Choosing the Right Range Hood for Your New Kitchen
When renovating your kitchen or building a new one, selecting the right range hood is an important decision that in Pittsburgh, PA should not treat like an afterthought. Range hoods serve two vital roles. One is functional and the other is aesthetic. Some homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA capitalize on the opportunity to use the range hood as a focal point in their dream kitchen and have it serve as a reflection of their style. Others like their range hoods to be barely there. The advantage homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA have is that their options are virtually limitless.
Functional Considerations
The main functions of a range hood are to improve air quality, remove odors from your kitchen and to prevent grease and dirt build up from penetrating walls, fabrics, artwork, upholstery and other surfaces not only in the kitchen but in adjoining rooms. That’s why it is important to select the right size hood with the proper strength to provide the functionality that homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA expect and deserve.
The size and strength of a range hood is influenced by the power of a cooktop or range. Most cooktop manufacturers will specify the power needed; however, we often recommend a hood that has excess capacity especially if the range or cooktop includes an indoor grilling function or if we have a homeowner in Pittsburgh, PA that either entertains regularly or is an avid home chef.
Hood size depends on the size of the cooktop surface and type of fuel used for cooking. For gas ranges, we specify hoods that extend at least three inches past the edge of the range on each side. For electric and induction cooktops or ranges, there is no need to specify a hood that is longer than the width of the cooking surface.
The power of the range hood is also influenced by the power of the cooktop and the amount and type of cooking that a homeowner in Pittsburgh, PA performs. A rule of thumb is to select a hood that can remove one cubic foot per minute (cfm) of air for every 100 BTUs of energy the cooktop produces. Again, range and cooktop manufacturers offer recommended power specifics for their appliances. For homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA with high output gas ranges or who perform a lot of indoor grilling, a more powerful hood may be necessary.
Ducting Options
Range hoods can be vented outside or non-vented (ductless). Vented range hoods are more effective at clearing smoke and odors since the air is exhausted outdoors. Non-vented or ductless models recirculate air through filters, which need regular cleaning or replacing.
Installation Type
The main range hood types are under-cabinet, wall-mounted chimney, island, downdraft and inserts for custom wood hoods. Under-cabinet and wall-mount models are popular options that mount against the wall above the range. Island range hoods hang from the ceiling over a kitchen island. Downdraft models rise from the back of the cooking surface.
Style and Features
From sleek and modern to warm traditional styles, you can find attractive range hoods to complement any kitchen design. Other important factors to consider are noise levels. Similar to dishwashers, hoods have a variety of noise levels. Care and maintenance are other considerations for homeowners in Pittsburgh, PA. While a beautiful handcrafted copper range hood can be a stunning design statement and focal point, it will require more effort to keep clean than a painted surface.
Give us a call at 412-922-1200 to learn more about Jacob Evans Kitchen and Bath.
