Types of kitchen hoods: what are they and how to choose? Choosing a kitchen hood: review of models and expert advice.

In this article we will talk about what kitchen hoods are and how they differ. A detailed analysis of each type, advice on choosing, visual photos - we are sure that it will be much easier to decide when purchasing!

Hoods vary in several characteristics. We propose to study the differences between them, determine the advantages and disadvantages.

Configuration

The first thing you should pay attention to is the shape and principle of air filtration. There are 3 types in total.

1. Hanging hood

The flat or sloped design is installed directly above the stove on the wall or under a kitchen cabinet.

2. Built-in hood

The main difference compared to the previous type is the presence of a special box or cabinet.

Judging by the reviews, this is the most popular type. Wide range of models, many additional options... By the way, here is a good buyer's guide about.

3. Dome or fireplace

They got their name because of their shape, reminiscent of a traditional hood for antique fireplaces. True, now they come in quite a variety - many are suitable for the most modern design styles.

As you can see, this is a powerful unit that is irrational to consider for small kitchens. But it is ideal for a studio apartment: it is almost impossible for odors to enter the living area.

4. Island hood

Not so long ago, this type was found exclusively in restaurants or in foreign films. Nowadays, large exhaust hoods placed in the center of the room are not uncommon in ordinary apartments.

If these shortcomings do not bother you when purchasing an island hood to purify the air in the kitchen, then you will receive a reliable and powerful unit.

5. T-shaped hood

They got their name because of their shape: when turned upside down, the device resembles the letter T. These are classic hanging hoods, which, depending on their characteristics, are suitable for almost any kitchen.

6. Decorative hood

Here it is difficult to give an unambiguous definition. It could be an inclined or T-shaped device, or it could be a gadget of a non-standard shape. They are loved for their finish and unusual appearance: most often such units look very stylish.

Which one to choose? You decide. Consider the area of ​​the room, the frequency of cooking, and the presence of ventilation in the house. Do you have any doubts? Read specialized forums where housewives share real reviews about models.

The next important aspect is the operating principle of the fume hood.

Cleaning mechanism

As mentioned above, hoods differ not only in appearance.

Filtration types:

1. 1. Vent hoods They don’t just remove unpleasant odors, but remove the air to the street or simply into the ventilation system. The advantages include quality of work and high productivity. But the air duct must be done extremely carefully, otherwise you risk disrupting the natural ventilation in the apartment;
2. 2. Recirculation hood They are used more often: it is easier to install, and it costs less. It works thanks to filters through which air is passed to clean them. The main disadvantage is the need to replace them regularly. In addition, the air remains in the kitchen, which means you can’t do without ventilation;
3. 3. Combined type not so popular yet: these units appeared on sale not so long ago. It combines both systems, which can be switched with a toggle switch if necessary. The best option, but quite expensive.

It is difficult to say which cleaning method is better. As in the last section, we recommend focusing on your needs and setting priorities.

Separately, I would like to talk about filters - they also have significant differences:

• Metal ones can be washed and are very durable. If you do not violate the operating conditions, then replacement will not be required;
• Synthetic felt filters are considered disposable. Don't be alarmed - this does not mean that they need to be changed after each use, only when they become dirty. Judging by the reviews, the approximate service life is from 2 months to six months.
• Carbon filters with a fine cleaning system are considered the most modern. It cleans much better, but if you don’t change it on time, it begins to pollute the air itself.

The best option depends on the hood model and its operating conditions.

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Manufacturers of household appliances offer a wide range of exhaust devices that vary in design, functionality and size. It can be difficult to choose the right option for a specific kitchen and furniture. For those who don’t know how to choose a hood for the kitchen, professional advice will help you make the right choice. It is important to know what criteria are used to select a device to make it easier to navigate the assortment offered by manufacturers. Having identified the main parameters, making the right choice will not be difficult.

It’s difficult for a housewife to manage without a hood

Even if ventilation works well in the house, it is quite difficult to do without an exhaust device. During the preparation of fried or stewed dishes, various odors will penetrate into the living room. Before you decide which hood is best, you should familiarize yourself with all the possible options. It is important to understand that if one model is ideal for one interior, then it will not be appropriate in another.

