The main purpose of the hoods is to trap fumes from gas stoves or hobs containing particles of fumes and grease. The manufacturers of these products offer a wide range of models that are connected directly to the ventilation. This diversity forces users to learn how to choose the best kitchen hoods, suitable for specific conditions.
Hood types and characteristics
A cooker hood with a ventilation connection operates on the principle of forced circulation of air masses. Depending on the design features, the latter are taken outside or cleaned and returned back to the premises. In accordance with the method of air purification, two types of devices are distinguished:
- flow hoods;
- circulation models.
Flow-through products draw the polluted air inside, neutralize the fat and soot in it, after which the cleaned portions are discharged through the air duct to the street. There are budget models in which filtration is not provided, but you still have to clean them. In addition, the industry produces efficient flow-through exhaust devices with high productivity and a recirculation mode. To realize these possibilities, such hoods are built into the kitchen set.
In circulation devices, there is no contact with the external environment, there are no air ducts in them. The user receives a number of advantages: firstly, they will cost him less, and secondly, installation will be simplified. These products are indispensable in old buildings where ventilation is not able to cope with significant volumes of air.
By installation method
According to the method of installation above the stove, exhaust products are divided into the following types:
- built into the kitchen cabinet;
- wall-mounted;
- corner;
- island type (suspended).
Regardless of the method of attachment, they can refer to circulation and flow models.
By design features
By design type, all samples (including wall-mounted) can have several varieties:
- with an inclined outer surface;
- domed exhaust devices;
- flat samples.
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the right model depends on the preferences of the hostess of the kitchen and the features of the layout of the room.
Criterias of choice
Before going to the store, it is important to understand the basic criteria for choosing products.
Performance
Performance indicates how much contaminated air the device will let through per unit of time. This indicator is selected depending on the area of the kitchen and taking into account its design features.
Simplest way to calculate performance:
- The volume of the kitchen is determined by multiplying its area by its height.
- The resulting value is increased by 12 times (as many times, according to sanitary standards, it is necessary to renew the air within an hour).
- The result is multiplied by 1.3 (the factor entered for the stock adjustment).
For a room of 6 sq. meters and a height of 2.7 meters, a not very powerful exhaust unit with a capacity of 6x2.7x12x1.3 = 253 m3 / hour will be required.
The size
The width of a wall hood, for example, is selected depending on the value of the same parameter for a kitchen stove (it is desirable that the intake dome correspond to it or be slightly wider). So, for a gas stove with a width of 60 cm, as a rule, they acquire a structure with the same size, since the following products in the line of 90 cm are not very common. It is even more difficult to find a compact model for the stove with a declared width of 50 cm.
There are strict restrictions on the height of the unit above the polluted air source. If it is an electric stove, the hood can be fixed at a level of at least 65 cm, and for gas appliances this distance increases to 75 cm.
When the current standards are not adhered to, the hood heats up a lot, and the fat particles that have settled on the walls begin to drain or burn out with the formation of an unpleasant odor.
Filters
Circulation devices are usually equipped with coarse filters to protect the internal parts from grease accumulation. After a certain time, the filter elements need to be cleaned or completely replaced.
In many models, the filters are made in the form of a reusable fine-mesh metal mesh that protects the exhaust motor. Sometimes it is completed with additional elements made of synthetic material (the latter are also installed in flow-through units).
Unlike mesh filters, carbon filters are used in hoods operating in the air circulation mode. They effectively neutralize all extraneous odors, but at the same time require constant updating.
Noise level
The operation of the exhaust fans does not go without noise, which, according to the current regulations, should not exceed 50 dB. Otherwise, it will cause at least unpleasant sensations for the residents of the house. Manufacturers have found a way to reduce this figure by reducing the engine speed (quiet running), or by moving the fan outside the room. In some cases, the desired effect can be achieved by using anti-vibration gaskets that isolate the motor housing from the base of the structure.
Additional functions
Additional options that allow you to expand the functionality of the device include:
- automatic switching on for 5-10 minutes within an hour;
- intensive mode;
- built-in lighting bulbs;
- remote control.
How useful the additional functions are for the user is up to everyone to decide for themselves.
Popular built-in hoods
In order to choose the right type of exhaust device, you will need to familiarize yourself with the samples presented on the market.
MAUNFELD VS Fast 60
The first place in the rating of built-in hoods is taken by the MAUNFELD VS Fast 60 model with a power consumption of 102 watts and a capacity of 850 m3 / h. The maximum noise level of this product is no more than 47 dB. Operation control is mechanical, using buttons. The design has 2 speeds and is equipped with two charcoal grease filters. Two LED bulbs are used as a backlighting element.
ELIKOR Integra 45
Built-in hood ELIKOR Integra 45 is an economy class model manufactured by a Russian company. The maximum productivity of the device reaches 400 cc. m / hour, which is enough for kitchens up to 12 sq. meters. It provides several operating modes that differ in the efficiency of air intake. The installation size of this sample is 45 cm. There is a built-in backlight consisting of two 20 Watt bulbs.
Krona Kamilla slim 1M 600 black / inox
A pull-out model with a working width of 60 cm is also produced by a Russian manufacturer. Differs in the presence of three speeds, switchable by means of buttons. With a power consumption of 166 watts, the maximum performance of the device is about 390 cubic meters. m / hour.
Overview of chimney hoods
The best hoods for the kitchen in the category of fireplaces are represented by the following models:
- Bosch DWB 67 JP 50;
- Indesit IHVP 6.4 LL K;
- ELIKOR VG6674BB.
The body of the first hood is made of stainless steel with a silver coating, which perfectly matches the headset of any color. The device is controlled by means of a touch panel with a convenient and intuitive menu. The product is equipped with a powerful motor that successfully copes with air intake from large areas.
The second model on the list is also made on the basis of stainless steel, but with inserts made of impact-resistant glass. It is distinguished by its versatility, since it is capable of operating in recirculation mode and as a flow-through device. This tilted product uses LED lamps as backlighting. Dimensions are standard 60 cm.
In third place is a stylish inclined type hood with a non-marking black coating. To control functions, a touch panel is provided with a screen on which practically no fingerprints remain. The product set includes a built-in grease trap and a place for a carbon filter element. Outdoor lighting is provided by two LED lamps.
Popular inclined models
The best inclined type hoods are presented in the review by the following samples:
- LEX Mini 500;
- Asko CW4624S;
- MAUNFELD TOWER G 60;
The first model is made in black, which makes it possible to mount it in almost any interior. The product is capable of operating in two modes: flow and circulation. The hood can be controlled by means of switches located on its front panel. In total, it provides 3 working speeds, with a maximum productivity reaching 420 m³ per hour.
The next model is a stainless steel product with a maximum capacity of 614 m³ per hour. A built-in grease filter is used to clean contaminated air from microparticles. The device has touch control, information about which is displayed. An additional option is the illumination of the working area with two LED lamps.
The last model on the list is a suitable option for small kitchens. The product is available in two colors - white and black. The device can operate in recirculation mode and as a flow hood. The maximum productivity of the kitchen unit is 650 cubic meters. m / hour.
The top in the rating of kitchen hoods in terms of the dimensions of the intake dome is presented by household products 60 or 90 cm wide.
