An extractor hood in the kitchen is an extremely necessary technique, because with its help it is possible to protect walls, ceiling and furniture from the appearance of soot and greasy deposits, to guarantee clean air from odors, smoke and fumes. However, you need to understand how to choose a hood for the kitchen so that it does not stand idle, but really benefits. When choosing, you should pay attention to performance, mode of operation, design and size of the umbrella.
Types of cooker hoods
It is worth noting that a single classification of this technical device does not exist. Therefore, when choosing customers focus on the technical indicators of a particular model, as well as on external signs.
The first step is to decide which hood is better to choose for the kitchen - flow or circulation.
- Flowing. This type of hoods is connected directly to the ventilation duct of the house, into which the exhaust air is removed. Similar models can work in circulation mode, letting fresh air from the street into the kitchen. Experts recommend choosing these hoods, if the house has the ability to connect the device to the ventilation shaft of the building. In a combined or small kitchen, such a solution will be truly indispensable.
- Circulating. For the operation of this type of hoods, a connection to the ventilation duct is not necessary. The mode of its operation is called recycling. Its essence is to pass polluted air through filters, and then to start already cleaned air into the room. This type is considered less effective, since the performance directly depends on the quality of the filters. It is very important to carry out timely cleaning and replacement of these elements. But it becomes indispensable when there is no way to connect the device to the duct. The cost of such a hood is lower than a flow hood, which is one of the advantages.
Flat hanging hoods in the kitchen
It is not easy to answer the question of which hood is better to choose for the kitchen, because you need to analyze a lot of factors and only after that make a decision. One of the common types of hoods is flat, the fastening of which is provided above the stove. Fastening takes place below a hanging kitchen cabinet. The obvious advantage of this type of hoods is that they take up a minimum of space and at the same time do an excellent job with their functions:
- They remove air above the stove and pump it into the air outlet.
- Air is passed through the filter and already cleaned is sent back to the room.
Most often they have a fairly simple filter system installed. It includes 1-2 acrylic layers, thanks to which the device can trap fumes of hot fat. Such filters are disposable. They are designed only for a certain amount of air that can be pumped. In more expensive models, activated carbon filters are installed. It more effectively copes with the removal of various odors. Almost all flat hoods operate in recirculation mode.
The volume of pumped air in most cases is not large, since the suspended hoods are equipped with not very powerful engines. These are budget hoods that are very easy to maintain and have a simple design.
Built-in flat hoods for the kitchen
Such devices are already installed inside the hanging kitchen cabinet. How to choose a hood for the kitchen, the subtleties, after all, in such a case everything is decided? The best built-in flat kitchen hoods are equipped with an air intake retractable panel. This is done to achieve two goals:
- Strengthen the efficiency of the device.
- Increase the area on which air is drawn.
In the consumer, and especially in technical terms, such hoods are considered more advanced. The simplest and cheapest options are equipped with a disposable grease filter and one medium power motor. In this case, you need to be careful and deciding how to choose a built-in hood for the kitchen, not to pay attention only to the cost, missing the option.
The standard settings assume that as soon as the panel extends, the hood itself starts to work in the same mode in which it worked when it was turned off.
Prices for retractable hoods are higher than for their hanging counterparts. Within the framework of one manufacturer, the rule that the more expensive the model is, the better it really works. However, do not forget that the popularity of the brand also has an impact on pricing.
Before choosing a hood for the kitchen, you need to know about a rather interesting solution, which involves non-standard installation in the table. Such a device is suitable exclusively for hobs, and not for full stoves with an oven. In small kitchens, such hoods are used extremely rarely, because here fully or partially built-in attachments are more suitable. For partial installation, there must certainly be a special pull-out panel, the front part of which is necessarily decorated in a style suitable for the interior, as it goes outside. There are no protruding parts in the fully built-in hood, because all the elements are closed by a hinged door.
It is very important to maximize the capabilities of the device, so you need to carefully study all the possibilities of the hood and its technical parameters. If these features are not taken into account, the selected device may be difficult to integrate, and during operation it will be difficult to use it at full power. It is necessary that the hood comply with:
- The dimensions of the hob.
