How to choose the best range hood over the stove and types of appliances
The hood is an equipment operating on the principle of a forced-type ventilation system. It cleans the kitchen space of substances formed during combustion, eliminates unpleasant odors and fumes. The hood is equipped with filter elements that capture vapours, odors and carbon deposits. Before buying such equipment, you need to know how to choose a hood for the kitchen above the stove.
What are the parameters for choosing a hood for the kitchen
The effectiveness of the equipment depends on the characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing a device. The performance of the hood affects the quality of the hood. A correctly selected device will improve air circulation in the kitchen by 6-10 times. Modern equipment has high-powered fans that can run at two or four speeds to remove clogged air. The equipment surface umbrella should cover the cooktop.
An important criterion when choosing a hood is the noise level it produces during operation. A good extractor hood creates a noise that does not exceed 45 decibels. It can be compared to a quiet conversation taking place at a distance of 10 meters.
Another tip is to choose equipment that is equipped with a halogen or LED lighting system. Lighting devices are located on the hood panel.
Appearance and dimensions
There are such types of equipment:
- Suspended. They have a low cost, are easy to install and are popular in Russia. They operate in recirculation mode, the filter elements are reusable.
- Dome. Outwardly similar to an umbrella, they are fixed on the wall surface above the hob. Recirculation and flow modes are provided.
- Embedded. Installed in a wall cabinet with an open bottom.
- Island. Ideal for kitchens where the stove is centrally located away from the wall surface. They operate in continuous mode.
- Retractable. The advantage of such hoods is their compactness. By sliding the cooktop, it is possible to clean the air over the entire cooktop.
What dimensions should the equipment have? When choosing a device, you need to take into account the dimensions of the gas stove or electric stove. To prevent obstructed air from bypassing the fan, the width of the panel should be slightly larger than the width of the plate.
Manufacturers produce equipment with a width of 50-100 centimeters. Consumers give preference to devices whose body has a width of 60, 90 centimeters.
Device power and performance
It cannot be argued that the choice of a kitchen hood is made according to the power indicator, since this parameter is expressed in watts. Rather, the device is selected for its capacity, measured in cubic meters per hour.
Calculating performance is simple. Multiply the kitchen area by the height and 12. You need to multiply by exactly 12, respectively, with the sanitary standard (the equipment should clean at least 12 cubic meters of air in one hour) . In addition, you must take into account the power reserve, adding 20 percent to the result.
As a general rule, buy an electric hood with a capacity of at least 550 cubic meters per hour.
Filtration systems
By the type of filtration system, the hoods are divided into single-stage and two-stage; as well as first and second level equipment. Single-stage units use a disposable/reusable filter element. A disposable filter after contamination is replaced by another; in a reusable filter, only the inner cartridge is replaced. In two-stage hoods, the air is first cleaned of grease particles, after which unpleasant odors are removed.
The first level hoods are equipped with acrylic/steel filters. They purify the air by rinsing it. Devices of the second level, equipped with a carbon filter element, are much more efficient.
All hoods are equipped with a filter that protects the ventilation duct from carbon deposits. Metal filter elements are made of foil or aluminum. They are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Fat trapping
The synthetic fiber grease filter element guarantees almost total silence. It includes a cassette with a non-woven / sintepon material. After clogging the filter, the cassette is removed and replaced by another.
Carbonic
Carbon filter elements clean the air of dirt and odors with high quality. In addition to activated carbon, they include cation exchangers, silver and other components that promote disinfection. The main disadvantage of these filters is that they are expensive. In addition, carbon filter elements have a short operating period. They should be replaced regularly, about every six months to a year. The frequency of replacement depends on the thickness of the carbon powder.
Noise level
Before buying a device, check with your dealer if it is quiet. When selecting a hood based on noise level, rely on the following facts:
- 60 decibels - normal conversation at a distance of one meter;
- 90 decibels - shout;
- 100 decibels - lawn mower.
Choose devices whose sound level does not exceed 45 decibels.