Bosch hoods are only in the first positions

Products from a well-known German manufacturer are distinguished by high build quality. For its manufacture, high-quality materials are used that can withstand fairly harsh operating conditions. When choosing, you should focus on the width and technical characteristics of a particular model. Bosch DFS 067K50 can be built into a wall cabinet with a width of 60 cm. It has the following advantages:

• Retractable screen with a decorative metal panel, equipped with touch controls;
• A unified style with Bosch household appliances, allowing the device to become part of a harmoniously designed space;
• Aluminum grease filters can be washed in dishwashers, which greatly simplifies the maintenance of the hood;
• Additional sound insulation, making the operation of the product more comfortable;
• Three main operating modes and one additional mode, allowing you to choose the optimal option for cleaning the airspace. A special sensor, having analyzed the volume of incoming vapors, will automatically select the desired mode;
• Capacity 700 cubic meters per hour;
• An indicator indicating the degree of filling of the filters.

Another model is the Bosch DWK095G60R hood, which has an inclined design. Its productivity is 580 cubic meters per hour. The width of the model is 89.6 cm. This is the optimal size for standard size gas stoves. During operation, it can create a noise of 70 dB. Operation in recirculation and exhaust mode makes the device relevant for apartments and private houses.

Review of Hansa hoods: help in choosing

Hansa offers a wide range of hoods. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the features of each model before choosing a specific one.

Hansa OKC 6726 IH is a fireplace model with an attractive design and touch controls. The case is made of stainless steel and mirror glass. Product width 60 cm. Capacity – 620 cubic meters per hour. Work in three modes. Filter contamination indicator.

The Hansa OSC 611 WH hood with a traditional design has a motor capacity of 335 cubic meters per hour. Mechanical control. It is equipped with a synthetic grease filter, as well as a carbon filter upon additional order.

OWC 4778 I is a cylindrical fireplace model. The maximum volume of extracted air can reach 900 cubic meters per hour. The smell indicator ensures that the device automatically turns on. The LED display makes the control process easier.

Popular models of Gorenje hoods

Under the Gorenje trademark, diverse models are produced with various technical characteristics. Popular ones include:

Model	Photo	Peculiarities
	Gorenje DK 6335 RW	Fireplace wall model 60 cm wide. Capacity 780 cubic meters per hour. Mechanical control.
	Gorenje DU5345W	Suitable for a small kitchen. It can be mounted together with slabs 50 cm wide. It can clean the air well in recirculation mode. The fan of the device can operate in three modes, providing a maximum performance of 300 cubic meters per hour.
	Gorenje DT9SY2B	Characteristic T-shape. Wall-mounted. Mechanical control. Width 90 cm

Article

A cozy home has its own unique smells - fresh linen, cookies in the oven or freshly brewed tea. Agree, it’s nice to be in such a home. But not all aromas want to be inhaled all the time. How to regulate the smell in the house? It's simple - you need a good kitchen hood.

If the stove in your home is not used as a decorative element, but for its intended purpose, or if there is a grill, you have probably already asked the question - how to choose a hood for the kitchen? Today, manufacturers offer a lot of options for this equipment, and in order to choose the optimal one, you need to understand what equipment is needed, what power it is, and how the kitchen hood is installed in general. First things first.

Kitchen hoods have been installed in every home for quite some time and usually consist of a small exhaust vent next to the sink. However, natural exhaust hood may not work efficiently enough or not work at all, for example, due to blockages or repairs from neighbors. Because of this, odors and exhaust air stagnate, air quality rises, the well-being of household members worsens, and it becomes uncomfortable to be in the room.

Advice from home renovation professionals always includes a recommendation for a reliable hood. Why is this needed? First of all, because the kitchen is one of the main rooms in the house, housewives spend almost half the day in it, and even with the busy busy work schedule of all household members, this room is always in demand. Cooking is not the fastest process, so it is best to make sure that not only the smells of cooking dishes are above the stove, but also clean air.

