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Range Hoods: The Unsung Heroes of Kitchens Everywhere
These kitchen appliances might have one of the dirtiest jobs, but they offer clean, smart kitchen style
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It’s time the range hood took its seat at the table as a kitchen design star. Offering a dizzying array of options in looks, power, noise control and operation, this appliance can transform a kitchen in more ways than one, inside and out. We spoke with the experts at Zephyr, a designer and manufacturer of specialty appliances, about some of the latest innovations. Read on to see what’s cooking in the world of range hoods.
More Power, Less Roar
The average household of four produces one gallon of cooking grease a year. Without proper ventilation, that grime ends up on cabinetry, walls, window treatments and upholstery. Today’s hoods offer exceptional power to extract smells, grease, smoke, steam and food particulates from the air — and they can do it quietly. Aerodynamic blades improve efficiency, and professional-quality and dishwasher-safe baffle filters trap grease droplets. Variable-speed options further minimize noise, so you can cook without a jet-engine-style rumble.
Certain hoods, such as the one seen here, have blowers that can be combined to maximize power — up to 1,300 cubic feet per minute (CFM). To calculate the CFM you need, take the total BTU output of your cooktop or range and divide it by 100. And for optimum performance, turn on your hood at low speed 10 minutes before you cook — while you slice and dice your veggies — so the air is already flowing into the vent when you start sauteing. Leave it on 10 minutes after cooking to capture residual heat and odors; some hoods offer a “delay-off” feature that does this automatically.
The average household of four produces one gallon of cooking grease a year. Without proper ventilation, that grime ends up on cabinetry, walls, window treatments and upholstery. Today’s hoods offer exceptional power to extract smells, grease, smoke, steam and food particulates from the air — and they can do it quietly. Aerodynamic blades improve efficiency, and professional-quality and dishwasher-safe baffle filters trap grease droplets. Variable-speed options further minimize noise, so you can cook without a jet-engine-style rumble.
Certain hoods, such as the one seen here, have blowers that can be combined to maximize power — up to 1,300 cubic feet per minute (CFM). To calculate the CFM you need, take the total BTU output of your cooktop or range and divide it by 100. And for optimum performance, turn on your hood at low speed 10 minutes before you cook — while you slice and dice your veggies — so the air is already flowing into the vent when you start sauteing. Leave it on 10 minutes after cooking to capture residual heat and odors; some hoods offer a “delay-off” feature that does this automatically.
Sizzling Style
Range hood design has come a long way from its utilitarian roots. Wave-inspired shapes and dramatic slants bring bold sophistication to any kitchen. Perimeter and colored lights, as well as perforated side panels that allow the glow to shine through, help set the scene for soirees.
Hoods have plenty of eye-catching finishes too. Try black stainless with a titanium coating for a smart twist — the coating minimizes fingerprints and smudges, increases durability and makes cleaning easy. Other finishes include black, black mirror, white and rose gold. Request color chip samples or refer to RAL color codes (standardized colors for appliances and plastics) to ensure your range hood complements other kitchen finishes. And be sure to calculate hood height and width before you purchase. You can find an array of sizes and extensions for many different styles.
Range hood design has come a long way from its utilitarian roots. Wave-inspired shapes and dramatic slants bring bold sophistication to any kitchen. Perimeter and colored lights, as well as perforated side panels that allow the glow to shine through, help set the scene for soirees.
Hoods have plenty of eye-catching finishes too. Try black stainless with a titanium coating for a smart twist — the coating minimizes fingerprints and smudges, increases durability and makes cleaning easy. Other finishes include black, black mirror, white and rose gold. Request color chip samples or refer to RAL color codes (standardized colors for appliances and plastics) to ensure your range hood complements other kitchen finishes. And be sure to calculate hood height and width before you purchase. You can find an array of sizes and extensions for many different styles.
Disappearing Acts
If you prefer an incognito approach, undercabinet hoods offer a custom, streamlined look. Ceiling-integrated hoods are as discreet as they are design-forward, especially with a satin white finish. For those looking for a truly open concept, a ceiling hood over an island range affords a clear line of sight from your cooktop to your cocktail party. But don’t let their subtlety fool you: Powerful perimeter aspiration can make ceiling hoods highly effective. It evenly distributes the airflow through narrow openings around the edges of the hood, increasing air velocity and enhancing performance.
