Tips for choosing cooker hoods

Type of shell

The first step is to decide what type of cabinet you will use in your kitchen. Today, popular manufacturers have in their product line the following types of household hoods:

1. Outboard. The traditional option that is most often used at home. The case is mounted under the cabinet above the hob, as shown in the photo. The advantage of choosing this option is its low cost and ease of installation. The disadvantage is poor performance, because devices operate in air recirculation mode (we'll talk about this below). For small kitchens, choosing this option will be the most appropriate solution if there are budget constraints.
2. Dome. A more beautiful version of the body, which can also be called a mantelpiece. An hood in the form of an umbrella is mounted in the wall, and installation is also not difficult for yourself. Of the main advantages, a wide price range, the ability to complement the design of the room and the high performance of the equipment should be highlighted. They can be both inclined and horizontal.
3. Recessed. It is mounted inside the kitchen set, which allows you to hide the hood from extra eyes. Do not want to spoil the interior of the room - this option will be most suitable. The built-in case does not differ too much in price, due to which it successfully competes with alternative options.
4. Dominoes A modern type of case, which is in demand both from 2017, and already. The idea is that the hood is attached to the countertop (in it, as you can see in the photo) and leaves when the gas or electric stove is working. It’s very convenient, but you will pay more than 2 times for choosing such a modern solution. In addition, productivity will not allow to process the area of ​​a large kitchen.
5. Island. Well, the last option, which is the most reasonable to choose in the kitchen-living room - a ceiling hood over the kitchen island. Such devices have high power, but because of this, and increased dimensions. Often the island is used in design areas to visually distinguish between the dining and working areas in the kitchen combined with the living room (studio).

We recommend that you immediately watch the video, which provides expert advice on choosing a kitchen exhaust system:

Power

This is not to say that a cooker hood is selected by power, because this parameter is measured in watts. It is much more correct to say that the choice is made by productivity, which is measured in m³/hour. Indeed, if it is already necessary to remove polluted air from the room, then it is more correct to choose equipment according to its maximum characteristics of air removal, and not by how much it will consume (although this is also important).

So, the formula for calculating performance is quite simple. It is necessary to multiply the area of ​​the kitchen by height and by a factor of "12". The last figure represents the sanitary norm, which indicates that the equipment must extend at least 12 m³ air for 1 hour. In addition, it is necessary to take care of the so-called power reserve and add 20% to the finished value. So that you understand how to independently choose a hood for the kitchen by productivity, we will provide an example of calculation.

So, for example, you need to choose a powerful device for the kitchen, an area of ​​12 m² (4m * 3m). In this case, the formula will look like:

V = 12 * 3 * 12 * 1.2 = 518.4 m³/hour

Where:

• 12 –square of the room;
• 3 - ceiling height;
• 12 - coefficient on sanitary standards;
• 1,2 - correction factor, taking into account the margin of productivity.

In order to once again protect ourselves from the low power of the equipment, we recommend choosing an exhaust hood of at least 550 m³/hour!

Dimensions

Here things are already a little easier. To make the choice of hoods to the kitchen by size, you need to know the exact width of the gas or electric stove over which the equipment will be suspended. An important requirement - the width of the exhaust panel should be slightly larger than the stove so that all dirty air does not bypass the fan.

Today there is a wide range of devices of various widths, ranging from 45 to 90 centimeters, so it will not be difficult to choose a suitable hood size. For living conditions, the most popular are the widths of 50, 60 and 90 cm.

We draw your attention to the fact that in height the panel is mounted 70 cm above the gas stove and 80 cm above the electric one, therefore, before choosing the case size, analyze whether the air will go beyond the working area of ​​the fan!

Principle of operation

When choosing a cooker hood for a kitchen, pay attention to how it works - in recirculation mode (with a cleaner, without an air duct) or with the discharge of exhaust air into the ventilation.

The first option is better to choose for private houses and in the event that you do not want to independently mount an air outlet, because most likely you do not have ventilation. The lack of smokeless models in lesser productivity, because they simply purify the air and feed it back into the room, creating a circulation. For apartments, a model with a ventilation outlet is more suitable, which is present in most prefabricated houses, even in Khrushchev, although here you can also choose equipment without ventilation.

By the way, there are universal models that combine the modes of recirculation and exhaust air. If you do not know which option is better to choose, consider a universal hood, so as not to lose!

Immediately, a few words should be said about the filters. We advise you to choose a version of the cleaning system in which aluminum grids are installed. They are easier to clean and pretty good at catching fat in the kitchen. Synthetic and carbon filters perform better cleaning, but at the same time they are disposable.

Control method

An equally important criterion for choosing a good hood for the kitchen is the type of control. You can adjust the parameters using the touch system, buttons or a pseudo sensor.

