Hoods are required in every kitchen. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors and can cost as little as 3 thousand rubles, and more than 200 thousand. In this review, the main attention is paid to built-in hoods for the kitchen, which have excellent performance, the price of which does not exceed 60 thousand rubles. Inexpensive equipment from high-end models is distinguished only by a combination of functionality with aesthetics.
There are two main ways to install fume hoods: without and with an air duct. Models of the first type return air back to the kitchen by passing it through a metal filter and an activated carbon filter to remove at least partially smoke, fumes and odors. In fume hoods with an air duct, only a grease filter is used, and air is vented out. Such models are more complicated and more expensive to install due to the need to install an air duct, but they are the most effective.
Integrated hoods
This is the most common type of hoods. Mounted to the underside and inside the hanging kitchen cabinets. They can connect to the duct or work without it.
On some models, a thin telescopic hood extends from the stand if necessary. Usually wall cabinets have a side width equal to about half the side width of the slab. An extension of the kitchen hood extends the vapor and smoke to its suction end. This design increases the height of the device, but is often the only choice for those who can not provide the recommended distance to the stove.
Built-in hoods for the kitchen come in various colors, which allows them to match any kitchen decor. They cost differently, although even the most modern models of this type are more accessible than wall or island options. As a rule, they have at least 2 fan speeds and at least basic incandescent lighting.
What to look for?
When choosing a built-in hood for the kitchen, you should look for one whose width is at least no less than the hob. This is exactly the case when more means better.
When comparing models that are similar in form and functionality, it must be borne in mind that they may have differences in some important characteristics and functions that should not be forgotten. And the first of these is productivity, measured in cubic meters per hour. It serves as a measure of air flow. The higher the performance, the faster the hood will remove smoke, fumes and odors generated during cooking. However, there is a flip side to the coin. The faster the hood ventilates the kitchen, the more noise it makes.
Manufacturers often provide volume ratings for their models using different scales, making it difficult to compare noise levels. Among the options you can see the characteristics expressed in sones, decibels or in dBA. But regardless of these indicators, noise perception is very subjective. In their reviews, different users call the same device extremely quiet and overly loud. It follows that the noise levels specified by the manufacturers for the built-in cooker hoods for the kitchen described in this review should be treated with some caution.
Functionality
Air flow. Manufacturers measure the performance of hoods in cubic meters of air per hour (m 3 / h). The larger this value, the more intensive the ventilation. However, this still does not guarantee a more efficient smoke removal. In reality, hoods with modest performance can work no worse than models with twice as much air flow.
The number of fan speeds. Changing the rotation speed allows you to adjust the level of power and noise depending on the situation. Most hoods offer 3 to 6 levels of adjustment. Reviews users recommend at least 2 speeds: high when cooking and a very low and very quiet setting that should be turned on later to continue ventilation during meals. It is obviously unnecessary to have more than 3. If the manufacturer still wants to offer a lot of speeds, it is better to implement it in the form of a smooth controller so that the user can easily set any desired hood performance.
Thermostat. Some models are equipped with a sensor that automatically turns on the fan if the temperature under the hood becomes higher than critical. This feature is mainly available to protect the microwave ovens installed above. The thermostat is needed in order to protect the electronics from damage. If the temperature under the microwave is too high, the fan turns on to remove the hot air and draw the cooler out of the rest of the kitchen. But users do not recommend this feature, because in case of oil fire, the hood will only contribute to combustion, attracting more air to the fire, inflating it, and possibly worsening the situation.
Timer. This convenient function turns off the fan after a set period of time. In addition, it will let you know when it is time to clean the filters.
Search for the best model
According to the owners, the best built-in hoods for the kitchen should provide:
- Good ventilation. The hood should effectively remove smoke, fumes and odors. Outward ventilation is preferred, although non-ducted models that return air after filtration are acceptable, unless otherwise specified.
- Adequate lighting. A luminaire mounted in an extractor hood is an important addition to the upper light sources in most kitchens, as the main light is usually blocked when the user is standing in front of the hob. Different models allow you to install from 1 to 4 incandescent lamps or are equipped with economical LEDs. In the latter case, make sure that their brightness is sufficient.
