Buzz
The demand for purchasing range hoods is steadily increasing, reflected in the rich variety of models, types, brands, and prices in the market.
1. Tips for Choosing the Best Range Hood for Your Kitchen
The demand for purchasing range hoods is steadily increasing, reflected in the rich variety of models, types, brands, and prices in the market.
Types of the Best Range Hoods for Families
- Regarding design: Authentic range hoods typically come in three forms: standard types suitable for traditional kitchens, built-in types, and European-style ducted types suitable for modern spacious kitchens. Ducted types are further divided into wall-mounted ducted and independent ducted types for large kitchens. Independent ducted hoods are hung from the ceiling, in the middle of the kitchen space, effectively extracting all smoke and odors from the kitchen.
Illustrative image of affordable classic range hood products
+ Classic traditional smoke extractor is often preferred. These are compact in size, with or without filters, placed directly under the kitchen cabinet. They may have one or two fans, with three suction speeds and affordable prices.
+ Recessed range hood is a sleeker, more modern design for small kitchens, with high aesthetic appeal and often integrated with cabinets and stoves. These hoods can be recessed into the cabinet, with only the pull-out suction part protruding. Although the design power is equivalent to traditional smoke extractors, the effectiveness of this type reaches only 70-80% compared to its design power.
Illustrative image of authentic recessed range hood
- For families with spacious and affluent kitchen spaces, the demand for tall kitchens necessitates the use of high-capacity chimney-style range hoods. Thanks to dual impeller design, these machines have much higher capacities than both recessed and classic range hoods (reaching 800-1200m3). Additionally, these hoods have the ability to remove heat and soften the kitchen space. Due to their large size, they are usually installed separately from the kitchen cabinets and placed about 90 cm away from the stove. The design of these hood types is somewhat bulkier, with the chimney part designed larger and more protruding. However, they provide a sense of spaciousness and can become a focal point for the kitchen.
+ Nowadays, chimney-style range hoods are chosen not only to clean up the space but also to add more charm to their kitchens. Due to the incorporation of many new technologies, the price of this type of hood is also higher than both classic smoke extractors and recessed range hoods.
Illustrative image for curved glass chimney-style range hood product line
- Regarding size: Imported curved glass range hoods typically come in sizes of 60, 70, and 90 cm, corresponding to common kitchen dimensions. The kitchen area inversely correlates with the hood's power (smaller area requires higher power) because smaller kitchens have less air flow, and when cooking with strong odors, a powerful hood is needed to quickly remove odors. If possible, it's advisable to purchase a hood with higher power than the minimum to ensure more effective odor removal and to reduce the need for the hood to run at full load, thereby increasing its longevity.
- Concerning power: Range hood power ranges from around 350 m3/h to 1220 m3/h. Note that the power listed in the accompanying technical documentation is the maximum suction power. Power below 600 m3/h is considered weak, average power ranges from 700 m3/h to 1,000 m3/h, and high power is above 1000 m3/h. Depending on the power level, range hoods generate noise levels of approximately 35 dB to a maximum of 70 dB. The noise level also depends on the speed at which the hood operates (typically range hoods have 2-3 power levels).
Illustrative image for island range hood product line (independent)
- Construction: Authentic island range hoods typically consist of basic components such as an outer shell, ducting system, filters, exhaust fan, bright LED lights, dirt level indicator lights, and speed control buttons. The filter layer of range hoods is usually made of activated carbon, which purifies and retains toxic gases. Harmful gases and unpleasant odors are drawn up by the fan and expelled outside, while dust and grease particles are trapped in the filter layer—easily removable for cleaning and replacement. It's recommended to replace the activated carbon filter layer every 6 months and regularly clean the metal filter layer underneath to ensure the hood's effectiveness and longevity. Designing the hood to have an outdoor exhaust duct will improve air circulation and operation. Self-deodorizing hoods are inconvenient because the activated carbon layer needs to be replaced periodically; otherwise, the hood's effectiveness diminishes.
- Price range: Range hoods vary widely in price, from 2 million VND to 50 million VND. In addition to material and features, brand is a key factor. Many places sell range hoods with guaranteed quality according to reputable brands. However, there are many brands that sound very 'Western' but do not guarantee quality and have exorbitant prices... while there is a lot of information indicating that many range hoods are assembled by Vietnamese companies using components imported from China. Therefore, it's important to choose a reputable, genuine source to ensure the best quality and price.