Would you like to choose an inexpensive, but good model of technology? Stay tuned for the last two options. If you have money, you can overpay a bit and buy a device with touch control, which is more convenient and popular today.

There are also remote control hood models.This is a good option for those who want to control the equipment without getting up from the table.

Backlight quality

When we considered kitchen lighting options, then they said that the illumination of the working area is best done with the help of bulbs on the hood panel. When choosing a technique, pay attention to the quality of the backlight and use halogen or LED lamp. These light sources give the highest quality luminous flux, which is especially important when cooking.

Noise level

Be sure to consult before buying and look in the technical passport how quiet the option you have chosen is. So that you understand how to choose a hood according to noise level, we recommend that you look at the following noise values:

• 60 dB - the volume of a normal conversation at a distance from the interlocutor of 1 meter;
• 90 dB - scream;
• 100 dB - the noise of the mower.

Would you like to buy a silent exhaust system for the kitchen? Then you need to choose a characteristic of no more than 45 dB, which will allow you to comfortably cook food and enjoy dinner without extraneous noise.

Production material

On how seriously you approach the choice of hoods for the material of the body, weekly care for it will depend. The easiest way to wash an enameled surface from grease and dirt. In addition, enamel is inexpensive, reliable and durable. The more expensive case material is stainless steel. Its advantage is in a beautiful appearance, which is especially important if you want to choose a body for the design of the room.

Well, the last, most expensive manufacturing option is tempered tinted glass. Its appearance is the most attractive, however, the cost is poor. In addition, the maintenance of the glass is very time-consuming - in order to remove grease drips on the glass, you will have to try.

Manufacturers

In order for the purchase to last a long time and at the same time you manage without unnecessary overpayments, we recommend that you seriously approach the choice of a manufacturer of equipment. Not sure which hood company to choose for your kitchen in 2018? To your attention, the rating of the highest quality brands that have taken leading positions in the global market:

• Bosch
• Siemens (Siemens)
• Kuppersberg (Coopersberg)
• Best
• Zanussi (Zanussi)
• Elica
• Gorenje (Burning)
• Samsung (Samsung)
• Hansa
• Kronasteel

These TOP-10 firms have become famous for their good quality, but we recommend that you review the selected model on the subject forums before buying. Even top sellers can release not-so-successful models that will cause more problems than comfort!

Extra options

Well, the last thing I would like to talk about is how to choose the right hood in the kitchen for additional functions. We recommend taking into account the advice of professionals who will save your money and at the same time allow you to choose the most suitable model for price and quality:

• If the thickness of the wallet allows, be generous with a model with a modern function - automatic gear change. A special sensor on the case will respond to soot and include a suitable fan speed based on air density. Really very convenient addition for a modern hood.
• A new technique may have a function such as creating an air stream that redirects the air flow from the front panel directly to the fan. In this case, the vapors will not be able to spread beyond the working area of ​​the exhaust fan.
• Do not forget about safety, a filter that is too dirty can adversely affect the performance of the equipment, and fat can ignite and cause a fire. That is why it is better to choose a safe model with emergency indication and protective shutdown in case of threats.
• The "residual stroke" leaves the fan on in slow motion for 10-20 minutes after turning off the hood. This function allows you to more efficiently clean the air of fumes.
• Interval switching ensures freshness in the kitchen due to the fact that the fan will turn on several times (or one) per hour.

That's all the additional parameters that a modern range hood for a kitchen may have. If there is extra money, we recommend choosing a model with the listed functions. At the same time, if you do not need them, you do not need to overpay for useless and expensive functionality.

Popular models

We also bring to your attention our own rating of hoods for the kitchen. If you are at a loss to choose a kitchen hood, you can familiarize yourself with the list of the best models in terms of price and quality.

The best hoods built into a wall cabinet:

• Elica Eliplane LX IX F / 60
• Jetair Orion LX 60 IX
• Kronasteel Kamilla 1M 600 black
• MAUNFELD VS Light (C) 60
• Shindo Maya 60 W / WG

TOP 5 fireplace models:

• MAUNFELD Dream 60
• Kronasteel Bella PB 600
• Indesit IHBS 6.4 AM X
• Candy CCE 16 X
• Shindo Prime sensor 60 W / WG 3ET

Optimum price and quality of suspended hoods:

• Midea MH 60T 349 B
• Hansa OSC 611 WH
• Kronasteel Jessica slim PB 600
• Gorenje DU 5345 W
• Shindo AERO DUO 60

Top 3 island models:

• Asko CI4176S
• MAUNFELD BERTA Plus 90
• Korting KHA 4970 X

On this review of tips and tricks when choosing this household appliance end. We hope that now you know how to choose a hood for the kitchen in terms of power, performance and size, as well as which models are the best in 2018!

Also read:

• Rating of manufacturers of underfloor heating
• How to pay less for electricity
• How to repair the hood with your own hands