- Effective ventilation. Some experts believe that hood performance, expressed in cubic meters per hour, is not all. The greater the air flow, the faster the air exchange, but this does not guarantee a more efficient removal of smoke, fumes and odors. According to some manufacturers, when it comes to gas stoves, one should be guided by a value of at least 170 m 3 / h for every 10,000 BTU of thermal power.
- Right size. Hoods are available in a wide variety of sizes to match the variety of cooktops and hobs available. You need to buy a model that, at least, has the same width as the hob below it.
- Noise level. Although manufacturers often indicate this characteristic, it is very subjective and difficult to compare. The answers of the owners to the question whether the hood is noisy or not, are often radically different. It should be remembered that the more powerful the hood and the greater the fan speed, the higher the noise level. In their reviews, the owners recommend using the maximum speed when cooking, and then reduce it to lower values.
What should I decide?
Is the kitchen equipped with a ventilation duct? If so, this can save a lot of time and money. You should measure the air duct to make sure that the characteristics of the ventilation opening of the new hood correspond to it.
Will the duct be used? You can save a round amount by installing a fume hood without connecting to the ventilation duct. Nevertheless, in their reviews, experts strongly recommend the use of an air system, if at all possible, because it removes smoke, odors, fumes, etc. to the outside, and does not filter them, returning it to the room, as is the case in recirculation systems . In this case, it is necessary to minimize the length and number of bends of the channels so that the air flow is maximum. Ducts should have the largest possible diameter and be a rigid metal structure. At the outlet, it is necessary to install a valve that will prevent the occurrence of oncoming thrust.
Make sure that the air goes out. When installing the hood, you should never direct the flow into the space between walls, ceilings, attics or into the garage. It should be brought out. If this is not the case, then you need to consider the cost of eliminating this error.
What is the design of the kitchen? Regardless of whether the repair is carried out or it is being built from scratch, the location of the stove or hob will determine the type of hood installed. If it is located in the center of the room, then the best choice would be an island, attached to the ceiling. Blowing floor ventilation is also possible, but it is not so effective. If a wall stand is installed above the stove, then a built-in range hood is the best choice. Otherwise, the wall-mounted option is suitable.
What style and color are used? You must make sure that the new built-in hood for the kitchen matches the design of the room. Some manufacturers offer different colors, while others are limited only to stainless steel.
Reviews are advised to check the installation height. The kitchen hood, built into the cabinet, should be high enough not to interfere with cooking, but not so much that smoke and steam can avoid it. Most manufacturers determine the distance from the hob within 45–75 cm.
The best models
Built-in hoods are used in kitchens with wall cabinets located directly above the stove. According to the owners, this is an ideal place for recirculation models, as they can be attached directly to the cabinets. The duct for the removal of smoke and steam can be laid through the cabinet, which hides it, or led directly out through the wall.
Broan-NuTone models are typically high-end devices and come in a wide range of styles and prices. Although many of them are quite expensive, according to owners, you can find high-quality and relatively inexpensive models, for example, the Broan F40000 series. These best built-in hoods for the kitchen 60-107 cm wide are characterized by high performance, versatility and price. They are convertible, that is, they can either be connected to the duct or work in recirculation mode. They are available in 7 colors: black, white, white and white, almond, biscuit and biscuit-biscuit. The price depends on the size and color, but even the most expensive models cost no more than 7 thousand rubles.
The Broan F40000 offers many installation options, making it an ideal choice for those who want to replace an old ventilation system. The built-in 60 cm hood for the kitchen can be installed without connecting to the ventilation duct, but for this you will need to purchase a Broan 41F filter. It can also be connected to a 6- or 7-inch round duct or rectangular (horizontal or vertical) measuring 8.25 x 25.4 cm. This versatility will suit the vast majority of homeowners. The type of duct affects the maximum performance of the device, which is in the range from 270 to 320 m 3 / h. The noise level is 6.5 sone, regardless of the installation option in the channel. The built-in hood for a 60 cm wide kitchen works in 2 modes, but Broan does not indicate performance and volume for low speed. Also, the characteristics of the device are not disclosed when operating in recirculation mode.
