The KRC Guide to Rangehoods

A rangehood is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. It comprises a “capture area” for cooking fumes and an extraction system that is installed above your kitchen cooktop. An in-built or external fan pulls air up through a filtration system to remove smoke, grease, heat, condensation and cooking odours. Your rangehood will prevent these elements from damaging your kitchen and will provide adequate ventilation which improves the air quality in your home. Modern rangehoods are a stylish addition to your kitchen and should be chosen to complement your overall kitchen design and look.

It is easy to get lost navigating the technical terminology during a kitchen renovation, so we have created this list to improve your rangehood fluency:

Ducted

A ducted rangehood relies on ducting above your stovetop which uses a fan to draw contaminated air out of your kitchen and send it outside through the wall or ceiling. Its job is to remove smoke, grease and odours from lingering in your kitchen. According to choice.com.au if someone with asthma resides in your home, a ducted rangehood is your best option for optimum air quality, especially if you cook with a gas stove.

Recirculating

The air is drawn through filters, cleaned and then returned to the kitchen. These rangehoods are cheaper to install but have higher long-term running costs and are unable to remove the steam or moisture caused by cooking.

Undermount Rangehood

This style of rangehood is designed to seamlessly integrate into the kitchen cabinets and suit a minimalist design. To provide ventilation, the ducting is often concealed in a cabinet above the hood.

Canopy Rangehood

Canopy rangehoods are hugely popular, especially in commercial-style kitchens. As the name suggests, they sit in a canopy shape over the cooking space and effectively ventilate the space. They can be costly, compared to other styles of rangehoods but are available in a range of materials such as stainless steel, glass and copper.

Fixed Rangehood

A fixed rangehood is a traditional style of rangehood that is mounted on the wall above your cooking space. These can serve as a design element in your kitchen. Despite having less power and smaller air collection than a canopy rangehood, they are more cost-effective. Be aware in planning the design of your kitchen of how the placement of a fixed rangehood might impact the flow of your kitchen.

Slideout Rangehood

Slideout rangehoods are designed to extend outwards during the cooking process. They typically have smaller steam collection capabilities making them less efficient than a canopy or fixed rangehood. They suit a sleek aesthetic as they can be integrated into a cabinet and retracted out of sight after cooking.

Silent Rangehood

Typically, these have a powerful motor located on the roof of your house or in the ceiling cavity, rather than inside the rangehood. Despite being on the more expensive side, if you have an open plan home, this should be a model you consider as it significantly reduces noise.

Island Rangehood

Similar to a canopy rangehood, an island rangehood will be installed to “hang” over your cooking area, if you choose to have this on your island bench. This is a practical and stylish solution for ventilation and can be large enough to handle additional burners or elements in your cooktop.

Downdraft Rangehood

A downdraft rangehood is an innovative alternative. It is placed at the back of the cooktop and usually sits flush with the bench when out of use. When activated, it rises into place and draws
the fumes downwards to be removed via ducting under the house.

Other information about rangehoods:

1. Rangehoods come in a variety of finishes, such as copper, glass or stainless steel. You will be able to find one that works with the aesthetic of your kitchen.
2. Make sure that the exterior surface of the rangehood is smooth and doesn’t have any crevices where dirt and grease can build up.
3. Most rangehoods come with lighting fixtures. Check to make sure they suit the style and look of the kitchen and integrate with any other lighting you may have chosen for your space.
4. All rangehoods have a filter. PSA: Those with aluminium mesh filters can usually be removed and put through the dishwasher….what a great timesaving hack!!! It is important to keep filters clean as they allow for better airflow and efficiency.

If you are designing a new kitchen, please chat with one of our Project Managers who will be able to expertly guide you through the decision-making process when it comes to the perfect rangehood for your kitchen and cooking needs.