Different Types of Rangehoods: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Kitchen
A kitchen hood is crucial for keeping your kitchen fresh and clean. It removes smoke, grease, and cooking odors. Selecting the right range hood depends on your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and ventilation needs. Whether building from scratch or renovating, selecting the right rangehood can be a minefield. There are different range hoods, and getting the right one can make a difference in how your kitchen looks and feels.
In this article, we’ll look at the types of range hoods. We’ll highlight their main features. This way, you can make a smart choice. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons and provide useful advice to guide you in selecting the right one for your space.
What is a rangehood?
A kitchen hood is a ventilation system that removes airborne grease, steam, and odors and helps maintain good air quality. There are vented range hoods (ducted) and recirculating models. Ducted hoods vent air outside, while recirculating models use filters to clean the air.
Choosing the right range hood size ensures proper ventilation.
A cabinet hood or under-cabinet range hood is great for small kitchens, while a canopy range hood or island range hood suits larger spaces. Whether venting outside or recirculating air through filters, the goal is to improve air quality and keep your kitchen clean. A well-chosen range will make your cooking experience more pleasant and safer.
Why You Need the Right Range Hood
If you’ve ever cooked a hearty stir-fry or grilled something on high heat, you’ll know how smoke and fumes can quickly fill a kitchen. Without a proper range hood, that smoke will linger. The right kitchen rangehood can cut the steam and smells before they settle in your curtains and walls. Plus, it keeps grease and grime off your kitchen surfaces. When choosing, it’s essential to pick a rangehood type that suits your kitchen size, cooking habits, and style preferences.
Different Types of Range Hoods
Let’s now explore the types of range hoods you’ll typically encounter. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so considering how each type will work in your home is worth it.
Canopy Rangehood
A popular choice for many kitchens, the canopy rangehood is precisely what it sounds like—a large hood that covers the cooking area. These rangehood types are ideal for large, open kitchens requiring serious ventilation.
Key Features:
- Typically mounted above the cooktop, it extends like a canopy.
- Works best for large kitchens or island setups.
- Comes in both ducted (vents air outside) and recirculating (filters and reintroduces air) options.
- Stainless steel is standard, but you can also find glass or other finishes.
Pros:
- Highly effective at removing smoke, grease, and odors.
- Can handle heavy-duty cooking.
- Stylish and modern, often adding a professional look to your kitchen.
Cons:
- A larger size means it requires more ceiling space.
- Usually pricier than other types.
Wall-Mounted Rangehood
The wall-mounted range hood is an excellent option if you’ve got a cooktop against a wall. These kitchen hoods are mounted directly onto the wall above the stove and are standard in modern kitchens.
Key Features:
- Wall-mounted for a sleek, contemporary look.
- Available in both ducted and recirculating versions.
- Often made from stainless steel or glass, it can blend with other kitchen fittings.
Pros:
- Space-efficient if you have a limited kitchen layout.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Affordable compared to canopy-range hoods.
Cons:
- It might not be as powerful as a canopy range hood.
- Needs proper wall space for installation.
Under-Cabinet Rangehood
Under-cabinet range hoods are a lifesaver if you work with limited overhead space. These are the most discreet range hood types, hidden under your kitchen cabinets. They’re ideal for smaller spaces or more compact kitchens.
Key Features:
- Designed to fit under cabinets, saving overhead space.
- Ducted or recirculating options are available.
- Often comes with a built-in light, which can be handy for cooking.
Pros:
- Keep your kitchen looking clean and tidy.
- Does not take up precious overhead space.
- Works well in apartments or smaller kitchens.
Cons:
- It may not offer the same ventilation power as larger range hoods.
- Limited size options, which may not suit larger cooktops.
Island Rangehood
A designer creates an island range hood with an island cooktop for kitchens. These range hoods hang from the ceiling, creating a stylish centrepiece in your kitchen.
Key Features:
- Suspended from the ceiling above the cooktop.
- Available in ducted and recirculating versions.
- Stylish and often a statement piece in modern kitchens.
Pros:
- Perfect for open-plan kitchens with island cooktops.
- Gives your kitchen a contemporary, high-end look.
- Efficient in removing cooking fumes in large spaces.
Cons:
- Requires significant ceiling height for installation.
- It can be more expensive due to the added complexity.
Retractable Rangehood
A retractable rangehood could be the perfect solution if you want something discreet. These are often built into kitchen cabinets and can be pulled out.
Key Features:
- Mounted inside a cabinet, it slides or folds out when in use.
- Usually more diminutive in size, it is ideal for compact kitchens.
