A Guide to Shopping for Range Hoods
Only one in four people in the country reside in a state whose building code requires kitchen exhaust. This statistic becomes even more shocking when it’s understood that pollutants emitted through ovens, microwaves, and stoves can include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide. Long-term exposure to these contaminants can result in asthma and allergies. This makes the decision to invest in a range hood an important step for the well-being of your family. If you’re in the market for a new hood, here’s what you need to know.
The Range Size Matters
The size of your cooktop should dictate the size of your range. Opting for a hood that measures three to six inches further than the cooktop will provide a maximum safeguard. Going smaller than this can result in its inability to fully filter out the fumes being emitted from all burners.
Proper Mounting Height
When determining the height to mount your hood, it’s critical to understand that the further the hood is from the cooktop, the less the venting power is. 30 to 36 inches above a cooktop is the recommended mounting height for most range hoods. Be advised that this measurement is simply a starting point. Systems that mount underneath a cabinet or include a microwave may be mounted lower.
Vented vs Duct-Free
A vented hood pushes gases emitted by cooking outdoors, while a duct-free system simply circulates them throughout your home. From a health standpoint, it is more advantageous to invest in a vented range.
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Volume
Ranges are notorious for their high noise levels, particularly on their highest settings. While some models are touted for being quieter, no model is completely sound-free. Comparing the decibels on the models you’re considering can be helpful. However, the best way to gauge how loud a range would be to visit a showroom where you hear for yourself. Reading online reviews can also be beneficial.
Lighting
Due to the fact that ranges are installed above the area you’ll be cooking, it wise to select a model with lighting included. Lighting options include LED, fluorescent, and energy-saving bulbs. Some models have dimmer switches and night light options.
Power
Range power is measured in cubic yards per hour. The higher this number is, the better suited the range is to push cooking gases outdoors. Some ranges offer a low and high setting, while other more sophisticated ranges have further options. Methods of controlling a range’s power can include switches, touchscreens, or even remote controls.