Often the problem is solved by general ventilation in the house or regular ventilation. With this approach, polluted air is removed rather slowly, and it is replaced from the open window by cold and not always pleasant odors from the street. Therefore, it is better to choose and buy a device for air intake directly next to the stove, namely a high-quality hood. We have already partially touched on these issues when we looked at the device, but now we will dwell in more detail.

Question: Is a hood needed in a kitchen with an electric stove?
Answer: When cooking on an electric stove, no less odors and fumes are created than on a gas stove. An effective hood will promptly remove unpleasant odors and maintain a comfortable and healthy microclimate.

Before choosing a kitchen hood, you need to understand the classification of such devices. The types of kitchen hoods today are divided according to several reasons. First of all, they are divided into several groups according to the following characteristics:

• Size
  The basic principle in choosing the size of such equipment is that it should be wider than the hob. If you decide which dimensions are best to choose, you can be guided by the following calculation: slab width + 10 centimeters minimum. Ideally, the exhaust hood should be 20 centimeters or more wider than the stove.

Question: what sizes of hoods are there?
Answer: today you can buy an exhaust hood with a width of 30 to 120 cm, so it’s easy to choose one suitable for slabs with a width of a couple of tens of centimeters up to a meter inclusive.

• Operating modes
  Kitchen exhaust equipment today is found in two main operating modes: the actual removal of contaminated air and recirculation. In the first case, polluted air, grease and soot are removed from the room, in the second, exhaust air is driven through dirt and grease filters and returned back. There are hoods that operate in both flow and circulation modes.

• Control
  The equipment can be controlled either manually, when the air purification process is activated when required, for example during cooking, or with an electronic timer and ready-made work programs. The latter are most often used for constant and active use of the slab.

• Ventilation outlet
  This parameter determines the general attachment of the new device to the ventilation system of the house.

• Power
  Perhaps the second most important parameter after size. The power must be sufficient to carry out a complete air exchange at least once an hour, according to sanitary standards. A little further we will tell you how to calculate this parameter.

The above list includes the most basic requirements from which you can base your choice. But to select the right equipment, you need to take into account several more factors and consider all the most popular types of hoods.

For the kitchen today it is often found in new homes. Such devices have earned popularity due to their aesthetics - they are usually mounted in a kitchen cabinet above the stove and look like an aluminum or stainless steel shelf. The built-in design is equipped with a retractable panel, which significantly increases the air intake area. Depending on the initial size, such exhaust equipment can fully cover slabs with a width of 50 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm and more precisely due to the retractable panel.

Fully built-in hood most often has simple controls and is activated by opening the sliding panel. This is a very convenient solution - while cooking or immediately after it, you can start the device and quickly eliminate odors, and then close it and not waste extra electricity.

A built-in hood is usually equipped with two motors and has high power - if the stove is located close (within a couple of meters) to doors or windows, such equipment can draw air from the street or from the entrance, so it is recommended to provide an influx of fresh air while the equipment is operating.

How to choose a built-in hood? Focus on unfolded size and power. In addition, a built-in kitchen hood will require a separate cabinet, so installation should be planned in advance, preferably at the renovation stage.

Hood with ventilation outlet

All types of kitchen hoods with an air duct are usually reduced to a system with an outlet into the ventilation. Such devices are the simplest, as they consist of an air duct that is connected to a common air exchange system, filters and an exhaust fan. The filters used in flow hoods are quite simple; they need to be removed and cleaned regularly. Such models can be located either openly or “hidden” in kitchen furniture.

A hood without outlet is called a circulation hood.. It is most often chosen because equipment without an air duct is much easier to install - a design without a pipe is easy to install, takes up much less space and looks organically in the interior.

Hoods without air exhaust with a carbon filter can only operate in air circulation mode, trapping the smallest particles of fat, dust and odors. These work quite noisily, so before purchasing it is worth testing a coal hood without a chimney and assessing the noise level, since you will hear it quite often.

If, due to design features or other reasons, this is the only option available to you, it is worth installing circulation equipment, as this is still better than a kitchen without a hood.

