How to choose the right cooker hood

Modern kitchen is difficult to imagine without stretching. This household appliance has become an indispensable attribute in any apartment or private house. Its main purpose is to remove water vapor from the room and smells of food prepared on the stove. In this article you will learn how to choose the right kitchen hood and not get confused among the numerous offers of producers.

Types of hoods

The kitchen is a special room in every house. All members of the family gather here, and each person spends about half of their home time. That is why it is very important that the air and the atmosphere in the kitchen are as clean and more favorable as possible. The problem of air purification is in the first place, because in the room the aromas of food constantly flow, the products of combustion are produced. In an insufficiently ventilated room, under such conditions, it is very uncomfortable to be.

Some believe that to ventilate the kitchen it is enough to open the window, others place all responsibility on the natural exhaust ventilation, which is in every apartment of a multi-storey building. However, in reality everything is a bit more complicated. Note that the hood is placed directly above the hob or stove so that the combustion products and water vapor enter the appliance as quickly as possible and are removed from the room. If ventilation is carried out only through the window leaf and grate under the ceiling, vapors with microscopic particles of products, oils and fats will inevitably settle on the walls near the slab and the ceiling above it. Only a small part of them will be eliminated through the ventilation holes, and literally a year later in such a kitchen it will be possible to observe the darkening of the interior trim or obvious fat spots on the ceiling.

Now it becomes obvious that the hood helps not only to keep the air in the kitchen clean, but also significantly extends the life of the interior trim. All hoods act on the principle of forced ventilation, drawing the air inside and passing it through the filter system. But what happens next with this air, depends on the design features of the device. Distinguish recirculation and flow hoods. The first, as can be understood from the name, let the air through the filters, clean it and release it back into the kitchen. The second only output water vapor and combustion products through the system of external ventilation. They are easy to recognize by a pipe leaving the device in a wall or ceiling. Flow hoods are considered to be more efficient than recirculating hoods and remove exhaust air from the room more quickly.

To know how to choose a kitchen hood, at least in general terms to study the design features:

1. Suspended - a series of devices that have the lowest cost and the simplest installation, so they are the most popular. They operate on a recirculating basis with the use of reusable filters, which significantly extends their life.
   
2. Dome - devices, named so because of its original shape - outwardly they resemble an umbrella. More precisely, the first domed kitchen hoods were similar to umbrellas or classic fireplaces( the second name is fireplace), but now designers are farther away from traditional forms. The devices are attached to the wall above the stove. They can operate in both recirculation mode and in-line.
   
3. Built-in - built-in kitchen hoods designed for kitchens with built-in appliances and stove in particular. The device conveniently hides in the closet above the stove and does not break out of the overall interior design.
4. Island - one of the most stylish and expensive appliances, installed in kitchens, where the stove is located in the center of the room. Island hoods work on a flow basis and are designed primarily for large kitchens. As a rule, they are characterized by high productivity, and therefore are used at a professional level in the catering industry.
   
5. With a retractable working panel - one of the latest developments of technicians, had time to earn great popularity. The devices are extremely compact due to the fact that, if necessary, the narrow working panel "hides" in the wall or kitchen furniture. By the way, if in the name of the model you see the word inox, a cooker hood built in type. So, very popular models Cata TF5260 Inox and Krona Kamilla 2M 600 Inox.
   

Functional features of

Properly selected modern exhaust hood can eliminate up to 97% of polluted air from the kitchen, but the emphasis here should be on the word "correctly".Most people do not know which kitchen hood to choose, and are guided only by the price factor or the number of positive reviews on the seller's website. However, the question should be approached entirely from the other side, and first of all determine the required productivity of the device. The performance is affected by power, which, in turn, determines the noise level of the device. Also, the appearance, dimensions, hull material, etc. play an important role. Factors that should be taken into account, quite a lot, but they need to be sorted out so as not to buy an expensive and beautifully useless "toy."

