The saturation of modern life does not relieve housewives from the need to cook food. Often it takes a lot of time that you have to spend in the kitchen. During cooking, fat and odors are released. Many housewives are wondering if the kitchen needs an exhaust hood or if natural or forced ventilation can be dispensed with.
Kitchen exhaust equipment: device and purpose
Many people think that ventilation and kitchen hood are identical concepts. But this is absolutely not the case.
A kitchen hood is a device that structurally consists of a housing, inside of which there is a filter and a fan with a motor. The latter puts the equipment into operation. The air draft created by the fan captures particles of fat and soot with the help of filters, as well as extraneous odors. Thus, purified air returns to the kitchen, and appliances and furniture are not covered by settlingdirt particles.
Ventilation system (hood above the kitchen) is a mounting structure inside the wall, which only creates air exchange in the kitchen room (air outlet).
The place where the hood will be located is usually planned in advance, during the renovation in the kitchen. In the matter of choice, the calculation of the desired size and the correct performance of the device plays a role.
Some owners do not immediately install such equipment, tormented by the question of whether a hood is needed in the kitchen. Although most have already decided that such a device is useful. It is essential that the air in the room is clean. Moreover, modern models organically fit into kitchen furniture, as there are several types of them.
Recirculation hoods
The recirculating device returns the filtered air back to the room. Such filter systems are best used for kitchens that have gas stoves. These hoods clean the air well from grease and harmful gas impurities.
The positive qualities of these systems include their simple installation, fairly low cost, beautiful design. In addition, they are energy efficient. Another plus is that these devices do not draw heat from the room, which allows you to maintain the temperature inside the room at the same level.
The downside of such systems is that every three to five months you need to change the filters - specific terms depend on the duration and intensityoperation of the device. They also do not remove odors, so this hood is best installed in a well-ventilated area.
Flow hoods
There is no definite answer to the question of which hood is suitable for a particular kitchen. These devices are chosen based on their own tastes, room design, fasteners, technical characteristics. Kitchen hoods differ in performance, filter types, sizes and additional features. The financial side of the issue also plays an important role.
Flow hoods in the kitchen, the photo of which can be seen below, are devices that remove air with impurities from the room to the outside. They are more productive, do not require systematic replacement of filters, but there are difficulties during installation. This is due to the fact that the device is connected to the ventilation system of the kitchen room, it requires the installation of air ducts, the installation of an anti-return valve so that polluted air from the ventilation shaft does not return back to the room.
When buying a kitchen hood, you should consider that there are models that have two modes: recirculation and exhaust air.
Design & Features
When buying a cooker hood, design usually plays a decisive role. Different designs of hoods differ in appearance and specifics of work.
Such types of devices can be found on sale:
- Recessed designs from which the bottom panel extends. These systems, as a rule, are built into the wall cabinets of kitchen sets. They have a beautiful design, are quite compact and are equipped with additional functions. The downside is the price, which is significantly higher than other models.
- Dome. Such exhaust systems are similar in appearance to a dome or cap hanging above the surface of the stove. They are attached directly to the wall or to the ceiling, most often such models are flow-through in design. Their design is quite diverse: they are glass, chrome, decorated with gilded details. Also, designs from this group are distinguished by a wide variety of dimensions, functions and technical parameters. If desired, among them you can find any version of the hood for the kitchen.
- Hanging - these are, as a rule, flat-type models that are mounted from below on wall cabinets. They are compact and do not take up much space. Such hoods are both recirculating and flow type, the former being more common. The disadvantage of such models is the small amount of air passed through. They are recommended for small spaces and kitchens with electric stoves.
- Island are powerful exhaust systems designed for large rooms. They purify the air not only in the kitchen, but also in other rooms. The design allows them to be mounted anywhere, even in the middle of the ceiling. Such models are universal and can fit any kitchen layout.
Filters in hoods
In kitchen hoodsuse two types of filters:
- fine cleaning - are containers filled with activated carbon;
- grease trapping - consist of synthetic fiber or thin metal mesh.
Filters of the second type are installed in all hoods, and carbon filters are present only in expensive circulation or combined models, in which there is both a coal tank and a grease trap.
Features of filters are such that metal meshes are designed to trap fatty particles. They are designed to last a long time and do not require replacement. They are easy to remove and wash with a regular kitchen sponge and mild detergents.
The difference between synthetic fiber filters is that they need to be changed as they become dirty, which entails additional costs. But such models work without noise.
Carbon filters are disposable and are designed to filter the air, clean it from the smallest particles and odors. Charcoal containers may contain special resins or silver that kill bacteria. The air in such a filter is not only purified, but also disinfected. The big disadvantage is the frequent replacement of the filter, but if this is not done, it will itself become a source of harmful bacteria.
Controls and functions
Since the hood is an electric device, many are interested in whether an outlet is needed for the kitchen hood. Experts say that this is not necessary. The device can be connected to the electrical wiring inwall.
When choosing a hood, you need to study what additional functions it has.
Almost all models are equipped with backlight. On some, color and light effects are installed, which perform not only an illuminating, but also a decorative function. Hoods with a backlight function are very practical, as they allow you not to conduct additional lighting above the stove.
There are models that automatically turn on when the stove starts working - this is very convenient if the hostess has dirty hands. Models with a timer have also been created. These hoods automatically turn off after air purification is completed.
The operation of the exhaust system is controlled by buttons, sensors or using remote controls.
Calculation of dimensions
Manufacturers of modern cooker hoods take into account many models of stoves and, accordingly, produce hoods of different sizes.
