When shopping for range hoods you have a choice between ducted and ductless range hoods. The difference between the two is that a ducted range hood vents all that greasy, smoky air from your kitchen to the outside, while a ductless range hood, the more common range hood used in most kitchens, uses a fan, blower, or motor to suck up the bad air, filter it out, and then recirculate it back into your kitchen.
Ducted hoods are usually better at the overall air-cleaning process, but if you don’t already have ductwork in your kitchen, then you’re better off cost-wise buying a ductless hood, rather than investing in both the range hood and the duct installation.
But how do you know which ductless range hood is the best? Well, the “best” range hood for your kitchen depends on a lot more factors than the range hood itself. For instance, what is the size of your kitchen? How much can you afford to spend? What do you need the hood to be able to do?
If you have no idea where to start, our experts at Ambient Edge can help you out. We can advise you on what to shop for, and then install it for you when you settle on what you want. Call us today for a free consultation.
Size
The size of the range hood you buy is important. If it’s too large or too small, then it won’t be able to function efficiently. A smaller hood could run for what feels like forever just to clean your kitchen, and a too-large hood is more power than you need, which wastes both energy and money on your utility bills.
Mount is also important to consider in addition to size. For instance, if you intend on mounting the hood on the wall, is it too big for the wall? If you intend on mounting it on an island, is it too small for the island? In either case, it will look silly and it will be essentially useless. Wall mounts should be the same size as your range. Slightly larger, even better. Island mounts should have a three to six-inch overlap on each side to help them more efficiently trap heat, grease, and smell.
Don’t forget your ceiling when considering the size and mount. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, but otherwise allow 24″ and 30” of space between the hood and your ceiling.
Ventilation
You should also factor in the hood’s ventilation capabilities before you buy it. How much ventilation is the right amount for your living situation? For example, if you live in an apartment where everyone can smell what you’re cooking, you may want a more powerful ventilation system than if you live in a disconnected house.
Power
You can measure a range hood’s power in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. To find the right range hood, you must first calculate the total BTUs of your cooktop. This means checking your owner’s manual for the BTUs of each individual range, then adding them all together.
When considering how much power you need, you should also consider the type of food you cook most often. If you cook many high-heat foods that let off a lot of grease or odors, like fish or spicy dishes, then a range hood with more power can clear out your kitchen quickly of the kind of grease that can cause a fire, and the kind of smells that can turn stomachs hours later.
Cost
Cost is also, of course important, when deciding on a new range hood. On the higher end, you can expect to spend around $400 or so, but the average falls more in the $100 to $400 range.
The price of the range hood also depends on what kind of extras it comes with. For instance, some range hoods come with lights, which many find helpful if their kitchen is on the darker side. It’s up to you what you want and need and how much you’d like to spend. You should refrain from buying a range hood based solely on style. You should instead consider its specs. How can it ultimately help you out in the kitchen?
Need a Ductless Kitchen Hood for Your Kitchen? Ambient Edge Can Help You Find and Install the Right One!
Kitchen hoods are important, no matter what style of food you cook. Kitchen hoods prevent grease fires and dirty kitchens while also clearing your air of smoke and smells. However, it’s important to buy the right hood for your kitchen; else, it’s an inefficient waste of money and energy.
Our team at Ambient Edge has experience with all kinds of ducted and ductless range hoods out there and can match the right one to you and your kitchen. We can help you shop then we can install the one you choose at an affordable price! Give us a call today, and let’s make your kitchen better together!