When cooking, it’s fun to really be immersed in the smell and flavor of the food you’re cooking. However, this can be overwhelming at times, especially if plenty of smoke is rising in the process. And unless you’re fine with your kitchen smelling for the rest of the day, this is probably not what you want.
That’s why people install range hoods. Range hoods suck up the dirty air and scents from the range below so that you can leave the kitchen with no scents, smoke, or grease remaining. Though they can be a bit of a hassle to install, once they’re up and running, they’re very helpful and can make cooking much easier.
What is a Range Hood?
A range hood is a device that ventilates the air in the area below it. It is installed above a range to suck up smoke and air while cooking. In spaces where ventilation is not that great, range hoods can keep the space from smelling like food for the next few hours. And, if something begins to burn, a hood can clean up the air before your smoke alarm goes off.
Why Do You Need a Range Hood?
Here’s why you should, at the very least, consider getting a range hood.
They get rid of smoke
Even if you aren’t burning your food, you may still end up with a bit of smoke while cooking. This can be due to the ingredients themselves or the method of cooking that you’re using. Regardless, smoke can be visible and can even end up staining your surrounding furniture, so getting rid of the smoke as soon as you can help minimize this risk.
No scents anywhere
Food smells good, but only when you’re hungry. With a full stomach, the last thing you’d want to smell would be the food you just ate. Other than removing smoke, range hoods also suck up any scents or smell that may have arisen from cooking. Even the most potent odors can be eliminated with the help of a range hood.
Things to Consider When Buying a Range Hood
Remember these tips when getting yourself a range hood.
Size
Imagine if you had a range hood twice the size (or even half the size) of your stove or range. Not a pretty sight, is it? While bigger may be better when it comes to some things in life, the same can’t be easily said for range hoods. Though there are benefits to having large range hoods, it’s not always the case.
Large range hoods are primarily useful because they have more coverage and are therefore more effective at removing smoke and odor. Even a small range or cooktop could benefit from a large range hood. However, the main drawback to this is that the difference in size can be distracting, and even ugly to look at from a design perspective.
If you prefer keeping your kitchen looking nice and aesthetically pleasing, you’ll want a range hood that has similar dimensions to your actual range. It doesn’t have to have the same size— as long as they have similar dimensions, everything should be fine.
Noise
One disadvantage inherent in any range hoods is the noise that comes with using the device. Since it uses fans to suck up air through one end and releases it somewhere else, it’s bound to make noise, especially if it’s running on high power. If you don’t care about the noise, then you should be fine with any model, but some people would prefer a quieter and more relaxing experience when using a range hood.
Range Hood Price Range
Range hoods cost anywhere from $80 to $400, depending on the manufacturer, size, and build quality. Note that in general, the pricier models tend to have more features, such as more control options, quieter performance, and so on.
How We Choose the Best Range Hood
Our range hoods were chosen based on their noise level, build quality, size, and customer reviews. We conducted thorough research into today's available products to find the best ones, just for you.
FAQ
Do range hoods need to be vented outside?
Not necessarily. Range hoods simply filter the air that gets sucked in, so you can technically circulate the air back into the room, as it will be cleaner and more odorless than the air that came in. Recirculated or external ventilation depends both on personal preference and your kitchen's setup.
What are range hoods useful for?
Range hoods are useful in removing airborne grease, odor, and smoke from a kitchen, all of which can ruin the color of furniture nearby, cause lingering smells, and dirty your kitchen. With a good range hood, you'll have a cleaner kitchen and cleaner air.