Best Range Hood Reviews 2018

Although it’s commendable that you're considering a range hood for your kitchen, you should realize that this is no small investment. At the time of our research, range hoods were sold for between $150 and $600. We also found cheap range hoods, but seeing as we're talking about "the best" here, we didn't consider them. Basically, the difference between a high-end range hood and a budget range hood lies in their features. Allow us to explain further to clarify the bigger picture. While both may be of superb construction and design, the high-end option may be built with higher CFM (cubic feet per minute), have a greater number of LEDs, and have a larger size than the budget option. If you aren't doing so much in your kitchen, the latter is a good option. If, however, you've got a knack for whipping up culinary delights or have a commercial kitchen, the latter is better.

How can I tell which range hood will suit my needs? We're going to answer that question with a list of important features to consider when you're looking at a range hood.

• Size
• Type
• Lighting
• Controls
• Fan speeds
• Fan power

Let's start with the various types of range hoods based on how the unit will be installed. There are about 4 main types of range hoods, according to this criterion, and they include the wall-mount, the island-mount, the microhood and the pop-up or downdraft vent.

The wall-mount range hood is installed on the nearest wall and placed directly above the range. If you're looking at this type of range hood, you're going to have to forego some storage space as it requires some space between itself and any cabinets on the sides. So, if you don't mind having this in place of two cabinets above your stove, go for it. After all, it's much better to have a smoke and odor-free kitchen than some extra cabinets, don't you think?

The Island-mount range hood is attached to your kitchen ceiling directly above your range, if you have an island or peninsula. Setting this one up isn't a trifle endeavor and usually requires the skill of a contractor to ensure that it is correctly installed. As you may have already guessed, installation may cost more, but at the end of the day, you'll find that it's really worth it.

The microhood and the pop-up vent are the least powerful of all four options. The microhood is a microwave and range hood combination that is installed in the same way as a wall-mount range hood. However, what it gains in multi-functionality, it loses in suction power. The pop-up vent, also called a "behind cooktop vent,” lacks a hood. Basically, it’s a slim vent that pops up behind the source of the heat, fumes and smells.

Whatever type of range hood you settle on, it's always best to be mindful of its size. First, make sure the space you're providing for it is going to be adequate. A general rule of thumb when choosing a range hood size is that the hood has to be the same width, or somewhat wider, than your cooktop. This is because it'll provide a larger suction area that'll capture the fumes before they spread throughout your kitchen.

Fan power here refers to the suction power of the range hood. Within a range hood is a fan that rotates at a great speed, pulling in the smoke, heat and fumes from your kitchen and transporting them outside your home. The unit for this product is CFM (cubic feet per minute), and the higher the CFM, the more effective your range hood will be at sucking away smoke and excess heat. Also, keep in mind that, for every 12" of cooktop, you should move about 100CFM of air.

The fan on your range hood should be adjustable. Here’s a little tip: when you start cooking, start the range hood at its lowest speed; increasing it according to the amount of heat, fumes and steam. This way, you'll be able to maximize the use of your hood instead of switching it on when half-way through your cooking.

For convenience, the lighting on a range hood should be bright and set at different angles. This way, you don't have to shred vegetables in the dark and hope for the best. While some range hoods come with many light bulbs, others have none. Your choice will depend on your existing kitchen lighting and the position of your stove.

Another feature for convenience is the controls, so check out how they’re designed. Are they a touch screen or manual? Are they simple to understand or complicated? Avoid future problems by finding out these answers before you pay.