Selection of hoods for the kitchen

The kitchen is considered a special room in the house, since it is here that a lot of time is spent preparing food, the morning begins with a cup of coffee and sometimes family gatherings are arranged. To make the time in the kitchen comfortable, it is important not only to provide for a convenient layout, but also to provide it with an effective exhaust unit that would help eliminate smells from cooked food and prevent the formation of soot on the surface of the furniture. Today there is a huge selection of hoods suitable for any design and size of premises.

A cooker hood is an essential piece of equipment that you cannot do without, as it provides high-quality ventilation and complements the modern interior in an original way. Recently, on sale you can find a chic assortment of hoods, which differ in the material of production, design and the presence of decor.

Depending on these features, the following types of products are distinguished:

• Embedded. This model is installed in an equipped wardrobe, so it completely hides in it. Such a silent hood is characterized by excellent quality, durability and chic design. Since the power of the unit is maximum, it works efficiently. But despite the fact that the product does a good job of its functions, it is expensive and requires special care.

• Flat. Mounts directly above the gas stove or simply mounts to the wall. This option does not have an outlet into the ventilation pipe; the device consists of an air purification filter, an electric fan and a case. Its main advantage is its neat appearance, affordable price and ease of installation. As for the disadvantages, the wall hood works very noisy and its filters must be changed frequently.

• Dome (fireplace). This is one of the most modern and popular types of equipment that is in perfect harmony with any style direction, filling it with home comfort. Thanks to its convenient design, the electric cooker hood takes up little space and often combines unusual glass and wood inserts. Such models are produced both as island and wall-mounted, their difference lies only in a different method of attachment. The main advantage of the device is that it can be controlled remotely and does not need to change filters. The disadvantage is the high price.

• Corner. This hood is produced with ventilation and is intended for small kitchens. The suspended structure fits into the design of corner kitchens in an original way, saving their space. It is easy to clean, powerful and inexpensive.

• Combined. This unit combines two functions at the same time - air ventilation and filtration. Such devices are equipped with a charcoal filter, which must be changed every 6 months. During the installation of the exhaust system, great attention should be paid to the duct - in order for it to work well, there should be a minimum of bends in it. This model can be ceiling and retractable. Due to the absence of shortcomings, it is in great demand.

There is also a recirculation hood on sale, designed only for air purification. This is the cheapest option for kitchen ventilation equipment.The fan, mounted in the device body, reduces the air flows above the plate, trapping them in the filtration system and returning them back.

An interesting option is considered to be a telescopic hood, which has a compact size and slides out of the body during operation. If the kitchen is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, then it will be originally complemented by a cylindrical model, equipped with a function of perimetric air absorption and highlighting an unusual design.

Exhaust systems differ not only in appearance, installation method, but also in the type of control.

Depending on this, they are divided into:

• Slider. Models have a slider switch in the form of a slider. It allows you to quickly change the operating modes of the device.

• Push-button. The control unit is located both on the side and front panels of the hood. Switching modes is carried out by pressing the buttons.

• Electronic. They are considered easy to operate. The panels can be additionally equipped with light indicators or a display.

An important aspect in the design of a kitchen hood is its body, which can be made of tinted glass, plastic, aluminum or enamelled stainless steel. Recently, most models have been produced with decorative trim. To do this, a unique "silk" layer is applied to the treated aluminum surface, which can change its shade depending on the objects next to it. Such products are in perfect harmony with the rest of the technique and are beautifully combined with glass, wood or plastic furniture of any color. In addition, the body material is made of special metal alloys that are resistant to corrosion. No fingerprints are left on them.

The main element in the complete set of the hood is a filter, which is of two types: absorbing unpleasant odors and grease, retaining soot and drops of fat. In flowing cleaners, only grease filters are placed, and coal filters are installed inside the unit. There are also products without a filtration system, they are usually cheap, but their mesh and air duct need careful maintenance, as they must be regularly cleaned of grease.

The grease trap is made from padding polyester and non-woven fabric. Since these are synthetic fibers, they should be replaced periodically. Therefore, the best option are cassette-type filters made of steel or aluminum. They are easy to remove and conveniently clean both in the dishwasher and by hand. Some manufacturers also supplement the complete set of filters with indicators that show when it is necessary to supply or replace elements.

The presence of built-in lighting also plays a huge role in the hood. As a rule, all models are supplemented with small 20-40-watt incandescent lamps, fluorescent or halogen lamps. The most economical are fluorescent lamps. They use 90% less electricity, but their lighting is "cold", so halogen lamps are recommended to fill the cooking area with lighting close to natural sunlight.

A wall-mounted exhaust hood is also considered an integral part of the exhaust system. It intercepts excess flows of heat, odors, steam, moisture and removes them into the ventilation duct. An exhaust umbrella can be local and supply and exhaust. In island models, two rows of grease filters are installed, and in wall-mounted models, one.

