Is Modern-Aire A Good Buy?

16 years ago

In my neverending kitchen reno, I seem to have finally arrived at that dreaded and most confusing place called " resolving the ventilation decision." (Actually, I suppose this means I'm getting somewhere and that I should be grateful and not fearful.) At any rate, my research thus far tells me that I want a Modern-Aire PS26. I've asked a vendor for a specific quote on a 45" x 27" hood, 600 CFMs, inline blower, with bands and potrail, in a custom color.

Here are some questions to all Modern-Aire owners: Are you happy with your MA vent hood? Any downsides to its design and/or its performance? Do you think it was worth the price you paid for it? (I must say,the ballpark estimate I received today nearly caused me to faint from sticker shock). Do you recommend this product to others?

Questions to Eandhl: Did you ever end up buying the Modern-Aire? Do I recall correctly that you are in Connecticut? If so, did you deal with Zemos in Danbury? (Btw, if you prefer to discuss this with me offline, feel free to email me).

Question to all: Given what you may know about good, bad and so-so range venting, would you steer me to a different product altogether? If so, which and why?

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

clinresga
16 years ago
Ours was just installed last week and is not yet operational--hoping next week or week after. It's a hood liner, custom sized, 64'' wide, with an inline Fantech blower and silencer.

What I can tell you is:
1) they were awesome to deal with, but I had the advantage of dealing with MA directly as they have no distributor in Georgia. Incredibly responsive and concerned, and made sure everything was right. Much of what I know about ventilation is from Jeff Herman at MA.
2) the hood is beautiful. Rock solid construction, sized to the 16th of an inch our our specs. Highest grade SS construction. Five halogen lights and beautiful "restaurant grade" baffles.

If the performance lives up to specs, then I will be very happy. It was certainly far from the cheapest option but as a percentage of the overall renovation budget it was a tiny fraction and I'm confident that the high performance ventilation will easily justify the costs. Controlling heat, smoke, fumes and odors really impacts my enjoyment of the cooking experience.
marthavila
Original Author
16 years ago
Clinresga, thanks so much for responding! You have been such a great source of information on this whole ventilation issue. (From reading your prior posts, you are definitely one who helped me steer clear of the VAH, thank you very much.) I'm definitely going to follow your lead and give Jeff Herman a ring. Maybe he can help me figure out just why I should go TKO on this decision and get a PS26 -- beyond the fact of its incredibly good looks. :)
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plumorchard
16 years ago
We LOVE our MA hood! We have had no problems at all. It was the only option we found that would work for our kitchen that we actually liked. (We had to have a non vented/recirculating hood)

We are in GA too and also were able to deal with MA direct. Jeff was great and always helpful. I would (and have) recommend this product & company to others for consideration.

We didn't do custom color/we did black but got the rail and banding. The lights are great for the work area at the range. Obviously, I can't speak to the performance since ours isn't vented - but it works very well for our needs as it is.

Here a pix of ours...

Here is a link that might be useful:
marthavila
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Plum! Good to hear from you on this as well. I confess that I read most of the Modern-Aire posts before I started this thread. But, you know how it goes: when you're on the verge of making a decision like this one, you seek assurances you're doing the right thing. Getting "update" reports from owners of the product -- either good or bad-- help along your own choice.

On another note, I must say that I haven't totally tossed the idea of a recirculating hood. My kitchen has never had a direct vent nor a recirculating fan installed and, living in NYC as I do, code does not require it. While I understand there to be a significant difference in the abilities of a direct vent and a recirculating fan, can you briefly explain the benefits of installing the latter?
plumorchard
16 years ago
Our benefit was major remodeling expense if it was even possible.

Our kitchen has a bedroom above so no way up, finished basement below so no way down/out and the garage faces street so no way to the side and out. It just wouldn't work. I find that many builders here (GA - even high end homes) do not make accommodations for a true vented hood.

Previously, in that spot we had an above the range microwave. So we removed that pretty early on.

The fan does work well and it moves what needs to be moved - it is just vented from the top (you can barely see it in the photo). During the range burn in process I did run the fan AND open the back door & windows but other than that we have been great!