Range Hoods

A hearty, home-cooked meal is something we all enjoy. Due to home cooking, grease, smoke, heat, and moisture can sometimes fill the air. Range hoods or vent hoods are helpful in this situation. They provide extra light and help to keep your kitchen cool while also venting those unpleasant smells.

Range hoods have also become a legal requirement in several states to have one in every home. As a result, ventilation systems have grown in popularity in the United States. There's a lot of information on the regulations for what type of range hood you will need statewide.

Let's look at the different types of range hoods available and their main benefits of use.

The History of Range Hoods

In Europe, range hoods first appeared in kitchens in the late 1890s. During this time, they didn't have the modern blowers that we have today. However, people began to recognize the need for kitchen ventilation for cooking during that era.

There was a lot of heat and smoke because there were no gas ranges then, so most meals were cooked over an open fire. And because there was sometimes only enough room for one or two people in the kitchen, the amount of time spent inside increased. As a result, kitchen ventilation was designed to make their jobs easier while protecting their health. 

Types of Range Hoods 

Various range hoods are available on the market, depending on your budget and where you plan to mount them.

• Ducted range hoods: Also known as vented range hoods, ducted range hoods are usually the most effective type. The air is vented outside the house through a duct in the wall with vented range hoods. Filtered air is recirculated back into your kitchen using ductless range hoods. Ductless range hoods are popular in apartment dwellings where exterior venting is impossible. It's important to clean or replace the filters often if you go ductless, especially if you fry a lot.
• Wall-mounted range hoods: Shaped like a chimney, they have a wide bottom and thin top that vents to the outside.
• Under-cabinet range hoods: These are the most common types of range hoods, as they are easy to install, are affordable, and get installed directly on the wall.
• Island range hood: Sometimes called ceiling-mount range hoods, island-range hoods are stylish and functional. They have become increasingly popular when a cooktop or stove is constructed into the kitchen's island or peninsula.
• Downward range hood: A downdraft range hood is a small ducted range that sits behind a cooktop and sucks air down through ducts before venting it to the outside. It has a clean look because the vents are hidden, and it's a perfect solution for places where a standard hood can't be installed, such as the kitchen island.
• Outdoor/Barbecue range hoods: Outdoor range hoods can withstand the harshest outside elements.

Main Benefits of a Range Hood 

Range hoods are possibly one of the most important appliances in your kitchen. The following are the main reasons why range hoods are beneficial to you: 

• Less kitchen odor: Cooking odors might continue long after the meal is finished. Turning on your range hood helps remove odors and stuffiness from your home, leaving it smelling better.
• Improved air quality: Without a range hood, you and your family will be forced to breathe in the aftermath of dinner, potentially irritating your eyes, nose, and throat. Furthermore, vent hoods help decrease the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to studies, carbon monoxide levels in kitchens have been higher when the stove is operated without the range hood turned on.
• Provides additional lighting: Additional lighting for food preparation and cooking is provided by an overhead range hood. Clean-up is also helped by proper lighting, ensuring all tough grease and grime are removed.
• A good investment: A beautiful kitchen with modern appliances increases the resale value of your property significantly. A range hood will completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. This investment would most likely pay off financially.

Final Thoughts 

Range hoods are a safety requirement for you and your family, as it reduces the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. They are essential for every home and are a legal requirement in most states.

By upgrading your range hood to a more modern style, you can increase your home's value should you ever decide to sell your property. Range hoods also improve the look and feel of a kitchen and should be the first thing to consider upgrading in a remodel.