When it comes to kitchen design, aesthetics take center stage. Aspects like flooring, cabinetry, countertops and appliances are given a lot of importance. However, there is another crucial aspect overlooked by many, ventilation. Without proper ventilation, cooking can become a hassle and even hazardous in some cases. This is why range hoods or ventilation hoods are necessary for most contemporary kitchens. But how does this equipment work and how can you select the perfect one for your kitchen? This article examines all these questions in detail.
What Is A Ventilation Hood?
In essence, a ventilation hood is a form of exhaust which is used to expel unwanted contaminants such as smoke, oil particles, dust and more from a room. They are used in industrial processes as well as daily household applications. In the context of kitchen design, our focus is more on the domestic version of the ventilation hood.
While these hoods can be purchased instantly, it is best to customize a range hood for your kitchen. This is especially true if you are designing a custom kitchen, where a personalized ventilation hood will fit right in.
Now, whether you are considering a regular hood or a customized one, you need to know about some important factors. These will be covered in the next segment.
4 Considerations When Choosing a Ventilation Hood
1. Materials You Should Consider When Buying A Ventilation Hood
There are a few popular materials that can be considered for a ventilation hood. These are:
- Copper
Known for its signature reddish tinge, a copper hood is a perfect choice for modern kitchens. Apart from looks and durability, copper also has antimicrobial properties, making it a premiere choice as a kitchen hood, ensuring the elimination of harmful bacteria along with grease, dirt and smoke. You can also use it as a copper mesh in wall-mounted hoods, island hoods and more.
- Stainless Steel
A commonly used material in ventilation hoods, stainless steel is known for its anti-corrosive properties. Furthermore, due to its shiny surface, it is very easy to clean and maintain. Thus, a stainless steel hood guarantees easy maintenance and durability, while also complementing your kitchen space.
- Tempered Glass
Although an unusual choice, tempered glass is gaining popularity as a range hood material in modern kitchens. It is sleek and quite compatible with a minimalistic kitchen. It also offers transparency, so you can see the inner workings of your range hood. Choose a curved glass hood if you are looking for something a bit more rustic.
- Zinc
Known for its silverish hue, zinc range hoods are also an excellent choice. They differ from other materials in terms of finish. Zinc hoods offer a soft finish compared to other metals which typically have a matte finish. So this material is perfect for creating a striking contrast in the kitchen.
2. The Exhaust System
Conventional ventilation hoods require a robust exhaust system to handle all the contaminants. This system sucks in the smoke, grease and other particles and expels them outside the house, keeping the kitchen clean and safe. For this purpose, it requires ductwork to release the unwanted pollutants outside the house, as it’s impractical to release contaminants from the kitchen to another part of the house. So why is the exhaust system important for selecting a hood?
Firstly, the length of the ductwork will dictate the cost of installing and operating the range hood. Hence, the longer the length, the more expensive it will be during set up. To ensure the duct length is minimal, it is ideal to mount the hood to the exterior wall of the house.
Another alternative is to opt for a hood without any ducting. Also known as a duct-free exhaust system, it essentially comprises a strong filter that will clean the contaminated air and release it back into the kitchen. As simple as it sounds, it is sadly not very effective when compared to a ducted exhaust system. It also requires far more maintenance, thereby driving up its cost. So do take these factors into consideration before selecting a ventilation hood.
3. Your Kitchen Layout
Perhaps the most important factor of all, your kitchen layout will vastly determine what type of ventilation hood you can install for your space. The most common configuration is placing a standard range hood at least 24 to 30 inches above the cooktop to absorb oils and fumes directly. However, depending on your kitchen’s layout, the options can vary widely.
For instance, ventilation hoods can be incorporated into cabinets, added to walls, added as part of an overhead canopy, attached to the kitchen’s ceiling and more. In fact, they can also be placed over a kitchen island if it has a cooktop range. The options are practically endless, so consult with the hood manufacturers to find the best one for your kitchen.
Nowadays there are some new space savings variants available in the form of telescoping and downdraft hoods. The former can be expanded when required and contracted to fit a small space when not in use. The latter is mounted onto a special slot, allowing it to be tucked away after use. Of course, these newer versions can cost more than their traditional counterparts. But if you have an unconventional kitchen layout where adding a ventilation hood above the cooktop isn’t possible, then it is important to consider all options.
4. Consider Range Hood Noise
This is a surprising factor many homeowners oversee. A range hood has plenty of moving parts after all. It uses a powerful fan or motor to suck in the contaminated air and clear the kitchen space of these pollutants. Naturally, during this process, it is bound to make some noise. It becomes a problem when the noise is deafening, making it challenging to perform basic tasks in the kitchen. The phenomenon of excessive noise tends to happen with extremely powerful range hoods which are very efficient at removing contaminants, but fail miserably in the noise department. Why does this happen? The main culprit in these cases is the hood design, which draws in large quantities of air across its entire surface. An ideal range hood should draw in air from the edges of the hood, thereby making it effective and reducing noise.
But how do you avoid this problem before installation? The solution is rather simple. Test out the range hood in the store or showroom before installing it in the kitchen. If you are making a custom model, be sure to express your concerns about the noise to the manufacturer so they can add appropriate features to muffle the noise.
Conclusion
In closing, a ventilation hood is a very important addition to any well-designed kitchen. By taking these 4 factors into consideration, it is easy to select a range hood that is an ideal fit for your kitchen in terms of looks and aesthetics. If planned smartly, you can also cut down unwanted expenses during installation by considering your kitchen layout and the hood’s exhaust system.