While the size of your kitchen hood may not be as important as how much power it has or how well it can ventilate, size still matters. You don’t want to purchase a kitchen hood only to discover that it is too small or too big to do what it needs to do.
When considering size, you also need to consider where you want to mount your kitchen hood. If you decide to mount the hood on the wall, for example, this significantly changes the size you would otherwise go with for an island mount.
Our team at Ambient Edge will not only help you find the right-sized range hood for your kitchen, but we can also install it for you. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Deciding Where to Mount Your Kitchen Hood
Where you choose to mount your kitchen hood will greatly affect the size you need to buy. If you mount the hood on a wall, then the size of the hood should generally be equivalent to, or slightly larger than, the size of your range.
If, instead, you choose to mount the hood on an island, you must ensure a three-to-six-inch overlap on each side. This overlap is important because it helps the hood trap more heat and grease while you’re cooking, as well as odor.
The height between your ceiling and your cooktop is also important. In most cases, you should aim for a distance of 24” to 30” between them.
Power
The amount of power your kitchen hood can put out should also be an important factor in your decision. Power with respect to kitchen hoods measures in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. The power of the kitchen hood you opt for should be in line with the power of your range and your individual cooking style.
Most folks do just fine with a regular range hood. A regular range hood is good for those who cook on a lower setting and who don’t cook a lot of spicy or greasy food. But if you love nothing more than frying up a spicy dish or grilling up a hot plate of greasy burgers on your range, then a professional-level hood may be better suited to your needs.
Ventilation
One of the main purposes of having a kitchen hood in the first place is ventilation. Ventilation is yet another factor that should influence your kitchen hood purchasing decision.
The ventilation you should opt for, just like size and power, also depends highly on your individual cooking style. An added factor here, though, is your living situation. If you live in an apartment, it’s best to try to keep otherwise pungent food under wraps so it doesn’t travel over to the neighbors. You therefore need a kitchen hood that will properly ventilate your kitchen.
Our team at Ambient Edge can help you decide which ventilation option is best for your living space and cooking style. That way, you don’t spend money on a kitchen hood, only to realize it falls short of your needs.
Cost of a Kitchen Hood
In addition to size, you also need to consider cost when shopping for a new kitchen hood. Kitchen hoods are tricky because you don’t necessarily “get what you pay for” when you spend more money. This is because you need to make sure the hood you buy matches your range appropriately. If not, then it’s just money wasted.
If your cooking habits are average, meaning you don’t cook a lot of high-heat food (like spicy or greasy dishes), then you can expect to spend around $500 for a kitchen hood that will serve your kitchen well.
Some hoods come with extra features, which, while increasing the price, may make them more appealing. For instance, who couldn’t use more light in the kitchen? Manufacturers anticipate this, and so they make some kitchen hoods that come equipped with lights. But do you want to pay extra for a kitchen hood with lights when this is just one more part that could eventually break down?
It’s up to you which features you want to opt for. As long as the range is appropriate for your kitchen and cooking style, then you’re free to go as crazy or as conservative as you want.
Whether You’re Shopping for a Kitchen Hood or Installing One, Ambient Edge Can Help!
A range hood is a necessity in the kitchen. When you need to get rid of smoke or strong odors quickly, your kitchen hood is your right-hand man, so to speak. A kitchen hood can help you rein in your cooking, so long as you select the right size, power, and ventilation for your kitchen. Some hoods come with fancy features and some look gorgeous, but if they don’t match your needs, then they’re no good for you.
Our experts at Ambient Edge can help you find and install a kitchen hood that is the perfect fit and does the job it’s supposed to do. We do this by analyzing both your living arrangements and kitchen, and by asking you about your cooking style to gauge what the right kitchen hood is for you.
Our job doesn’t stop there! We can then install it for you, and you get to enjoy our 100% satisfaction guarantee on all parts and labor. So don’t hesitate — give us a call today, and let’s work together to improve your kitchen!