In addition, people with disabilities can use the hood if separately installed controls that meet regulatory requirements.
The functionality of the built-in hoods for the kitchen 60-107 cm wide Broan F40000 series, in addition to a wide variety of sizes, colors and installation options, not so much. You can install one lamp with a power of up to 75 watts to illuminate the stove, there is a metal filter that can be washed in a dishwasher.
What is really worth mentioning is that it is one of the most popular built-in hoods for the kitchen 60 cm wide. She is the sales leader of many sites, online stores and traditional stores.
According to the owners, the Broan F40000 series is easy to install and use. The range includes the best built-in hoods for the kitchen in terms of the volume of their work. For most models, you can find at least some negative comments, and the F40000 is certainly no exception, but they do not concern the noise level. For many, it is acceptable or reasonable. And most believe that the hood works quite quietly, especially compared to the old model, which it replaced. Style is not a strong point of the series, although many are delighted with how their device looks in the kitchen.
Broan 41000
Although the F40000 Series 60cm kitchen hoods offer many installation options if only the basic recirculation function is needed, the 41000 series will be a great alternative. Since this does not require air ducts, installation is greatly simplified. Unfortunately, Broan does not specify performance or noise parameters for recirculation type models.
The dimensions of the built-in hood for the kitchen are from 50 to 107 cm. There are 4 colors to choose from - white, black, biscuit and stainless steel. The functionality is scarce, but you can connect one 75-watt incandescent lamp (not included) to illuminate the hob, and there is a two-speed fan. Carbon filters are not washable. Under normal use, they must be replaced every 12 months. This is the same Broan 41F model as the F40000.
Regardless of size or color, these 50 cm recirculating kitchen hoods are valued as highly as the more versatile Broan F40000 models. Owners praise them for their low cost and durability - they work for decades. According to user reviews, they are very easy to install, they have an attractive, but unobtrusive appearance, and they provide bright lighting.
NuTone RL6200
Broan-NuTone also offers a series of recirculating integrated cooker hoods for the 60-75 cm wide NuTone RL6200 kitchen. Performance, price and user ratings are similar to the Broan 41000 line. Models are available in the same colors. According to owners, this is a great alternative for those who do not need devices of greater width.
Cosmo UC30
Although the aforementioned built-in hoods for a kitchen of 50-107 cm wide are great for most consumers, if you have a professional stove or hob, you may need something more powerful. One such offer is the Cosmo UC30. This device has a capacity of 1300 m 3 / h, which significantly exceeds the capabilities of not only most of the built-in 50 cm hoods for the kitchen, but also much larger. Cosmo UC3 is amazingly effective in eliminating the smoke, odors and heat that powerful kitchen appliances can produce. The model is available exclusively in stainless steel and only 75 cm wide, but this size should fit in most cases. This is a hood with a 6 ”diameter duct, but using the Cosmo CFK2 kit, which includes an activated carbon filter, it can be set to operate in recirculation mode.
The functional features of the model include 3 fan speeds and the presence of 2 1.5 W LEDs for lighting the hob. Cosmo UC30 is protected by a 5 year warranty. This is much longer than the usual 1-year, most often offered for built-in hoods for the kitchen.
At maximum fan speed, the noise reaches 65 dB. It is loud enough to notice, and many comment that the hood is noisy even at the lowest level, although others claim that everything is in order. This proves that everything depends on individual preferences. Owners also complain about poor lighting. But the main thing that the device copes with perfectly is the elimination of smoke, fumes and odors, which delights most owners.
BV Stainless Steel
BV is known for its innovative approach. The 75 cm wide hood is made of stainless steel and has a long list of attractive features. These include high performance equal to 1360 m 3 / h, which is provided by two motors. At the same time, the noise level remains low. The user has 3 speeds of operation of the hood with simple push-button control. The hob lighting is provided by 2 2 W LEDs. Steel filters and oil pan are easy to remove and wash. Hoods are protected by a 3-year warranty. . , .