Range Hoods Review

It is not widely known but range hoods are one of the most important, yet often overlooked, appliances in the kitchen. They are also a stunning addition to the kitchen and can give it a very stylish, modern designer look. Like any modification to the kitchen adding a range hood can also increase the value of your house as it can be a center piece that people see when they first enter the room. They are available in a multitude of different materials to nicely set of the range, cooker top, kitchen units and all the other appliances.

Range Hood Styles

The most common hood found in the kitchen is the modern looking stainless steel range hood, which are excellent as they resist corrosion and are easy to look after. For a more traditional looking kitchen it is possible to have a custom made hood made out of copper or wood. These are usually more expensive but they can last you for years and actually be passed down through the family. Copper range hoods are one of my favorites, especially in a log cabin style rustic kitchen. They can come engraved in wonderful forest or hunting scenes and go very well in rural properties or homesteads.

When designing a new room, kitchen range hoods are one of the most important features and often a focal point. In fact they can make or break the appearance and enhance the overall style quite considerably. It is
credit: byronv2important, therefore, that the size fits in with the overall size of the kitchen so as not to look too out of place and the finish should also complement the finish of the units and work surface. It would look quite odd to have an ultra modern range hood in a traditional, country style kitchen. The hood needs to be big enough to overlap the sides of the range or cooking surface.

Most hoods you find are usually wall mounted although if you have a kitchen island it is possible to find a specific island range hood which can be suspended from the ceiling. With an island model you will need some way of running the  pipe from the hood to the outside world through an external wall. This is not a drastic job to undertake however, and is usually a relatively easy job for any experienced builder. Another alternative, if this is out of the question, is to by a non vented  hood. These pass the air through a filter which removes the toxins and particles and then recirculates the air back into the kitchen. The only drawback is that they require a little more maintenance as the filters have to be removed and regularly cleaned.

The most useful tool for finding a good hood is the computer. Looking online at manufacturers and wholesalers websites is the best place to start. This way it is quite easy to get a discount price as they do not have to increase their prices to cover the cost of expensive showrooms. You can get a good idea of the styles and compare prices from the comfort of your living room. There are many types of range hoods on offer so take your time and pick one that will enhance your kitchen.

No Comments »