If you prefer an incognito approach, undercabinet hoods offer a custom, streamlined look. Ceiling-integrated hoods are as discreet as they are design-forward, especially with a satin white finish. For those looking for a truly open concept, a ceiling hood over an island range affords a clear line of sight from your cooktop to your cocktail party. But don’t let their subtlety fool you: Powerful perimeter aspiration can make ceiling hoods highly effective. It evenly distributes the airflow through narrow openings around the edges of the hood, increasing air velocity and enhancing performance.
Photo by Erin Holsonback
High-Tech Touches
Range hoods have also gone high-tech. Touch technology has revolutionized the range hood, with controls integrated into the canopy. And with wireless remote controls, cooks can adjust speed, airflow and lighting from more than 15 feet away. Certain hoods feature airflow-control technology to automatically limit the maximum blower power to meet local code requirements. An optional clean-air feature turns on the hood for 10 minutes every four hours to circulate the air in your home and keep it fresh. (If only it would cook dinner too.)
High-Tech Touches
Range hoods have also gone high-tech. Touch technology has revolutionized the range hood, with controls integrated into the canopy. And with wireless remote controls, cooks can adjust speed, airflow and lighting from more than 15 feet away. Certain hoods feature airflow-control technology to automatically limit the maximum blower power to meet local code requirements. An optional clean-air feature turns on the hood for 10 minutes every four hours to circulate the air in your home and keep it fresh. (If only it would cook dinner too.)
Outdoor Eye-Openers
Grilling up a delicious feast as you chat with friends and sip wine in the sunshine is one of life’s delights. Being smothered in fumes as your beautiful outdoor kitchen gets covered in grease and smoke is not. A powerful outdoor hood safeguards your party and your property — and can be required by building codes.
Some of the latest models, such as the range hood seen here, feature corrosion-resistant stainless steel, controls that withstand extreme moisture and heat, and a 32-inch depth for improved capture. Remember to calculate the CFM you need based on your outdoor range’s total BTU output, and opt for in-hood lights for evening barbecues.
The range hood has moved to the forefront of kitchen design, as artistic as it is functional. What was once a commodity now integrates enhanced performance, high-tech solutions and enticing visual appeal. You’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to incorporate one of these next-generation hoods.
Tell us in the Comments: What features do you look for in a range hood?
More: For more information on Zephyr’s range hoods, visit the company’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Grilling up a delicious feast as you chat with friends and sip wine in the sunshine is one of life’s delights. Being smothered in fumes as your beautiful outdoor kitchen gets covered in grease and smoke is not. A powerful outdoor hood safeguards your party and your property — and can be required by building codes.
Some of the latest models, such as the range hood seen here, feature corrosion-resistant stainless steel, controls that withstand extreme moisture and heat, and a 32-inch depth for improved capture. Remember to calculate the CFM you need based on your outdoor range’s total BTU output, and opt for in-hood lights for evening barbecues.
The range hood has moved to the forefront of kitchen design, as artistic as it is functional. What was once a commodity now integrates enhanced performance, high-tech solutions and enticing visual appeal. You’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to incorporate one of these next-generation hoods.
Tell us in the Comments: What features do you look for in a range hood?
More: For more information on Zephyr’s range hoods, visit the company’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
While our products have changed over the years, our commitment to unexpected design and ever-evolving innovation... Read More
While our products have changed over the years, our commitment to unexpected design and ever-evolving innovation... Read More
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We added one with our renovation and it is certainly the best feature of our renovation. We chose the inline blower to reduce the sound and also chose one with baffle filter for easy dishwasher safe cleaning. Mess filters are harder to keep clean and also pose the risk of grease dripping. We do have variable speed and 1200CFM max capacity if needed. We have noticed no lingering food odors and notice that the cabinets have no residues either.
I foolishly ignored my contractor's advice and got a "lovely" and functional hood but ignored the noise factor, which I believe is measured in sones. My range hood functions pretty well, but it sounds as if an airplane is taking off or landing whenever the fan is running. I hate it. Wish I'd have paid closer attention to the sones rating.
I'm transforming a wood working shop into a charming lux granny unit. It's small - under 600 sq ft in total. I'm installing a four burner Lacanche range. The look is understated, euro, farmhouse - marble counters and island, oak floors, beautiful cabinets, built in murphy bed, etc. I'm at a total loss as to what kind of range hood to get. Needs to be small to scale, not too modern, doesn't need to be super powerful. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!