I have heard wonderful things about the Kobe. It is very efficient & easy to clean. The available styles are very attractive. Don't know the Zephyr.
Luisa

As far as I know the Kobe and Zephyr use the same turbine technology and cleaning method.

However, Kobe is seamless construction. My concern was that grease would build up in the seams of the Zephyr, so we went with Kobe. They both came highly recommended by the appliance stores, who did warn us away from certain brands in other situations, so I am assuming they were telling the truth.

I am sorry I can't comment much more as we haven't installed ours yet.
p.

Hi. I've been looking for hoods as well in your price range and keep coming across Kobe. Doing a search on this site I found mostly positive things, though I did find this thread (http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg0509233413885.html) that deals with a problem with grease leaks. There is also at least one mention of the fact that, at least on one model, the lights in the front under the hood means that the suction for the front burners is not so great because the part that takes in the smoke and grease is set farther back.

As to the Zephyr, I've also come across good things except for the price. These seem to be more expensive than the Kobe. Can you tell me which models of both you are looking at and where you are looking to purchase them from?

I'll be following this thread closely, as I want to by the hood soon. Any info you find out would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
tim

We have a Kobe. Don't remember the model but it is a chimney style, 36" wide. It is over a monogram 36 " 6 burner rangetop. The hood performs very well. It is easy to clean and quieter than any other I have heard. It isn't the most powerful available, but for the money and the performance, I am very pleased.

I don't have any experience with the Kobe, but I installed a Zephyr Tempest I last week and I am quite pleased. It is a 30" unit and does a nice job. Its fit and finish is on par with my previous Viking hood, but the Zephyr has more suction and is quieter at full speed. I hope this helps.

we installed a Zephyr typhoon over our Viking 36" AG range
very pleased w/the look, performance, quality & "cleanability"

Here is a link that might be useful: zephyr

Tlanza,

I was looking at the Kobe CH122 priced at $$655 At Venting Direct. 800 cfm, 30" and the Zephyr AR2500 "Hurricane" 690. However, I have just purchased a hood from Independent, 30" ss, 600 CFM, baffles and in-line blower and I paid $800. The company who had been selling them will no longer be handling that line because they have Wolfe and Wolfe is making their own hoods now. Before Independent was making them. I got a good price because I also order a 30" DCS gas range from them. Good luck

I also have a Bluestar range and hose the Kobe over the Zephyr, better quality, better customer service lower noise. Love the Kobe.