A good kitchen hood should be able to clean the air from moisture vapor and the smell of frying. Today, there are many types of this technology. Manufacturers are releasing more and more innovative models every year, improving the design and function of the air purification device.
Hoods are the perfect solution to forget about the constant airing of the kitchen. They minimize the spread of cooking odors throughout the apartment. Purchasing a good model that will handle even a large amount of work will make the cooking process easy and enjoyable.
What are hoods?
Models of hoods can be classified according to the type of performance, appearance, location in the kitchen, device size and other characteristics.
What are the hoods and how they differ, you can find out from the sales assistants of household appliances stores. Comprehensive informationcan also be found on the websites of manufacturers of air purification devices. It is worth choosing carefully, since the hood should not only cope with its functions, but also fit the size of the kitchen and the space allotted for it. The aesthetics of the models is no less important. You can also clarify what sizes the hoods are, their functional features and the principle of operation from the sales assistants of the hardware stores. Correctly selected in color, manufacturer and shape, the model will always harmoniously look among kitchen furniture and other appliances in the room.
So, what types of hoods are there?
Depending on the structure of the body, 3 varieties can be distinguished:
- flat;
- dome;
- embedded.
Flat hood
Flat hood does not require additional connections, it is the most compact. The advantage of such models is that visually they do not reduce the space of the kitchen, do not catch the eye and harmoniously fit into any interior. The disadvantage is that the filters have a short service life and require frequent replacement.
Dome Hood
Works most effectively compared to other species. The fact is that the hood is connected directly to the ventilation channel, thereby ensuring the outflow of air and pollution as efficiently and quickly as possible. This type of device can only be installed in kitchens with a large area. Considering that the dimensions of the hood are quite large, in a small kitchen it will look out of place and take up a lot of space. Dome hoods are equipped with powerful fans of overall dimensions, which requires sufficient space and makes the device bulky. The advantage of using this type of air purifiers is their efficient work, the smells in the kitchen are removed very quickly, they are almost not felt.
Built-in hoods
Finding out what kitchen hoods are, it is recommended to pay special attention to built-in models. Such devices harmoniously fit into any interior. Their principle of operation is the same as that of the previous two types. But by location in the kitchen, they win in the eyes of any housewife. The thing is that the device is located in a niche specially designated for it in the wall, ceiling or countertop. It is important to know exactly the dimensions of the niche before buying and choose the right hood for it.
As an option for equipping the kitchen, an autonomous hood serves as an air purification equipment. To date, this type has received the greatest popularity among buyers.
Kitchen placement
Let's consider what kind of hoods there are for placement in the kitchen. Devices can be installed in several ways. The main one is mounting the device on the wall. Screws are pre-screwed into the wall at the level at which its location will be convenient for the ownersapartments.
Chimney hoods, which have a large body, received special attention and recognition. They are similar in appearance to a fireplace.
Suspended hoods are the best option for studio apartments. The mechanism of the device is such that the exhaust system can be adjusted in height. It is mounted on the ceiling.
Kitchen in a modern style with a minimal set of furniture perfectly combines appliances and countertops in the center of the room. For this option, an island hood is suitable. It is placed directly above the hob. Now it is this arrangement of kitchen appliances and furniture that is considered convenient and comfortable. The cooking area, therefore, does not take up much space; built-in cabinets for storing dishes and products with a long shelf life can be located along the walls of the room. This is a great option for apartments that don't have a storage room.
Another option to save space in the kitchen are corner hoods. They take up little space and fit very harmoniously into the overall interior.
The difference between hoods by power
Let's consider what kind of hoods are according to the working principle.
The whole set of functions, appearance, location features of the device are very important, but still the main parameter of the hood is its working power and productivity. The snail hood has a huge power of cleaning and suction of air and odors. It is suitable for owners of large houses that do not have a ventilation system or it is self-contained.
Exceptkitchen options for air purification and ventilation in enclosed spaces, experts recommend installing exhaust systems for speakers. Given the constant operation of the geyser and the high humidity in the bathroom, the hood is in many ways indispensable.