You can't do without a hood in the kitchen. Smells are eternal companions of culinary experiments. Evaporation of liquid during cooking is not the best way to extend the life of a new repair. In general, a range hood is a kitchen device whose value and necessity are obvious. Our online store offers hoods of all popular types. In this material we will help you understand what you should consider when buying a hood.

Types of hoods

In our online store you can purchase traditional block hoods, as well as dome and built-in hoods. They all differ from each other in design, installation method, performance and some other characteristics.

Traditional hoods

Operating modes

Most modern hoods have two operating modes: air exhaust and air circulation. However, there are models where one of the modes is not available, so check this when purchasing.

In the exhaust mode, all odors and fumes are removed outside the room - into the ventilation shaft. The efficiency of the hood in this case is high, but there is a problem: connection to the ventilation system is not always possible. If you can still connect the hood near the ventilation, then a special additional air duct, which is usually attached to the kitchen wall, can significantly damage the interior.

In circulation mode, no additional air duct is needed. The air passes through the filters inside the hood (see below) and returns back to the room. This method, of course, is somewhat less effective than completely replacing the air and removing it from the kitchen, but it is still often more convenient for users - there is no need to carry out any additional work, there is no danger of spoiling the kitchen design project. Sometimes it is simply impossible to organize air removal. The circulation mode can also be used in winter, when it is not possible to properly release warm air from the room.

Filter system

A hood is, of course, not a full-fledged air purifier. However, it removes fats and odors from the air that gets into it quite well.

A metal grease filter is used to remove grease. First of all, it is needed to prevent fat from settling on the elements of the hood motor - this can lead to failure of this important part. Such a filter is usually removable, it can be washed, and it works throughout the entire service life of the hood.

To remove odors when the hood is operating in circulation mode, a carbon filter is used. It may be included with the model. Sometimes you need to purchase it additionally. In our store you can buy various accessories for hoods - including a carbon filter. Depending on operating conditions, the carbon filter must be changed every 4–6 months.

Many hoods provide an alarm to indicate the need to replace the carbon filter or maintain the metal grease filter. This could be, for example, a light indication on the control panel. A simpler option is special symbols on the filter that disappear as it gets dirty.

Performance and Power

The most important technical characteristic of any hood is its performance. We are talking about how many cubic meters of air it can pump (out into the ventilation shaft or clean and return to the room) per hour of operation.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to calculate the performance of the hood, taking into account the characteristics of the room, the length and bends of the additional air duct (if you plan to work in exhaust mode). You need to multiply the volume of your kitchen by 12, because according to Russian sanitary standards, the air in the room must change at least 12 times per hour. For more accurate calculations, you can subtract the volume of kitchen furniture from the volume of the kitchen. But you don’t have to do this - you’ll get a small power reserve, which can be useful.

For example, for a kitchen with an area of ​​12 m² and a ceiling height of 2.7 m, a good option would be a hood with a capacity of 390–400 cubic meters of air per hour. But there are additional factors that should not be forgotten. So, the hood should be at a height of 65–85 cm above the hob. If yours hangs higher, it’s better to take a model with a performance reserve.

On the other hand, it should be understood that often the capacity of the ventilation duct (shaft) in houses is limited, because so-called natural ventilation of the premises is provided during construction. And this throughput may be noticeably lower than the capabilities of your hood (for example, about 200 m³ per hour). In this case, you can buy a more efficient hood only in order to reduce the noise level from its operation, including not at maximum power.

Add here also cases when residents, for some reason best known to them, completely block the ventilation shafts - in this case, all the odors will go to the neighbors and may partially return (if the hood does not have a special mechanism that does not allow reverse flow).

A solution could be to exhaust the “exhaust” air not into the ventilation shaft, but directly to the street, through a hole in the wall of the correct diameter, to which the air duct is connected. However, this is not always possible, especially in multi-storey buildings.

If you are going to use the hood only in air circulation mode, remember that its performance in this case is approximately two times lower than in exhaust mode.

When choosing a hood, you should take into account culinary traditions. For a family where they cook a lot often, you need a device with the highest possible performance for specific operating conditions. For those who rarely eat at home and cook little, high productivity is of no use.