When selecting, pay attention to the air pressure values ​​generated by the motor. If they are at a height, then the hood has good performance. Pressure is forced by fans, therefore, powerful fans should have powerful fans: 1 or 2 pcs. They can run at 2 or 4 speeds respectively. The power of the hood is the power of its fans, and it is this that determines the performance of the device. Productivity refers to the ability of the hood to remove a certain amount of air for a set time. For modern hoods, this parameter ranges from 180 to 700 m³ / h. However, there is one "pitfall" - a powerful hood with high performance will be very noisy. Fortunately, for home use it is rarely necessary to turn on the device to maximum, and if it is sometimes necessary to remove evaporation or smoke, if food is consumed, you can tolerate a few minutes.

To determine how powerful a hood should be specifically for your kitchen, you need to make simple calculations. Find the volume of the room and the amount of furniture in it. Subtract the second indicator from the first and multiply the "clean" volume by 10. This number will determine the required output of the hood. At the same time, it is also necessary to take into account the established sanitary standards, which require a complete replacement of air in the kitchen 10-12 times per hour.

There is another way to calculate the performance that you might find easier. So, first find the area of ​​the kitchen, multiply it by the height, and then multiply this number by 12( the rate of air exchange by sanitary standards).Multiply the result by 1.3( safety factor) and get the performance. For example, you need to choose a hood for a kitchen area of ​​6 m² and a height of 2.5 m:( (6 * 2.5) * 12) * 1.3 = 234 m³ / h.

How to choose a kitchen hood

So, the most important parameter - the efficiency of the hood - is already defined, but this is not all that needs to be considered when choosing.

The main parameters of choice:

1. Size - In theory, the larger the hood, the better, but the bulky device is unlikely to decorate the interior, and ergonomic devices are very expensive. Here you need to build on the size of the plate - the width of the hood should be the same or slightly larger than the width of the plate. Otherwise, it will skip a part of the fumes and combustion products, which slowly but surely will spoil the kitchen furniture and interior decoration. For example, if the slab is 60 cm wide, it needs a hood with a width of at least 70 cm, or better all 90 if there is free space.
   
2. Control - each hood on the outside of the housing has a control panel: touch, push-button or slider. In terms of use and care, the touch panel is much more convenient than the slider, where the operating mode of the hood is selected by a mechanical slider. With the buttons is still easier, but, as practice shows, over time, small particles of dirt and products are clogged in them, which worsens the appearance and operation of the device. Touch the touchpad with a cloth.
   
3. Modes of operation - you already know that the hoods can be recirculated and flowing. If you decide to purchase a recycling model, we recommend that you immediately get a stock of replaceable filters for it and choose a model whose filters are easy to find on sale.
4. Filter filters filter microscopic particles in the exhaust air. Thus, fine and coarse filters are distinguished. All of them are metal grids with a different cross-section - from the cross-sectional dimensions and the efficiency of odor trapping depends. Metal filters are reusable and should be washed as they are contaminated. Also in the hood can be installed an additional filter in the form of a disposable mesh of synthetic fibers. Such grids are not intended for washing and need to be replaced with new ones. The frequency of replacement depends on the intensity of use of the hood in the circulation mode. By the way, almost all models can be reoriented to recirculation mode. Some budget devices work even without metal grease filters, removing exhaust air through the ventilation duct, but the efficiency and durability of such devices are rather low.
   
5. Functionality - In addition to the ability to remove grease and unpleasant odors from the air, the hoods can have additional functions. For example, the residual fan stroke helps to save energy consumed by the hood - the device continues to clean the air for 5-15 minutes after shutdown, operating at the lowest power. Many hoods are equipped with an electronic timer, which switches off the appliance after cooking. Also, almost all devices have built-in lighting, and since the hoods are installed above the stove, additional light helps with cooking. It is more economical and most convenient to choose hoods with halogen, and not with conventional incandescent lamps.
   
6. Noise level - earlier we mentioned that the more powerful the fans are in the hood, the higher its performance, but the more it makes noise. The noise level is measured in decibels, and a "very quiet" hood can be called if it produces noise no more than 45 decibels. For isolated kitchens that are not combined with other rooms, exhausts up to 50 decibels are suitable. But if this figure grows to 70, the included hood will be very disturbing - the noise from it can be compared with the situation when someone is talking loudly in 5 m from you.
7. Body material - it is important not only the technical component of the model, but also external data, of course, if you do not need to choose an inbuilt kitchen hood, which you then simply disguise as a cabinet. The case can be made of aluminum, stainless or enameled steel, plastic, tempered glass. The best-proven aluminum is treated - its value corresponds completely to good quality. The surface of such hoods is matte, which fits perfectly into any interior. The main advantage of this material is that it does not show traces of fingers, which can not be said about glossy surfaces or glass. Glass hoods certainly look very stylish and modern, but they need constant care to maintain this appearance.
   

