A kitchen hood is an effective device for removing gas, steam, grease and oil fumes from the room. Thanks to this household appliance, the apartment maintains an optimal microclimate, there is no unpleasant smell, and the surfaces of the ceiling and walls are kept clean. The modern market is saturated with products of this type. In order to choose the right hood for the kitchen above the stove, you should study the range of products on sale, get acquainted with their features, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, installation and operation rules.
Varieties of hoods
Cooker hoods are designed to remove contaminated air that is formed during cooking on the stove. This can be done in various ways, depending on the layout of the room and its design.
There are such types of cleaning equipment:
- Direct-flow. In this case, an air duct is connected to the outlet of the device, which is discharged into the ventilation system of the house. If this is not possible, a conclusion is made to the street. At the same time, the cut of the channel is protected by a mosquito net and a cap from moisture. This option is most effective, as by-products are removed completely, but there are subtleties. The pipe may not fit into the interior of the room, because of which you will have to spend energy and money for decorating it. Too long a duct is expensive, and turns on it reduce traction in the highway.
- Recirculation. In this case, air passes through the cleaning system, and then returns to the room. The advantage of this solution is that there is no need to install a bulky duct and drill walls. After installation and connection, the product is immediately ready for use, the kitchen will look neater. Disadvantages of this design are also available. Fats, moisture and odors are not completely absorbed, as they pass through the filters too quickly. In addition, hot air again enters the kitchen space, which does not contribute to the comfort of the hostess. The condition of the filters also requires attention. They have their own resources, products require regular replacement.
Choose a hood for a kitchen with a gas stove, taking into account many criteria, applying them to a specific situation.
Types of hoods by mounting method
Modern electric hoods are distinguished by a variety of designs and appearance. The choice should be made, based not only on aesthetic properties. Professionals recommend giving preference to practicality and efficiency.
You can find and pick up the following types of products:
- Outboard. Devices are attached to the wall above the electric stove. They can have a system of their own filtration or direct removal. In the second case, it becomes possible to hang a small cabinet over the equipment, inside of which it is easy to integrate the air duct. The limited size does not allow the installation of a sufficiently powerful motor, as a result of which these models do not differ in efficiency.
- Recessed. A great option for small rooms where you need to save every centimeter. Products have a rectangular shape, so they can be embedded in standard-size furniture. A wide selection of color solutions allows you to choose the right shade for almost any headset.The device is equipped with a thin retractable panel, which delays and directs to the fan coming from the stove evaporation.
- Dome. It is an analogue of fireplace ventilation. It has a rigid structure, inside of which there is a powerful motor with a turbine. A wide bell and strong traction ensure almost complete absorption of all the precipitates from the slab. The wall mount, while the air is removed through the channels of iron, plastic or aluminum corrugation. Due to the rigid design, the dome-type devices do not have the vibration characteristic of suspended and built-in models.
- Island. Externally, the device resembles the variety described above, but the similarity ends here. The main difference is the mounting location. Island models are mounted on the ceiling, and suspension or tension systems are used to mask the duct. The manufacture uses strong and thick steel. The size of the housing allows you to install expensive silent engines. The perimeter of the bottom of the device can be equipped with shelves for dishes. Some models have a function for switching fence zones.
- Dominoes This is an innovative equipment that can be integrated into both the countertop and the hob. The hood consists of several modules used together or separately. The product provides heat removal directly from the surface of the stove, while the upper zone is responsible for the absorption of odors and fumes. The only negative of such designs is the high cost.
- Inclined. Products of this type appeared on the market relatively recently, but managed to gain popularity due to their presentability and performance. The original appearance is combined with a simple device and ease of use. Air is sucked in through a small opening, but if necessary, the lid opens and translates into a vertical position.
When deciding on a purchase, one should carefully evaluate all the qualities of the product. The advice of an experienced seller can help with this.
Exterior design
You need to choose a hood for the kitchen, taking into account the design of the headset, the layout and size of the room. To make it look beautiful and harmonious, the technique must fit into the interior so that it is not striking, complement it, in some cases be the center of attention, if the performance style is worth it.
Options for color and decor are as follows:
- white;
- the black;
- brown;
- beige;
- light green;
- metal (stainless steel, nickel, chrome);
- mosaic;
- dominoes;
- gzhel;
- Khokhloma.