Also remember that in a small kitchen the concentration of odors during cooking is usually higher, so it is better to have a hood with a small margin of performance.

The performance of the hood directly depends on its power. So you should pay attention to this parameter when choosing a hood. The power of modern models rarely exceeds 500 W - this is quite enough for a very high level of performance.

Control system

Modern hoods can be mechanically or electronically controlled. In the first case, the operating speeds, as well as the lighting, are turned on by pressing the corresponding buttons. A slide switch can also be used to adjust speeds. This is a simple and familiar control for users.

Electronic control usually includes a display that displays the operating settings of the hood and the active operating mode. Activation of speeds and lighting can be done by touching the sensors (although it happens that the button format is retained).

In models with electronic control, a timer function is often available - you can set the time to turn off the hood or switch to another operating mode.

It is the electronic control that allows the hood to automatically turn on. Thanks to temperature and humidity sensors, the device itself will “understand” that the cooking process has begun and will turn on. In this case, the intensity of the hood operation may change - depending on the saturation of the air with odors, etc. At the end of cooking, the hood will work for some more time to remove all contaminated air, and will automatically turn off.

There are also hoods that have smoke detectors installed. They also automatically turn on or increase productivity when smoke in the kitchen increases (something is burnt, smoky).

Remote control

A continuation of electronic control, in fact, is the ability to control the hood remotely: from a smartphone or tablet, located anywhere in the apartment, city or world. To do this, you need to have wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) working at home. By installing an application on your mobile gadget to control the hood (or various kitchen appliances in general), the user can turn the device on and off, set operating speeds, set a timer, etc. In this case, control of the hood’s energy consumption is often available. The device also sends a message that it is time to change or wash the filter and even that increased smoke levels have been detected at home.

Today, almost every kitchen has a lot of different appliances, and one of the most necessary and useful is the hood. Once upon a time, its function was performed by a window, but not anymore. What is a hood? This is a device that does not allow soot and various odors to settle on the walls.

The hood is a device that makes the kitchen clean

This will make your kitchen much cleaner. But on the modern market there are many different models that have different sizes and shapes. Many people ask just one question: what types of kitchen hoods are there? In this article we will examine this issue in detail.

Types of hoods based on operating principle

There are several criteria according to which hoods are divided into types. After all, each device performs its main function differently. There are such types of kitchen hoods based on the operating principle as:

• recirculation;
• hoods with outlet.

Recirculation devices have a filter that allows you to remove dirt from the air. After cleaning it, the equipment returns air to the room. Often such products are used in buildings where it is not possible to connect to an external ventilation system. The main disadvantage of such models is that the filter needs to be constantly changed.

Models with a tap are popular. Such devices draw dirty air directly into the external ventilation of the house. Today there are models of this type that process the air in two ways. This is when part of the air goes into external ventilation, and the second part is filtered and returned back to the room.

It is necessary to choose a hood based on the ventilation system

Each type is good in its own way, but you need to choose equipment based on the ventilation system. After all, you might just waste your money.

Types of hoods depending on the type of installation

One of the important points is how the device is attached. Hoods of this type are chosen depending on the kitchen furniture. It is better to purchase both furniture and equipment at the same time. What types of kitchen hoods are distinguished depending on the type of installation? Now we will analyze this issue. Depending on the type of installation, the following types are distinguished:

• hanging;
• dome;
• built-in

The advantage of wall-hung models is that they are small in size and will easily fit into even the smallest kitchen. The hood is mounted directly above the gas stove. It performs its functions using a special filter. That is why, most often, additional kitchen cabinets are hung above them. But the downside of such models is that the filters need to be constantly changed.

If you don’t want to constantly tinker with them, you can choose a model that has a metal filter.

The hood will function exactly the same, but you won’t need to constantly change it, just wash and dry it. Agree this is much more convenient.

When using a dome hood, it is important to have a good ventilation system

In order to use a dome model, you need to have a good ventilation system that will go into the air duct. Previously, such models were used only in restaurants and canteens, but today you can find dome hoods of absolutely any size. Over time, the design and material from which they are made have changed. Now you can find models made of glass, wood, metal and many other materials.