- The dimensions of the cabinet.
- Performance should be appropriate to the volume of the room.
Kitchen hoods
With this name, domed hoods owe their appearance, which is very similar to a hood or dome hanging directly above the stove. In colloquial speech, they are often called simply kitchen hoods. In trade, in recent years, there has been a clear trend to call such devices fireplace mantles.
This type of hood is attached directly to the ceiling or wall above the stove. Very few such devices with recirculation (only cleaning). In most cases, they are connected to the air outlet, so they pump out polluted air directly to the street.
Before choosing a hood for the kitchen above the stove, you need to understand that such devices are important design elements. Such elements are often used in their decoration:
- black glass
- smoky glass
- chrome parts
- plastic parts
- gilded items.
Various valuable species of wood are also often used in decorating hoods. Perhaps the assortment of this particular type of device is the most extensive, differing in size, color and shape. Pricing policy depends on:
- used fillings (a very wide list of used elements, but the most expensive among them is an electric motor),
- functionality
- quality level
- technical parameters.
Designers unanimously argue that any hood can radically transform the kitchen and become a central element of design. But how to choose a hood for the kitchen for this purpose? Just make sure that the bright decorative elements of the hood resonate with the decor elements in the kitchen (cup holders, door handles and furniture).
Professional Filter Tips
If you opted for recirculation hoods, you should understand that the filter is their main working element.
The operation of modern range hoods is possible with the following types of filters:
- fine cleaning
- grease traps.
In the first type, activated carbon is used. And grease is made from synthetic fibrous material or a metal mesh (very fine). It is no secret that contaminated air often contacts the fiber surface of the filter, on which it subsequently settles. Therefore, it is so important to carry out timely replacement and cleaning of this element.
There are such types of filters:
- Metal filter. Its difference from many others is that it can be washed. It does not need to be replaced, and if used correctly, the service life of such a filter may be equal to the service life of the hood. Most of these filters can even be washed in a dishwasher, but this should only be done with non-aggressive detergents. And when washing them must be placed vertically. Itβs a little more difficult to wash them by hand, because during the work, the stratified fat is simply numb.
- Charcoal filter. This type of cleaning is equipped with more expensive models of hoods. It is a small container in which activated carbon is located. Various disinfecting elements can already be added to it, among which are ion-exchange resins, cation exchangers or silver. With its help, even the smallest particles can be held, and the elimination of odors is really effective. It is disposable. Replacements must be made as they become clogged. Experts say that once every 4 months it is still worth changing, even if it seems that it is not contaminated. Organic residues that are in the filter itself, during prolonged storage not only do not clean, but also become one of the causes of air pollution.
- Synthetic filter. Belongs to one-time types of filters. It is replaced as it becomes clogged. The almost silent operation of the hood is ensured by a layer of artificial felt, which copes with noise perfectly. It is believed that this type of filter is more convenient than metal, but its drawback is the appearance of additional costs.
But only you yourself can decide how to choose a hood for the kitchen, as well as which filter to give preference to.
Cooker hood volume: what should I look for?
Every housewife knows how much time they have to spend in the kitchen near the stove. And so the work, not so beloved by many, can turn into a real torment if an annoying noise will be heard overhead at this time. When wondering how to choose a hood in the kitchen, you should also get tips on the noise level.
Despite the current belief, noise can be the result of more than just motor operation. No less annoying will be the monotonous noise of moving air, which resembles a howling wind.
Noise may occur due to:
- A very solid material that is used in the construction of a grease filter.
- Filter holes that have a bad design.
- Loud electric motor.
Modern hoods are equipped with vanes with a very complex configuration. Thanks to this, even at maximum performance a low noise level is ensured.
Without exception, all manufacturers in the description of the device or its characteristics indicate the value in decibels, thanks to which you can understand the level of noise generated. To the credit of manufacturers, it is worth noting that they are constantly working to reduce noise. If you wondered how to choose a good hood for the kitchen, then the noise level should pay special attention. This must be done because noisy hoods (60-62 dB) can be very uncomfortable during prolonged use.
