding the harsh cooking environment.
Decorative Range Hood Cleaning And Maintenance Tips
Once you purchase a decorative range hood, it’s a good idea to invest in cleaning and maintaining it. Taking proper care of your unit ensures it will last longer and keep you and your family healthy.
Clean The Exterior Once Per Month
Clean the exterior of your decorative range hood once per month with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Don’t use abrasive pads or harsh chemical cleaners, as these may damage the metal or scratch the finish. Depending on the underlying material, you can also use polish or wax. These products protect the surface and restore shine.
Clean The Interior Of The Range Hood
Clean your range hood’s interior and filters every three to six months, depending on how often you cook. If you do a lot of frying, you may need to maintain it more often.
Most filters in ducted systems take the form of metal grills. You should remove these and soak them in hot water and a manufacturer-approved degreaser for 15 minutes. Then rinse them with water and let them dry completely.
If you have charcoal filters on a ductless system, you will need to remove and replace these manually. Failing to do so could lead to unwanted smoke and grease re-entering the kitchen. (You cannot reuse these filters).
While the filters are out of the hood, take the opportunity to brush and vacuum the internal surfaces. Removing dust and debris can make the system more efficient overall.
Check The Fan Lights
Another pro maintenance tip for decorative range hoods is to check the fan lights regularly. Ideally, you want a system that uses LEDs since these rarely fail.
When replacing fan lights, ensure you cut power to your range hood at the wall or mains. Also, ensure you choose lights with the correct power draw for your unit. The hood’s manual should provide more detailed information on what you need.
Inspect Your Ducts And Vents
Proper decorative range hood maintenance also requires regular duct and vent inspections. Check them for blockages or damage, looking for leaks, cracks, or rust. High-quality units shouldn’t develop issues within the first five to ten years. However, poor installations can cause systems to degrade more rapidly.
Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions
Lastly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for your particular decorative range hood model. At CopperSmith, we provide supporting documents with all units we sell, helping you take care of them.
How Are Decorative Range Hoods Installed In Modern Kitchens?
Installing a decorative range hood is similar to a conventional one and depends on the size of your kitchen, your cooker, and your existing ventilation system.
Here’s what our installation professionals do after they arrive:-
- Measure the space for the new range hood. Professionals mark the center point on the wall or ceiling, ensuring sufficient room for the range hood above the fixing height. They also check there is room beneath the unit for cooking.
- Cut a hole in the wall or ceiling for ductwork. Most wall-mounted decorative range hoods require cutting a large hole through the wall to exhaust air from the kitchen. Island-mounted extractors require a hole in the ceiling with ducting carrying waste gasses to the nearest exterior wall. (Please note that ductless systems do not require installers to go through this stage).
- Attach the mounting bracket to the wall with screws or anchors. These fittings keep the range hood in place, similar to kitchen cabinets or picture frames.
- Connect the electrical wiring. Installers must do this carefully, following local, state, and federal safety legislation. Connecting the power to the unit is essential for the fans and lighting.
- Lift the range hood into place. CopperSmith’s range hoods are made of high-quality, durable materials meaning they can be heavy. Installers align them with the mounting brackets or template and secure them with bolts.
- Ensure the hood is level. Installers test the hood’s stability and distance from the top of the hob.
- Connect the ductwork. Installers fix ducting to the range hood, filling any leaks or gaps.
- Turn on the power to ensure the lights and fans work as expected. Installers may adjust fan speed or light-intensity settings to check they work correctly.
Range Hood Decorating Ideas
Are you stuck for kitchen hood decoration ideas? Well, you’re in luck. At CopperSmith, we’ve helped thousands of customers find the perfect range hood for their kitchen. See our favorite concepts below.
Square Range Hoods For Contemporary Interiors
Hoods like the Designer DS3, DS4, and DS5 are perfect for modern or contemporary interiors. These offer an imposing presence.
The minimalist Designer DS1 is an inspired option for homeowners who don’t want any frills, while the Designer DS2 brings a touch of elegance and class.
Brass And Copper Hoods For A Rustic And Cozy Look
CopperSmith also offers a range of hoods for homeowners looking for a rustic and cozy look in their kitchens.
For instance, the Signature SX5 offers a hammered copper design with a traditionally flute-like ventilation shape, hiding the fans and other working components inside. The Signature SX8 is even more traditional, featuring decorative skirts on either side that approach the range. It comes in stainless steel and various copper and brass options.
Modernist Designs For A Unique And Creative Look
CopperSmith offers another set of Premier custom range hoods, suitable for modern kitchen owners looking for a creative look. These have a boxy shape that sets them apart from traditional designs.
The PR1 has a straight-sided, front-sloped design with a flush apron. It’s for people who value efficiency above all else.
The PR2 has a similar design but features a range and box apron. It’s popular among homeowners wanting to protect their families from noxious gasses.
The PR7 range hood has a concave front, offering buyers another choice. This design sits less imposingly on the wall.
There are more than twelve in the Premier range, all fully customizable.
Discover What A New Decorative Range Hood Could Look Like In Your Kitchen
Whether you want a decorative wall mount range hood or something for your kitchen island, CopperSmith is here to help. We offer a massive selection of range hoods designed to complement practically any interior. Our customization options mean it’s easy to find the perfect decorative range hood for your space. Feel free to check out our CopperSmith vent hood!
