How to Choose the Best Range Hood for Your Kitchen Design Plan

Often the unsung hero of a sleek, sophisticated kitchen design, range hoods bring functional style to the heart of your home. 

Range hoods promote air quality and odor control within your kitchen, making them a must-have for culinary enthusiasts and those seeking a wellness-centric kitchen design. 

Picking the right range hood not only enhances your cooking experience, but can be the perfect chance to showcase your style too. Learn more as our South Florida kitchen design company reveals the key elements of this essential item.

What Is a Range Hood? 

Also known as kitchen exhaust hoods, this appliance is designed to eliminate smoke, steam, and extract grease particles from cooking. 

Range hoods are designed to wick these impurities from  your space, promoting air quality and ventilation. Furthermore, range hoods are great for maintaining your kitchen’s surfaces by reducing grime floating around in the air. 

And these kitchen staples are good for your health, too. Since they work to purify the air around you, range hoods take care of harmful pollutants — potentially even lowering the risk of respiratory issues. 

Pro tip: Kitchen exhaust hoods are ideal for those who entertain often.

Image: Curated Kitchen Co. Remodel

Popular Range Hood Styles

There’s not just one type of kitchen exhaust hood. Instead, there are a few key designs to choose from depending on your kitchen’s layout. 

Kitchen exhaust hoods can include: 

Under-cabinet hoods: These range hoods are mounted under your cabinets. Perhaps one of the most common locations for a range hood, this option is perfect for space-saving and offers a streamlined appearance. 

Wall-mounted hoods: Range hoods mounted on a wall tend to offer even stronger ventilation. They’re perfect for culinary enthusiasts who cook often and are also great for kitchens with no cabinetry overhead. 

Island hoods: Exhaust hoods over an island provide 360-degree ventilation for homes with more of an open kitchen layout. Drawing in steam and smoke from all directions, island kitchen exhaust hoods typically feature strong motors since they aren’t flush against a wall. 

Downdraft hood: Built directly into the cooktop surface, these range hoods feature a retractable, “hidden” design. This makes them ideal for kitchens with a more contemporary or modern design, as they can easily retract out of sight.

Image: Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash

Key Kitchen Exhaust Hood Features to Consider

Narrowing down a few key features of range hoods can make your final choice a bit easier. When searching for range hoods, consider the following based on your lifestyle needs. 

Size & Coverage

If your range hood and stove size aren’t matched, there’s no point in having one. To be effective, a range hood has to match your stove’s size to do its job! This ensures you’re getting proper air ventilation throughout your kitchen. 

CFM Rating

Check for a high CFM rating to ensure airflow. “CFM” stands for cubic feet per minute and equates to better smoke removal. 

Noise Level

If you didn’t know, now you do: range hoods can be loud. They can be especially loud if you’ve got them on a higher speed fan setting. To avoid this, look for range hoods that have a quiet design — allowing you to cook and socialize in peace. 

Filtration

Look for kitchen exhaust hoods with a high-quality filtration system. Low-quality filters that don’t do their job lead to lower air quality and more grime for you to clean. Keep an eye out for range hoods with aluminum mesh, charcoal, or metal mesh filters. 

Style 

Range hoods are far more than just a functional kitchen appliance — they’re a chance to show off your personal style. Opt for range hoods with stainless steel and integrated paneling for a sleek look. Range hoods can also match your custom cabinetry, adding an elevated touch to your home.

Image: Wood Harbor

Enjoy Clean Air in Style With the Perfect Range Hood

Range hoods do a wonderful job of keeping your kitchen clean, healthy, and stylish. Choosing the right hood for your home ensures high air quality and an enjoyable cooking experience. Contact our team of South Florida design experts to learn more today.