Cost of hoods

The market presents a huge number of models from a variety of manufacturers, respectively, and the price range is very wide. First of all, it should be noted immediately that in this case it will be erroneous to follow the rule, the higher the cost, the better the product. For example, inexpensive kitchen extracts Hephaestus have proven themselves as durable and comfortable. Once again we remind that it is more important to choose the right model with the right technical characteristics, and its value will play a secondary role. It should also be taken into account the fact that the price of the device is greatly influenced by its appearance - stylish design models are an order of magnitude higher.

Differences between models of hoods of different price categories:

1. The hottest are hoods with a plastic casing and a small amount of metal parts. The control panel at them usually push-button or slider, modes of operation( speed of work of the fan) are no more than 3.The performance of such devices, as a rule, is not more than 450 m³ / h. Additional lighting is usually represented by one or two incandescent lamps.
2. The middle category are models with a stainless steel case, tempered glass or aluminum. There are already devices with simple touch panels and even with displays. Lighting can be carried out by halogen lamps or incandescent lamps. The performance of these devices is slightly higher compared to the previous line - up to 650 m³ / h.
3. Expensive hoods have the highest capacity up to 1300 m³ / h. The case of such models is made of tempered glass, for finishing can be used natural wood. The functionality is very diverse - temperature sensors, smoke sensors, humidity, filter contamination, remote control, etc. Illumination only halogen lamps.

Overview of manufacturers

Finally, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a small list of the most famous manufacturers of kitchen and household appliances that offer hoods of various price categories. Many at the beginning of their searches immediately pay attention to the products of the "promoted" German and Swiss brands Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux and Kuppersberg. The cost of such devices is quite high, but the quality and external data are completely justified at such a price.

We will review these and other brands that have proven themselves from the best side:

1. Elikor is an association of companies engaged in the production of home appliances of premium class. Kitchen hoods Elikor are characterized by impeccable functionality - they have adjustable lighting, protective transformers, a timer. Control is carried out using the touch panel. Due to its high power, Elikor kitchen hoods are suitable for professional use.
   
2. Elica - products are simple and concise forms, assembled from high quality components. The manufacturer does not hesitate to constantly introduce new technologies, improving the performance and other performance characteristics of its devices.
   
3. Cata - the range of Cata kitchen hoods is updated every year with new improved models. The latest most notable novelty is OMBU TCC with a capacity of 1260 m³ / h with a futuristic design and low noise even at top speed.
   
4. Electrolux is a popular European brand that delivers to the market some of the best cooker hoods. Particularly popular recently is the model DD8765 M - stainless steel case, neon lighting, laconic design. The control is carried out remotely or by means of a special ball, which controls the air purification of the room.
   
5. Krona is a famous Italian manufacturer that produces multi-functional household appliances with a sophisticated stylish design. A distinctive feature of the kitchen hoods Krona - low noise, but powerful fans that can work in several high-speed modes. The functionality of the instruments is also at a height - there are sensors for contamination of filters, temperature, humidity, smoke, halogen or neon lights, timers, etc.
   
6. Best - the best cooker hoods, if translated literally. The name only confirms the build quality, functionality and longevity of devices. Kitchen hoods best differ original design, which immediately distinguishes them among models of other manufacturers. Production refers to the average and high price level. Most of the devices are equipped with advanced metal grease-collecting filters, the control can be touch and remote, good sound insulation of the fans even at maximum speed.
   
7. Bosch - the German giant of modern technology. Produces literally everything you need for a comfortable stay in a house or apartment, amateur repairs and professional construction activities. As for the kitchen hoods bosch, they meet all the requirements of quality and convenience, are not devoid of aesthetics and design diversity.
   

The hood is undoubtedly the right kitchen appliance. It helps not only to enjoy constantly clean and fresh air, but also protects furniture and interior trim from premature wear. Choose the hood correctly, and then even an inexpensive model will create an ideally comfortable environment in the kitchen.