Depending on the type of hood, it can also be equipped with side grilles, various shelves and remote control. Often in modern models there is a glass panel with moisture meters and thermometers.

A cooker hood is now available in almost every home and apartment. It is a versatile device that not only beautifully complements the design of the room, but is also able to quickly rid the air of food odors, as well as protect furniture from grease and soot. This equipment is also called a module, unit, cabinet or exhaust fan. The principle of operation of the technique is that it purifies the air due to the draft generated by the fan. Its beautiful body hides several filters and one or two impeller motors.

Since noise insulation is important for such equipment, modern models have a mode due to which the noise level is automatically regulated, and air recirculation is quiet. At the same time, most products can operate in a circulation mode, when all vapors are sent to the filtration system, purified and returned.

There are also types of devices that divert air flows from the room using exhaust elbows. Their installation is much more difficult, since it requires the installation of pipes that are connected to the ventilation duct. Despite the difficult installation, the efficiency of the hood is increased by the natural thrust, which is amplified by the air exchange fan. Dirty air and vapors are discharged, as a result of which a small pressure surge is created, and fresh air from the street can flow into the kitchen.

Usually, owners prefer to install air cleaners in the kitchen with a flow-through mode of operation, but some of them can also maintain a circulation mode. This is especially important in severe frosts, when it is undesirable to bring warm air outside. In order for the system to work in a complex manner, a carbon filter is additionally inserted into it, which is used to purify steam during circulation. But in this case, the performance of the device is slightly reduced.

At the moment, the market is represented by a huge range of hoods, therefore, before making such an important purchase, it is necessary not only to choose the right model corresponding to the shapes, dimensions, design, kitchen, but also characterized by a long service life. Manufacturers offer elite, expensive and economical equipment, but it is best to give preference to well-known brands that produce quality products and have positive reviews.

Hoods from companies such as Kuppersberg, Korting, Ciarco and Faber.

Manufacturers such as Asco, Bosch, Teka and Siemens... Their hoods have a chic design and are sold at a low price.

If financial capabilities allow, then you can purchase more expensive models from Olive, Lexand Mini and Lex Hubble... They have low noise levels, high motor performance, economical power consumption and different body sizes.

Kitchen exhaust systems from German brands are very popular on the market, since in their manufacture the main emphasis is on the functionality of the equipment. So, for example, the maximum throughput of devices Korting reaches up to 1000 m3 / s. In addition, the manufacturer is constantly expanding the range of products that fit perfectly into the modern interior. Products made of steel and glass deserve special attention.

They differ in their decor and hoods Kiser... They are equipped with beautiful colored lighting and serve in the kitchen not only as a tool for purifying the air, but also as a stylish accessory that ideally matches any type of headset. Even the compact models have powerful motors with a capacity of up to 400 m3 / s.

As for the products Siemens, then it is considered the embodiment of sophisticated style and versatility.Such devices can be originally hidden in the kitchen, since during operation they will not attract attention with noise. There are on sale both budget options for hoods and elite ones with a built-in TV-screen, but regardless of the cost, all brand products are wear-resistant, durable and serve as an unusual decoration for the kitchen.

Many housewives have already appreciated the hoods. Hansa... They are available in various sizes with beautiful decorative designs. Particularly noteworthy are products of bright colors, with wooden frames and flowing shapes, on which original drawings are applied. Convenient operation and compactness are considered the main advantages of this technique. As for inclined and domed types of hoods, they are produced with a capacity of up to 600 m3 / s.

The products of Italian brands are in no way inferior in quality. It stands out for its exquisite design and excellent performance. The main sales leader are hoods from Ventolux... Inclined models with mirror or glossy decor did not leave indifferent any hostess. They received a lot of positive feedback due to the circulating air purification method and complete silence.

The Slovenian company can also be singled out separately. Asko, it produces high quality cooker hoods using practical materials. The technique is easy to assemble and operate. The devices are most often made of stainless steel, they have excellent performance and quiet operation. The lineup also includes both free-standing and built-in devices with a width of 30 to 90 cm. In addition, the equipment has a glossy finish, convenient panel arrangement and exquisite shapes.

A Japanese firm is also in the lead Shindo... Thanks to innovative technologies, its products are equipped not with mechanical controls, but with various indicators. Affordable price and economical operation of the motor make the hood popular.

The issue of purchasing a kitchen hood should be treated responsibly, therefore, before buying, you need to ask the seller about its technical characteristics and advantages. It should also be clarified whether the equipment will be able to work at high temperature conditions, as well as whether it has special protection against condensation, hot vapors and moisture.

