Vapors during cooking are an unpleasant accompanying process in every kitchen. The ingress of fats on kitchen surfaces adversely affects their general appearance and condition, and also reduces the service life. To avoid this, a cooker hood with recirculation has been developed for the kitchen.
This name describes the principle of operation of this dimensional device: upon receipt, the contaminated air is filtered and returned to the room. The main requirement for safety and efficiency is a clean filter. The effectiveness of the hoods of this type is slightly lower than that of hoods that take polluted air out of the room.
Types of hoods: the main differences
Firms produce cleaners for every taste, but all varieties come from five models:
- Hood in the shape of a dome. This model really resembles a dome, because the filters are parallel to the hob.
- Hood inclined with recirculation. This kind is undoubtedly more practical than the classic one. The advantages include ergonomics and ease of operation.
- Recessed. Small in size, these devices can be installed in almost all kitchens. A significant drawback is low productivity.
- Hoods are flat in shape. Ideally suitable for an area that does not exceed 6 square meters. m
- Special Such devices differ in layout, as they are not installed in the corner of the room.
In addition to the constructive form, kitchen appliances are distinguished by productivity. This parameter depends on the required power, type of hood and type of filter. Given all the above parameters, it becomes possible to choose the most optimal option.
Design hoods and operating modes
A typical kitchen appliance consists of:
- Cases (in most cases it is made of stainless steel, but it is possible to use glass, as well as composites based on these materials).
- Drive. The mechanism contains a motor, a fan for hoods, and other electronic equipment (control panel, lighting, etc.).
- Accessories. Corrugations, casings, various filters, valves belong to them.
If you plan to connect the hood to the shaft of a multi-storey building, you should think about purchasing an anti-return valve in advance, because there is a possibility of unfiltered air entering the room.
Different types of filters are used when switching modes on the instrument. How to switch the hood from circulation to recirculation is explained in each instruction, but before changing the mode, you should understand what its essence is. During circulation, air is discharged in one direction (i.e., outside the room). In this mode, primitive grids are used to trap fat.
When switching to recirculation mode, the contaminated air is cleaned, but does not leave the room. In the latter case, special filters (preferably carbon filters) should be used.
Safety of use is ensured by timely cleaning and replacement of all components.
Pros and cons of using kitchen cleaners with a filter
Reviews of the hood with recirculation were divided into two groups: positive and negative.
The positive features include:
- ease of installation and operation;
- availability;
- compactness;
- wide selection of layouts;
- maintaining normal air circulation in the room.
It is worth noting that for the installation of hoods of this kind, documentation is not required (for example, permission). Also, during installation there is no need to carry out construction work.
Despite the large number of advantages, there are still disadvantages:
- high level of noise;
- the need for frequent filter replacement;
- relatively low efficiency.
It is important to consider that the filter only cleans the air of impurities, but does not absorb moisture.
Preparation for installation and installation of the device
Mounted hood is quite simple. If the device is selected correctly, the installation will take no more than an hour.
The main installation requirements are:
- The optimal distance between the surface of the plate and the hood (at least 40 cm from the plate to the bottom edge of the hood and at least 65 cm from the filter mesh). In some cases, the distance is adjusted (depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer of the plate).
- Air recirculation in the hood is provided by an electric drive. For stable operation of the device, the necessary and actual mains voltage should be taken into account.
- Also, one should not forget about the preliminary check of components and the installation of the filter itself.
- Before mounting, remove grease traps.
- Prior to installation, it is also required to install sockets and release adjacent surfaces.
Operation of typical cooker hoods with and without air duct
This device is quite simple to operate. To extend the service life and proper functioning, the grilles should be regularly cleaned (if the duct is connected), and filters should be changed (if there is none). The exhaust fan is one of the important components of the design, so the blades are cleaned at least once a year. The grease traps are cleaned every month.
A system using venting to ventilation is used only if there are several ventilation passages, therefore, for rooms in which this condition is not met, autonomous hoods are installed.
This system (without duct) requires increased attention: in addition to regular cleaning, filters should be replaced on time.
The most economical and compact are the built-in hoods. The latter are undemanding in care, in addition, consumables are replaced much less frequently than other types.
Air vents: what are the features
The first feature is the lack of a recirculation mode in the hood. Also, the use of devices of this type, in addition to the above requirements, involves the installation of a pipe or corrugation to allow air to exit the premises.
More practical is the installation of a circular outlet. This fact is explained by the fact that the cylindrical shape is quite commercially available and is also easy to clean. Branch with a square or rectangular section is made to order according to individual parameters. Cleaning a duct of this type is more complicated.
The principle of operation of modern hoods
If there is air recirculation in the hood, the installation of the duct is optional. This is the main advantage.
Briefly about the principle of operation:
- When the electrical network is closed, the electric motor starts.
- Through the drive, the fan starts to rotate.
- During rotation, previously contaminated air is drawn in.
- When suction, air passes through a filter (usually carbon), then it is cleaned and returned to the room.
All substances and odors are absorbed by the adsorber (filter). It is worth noting that this component does not reduce humidity in the room, so you should regularly air the room.
A variety of modern filters and their purpose
The most common are single and two-stage filters. Cleaning systems are also distinguished, which are divided into single and two-level.
The recirculation mode in the hood, which has one degree of purification, is provided by a primitive acrylic filter or reusable adsorber.
A two-stage system (consists of two filters) is more effective in cleaning. Such hoods are more durable than conventional ones and absorb more odors and impurities. This system can consist of the same or combined filters (for example, acrylic and carbon).
How to choose the best option
In order to choose a suitable device, several factors should be taken into account:
- Is a recirculation hood required? If this function is not necessary, then you can significantly save money.
- Frequency of use of the device. If the hood will be used infrequently, the installation of an expensive filter is optional.
- Dimensions This parameter depends directly on the area of the kitchen and the size of the hob. The price depends on the size and shape of the hood.
- It is worth considering the power consumption. The higher this parameter, the more noise production increases (data on the level of vibration and noise are indicated in the technical data sheet).
Functions of modern range hoods
Engineers are constantly working to improve the technology. The most primitive hoods consisted of a dome and an air duct. The sole purpose of the installation was to remove unclean air out through a cylindrical hole. Modern devices have several functions and are equipped with various systems. In addition to the recirculation mode, the hood contains systems for:
- Switching modes. The operation is ensured by protective sensors that indicate the need to clean or replace the filter. On / off sensors automatically start the motor at the appointed time. An additional button (residual stroke) prolongs the operation of the system fan for a while after shutdown (on average by 10 minutes).
- Electrical circuit lighting. Due to the large dimensions of the hood, a shadow is created above the work surface. For the convenience of working on site, the device is equipped with lamps. In most cases, incandescent lamps are installed. Newer models are equipped with crystalline or halogen economical light fixtures.
A description of how the hood operates in recirculation mode, the rules for switching speeds, as well as installation processes and operating requirements are described in the manufacturer's instructions.