Choosing the perfect range hood for your kitchen

Range hoods are a must-have for the kitchen – they remove airborne grease and clean the air of smoke, odors, steam and fumes that can emerge during the cooking process. Here’s how to choose the right one for your kitchen:

Select the right type
Not all range hoods are created equal. Use the layout of your kitchen design to help you determine which type of range hood would be best.

Island mount: This hood hangs above your kitchen island, which can be handy if you have a cooktop there. If not, your range hood is better left for another area of your kitchen.

Wall mount: A wall-mount range hood is attached directly to a wall in your kitchen, usually in between your kitchen cabinets.

Under-cabinet mount: This range hood is adhered to the bottom of your cabinets, and typically has a duct that shoots directly out of the back of the hood.

Measure before you buy
It’s important that your range hood is proportionate to the rest of your kitchen design. If you’re choosing to install the hood in between kitchen cabinets, you’ll have to measure the space so that your hood doesn’t end up being too big or too small. Range hoods typically differ in size from 30 to 50 inches, and the standard distance between the hood and your stovetop or countertops is typically 30 to 36 inches.

How often do you cook?
The size and power of range hood that you need can be determined by looking at the cooking lifestyle of your family. If you cook multiple times a week, and fry, grill, saute, etc., then you’ll want a more powerful, larger and higher-end range hood. But if you only whip up a few small meals during the week, you may want a smaller cabinet mounted hood.

Decide between ducted and non-ducted
In a ducted range hood, the grease and smoke from your kitchen are transferred outside. A non-ducted range hood filters the air and then recirculates it back into the kitchen. While the first option may be preferable to most, many kitchens don’t support ducted hoods.

Coordinate with other appliances
Do you have brass kitchen faucets? If so, you may want to consider installing a brass range hood to create a coordinated look throughout your kitchen. Always look to the finish of the hardware in the room. You should also be considering the color and material of your cabinets. You can choose to match your range hood to your cabinets so that they blend seamlessly with each other.

Choose a style
Determine the design style of your kitchen. Is it modern? Country? French? Traditional? Knowing the answer to that question will help you figure out which type of range hood blends best with the space. For example, a modern kitchen needs a hood that’s sleek and offers minimal detailing. A vintage kitchen design, however, might want a hood with ornate detailing and a weathered finish.

Ask questions
If you’re still not sure about what type of range hood is best for your kitchen design and lifestyle, you can head to your local improvement store to ask the professionals. They can help guide you toward the perfect range hood.