Which hood should I get?

15 years ago

Help! I have no idea what hood to get. The appliance store here locally is really into Imperial. I get the sense they don't know a lot about ventilation or my options so I just don't know.

I will have a 36" BlueStar RCS (5 15k burners, 1 simmer). But I am going to look into upgrading one of the burners to ultra or supernova. I'm thinking that I don't need more than 1,000cfm. I don't do a lot of frying, nor am I a gourmet chef with a lot going at one time. One thing I want for sure is good lighting and not loud.

So what hood should I get? It will be built into the cabinetry like this...

traditional kitchen design by los angeles general contractor Spinnaker Development

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

ash2011
15 years ago
For a Bluestar range a Vent-A-Hood insert to fit a 36" will be about the most powerful and make the least amount of noise.

They have a new slide out tray that collects all the grease. Easy to wipe out and replace. The old style required unscrewing and lining up holes to remove and reinstall the tray.

www.ventahood.com

Zephyr makes a good insert that can handle your Bluestar. It will need to be larger than 36". The Tornado III insert is 38" and 1000 cfm.

http://zephyronline.com/products/essentials_power/tornado_iii_power_packs

Sorry, I don't know anything about the brand your local dealer recommended. If you can add recirculating filters to that brand's motor it will cut down on noise and prevent grease from destroying the motor over the years. Only draw back is the loss of cfm in addition to any possibly lost through method of venting to the outside.

Best of luck no mater what your choice.
deeageaux
15 years ago
The Prestige inserts/power packs are considered the best by most people here on GW.

1)Prestige Power Pack UIB401200. ~$1634
Custom Hood Power Pack Insert with Pre-Installed Blower, 3-Speed Control, Baffle Filters, Dimmer Light Switch and Reversible Duct: 40 Inch Width 1200 CFM Blower

2)Prestige Power Pack UIB34600~$1004
Custom Hood Power Pack Insert with Pre-Installed Blower, 3-Speed Control, Baffle Filters, Dimmer Light Switch and Reversible Duct: 34 Inch Width 600 CFM Blower

3)Prestige Power Pack UIB40NB. ~$923
Custom Hood Power Pack Insert with Variable Fan Control, Baffle Filters, Dimmer Light Switch and Multiple Blower Options (Sold Separately): 40 Inch Stainless Steel

IL1000 is their 1000cfm inline blower for ~$939
RB1000 is their 1000cfm remote blower for ~1039

Obviously option 3 with remote blower would be the quietest and most effective but most expensive.

Option 2 might just barely meet your needs at a far more reasonable price.

Imperial is mediocre IMO.

If you consider VAH make sure you see what is required to clean it.A PITA IMO. Not my bag but some people like them.
Related Professionals
Tampa Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Topeka Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Atlantic City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Jackson Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Virginia Beach Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fresno Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Seattle Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Victoria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Columbus Bathroom Remodelers · Dayton Bathroom Remodelers · Myrtle Beach Bathroom Remodelers · Davenport Bathroom Remodelers · Ardmore Kitchen Remodelers · Charleston Kitchen Remodelers · Fresno Kitchen Remodelers
ratflinger
15 years ago
Do not waste your money on a Zephyr! They look good & perform worth a ****. Just threw away a $1800 Zephyr cause the only thing it wouldn't do is suck! IMHO an inline blower is the only way to go, much more choice in airflow, etc. Heck, maybe even a Zephyr would work with an inline.