Hoods are essential in every kitchen. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors and can cost less than 3 thousand rubles, and more than 200 thousand. This review focuses on built-in kitchen hoods, which have excellent performance, the price of which does not exceed 60 thousand rubles. Inexpensive appliances are distinguished from high-end models only by the combination of functionality and 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 part of the smoke, fumes and odors. Ducted fume hoods use only the grease filter and the air is vented to the outside. Such models are more difficult and more expensive to install due to the need to install an air duct, but they are the most efficient.
Built-in hoods
This is the most common type of hood. Installed by fastening to the underside and inside the suspendedkitchen cabinets. They can be connected to the duct or work without it.
In some models, a thin telescopic hood, if necessary, extends from the cabinet. Usually wall cabinets have a side width equal to about half the side width of the slab. The extension of the built-in kitchen hood directs vapors and smoke to its suction end. This design increases the height of the unit, but is often the only choice for those who cannot meet the recommended distance to the stove.
Recessed kitchen hoods come in a variety of colors to match any kitchen décor. They cost differently, although even the most modern models of this type are more affordable than wall or island options. They usually have a minimum of 2 fan speeds and at least basic incandescent lighting.
What to look out for?
When choosing a built-in hood for the kitchen, you should look for one whose width is at least as large as the hob. This is exactly the case when more is 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 the speed of air flow. The higher the performance, the faster the hood will remove smoke, fumes andodors generated during cooking. However, there is also a reverse side of the coin. The faster the hood ventilates the kitchen, the more noise it makes.
Manufacturers often provide loudness ratings for their models using different scales, making it difficult to compare noise levels. Among the options you can see the characteristics expressed in sons, decibels or dBA. But regardless of these indicators, the perception of noise is very subjective. In their reviews, different users call the same device both exceptionally quiet and excessively loud. It follows, therefore, that noise levels quoted by manufacturers for the built-in kitchen hoods 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 (m3/h). The higher this value, the stronger the ventilation. However, this does not guarantee more effective smoke removal. In reality, hoods with modest performance can perform as well as models with twice the airflow.
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 adjustment levels. Reviews users recommend at least 2 speeds: high for cooking and a very low and very quiet setting, which should be turned on afterwards to continue ventilating the roomduring meals. It is obviously unnecessary to have more than 3. If the manufacturer still wants to offer many speeds, it is better to implement this in the form of a smooth regulator 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 the critical one. This function is mainly available to protect microwaves 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 cooler air out of the rest of the kitchen. But users do not recommend this function, because in the event of an oil fire, the hood will only contribute to combustion by attracting more air to the fire, fanning it and possibly worsening the situation.
Timer. This handy feature turns off the fan after a set period of time. It also lets you know when it's time to clean your filters.
Finding the best model
According to the owners, the best built-in kitchen hoods should provide:
- Good ventilation. The hood must effectively remove smoke, fumes and odors. Ventilation to the outside is preferred, although non-ducted models that return air after filtration are acceptable if no other option is available.
- Adequate lighting. The luminaire installed in the hood is an important addition to the toplight sources in most kitchens, since 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, you should make sure that their brightness is sufficient.
- Effective ventilation. Some experts believe that the performance of the hood, expressed in cubic meters per hour, is not all. The greater the air flow, the faster the air exchange, but this does not guarantee more effective removal of smoke, fumes and odors. According to some manufacturers, when it comes to gas stoves, the guideline should be at least 170m3/h for every 10,000 BTU of heat output.
- Correct size. Hoods are available in a variety of sizes to match the variety of hobs and stovetops available. Buy a model that is at least the same width as the hob underneath.
- Noise level. Although manufacturers often list 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 higher 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 on?
Is the kitchen equipped with a ventilation duct? If so, it can save you a lot of time and money. The duct should be measured to ensure that the new hood's vent specifications are correct.
Will the air duct be used? You can save a lot of money by installing a fume hood without connecting to a ventilation duct. However, in their reviews, experts strongly recommend the use of an air duct system, if at all possible, because it brings smoke, odors, fumes, etc. outside, and does not filter them back into the room, as happens in recirculation systems. At the same time, it is necessary to minimize the length and number of bends of the channels so that the air flow is maximum. Air 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 counter draft.
Make sure the air comes out. When installing the hood, never direct the flow into the space between walls, ceilings, attics or into the garage. It must be brought out. If this is not the case, then the cost of correcting this error must be taken into account.
What kitchen design? Whether it's being refurbished or being built from scratch, the location of the stove or hob will determine the type of hood you install. If it is located in the center of the room, then the island, attached to the ceiling, would be the best choice. Scavenging floor ventilation is also possible, but it is noteffective. If a wall cabinet is installed above the stove, then a built-in hood is the best choice. Otherwise, a wall-mounted version will do.