Backlight Quality
Choose equipment equipped with halogen / LED bulbs. Such lighting fixtures create an optimal luminous flux for cooking food.
Crafting material
Inexpensive equipment is made of heat-resistant plastic material with metal inserts. Equipment with a metal case (aluminum or steel) is more expensive. Wooden appliances are worth the most. In any case, you need to choose the equipment taking into account your own budget.
Control Panel
Depending on the control mode, it is possible to distinguish 3 types of equipment: push, sliding, touch. Remote control devices that use a remote control are not very popular.
Button
The most common option. The keys are used to change the operating modes.
Cursor or Cursor
You need to control the hood by means of a special slider that changes operating modes.
Sensory
The device is controlled by lightly touching the corresponding area. After touching, the LED lights up, the equipment executes the command received.
Ranking of the best hoods
If you do not understand which hood is better to buy, study the rating of such equipment. Devices manufactured by Siemens, Bosch, Elikor, Samsung are considered common hoods for installation on a gas stove. They combine excellent quality, affordable cost and attractive design. You can also get equipment from other manufacturers (Krona, Gorenje, Electrolux).
Automatic start device
Such equipment starts automatically. After purifying the air, the device turns off. It is optimal for people who suffer from forgetfulness.
Top models:
- Gorenje WHI 951 S Equipped with a branch, works in recirculation mode. The control is carried out by means of sensors.
- Siemens LC 91BA Has an inclined panel, original design.
- Krona Naomi 900 5P-S mirror. Made in a modern style. Fixed on the wall surface, touch control.
Ductless
The equipment does not have a pipe that leads the air to the ventilation. Purification is carried out by a two-level filtration system. After cleaning, the air is returned to the kitchen.
Top models:
- Bosch DHU646 U. The most reliable model among ductless devices.
- Cata Ceres 600 Negra. Functional, has 3 speeds. The control is carried out by means of sensors.
- Pyramid MN20-60. Ideal for small kitchens with an area of less than nine squares.
Fully built models
Built-in hoods are installed in a kitchen set.
Top models:
- Electrolux egf 50250S.Convenient to use, it is considered the best fully built-in extractor hood.
- Zanussi ZHP 615 X. Easy to use, controlled by a mechanical slider.
- Elica elibok 9 LX. Equipped with a pair of high performance motors.
Best Filter Devices
Impurities (grease particles, smoke) are eliminated through the air duct. The filter prevents them from returning to the kitchen.
Top models:
- Bosch 067K Refers to built-in type.
- Siemens LI 67SA Made in Germany. It does not make much noise in operation, it is equipped with a halogen backlight.
- Elikor Integra 60. Inexpensive, very popular in Russia.
The best inclined extractor hood
Such equipment looks impressive thanks to the glossy surface, well combined with the interiors, and the sloping body.
Top models:
- Elius Lana 700 60 Bcl. It works in recirculation mode, has 3 speeds and produces little noise.
- Krona Irida Equipped with air outlet and electronic control panel.
- Faber Cocktail XS Equipped with a touch control panel, it is efficient and produces little noise during operation.
Recirculated models
After cleaning, the air is returned to the kitchen. There is no air duct.
Top models:
- Liberty Base 251 X. Combines excellent quality and low cost.
- VENTOLUX Bravo 60. Has an unusual, multifunctional appearance.
- Bosch There are 2 operating modes.
Hoods with fan
You cannot do without a fan connection to the ventilation if there is not enough draft in the mine. The disadvantage of such devices is that they are not able to provide ventilation of contaminants from the hob.
Top models:
- Winds 100. The best option of all.
- Optima 4 D. Increased operating parameters.
- Domovent 100. Easy to use, inexpensive.
Appliances with built-in microwave
These devices are multifunctional, so you do not need to buy a microwave oven. However, they are expensive. The best model can be called MWGD 750.0 E. The hood makes the suction area larger and more efficient.
The Cata Chorus device is also popular. Includes 9 programs, halogen lamps. The hood is controlled by means of buttons.