Range Hoods You Should Never Buy and Why

A hood range is a kitchen essential that removes airborne grease, steam, heat, smoke and fumes from cooking. These appliances have different methods of eliminating these contaminants. Ducted range hoods move the air outside through a conduit. In ductless models, the range hood filters the air before recirculating it into your kitchen.

Apart from being vital for venting your kitchen safely, range hoods can create a stylish focal point that transforms your kitchen and matches your needs. 

By knowing which range hoods you should never buy and why, you can narrow down what makes a quality product and invest in a long-lasting range hood that makes cooking and entertaining more positive experiences. 

Types of Range Hoods

Cooking fumes contain toxic chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, grease particles that ruin cabinets and lingering odors that cling to furniture and clothing. 

A quality range hood is vital for cleaning your indoor air, removing carcinogens like volatile organic compounds and making your household healthier. Consider which type best suits your style, needs and preferences.

• Under-cabinet: These space-saving models fit under cabinets and shelving.
• Wall-mounted: Wall-mounted range hoods attach to your wall. A quality wall-mounted range hood should have a sleek design, creating a lovely focal point. Some convert to a ductless option.
• Built-in: Built-in range hoods have a recessed design that blends in seamlessly without taking up kitchen space. Quality built-in range hoods have convertible, ductless models.
• Island: These range hoods have a canopy design that hangs from the ceiling over your kitchen island. Some of these designs can also be ductless. 

How Does a Range Hood Maintain Healthy Indoor Air Quality?

A range hood's role in improving indoor air quality is a frequently overlooked aspect of kitchen design. Activities like frying and searing release various airborne pollutants. These cooking byproducts can linger and accumulate, compromising the air we breathe.

A high-performing range hood is essential for ventilation. It efficiently extracts airborne contaminants and particulates, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. Beyond removing visible smoke and odors, range hoods also filter out harmful microscopic particles that can be detrimental to respiratory health, especially for those with asthma, allergies or other sensitivities. 

This appliance ensures the air you breathe is clean, pure and free from cooking byproducts. Investing in a high-quality, properly installed range hood is a simple, impactful way to enjoy the pleasures of home cooking without compromising your family's well-being.

Tips for Selecting a Range Hood  

Improving your kitchen is an exciting investment, but you should avoid these mistakes when narrowing down your choices.

Low Cubic Feet Per Minute

CFM is a lab-rated suction power measurement. There is no universal measurement for CFM — it varies by product and brand. For CFM, you will need to factor in the width of your stove, its cooking power in British thermal units and the size of your kitchen. 

Speak to a professional range hood supplier or installer to determine the best CFM for your needs. Lower-quality models often have lower CFM because they use inexpensive, noisy fans that move less air, resulting in inadequate ventilation. 

Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

An over-the-range microwave does double duty as a hood vent. While combining appliances may seem more efficient, these models often lack venting power and struggle to handle the intense fumes and heat from high-powered, modern stoves. A dedicated range hood is essential for superior ventilation features.

Inexpensive Brands

We all love shopping for a deal, but skimping on an investment like your range hood can cost you more in the long run. Many models are inexpensive because the manufacturers cut corners on materials and construction quality. The fan and filters will not ventilate your home well, and they tend to be extremely noisy and inconvenient. Cheap, generic range hoods usually wear out quickly and have unnecessary features that make them virtually unusable.

The Wrong Model for Your Kitchen

You may have your heart set on a ducted range hood, but you can eliminate this option if you don't have a duct in your ceiling, wall or floor for external ventilation. Choose a quality ductless range hood instead to clean your air and enhance your kitchen without embarking on an extensive home renovation.  

Range Hood Features to Look for Instead 

Now that you know what to avoid, look for these features that indicate long-lasting quality.

• Quieter models: Outdated, cheaper models have a reputation for being noisy. Thankfully, modern, quality range hoods are efficient and quiet. You can look at a model's noise rating, based on sones, to see which suits you best. Most range hoods operate at six to 10 sones. 
• Durability and longevity: A good range hood will have long-lasting materials like a powerful motor and reliable filtration system. 
• Design options: Your kitchen should reflect your personality. Opt for a shape, size and style that suits your interior.

Transform Your Kitchen by Buying a Range Hood From Hauslane

A quality range hood can be the difference between having a kitchen you rarely use and one that is the heart of your home. You can make your home's air cleaner and fresher by avoiding common buying mistakes.

At Hauslane, we know kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. Our range hoods feature extensive options to fit your preferences and requirements, including island, mounted, under-cabinet and built-in units in ducted and ductless models. 

We offer free virtual consultations, letting you speak to an expert from the comfort of your home to determine the best type of range hood vent for your kitchen. Shop our product catalog or contact a friendly consultant today!