Since kitchen units are classified according to power, cleaning principle and design, the following professional advice will help you choose the right one:

• First of all, it is worth paying attention to the power and performance of the equipment. These figures indicate how much air the device can process in one hour. That is, the higher its power, the better it will work. According to sanitary standards, the entire volume of air must be replaced in one hour. To calculate the required performance for your kitchen, you can apply a simple formula: the total area of ​​the room must be multiplied by the height of the ceiling and the result obtained must be multiplied again by 12 and by a factor of 1.3.

• In order to feel comfortable in the kitchen while cooking, it is important to install a silent hood above the stove. As a rule, the power of the device affects the noise level. If it is high, then the device is noisy. Therefore, giving preference to cheap models, you will have to come to terms with the fact that there will be a constant hum in the kitchen. As for the silent views, they are complemented by special gaskets that block noise and protect the body from vibrations.A preliminary check of the hood in the store will help to avoid an unsuccessful purchase, since it is impossible to focus only on its attractive appearance.

• The service life of the hood is also directly dependent on the filters. They are responsible for the quality of its work and trap not only unpleasant air, but also dust, fumes, grease, and other components. With dirty filters, the device will not last long and its noise level and performance will not correspond to normal indicators. You can buy devices with both coarse and fine filters. At the same time, the first ones are of better quality, since they are produced from acrylic, metal or non-woven fabric. They are able to purify the air and protect the system from contamination. The latter are made from fine coal raw materials and must be constantly changed.

• The dimensions of the hood are selected so that its width is not less than the surface of the hob. Also, the dimensions of the kitchen play a huge role. If you buy a small device, then it will be worse at purifying the air. For slabs from 50 to 60 cm wide, products up to 90 cm are ideal, but they must match the design of the furniture. For large gas stoves, dome models are most often installed, and for compact panels, built-in devices are chosen. In a private house, where various options for the hearth are possible, the hood is installed in the same way.

• An important indicator is the operating mode of the device. Products are available for sale both with an exhaust mode, in which contaminated air flows are removed outside the room, and with a filtration mode that allows you to purify air masses without removing them from the system. At the same time, hoods with an exhaust mode are recommended, since they guarantee 100% purification of the kitchen air. For filtration systems, you will have to stock up on a set of cartridges in advance and change them as they become dirty.

• The choice of control method is determined by personal preference. Touchpads are activated by simply pressing the panel, pushbuttons imply the use of buttons. Models are also available with sliders, which are controlled by a horizontal mechanical switch.

• Stopping the choice on one or another type of hood, it is necessary to additionally clarify its power consumption. At the moment, there are many products equipped with an electronic timer and an indicator that controls the consumption of electricity. Thanks to this, the device independently distributes its power and provides a constant flow of clean air.

• In addition to all the technical characteristics, an important criterion for any housewife is the design of the device, since its appearance plays a huge role in the interior of the kitchen. It is best to buy equipment that matches the size, style and color of the room. It should not be too small or, on the contrary, cumbersome. Recently, models with a metal, matte, glass or mirror surface are in great demand. Hoods that combine parts made of several materials are also an interesting choice. For modern kitchens, stainless steel devices of unusual shapes are perfect.

Considering all of the above indicators, the final choice of the hood will depend on its price. As a rule, the cost of equipment is determined by its versatility and additional equipment. If it is a simple model that copes well with its tasks, then it will be inexpensive. If the hood is supplemented with bright lighting, a thermometer, side grilles, convenient shelves and remote control, then its price will increase. But it should be noted right away that all these additional functions do not affect the functionality of the device in any way.

In order for the kitchen to be interesting and stylish, it is necessary to provide for everything in its design, including the decor of the hood. Appliances decorated with wooden elements are very popular in interiors. Wood with a brightly saturated color and patterns will ideally mask the unpresentable look of a simple model and will easily fit into any design. In this case, you can either completely veneer the body with wood, or make separate inserts in contrast to the kitchen furniture. Thanks to this idea, the room will lose its standard and flatness.

In the case when Mediterranean-style details prevail in the kitchen, the hood with a metal box painted in a color that harmoniously matches the palette of the room will become a decoration in the design. Recently, in many kitchens, copper-like appliances have been installed. Of course, not everyone can afford a real copper unit, but if its frame is painted, the difference will not be noticeable. This decor can be complemented by a combination of metal and wood.

For stoves located on a kitchen island, it is best to choose hoods with original shapes, since the device cannot be hidden, so it must have an aesthetic appearance. It is recommended to decorate such models with shelves and place various trinkets on them. In addition, it is interesting to highlight the hood against the general background of the room using green, blue or red. The kitchen and black appliances with prints or abstraction will fill the kitchen with special charm.

For information on how to choose a hood for the kitchen, see the next video.