When planning for a new kitchen, there are many aspects to think about. We consider the cabinets, floors, how much countertop we need, and various appliances. One critical part of the kitchen that many fail to take into consideration is the ventilation –specifically, the range hood.

The range hood goes by many names such as the vent hood, extractor hood, or kitchen hood. It’s a mechanical fan placed above a stove or cooktop meant to capture smoke, fumes, odors, grease, and any other airborne particles that you get from cooking. Today we’re going to find out why this appliance is so important to any kitchen and what different types there are to choose from.

Why Do I Need a Range Hood?

In residential settings, range hoods are not always required, depending on where you live and your local codes. Some people may just not like the look of one and think to forego it. However, there are numerous reasons why you should invest in a range hood for your kitchen.

Eliminates Smoke, Steam, and Odors

We all know that cooking can cause a lot of smoke and steam. A range hood sucks all of that in, preventing it from spreading to the rest of your home or triggering smoke alarms. It also prevents unwanted odors from lingering in your home.

Traps Grease and Residue

Smoke and odors are not the only things a range hood captures. It also serves to trap grease and other cooking residues. These could stick to your cabinets, making them more difficult to clean. Over time, the excessive scrubbing you need to do can discolor and permanently ruin your cabinets. A range hood helps with your regular cleanup and can help improve the longevity of your kitchen cabinetry.

Improves Air Quality

Lastly, range hoods greatly improve the air quality in your kitchen. The extraction and replacement of air keeps your kitchen properly ventilated even if you don’t have a lot of windows. It can cut down on any potential airborne bacteria, irritants, or chemicals produced from cooking. A range hood serves to keep the air fresh which can lead to better health.

Different Types of Range Hoods

Hopefully, you’ve been sufficiently convinced on why you should get a range hood. The next step is actually choosing one. There are various types available depending on your different needs such as space, size, aesthetics, and budget.

Wall Mount Range Hoods

Wall-mounted range hoods are one of the most common types you’ve likely seen. As the name suggests, these are secured directly against your wall with an exposed vent or chimney that leads to the outside. These types are often large enough to cover the whole area of the stove, making them highly effective at removing any smoke and foul odors. The main disadvantage of wall mount range hoods is its large size. This makes them a less than ideal option for small kitchens, especially if you’re wanting for precious overhead cabinet space.

Under Cabinet Range Hoods

An alternative for those that want more storage is the under cabinet range hood. Using this type of hood allows you to have cupboards above your cooktop. Depending on your kitchen’s design, this can create a more cohesive and continuous look to your kitchen cabinets. Typically, an under cabinet range hood doesn’t take up as much space, making them good options for medium-sized and smaller kitchens. As an added bonus, they’re also inexpensive when compared to the other types.

Island Range Hoods

What if you have a cooktop on an island in the middle of your kitchen instead? Then what you need is an island range hood. Unlike the two previous types, this range hood hangs from the ceiling, directly over your cooktop. These often come in sleek and contemporary designs, complementing various styles. This type of hood is often more expensive than an equivalent wall-mounted counterpart. They also require more ductwork as the vents will have to pass thru the ceiling first. This further increases the cost. An additional consideration, especially for kitchen renovations and older homes, is that some properties may not have enough clearance within the ceiling to accommodate the vents.

Range Hood Inserts

If you want a truly unique and one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen, you might’ve considered a custom range hood. These custom pieces often go in two extremes: creating a statement piece or seamlessly hiding your hood within cabinets. For these types of applications, you will need a range hood insert. This is a great option if you want full control over everything about your range hood such as size, style, design, ventilation strength, and everything in between. Because a custom range hood is a specialty piece, it goes without saying that can be one of the pricier options. On top of the price of the range hood insert itself, you also have to factor in the custom cabinetry that goes with it.

Downdraft Range Hoods

The last type we’ve listed here isn’t quite a range hood in the traditional sense as it doesn’t go over the cooktop. A downdraft range hood is a ventilation fan built into and hidden within the cooktop surface. It doesn’t work quite as well as the above options as it tries to suck in smoke and odors downwards. This is opposed to the usual range hood setup that catches smoke as it naturally rises. Another downside is it’s moving air so close to the cooktop. This can interfere with gas burners, causing the flames to flicker when the fans are on. Even as it tries to fight against the basic physics of air, downdraft ranges do have a place. For one, it takes minimal space, which can make it the only viable option for the smallest of kitchen spaces. Another use case is when you want the space above your counters to be completely clear. This can be an intentional design choice, such as in kitchens with large cathedral ceilings or if you don’t like the look of upper cabinetry.

Keep Your Kitchen Ventilated

A well-ventilated kitchen is important for both your family’s health and safety. With so many options to choose from, there’s definitely the perfect range hood that fits with your home’s style and your family’s needs. When planning for your kitchen, whether it’s a new construction or a renovation, don’t forget the humble range hood. With it, you won’t have to worry about smoke, lingering odors, greasy cabinets, and other chemicals.

At Wood & Co. we know the importance of a well-designed kitchen with the right cabinetry, appliances, and good ventilation. If you have a project in The Hamptons, Long Island, New York CIty, or other nearby areas, contact us and let us help you in your kitchen journey. We have the tools and know-how to make your ideal kitchen a reality.