There are generally two types of range hoods; vented range hood and ductless range hood.
The vented range hood is also known as ducted hood. Like its name, this hood has a ductwork system and ventilates air out of the kitchen. It is not often visible from the exterior as it is sometimes hidden in the kitchen cabinet, and goes through the ceiling or wall of a house. This is to allow smoke, steam and dirt particles in the air to be filtered out of the house.
On the contrary, ductless range hood do not require ductwork, which is suitable for smaller kitchens. It filters the air with activated carbon or charcoal, without having to vent it out of the kitchen. Instead, air is re-circulated back into the kitchen. Although smoke particles in the air are removed, heat and moisture will remain in the kitchen. The charcoal filters have to be replaced regularly, but it is less costly compared to a vented range hood as there is no ductwork involved.
When it comes to choosing an exhaust hood for your kitchen, the following are some factors to be considered:
Compatibility
The position of your cooktop determines where your range hood will be installed. Usually, range hoods are installed right above the cooktop to maximise efficiency as smoke and dust particles in the air will be absorbed immediately during cooking.
For vented range hoods, make sure the design is compatible with the existing ductwork in your kitchen. If you’re getting a vented range hood for the first time, it is important to plan beforehand to determine the position of the ductwork. A horizontal installation may be more suitable compared to a vertical design depending on the interior of your kitchen.
Generally, ductless range hoods are more flexible and can be installed almost anywhere. No pipe is needed to filter air to the outside, therefore the installation process is simpler. Only minor planning is needed before the installation of ductless range hood.
Size and height of kitchen
Make sure to get a hood that matches the height and size of your kitchen. Getting a hood which is as wide as your kitchen is a good way to ensure effectiveness.
Performance
If you’re doing heavy duty cooking or you have a large kitchen, it’s best to get an exhaust hood that has a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute, in which the speed of air flow is measured). A bigger kitchen or heavy cooking requires the air to be ventilated more quickly compared to a smaller kitchen and simple cooking.
Maintenance
You should also get a range hood that is easy to maintain. The inside and the outside of the range hood must be cleaned regularly, so make sure to get one that is not too difficult to clean.
A vented range hood may require cleaning if it is frequently used. The vent has to be cleaned when there is grease built up on the walls of the vent. If the air flow is blocked, it could catch fire.
If you have opted for a ductless range hood, make sure the filter can be changed and washed easily. During the cleaning process, the grease filter has to be removed and washed with a detergent or degreasing solution. Additionally, charcoal filters need to be replaced once it is worn out.