How to choose a kitchen hood: performance tips
For each consumer, the main parameter of the operation of a device is its performance, which shows how much air for a certain unit of time can be pumped through the hood. Measured in cubic meters per hour. This parameter is very important, because thanks to it, the current sanitary standards are observed, which require changing the air 10-12 times a day in places of cooking.
Performance is easy to determine if you correctly calculate the size of your kitchen. Up or down, you can adjust this parameter, given the following points:
- The intensity and nature of the fumes in the kitchen.
- Frequency of cooking.
- Ceiling height.
- The structure of the kitchen.
Quite often, performance is called power. But this is wrong, since the concept of power refers to the energy spent on the operation of electric motors. With this parameter it is logical to determine the efficiency of the device. Before choosing a cooker hood in the kitchen, the advice of professionals must be heard and taken into account, paying particular attention to the motor part.
In almost all modern range hoods, several engine operating modes are provided. In this case, the instruction may indicate the maximum consumer power, but in addition to it, many manufacturers also prescribe intermediate values ββfor all modes.
Hood control modes
If you were wondering what to choose a hood for the kitchen, reviews about these devices will help determine. The most popular are hoods with touch controls that fit perfectly into the interior of a modern kitchen. Focusing on their experience, the housewives recommend paying attention to the possibility of automatically turning on the necessary functions for work (for example, backlighting).
The most convenient were:
- Bosch DFS 067 K50. It has an automatic selection of modes depending on the amount of evaporation from the stove. And 10 minutes of residual stroke will help clean the air even after turning off the stove.
- Siemens LI 67SA530 IX. Incredibly high productivity - 740 m 3 / h. It is equipped with an automatic shutdown of an intensive mode and a residual stroke, which the owners of this equipment consider very convenient.
- Elikor Integra 60. Domestic technology is always treated with caution, but this model has earned the trust of customers due to its reliability.
- Gorenje DVG 65 W. It captivates not only with its performance, but also with its stylish design and quiet operation.
In modern hoods, such control schemes can be implemented:
- push-button
- sensory electronic
- slider-slider.
The whole science is to find today the usual control using mechanical buttons, because the electronic filling of devices involves more modern solutions. The following items are subject to customization:
- Performance.
- Engine operation mode.
- Turn on / off the backlight.
- Turn on / off the disinfection lamp.
Very often, models are equipped with a built-in clock and timer. The automation system and LED indication will greatly improve the usability of the hood. This has a positive effect on the economic properties of the device.
Cooker hood light
If you are thinking about how to choose a hood for the kitchen (60 centimeters or other sizes), you need to pay attention to the backlight, which greatly simplifies the work with this device. The source of light can be both halogen lamps and conventional incandescent lamps.
Most often, manufacturers close the lamp with a special diffusing or frosted glass. If such an element fails, replacing it will not be difficult. You can do this on your own, because the global disassembly of the case will not have to be done.
Mounting the hood: basic rules
After you have decided how to choose a hood for the kitchen, you should also listen to the tips regarding installation. There are several installation options for such a device:
- Wall. Assumes installation directly above the hob near the wall. Depending on the type of device, installation can be done either separately or as a set of furniture. The latter option is very convenient for kitchens with low ceilings, because it allows you to visually stretch the space, and not clutter it.
- Island. How to choose a hood for the kitchen, if it is assumed that the stove will be installed on the island? It should be understood that this type of installation is characteristic of the most expensive range hoods. It is installed most often in the center of a spacious and large kitchen. Mounting is made to the ceiling. The device is equipped with a vertical air vent. Such hoods must necessarily be suitable in design, since they occupy an important place in the kitchen.
- Angular. Installation is carried out wall-mounted in the corner of the kitchen. Such a hood can help in the implementation of even very original design ideas. True, such devices are presented in a not very large assortment.
How to choose a hood for the kitchen (60 cm or 90 cm) with minimal noise?
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- In a studio apartment. In this case, the question of how to choose a built-in hood for the kitchen is not even worth it, because you need to ensure a minimum noise level.
We talked about how to choose a hood in the kitchen. The advice of professionals and buyers was given in the article.