Built-in hoods can be easily installed directly into furniture. Such models are more efficient in terms of performance, because they have a retractable panel. With its help it is much easier to regulate the operation of the device. The built-in hood has a metal filter that does not need to be changed, but simply washed periodically.

We have looked at the main types of kitchen hoods, but there are also a number of additional ones.

Additional criteria for a kitchen hood

There are also a number of additional indicators according to which you should choose a hood for the kitchen. These include:

• power;
• type of control;
• noise level;
• dimensions;
• design.

Most often, it is these indicators that allow a person to decide. The power of the device must be selected depending on the size of the room where the hood will be installed. After all, the efficiency of the model depends on this indicator. The type of control does not play a big role in the operation of the device, but for some this point is important.

Today, not a single hood operates silently

In terms of size and design, it's a matter of taste. The modern market offers a wide variety of models that have different colors, shapes and sizes. Therefore, at this moment you should not go too deep.

Kitchen hood and types of control

There are also types of kitchen hoods depending on the control panel. There are two types: electrical and mechanical. Electric hoods can have touch or button controls. A mechanical hood only has a slider; you can use it to turn it on and regulate the power. Therefore, each housewife can independently choose one of the presented control types. Mechanical hoods are slightly cheaper than electric ones.

The main differences between kitchen hoods

The types of kitchen hoods that we have reviewed will now allow every housewife to choose the right device. What is the difference between kitchen hoods? To begin with, this is a design, the hood must completely match the interior of the kitchen. After all, it won’t be very beautiful if the device doesn’t fit into the main picture. Next are the dimensions of the hood, it depends on the room in which the kitchen is located; if it is small in size, then it is advisable to take a small model, and vice versa.

All kitchen hoods also differ in power. Naturally, the more powerful the device, the more efficiently it will do its job. But this does not mean at all that you need to purchase a large hood with good power. For each individual size there is a certain power limit. In this case, it is said that you should not take a model with minimal power. After all, then it will not perform its functions one hundred percent.

Be sure to pay attention to the type of installation. If you purchase kitchen furniture in a showroom that also sells hoods, then it is better to immediately decide on such an important device. Then you can choose a hood that will easily fit not only into the interior of the kitchen, but also into the furniture. Many people prefer built-in models. They do not take up much space and do not stand out from the main background.

We have discussed how kitchen hoods may differ, and now let’s talk about the operating principle of such a useful device.

Operating principle of kitchen hoods

Before you buy kitchen equipment, you need to know how it works. The operating principle of all models is approximately the same, but there are also differences. Those that are connected to external ventilation most often simply remove all the bad odors outside.

But models with a filter purify the air and return it back to the room already clean. But there are also those who perform these two functions simultaneously. It is better to purchase the latest devices, but this is only if it is possible to connect to external ventilation.

The kitchen hood operates on the principle of forced ventilation.

It allows you to eliminate various bad odors and various fumes. This became possible thanks to special filters that are built into the hood. And also, thanks to them, your kitchen will be less dirty and you will not need to make repairs to it soon.

Our grandmothers did not have such useful devices before, and they had to constantly make repairs. After all, during frying and cooking, all the vapors settle on the wallpaper and surfaces. It is very difficult to clean the entire kitchen every time.

Cost of a kitchen hood

You can often find budget models in stores, because that’s what people buy. But there are expensive and mid-price hoods. If you decide to buy a device for a long time, then it is better to choose a more expensive model.

Inexpensive kitchen models are made of plastic, sometimes with the addition of small metal parts. There is a slider or buttons to control them. The fan can have a maximum of three speeds. Two lamps are used as illumination.

Mid-price models are made of stainless steel, aluminum or tempered glass. The panel can be not only push-button, but also touch-sensitive. The device may have a scoreboard. Incandescent or halogen lamps are used as lighting.

Natural wood is used to make expensive models. They have a remote control that makes using the hood easier. Such models also have a bunch of different sensors. There is also a timer and only halogen lamps are used as lighting.

Now you can easily choose a kitchen hood yourself, based on the information provided above.