The surface of the devices is made in matte and glossy, smooth and embossed design. Products may vary in shape. Built-in appliances are made rectangular to adapt to the parameters of the cabinets. Separately installed devices are domed, trapezoidal, semicircular, round and oval. The choice of installation location is determined by the layout of the kitchen and the type of hood. Most often this is a wall, but the center and corner of the room is also not uncommon.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of the device is based on the occurrence of air draft between areas of high and low pressure. If it is practically impossible to influence the kitchen volume, then creating a semblance of a vacuum inside the appliance is quite simple. For this, a fan or turbine is used, driven by an electric motor. The difference is the speed, performance, and noise level generated by the rotating elements. The turbines have shorter blades, respectively, they rotate faster, and weaker noise.
To protect the fan and motor from grease contamination, a filter is installed on the front of the unit, which is a thick stainless steel network. Then, partially purified air is captured by the fan and supplied under pressure to the outlet pipe.Depending on the type of removal, it passes through a filter or enters the duct.
Most of the hoods are designed to work in both modes. The outlet pipe has connectors for connecting filters. Using various adapters, pipes of round, square and rectangular section can be connected to them.
Dimensions and power of the device
If food is prepared often and in large volumes, when buying, you should pay attention to the power of the motor. The efficiency of the hood is directly proportional to this parameter. It varies between 400-800 watts. If you put an insufficiently powerful product, part of the vapor will pass by it, settling on the ceiling, walls, furniture and windows.
In addition, the size of the device matters. Its width and depth should be equal to or greater than the parameters of the hob.
Filtration system
Filters are used in units of recirculation or combined type. Their task is to retain moisture, fatty fumes and odors.
The exhaust hood is equipped with these types of filters:
- Metal. Long-lasting, but they capture only part of the vapor, the smell and heat do not go anywhere.
- Synthetic. The filler is felt and polymer fiber. More effective, but also do not eliminate odors.
- Coal. Perfectly purify the air of all secretions, including unwanted aromas.
Replaceable filters need regular replacement, as they become sources of infection if heavily soiled.
Material for the manufacture of hoods in the kitchen
Since hoods are made for work in high temperature conditions, heat-resistant materials are used for their manufacture, which do not change their properties even with strong heating.
The case is made of aluminum, stainless steel or enameled black iron. In modern models, touch panels are made of colored tempered glass. Plastic is used at joints and as a decorative finish.
Device Control Type
Depending on the model, the device is controlled using the following bodies:
- Mechanical buttons. By pressing and switching, the operation modes and lighting are adjusted. The system is simple, inexpensive, but the buttons wear out over time.
- Touchpad. The keys are placed behind the display or are part of it, indicating the set operating parameters.
Modern models are equipped with timers that turn the device on and off at the set time. The best products are able to automatically change the mode of operation depending on the degree of pollution of fumes.
Installing the hood in the kitchen
The correctness of the operation of the hood largely depends on a properly completed installation. First of all, it is necessary to determine the height of the device above the hob. The optimal distance is 60 cm for electric and 70 cm for a gas stove.
Installation is carried out in the following sequence:
- Markup.
- Installation of fixtures for fastening (strap, hooks, anchors).
- Air duct assembly or filter connection.
- Connection to a network.
So that the cable does not spoil the interior of the kitchen, it can be laid in a plastic box, decorated for wall decoration.
Rating models
The rating of the best cooker hoods is as follows.
Recessed:
- Siemens LI 67 SA 680 IX;
- Krona Kamilla Sensor 600;
- Elikor Integra 60.
Outboard:
- Midea MH 60T;
- Krona Jessika slim PB 600;
- Shindo ITEA 60 W.
Dome:
- ELIKOR Fireplace Facet 600;
- Simfer 8662 SM;
- Shindo REYA 60 W.
Inclined:
- Asko CD4934G;
- Bosch DWK065G60R;
- MAUNFELD Tower C 60.
Island:
- Elica NAKED URBAN ZINC / F / 25 MAUNFELD;
- Lee Light 35;
- Kronasteel Jessica slim PB 500.
Dominoes:
- Elica PANDORA IX / F / 90 INOX;
- Faber HOO-B BK / A A52;
- LEX Touch 600.
Equipment should be bought from trusted sellers, preferably at branded retail outlets.