Considering what kitchen hoods are, you need to know that, depending on the method of air purification, there are three main models:
- flow type;
- recycling;
- mixed.
Flow type hoods
Such models are connected to the ventilation shaft using a durable air vent pipe (mostly corrugation). A distinctive feature of such systems is their efficient air purification and power. If the apartment does not have a separate ventilation shaft, then it is imperative to install valves that prevent air from entering the room in the opposite direction. A good solution would be to bring the ventilation shaft directly to the street. Also, when installing a flow-type hood, it will not be superfluous to ask the seller what kind of corrugations for the hood are and which one is used in this model. They can be rectangular or round, made of galvanized sheet, aluminum or plastic, or coated flexible tube.
Recycling hoods
This hood does not have high suction power, and the air is purified by passing through the filters installed in its housing. External and internal filters perform different functions. The first captures fatty elements so that all the fatstays on the surface. The outer one is a lattice, which is made of durable metals. It can be cleaned by yourself. The internal filter usually has a carbon composition that traps and absorbs contaminants, as well as eliminates odors in the room. When choosing a recirculation type hood, you should inquire in advance about the availability of carbon filters for a specific model, since they cannot be cleaned. They are changed periodically, depending on the service life and degree of contamination.
Mixed air purification system
This model is recognized as the most effective. This type of hood has a fairly large overall dimensions. Therefore, it is not suitable for every kitchen area. The removal of odors and air and the cleaning of the latter is carried out in the best way by this type of hood.
What are kitchen hoods without an air duct? The most common recycled type. Such models can be installed in any room, this is a plus of their use. The principle of operation is to clean and then remove the trapped air.
Selection criteria
When choosing a cleaning device for the kitchen, you need to consider not only its power, functional features and type of connection. For constant use of the hood, it is important how noisy the device is. The noise level emitted by the hood during operation should not interfere and be too high.
Performance indicators determine the volume of air cleaned by the device in one hourwork. When choosing a model, you should think about the importance of side effects from its work. If the hood has high power and performance, then, most likely, such an hood will not please you with quiet operation. The right choice is made based on the requirements for the model, the area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen and how often air cleaning is required.
The size of the device must match the size of the stove or hob. If it is smaller, then the work efficiency will decrease, since the air outlet will not be over the entire surface, therefore, the capture, purification of odors and fumes will not be maximum.
Exhaust control
It can be touch, slide or button. Everyone determines for himself which of them will be convenient for use. Touch control means finding the controls on the hood panel. Push-button - outdated, used on models that are cheaper in cost. Slider control means adjusting the power by controlling the slider on the device's taskbar.
Lighting
Another important point in choosing a hood is lighting. What kind of hoods are by type of lighting, you can ask directly at the store. The most commonly used safety halogen lamps. Incandescent and fluorescent types make lighting unnatural and can distort the color of food being cooked. Housewives prefer to choose halogen lamps.
If a gas stove is installed in the house, then what are the gas hoods with high efficiency, you cancheck with the manufacturer or in the store. Usually for stoves with a gas principle of operation, hoods with an air vent are used. It's safer and more productive.
Manufacturers and rating of the best
The price of the device is formed based on its characteristics, type of work and manufacturer. Budget options for air purification systems are made of plastic and usually have a fairly short service life. Mid-range devices are made from aluminum and other metals. Their internal filling is also made of quality materials. More expensive are hoods decorated with wood or other materials. The control system of the device also plays a role in pricing. Experts recommend choosing a device in the middle price range, unless otherwise required by the design of the kitchen.
If we consider the rating of such products, then the best manufacturers are:
- Gorenje (Slovenia);
- Eleyus (Ukraine);
- Ventolux (Ukraine);
- Teka (German brand);
- Bosch (German brand);
- Jantar (Ukrainian-Italian manufacturer).
So, we looked at what hoods are and how they differ. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the size of the kitchen and how often the device will be used. If funds for the purchase are limited, it is worth analyzing which of the functions of the hood are needed, and which ones can be dispensed with. Don't pay extra for something that won't be used.
