Kitchen Remodel
You may be dazzled by all the choices that are available for ventilation in your kitchen. With such a variety, it is also crucial to analyze the needs and plan accordingly, not just fall for the salesperson wooing you with the high-tech delights of an appliance. When it comes to hooded systems, there are many things to look for beyond their ability to eliminate stale cooking odors.
Keep grease from settling on your kitchen
No discussion of range hoods is complete without addressing their effectiveness in eliminating smoke, heat, steam, grease, grime, and germs. A fan over the oven range is not enough to perform this function. You need a hooded system that is installed directly over the range close enough to capture the bad air and heat as it rises naturally.
Functionality to the highest level
A good hooded system that clears the air comes with a hood and a fan to expel the contaminants through a duct and to the outside. The damper located inside the hood closes when not in use so as to prevent the outside air from entering the kitchen. A good quality system, like the one provided by Kachina Kitchen, should be ducted to the outside in order to function optimally. Otherwise, it is useless.
Aesthetic appeal
Hooded systems are also meant to create a focal point in the kitchen. Although most people don't consider ventilation a glamorous feature, a hooded system can add beauty to the space and preserve the good looks of your kitchen. Whichever system you choose, remember to have it installed at a height of 30 inches or less from the cooking range to obtain the best ventilation. The hood should also be wider and longer than the cooking range.
Efficiency and beyond
A hooded system as a source of ventilation while cooking needs a powerful fan. The more cooking you do and more heat is released, the more powerful your fan should be. Therefore, while selecting the hooded system, make sure to check the air movement rating of the fan. A minimum of 150 cfm per linear foot of the range is recommended by the NKBA. A commercial-style cooking range may require a fan that has 1,200 to 1,800 cfm. Additionally, it is important to have efficient ductwork. Long runs of ductwork, especially, will need a more powerful fan.
Life expectancy of hooded systems
A hooded system has a life expectancy of 20 years or more, with an average of 15 years for its fan. Like other kitchen appliances, the durability of the system can vary depending on the quality and maintenance. Cleaning the clogged filter periodically will lessen the load on the motor.
The best way to learn about your options in hooded systems is to do your homework and take advantage of free in-store consultations. For more information on range hoods for conventional ovens and cooking surfaces, follow TheHomeMag on Instagram and Facebook.