What style and color is used? You need to make sure that the new built-in kitchen hood matches the design of the room. Some manufacturers offer a variety of colors, while others are limited to stainless steel.
Reviews advise checking the installation height. The kitchen hood built into the cabinet should be high enough so that it does not interfere with cooking, but not so high that smoke and steam can avoid it. Most manufacturers define the distance from the hob as 45-75 cm.
Top 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 recirculating models, since they can be attached directly to cabinets. The duct for removing smoke and steam can be laid through a pedestal that hides it, or lead straight through the wall to the outside.
Broan-NuTone models tend to be high end devices and come in a wide range of styles and prices. Although many of them are quite expensive, according to the owners, you can find high-quality and relatively inexpensive models, for example, the Broan F40000 series. These top 60-107 cm wide built-in kitchen hoods offer high performance, versatility and value for money. They are convertible, i.e. they can either be connected to a duct oroperate in recirculation mode. They are available in 7 color options: 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.
Broan F40000 offers a variety of installation options, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to replace an old ventilation system. The built-in 60 cm kitchen hood can be installed without connecting to a ventilation duct, but this will require the purchase of a Broan 41F filter. It can also be connected to a 6" or 7" round duct or a 8.25 x 25.4 cm rectangular (horizontal or vertical) duct. This versatility will suit the vast majority of homeowners. The duct type affects the maximum capacity of the unit, which ranges from 270 to 320 m3/h. The noise level is 6.5 sona regardless of the duct installation option. The built-in kitchen hood 60 cm wide has 2 modes, but Broan does not indicate the performance and volume of operation for low speed. Also, the characteristics of the device when operating in recirculation mode are not disclosed.
In addition, the range hood can be used by people with disabilities if controls are installed separately that comply with regulations.
Functionality of built-in kitchen hoods 60-107 cm wide Broan F40000 series, in addition to a wide variety of sizes, colors and installation options, not so much. One lamp can be installedpower up to 75W for stove lighting, there is a metal filter that can be washed in the dishwasher.
What really needs to be said is that this is one of the most popular 60 cm wide built-in range hoods. She is the top seller of many websites, online stores and brick-and-mortar stores.
Broan F40000 series is easy to install and use according to owners. The line includes the best built-in kitchen hoods in terms of their volume. For most models, at least some negative comments can be found, and the F40000 is certainly no exception, but they do not concern the noise level. For many, it is acceptable or reasonable. And most people think that the hood is quite quiet, especially compared to the old model 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
While the F40000 series 60 cm built-in kitchen hoods offer many installation options if only basic recirculation is needed, the 41000 series is a great alternative. Since it does not require air ducts, installation is greatly simplified. Unfortunately, Broan does not list performance or noise ratings for recirculating models.
The dimensions of the built-in kitchen hood are from 50 to 107 cm. There are 4 colors to choose from - white, black, biscuit and stainless steel. Functionaloptions are scarce, but a single 75-watt incandescent bulb (not included) can be connected to illuminate the hob, and there is a two-speed fan. Charcoal filters are not washable. Under normal use, they should be replaced every 12 months. This is the same Broan 41F as the F40000.
Regardless of size and color, these recirculating 50 cm built-in kitchen hoods are as highly valued 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 yet unobtrusive appearance, and they provide bright lighting.
NuTone RL6200
Broan-NuTone also offers the NuTone RL6200 range of 60-75cm wide recirculating built-in kitchen hoods. 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 wider devices.
Cosmo UC30
While the aforementioned 50-107 cm wide built-in range hoods are great for most consumers, if you have a professional stove or hob, you may need something more powerful. One such offering is the Cosmo UC30. This device has a capacity of 1300 m3/h, which far exceeds the capabilities of not only most built-in 50 cm kitchen hoods, but also muchlarge. Cosmo UC3 is amazingly effective at removing 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 6” ducted hood, but with the Cosmo CFK2 kit including activated carbon filter, it can be set to recirculate mode.
The functional features of the model include 3 fan speeds and the presence of 2 LEDs with a power of 1.5 W to illuminate the hob. Cosmo UC30 is backed by a 5 year warranty. This is much longer than the typical 1 year old most often offered for built-in kitchen hoods.
At the maximum fan speed, the noise reaches 65 dB. It's loud enough to notice and many comment that the hood is noisy even at the lowest setting, while others claim it's OK. This proves that everything depends on individual preferences. The owners also complain about poor lighting. But the main thing that the device does an excellent job of is eliminating smoke, fumes and odors, which leaves most owners delighted.
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 a high capacity of 1360 m3/h, which is provided by two motors. At the same time, the noise level remains low. 3 speeds are available to the useroperation of the hood with simple push-button control. The hob is illuminated by 2 2W LEDs. The steel filters and oil pan are easy to remove and wash. The hood is protected by a 3-year warranty. Recirculation mode is also supported. According to owners, the slanted design ensures efficient air intake from the entire hob.