The most compact are 50 by 60 cm, they are most often installed above small electric stoves with two burners. In this case, the actual question is whether a hood is needed in a small kitchen. Some experts argue that if there is a window and good ventilation in a small room, such a device can not be installed. Overall models of appliances are mounted over various large cooking surfaces.
In order to choose the right hood, you need to consider that its working area should be slightly wider than the surface of the plate.
Slab size variationsusually range from 60 to 90 cm, in the maximum case, the hood should be at least 120 cm wide. But such dimensions do not at all mean that the hood will look bulky. Thanks to the thoughtful design, the models look very compact and do not spoil the interior.
Before you make the hood in the kitchen, you need to make the correct calculation of its dimensions. To do this, it is better to contact a specialist, he will also advise on how to install a recirculation hood without an air duct or how to mount a built-in appliance.
What affects the operation of the device
The main function that the device must perform is the removal of polluted air and its purification. If the hood is not intended for filtering, but only for removing polluted air from the room, then care must be taken to replace the same amount of air masses as was removed.
This suggests that when the window in the kitchen is closed and if there is no ventilation in the room, such a working hood will draw air from the nearest ventilation shafts of the toilet or bathroom. In this case, the air will no longer be fresh. Therefore, when operating such an exhaust system, the window must be left ajar. In an isolated room, models are installed that filter the air.
Also, correctly calculated performance affects the operation of the device. If a powerful exhaust device is installed in a narrow ventilation duct, then it will not be able to work at full strength. Whatever power the device has, it will not be able to missmore air masses than the ventilation duct is able to remove. On the contrary, in this case, excessive power will contribute to poor-quality air purification in the kitchen room.
Do I need an exhaust fan in the kitchen
Today, among those who equip their kitchens, you can hear the debate on whether the kitchen needs a hood. Some believe that this is a completely useless device, others argue that it is necessary to eliminate odors in the kitchen.
As for the opinion of professionals, they clearly say that a few decades ago, a kitchen hood was considered a luxury. And now people's ideas about it have completely changed.
It is believed that the room should not be odors that remain after cooking or baking. The air must be fresh and clean, and this cannot be achieved without special devices. Built-in ducts are not able to solve this problem. Moreover, the design of modern hoods fits almost any design of kitchen furniture, and not only fits in, but even decorates. All this also applies to the question of whether an extractor hood is needed in the kitchen with an electric stove.
Beautiful and compact models are able to clean the air of impurities that would otherwise settle on the shiny surfaces of new kitchen furniture and modern appliances. In addition, they effectively remove odors that can be absorbed into clothes, hair and curtains.
In order to finally answer the question of the need to install suchgadgets in the kitchen, next we will consider the arguments for and against it.
Arguments for the hood
On the question of whether a hood is needed in the kitchen, in the reviews on many forums they give a positive answer and recommend the installation and use of these devices.
Speaking about the benefits, people say that it is as follows:
- Getting rid of cooking odors that seep into other rooms. This problem is especially true for those whose design provides for studio apartments, where the kitchen is combined with the hall.
- The hood improves ventilation through a forced increase in air exchange if the air masses from natural ventilation are not supplied in sufficient volume.
- The device draws out particles of soot and grease, thanks to which they do not settle on furniture, dishes, walls and appliances.
- The appliance removes excess moisture from the air, which is formed during cooking.
- The hood allows you to install an additional cabinet above it, which would not be possible to mount directly above the stove. This increases shelf space.
- Most users say that they like the devices brought into the natural ventilation system, as the exhaust air, even if purified, does not flow back into the room.
Housewives also like additional features such as built-in lighting, different device speeds, and some models have automatic switching on.
Arguments against drawing
Those who answer negatively to the question of whetherkitchen hood over the stove, justify their opinion by the fact that the installation of these devices is imposed by the manufacturers.
In this regard, the following arguments are given:
- does not like the noise of the device that it produces during operation;
- it is believed that in a small kitchen there will be enough ventilation through the built-in air ducts, an open window will also help with this;
- the kitchen hood needs to be cleaned regularly, otherwise various bacteria will form on it in deposits of grease and dirt.
Also, many housewives say that hood models are simply not suitable for their kitchen furniture.
All these arguments can be answered that, if desired, you can always find an excuse. Indeed, the noise in the kitchen is always present - this is the operation of the gas stove, and the water running from the tap, and the food cooking on the stove.
At the expense of unsuitable devices is also not quite the right opinion - the modern market offers a large number of different hoods that are suitable for furniture of all sizes.
Air purification
Customers and designers who positively answer the question of whether a hood is needed in the kitchen and advise installing them, say that the devices even help save money. This is explained by the fact that, by filtering the air from particles of soot and grease, they prevent impurities from settling on wallpaper, dishes, appliances and furniture. These surfaces remain clean, without a yellowish coating, their color does not lose saturation over time. Kitchen utensils will not need to be cleaned, and wallpaper will need to be re-pasted, spent on cleaning furniture andequipment strength, time and detergents.
It can definitely be argued that when you have a large family and food is constantly cooked in large quantities, the hood will become an essential item that will save the surrounding space from the sticky yellow-gray coating.
Expert Tips
When answering the question of whether an extractor hood is needed in the kitchen with an electric stove, experts advise purchasing low-power models, since in this case high performance is not required. The main condition is the removal of fat and odor.
As for the ventilation duct, experts do not recommend creating excess pressure in it with a powerful hood, otherwise the ventilation of the entire apartment may be disturbed. If other dwellings are connected to this mine, they will also be affected.
Designers advise if it is difficult to choose a device to your liking, then you can buy one so that it is completely invisible in the kitchen, or complements its design.
