Whether you’re building a new kitchen or you’re replacing your microwave with a range hood, you’ll need to make some decisions about your range hood options. These options include selecting the following:
-
Exhaust type
-
Size
-
Style
-
Finish (material)
-
Mount style
In addition, you will need to contemplate any range hood accessories you may want to add to your project. At World CopperSmith, we’re here to guide you through the options selection process.
Range Hood Exhaust Types
There are three main range hood vent duct options, also known as exhaust types: ductless (ventless), ducted, and convertible.
-
Ductless hoods filter pollutants out of the air and recirculate the cleaned air back into the kitchen. They are easier to install than ducted range hoods.
-
Ducted range hoods vent air and pollutants out of the house via a duct. While installation is more complex than with a ductless exhaust, it is also the best type for removing pollutants.
-
Convertible range hoods are those that can function like ductless hoods but can also be used with ducts. There are special filters required for this type of range hood. It’s a good option for those who aren’t sure which type of hood they’d like and want to potentially leave their options open.
When you consider the size of your range hood, you might think about the width but forget to consider depth. The standard depth for the finest premium range hoods is 22 inches; however, the best companies also offer larger ones and hoods that can be customized for any kitchen.
The size you end up with needs to be large enough to absorb the undesirables as you cook but small enough to fit seamlessly between your cabinets (if applicable) and into your overall kitchen design. Traditional range hoods usually have widths of 30″, 33″, 36″, 42″, or 48″.
The rule of thumb is to have a hood that is at least as wide as the range and ideally three inches longer than the range on each side. You also need the right amount of space between the range hood and the stovetop; your hood needs to be high enough to catch and absorb odors, steam, and fumes.
In general, electric ranges need a range hood that is at least 20″ to 24″ above the stove. Gas ranges need a hood that is 24″ to 30″ above it.
Range Hood Styles
There are many kitchen range hood options when it comes to style. For the most part, the hood style you choose should be the same as the style of the rest of your kitchen. However, it’s not unheard of to have a range hood that looks completely different from everything else in a kitchen and still looks fabulous.
Some of the most popular styles of range hoods include:
-
Modern
-
European
-
Designer
-
Classic (traditional)
-
Artisan
-
Customized
Choosing a style for your range hood is a decision that deserves considerable time and thought. After all, a really great range hood usually becomes the focal point and the center of attention in the entire room.
Range Hood Finish
Gone are the days when there were just a few range hood options for finishes Now, there are several gorgeous materials to choose from. Some of these include copper, brass, and stainless steel. Black finishes are also popular for kitchen appliances.
Copper and brass finishes offer a traditional or rustic feel for homes, while stainless and black finishes often are more industrial and modern. Finishes can be mixed and matched for different parts of the range hood, too.
Alternatively, you can choose just one finish. Many people like to select one color for the main body and a different finish for the rivets, pot rail, straps, and crown.
Finish range hood options also include various color choices, and there are literally dozens of colors available, even though many people think of just one “color” for copper, another for stainless steel, and another for brass.
Kitchen Hood Mount Style
There are three main mount styles for kitchen range hoods: under cabinet, wall mount, and island mount.
Under Cabinet Range Hoods
This type of range hood is situated above the cooktop and rests on the underside of a cabinet. An under cabinet range hood is an efficient option that provides full access to the cabinet’s interior and plenty of room above the stovetop.
Wall Mount Range Hoods
One of the most popular types of range hood mounts is the wall mount hood. These are positioned at least two feet or more above the range and are actually installed onto the wall. Those who want to make a dramatic statement by having their range hood as the prominent feature of the room might choose the wall mount option.
Island Mount Range Hoods
These are great range hood options for kitchens that have ovens built into an island. This type of mount will have the range hood hanging from the ceiling above the cooktop. One thing to note about island mount hoods is that they need more powerful fans due to their position in the middle of the kitchen.
Get Your Range Hood Hardware and Accessories From CopperSmith
There are so many options when installing a new range hood. Don’t neglect to consider the various accessories you may want as well.
Available accessories include ease-of-installation features, chimney extensions, WiFi connection options, remote controls, heat-sensing features, and Bluetooth connectivity features. If that’s not an impressive enough list, there are also range hoods with night lights on them and range hoods that have all-digital controls.
Still not excited enough about accessories? You might consider various inserts, such as a BBQ insert fan, pot filler faucets, silencers for the blower, and other add-ons.
When it comes to choosing the very best range hood, the choices are seemingly endless. Contact CopperSmith today if you have any questions about our range hood options or if you’d like more information about our products.