- Available in ducted and recirculating options.
Pros:
- Super discreet and does not take up valuable cabinet space.
- A good choice for minimalist or modern kitchens.
Cons:
- Less potent than larger range hoods.
- The retractable design can make it more difficult to clean.
Ceiling-Mounted Rangehood
A ceiling-mounted range hood might be the best option for kitchens with high ceilings. These range hoods are installed directly into the ceiling, providing a clean, unobtrusive look.
Key Features:
- Installed flush with the ceiling, it gives a minimalist, modern appearance.
- Typically ducted, venting air outside the home.
- Often come with sleek designs that add to the kitchen’s aesthetic.
Pros:
- Ideal for modern, open-plan kitchens.
- Keeps the design of your kitchen seamless and uncluttered.
Cons:
- It requires more installation work and often needs professional help.
- Not as cost-effective as other options.
How to Choose the Right Type of Range Hood
When choosing the best type of range hood for your kitchen, here are some things to consider:
- Kitchen Size and Layout: Larger kitchens will benefit from more powerful range hoods, such as canopy or island range hoods. Smaller kitchens might be better suited to under-cabinet or retractable range hoods.
- Ventilation Requirements: If you cook a lot of stir-fries, grill meats, or bake with high heat, you’ll need a more robust system. Ducted range hoods are more effective than recirculating ones, especially for high-heat cooking.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Rangehoods come in various styles and finishes. Whether you prefer stainless steel, glass, or custom cabinetry, you can find something to match your kitchen’s design.
- Noise Levels: Some range hoods can be pretty noisy, so if peace is essential, opt for a quieter model or one with noise-reducing features.
How to Install Kitchen Range Hood
Installing a kitchen range hood requires a few simple steps. First, choose the right range hood based on your kitchen size and cooking habits. Next, prepare the installation area with enough clearance above the cooktop and easy access to power outlets. Mount the range hood on the wall or ceiling and secure it with screws. If using a ducted model, connect the ductwork to vent air outside. For recirculating models, install filters to purify the air. A licensed electrician should handle electrical connections. Once installed, test the range hood to ensure proper ventilation. Consider hiring experts like Rangehood Installation Sydney for a smooth and professional installation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right range hood type is about balancing functionality with style. From the heavy-duty canopy range hoods to the discreet retractable models, there’s a type of range hood to suit every need. If you need strong ventilation for a big kitchen or a quiet hood for a small one, knowing the types of kitchen hoods can help you choose better. For professional range hood installation in Sydney, experts can ensure your model is set up great.
After 10 years in electrical systems and kitchen installations, I can say this: a high-quality rangehood will boost your cooking experience. It also helps keep your kitchen clean and healthy for the long run.
Range hoods come in a few main styles: canopy, wall-mounted, under-cabinet, island, and downdraft. Canopy range hoods are large and mounted above the cooktop, perfect for bigger kitchens. Wall-mounted hoods attach to the wall above the stove and are common in modern designs. Under-cabinet range hoods fit under the cabinets, making them ideal for smaller kitchens. Island range hoods are suspended above cooktops in open-plan kitchens. Lastly, downdraft hoods pull air down from behind the cooktop, which is excellent for kitchens with limited overhead space.
The best rangehood depends on your kitchen layout and cooking needs. For large kitchens, canopy or island hoods offer powerful ventilation. In smaller spaces, under-cabinet hoods are a great choice. Wall-mounted hoods balance style and function well, especially for wall-mounted stoves. Consider the space and your cooking habits when choosing.
A ducted range hood vents air outside, removing smoke and grease more efficiently. It requires ducting to direct the air outside the house. A recirculating rangehood filters air and recirculates it back into the kitchen. It’s easier to install but doesn’t remove air as effectively as a ducted model.
Undermount range hoods are installed under cabinets and protrude slightly. They’re easy to install but can be visible. Integrated range hoods are built into cabinetry, offering a seamless, sleek look. They’re more discreet but can be more expensive and tricky to install.
Common hood types are:
- Canopy hoods
- Wall-mounted hoods
- Under-cabinet hoods
- Island hoods
- Downdraft hoods
Canopy hoods are extensive and cover a wide area. Wall-mounted and under-cabinet hoods suit smaller kitchens. Island hoods are suspended over island cooktops, while downdraft hoods pull air down and are ideal for modern kitchen designs.
No, range hoods don’t have to be vented outside. Ducted range hoods vent air outside, offering more efficient ventilation. Recirculating range hoods filter the air and release it back into the kitchen. They don’t need venting outside, making them a good choice for spaces where ducting isn’t possible.