KEYS TO CHOOSE YOUR KITCHEN HOOD
4 min read
Increasingly powerful and silent, they are essential in the kitchen. We tell you what you have to take into account when choosing it.
1 HOW MANY TYPES OF HOODS CAN I CHOOSE FROM?
You can find decorative bells of different sizes that are installed on the island or the peninsula; integral, which are hidden in a cupboard and are activated by pulling the folding door; horizontal, which are installed under a tall piece of furniture, and telescopic, which are integrated into the tall modules and are only visible when they are working. We can also make a custom casing with filter groups and a motor inside. And finally, there are the surface hoods, which are installed on the countertop.
2 HOW BIG SHOULD THE EXTRACTOR HOOD BE?
At a minimum, it should be the same width as the cooktop, but ideally wider to improve absorption capacity. That is, if the plate is 60 cm, the hood should measure 70, 80 or 90 cm. The power is also important, which is calculated based on the size of the kitchen . The formula to get the power right is to multiply the m 2 of the kitchen by its height and multiply this figure by 12. Thus, a 10 m 2 and 2.7 m high kitchen will need a hood with a power of 324 m3 / h.
3 DOES A HOOD CONSUME A LOT OF ENERGY?
Compared with other household appliances, the hood is one of the ones that consumes the least energy, although the final cost will always depend on the power of the model that has been chosen. When the hood works at minimum power, it is calculated that the consumption is about 70 w / h and when it works at maximum speed and with the light on it is about 200 w / h. The bells usually have three speeds, although some already include a fourth. Click here
4 DO THEY ALL NEED AN EXTERNAL SMOKE OUTLET?
It is always preferable to install a conductive tube that takes the fumes and bad odors to the outside. However, if due to the characteristics of the house it is not possible to carry out this work, you can opt for a hood with activated carbon filters that works by recirculation. In these hoods the air is filtered (the filters must be changed periodically) and is sent back to the kitchen. Almost all firms offer hoods with both systems.
5 WHAT MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ITS INSTALLATION?
One of the most important aspects is to respect the safety distance from the hob, which should be at least 70 cm if the hob is glass-ceramic and 75 cm if it is a gas hob. Another important point is that the outlet duct is as straight as possible, to facilitate good circulation and evacuation of smoke and bad smells. The best thing, for obvious safety reasons, is to entrust the installation to a specialized technician.
6 HOW DO I DO GOOD MAINTENANCE?
It is important to pay attention to the filters, which must be periodically renewed or washed. If they are metallic, you can wash them in the dishwasher, preferably in the back of the appliance so that the rinse aid does not darken them. If, on the other hand, you opt for a hood with carbon filters, you will have to renew them depending on the use of the hood and the frequency indicated by the manufacturer (estimated approximately every three months).
7 HOW SHOULD I USE IT TO GET THE MOST OUT OF IT?
If you want it to work at maximum performance, avoid drafts, as they could displace the fumes away from the appliance. Therefore, close the kitchen door or the window, if you have one. You can turn it on for a few minutes before putting the container on the fire and, once off, leave it running for about five minutes. Ideally, select a high power to absorb fats well , and a low power for water vapors.
8 WHAT FUNCTIONS DO THE NEW MODELS INCLUDE?
In addition to the conventional functions – the different extraction powers and the light – the most complete models include very practical automatic functions. For example, the delayed automatic disconnection if you leave the hood on; automatic activation and control of the suction capacity when detecting smoke in the kitchen, or the electronic programming of the speed that is carried out through sensors .
9 WHAT IS THE NEWEST THING I CAN FIND?
In terms of design, the hoods that are fully integrated into the wall or ceiling stand out and eliminate visual obstacles. Surface models that are installed on the countertop, right where the fumes are generated, are also imposed. They are usually kept hidden and only rise when they are going to be used. Another trend are those that emulate a lamp. And the newest thing is the hoods that are installed under the hob.
10 WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING THE HOOD?
It is important that you have armored motors made of iron and not plastic to prevent grease, dust and dirt from entering. Choose a model with several speeds and a non-return valve that prevents fumes and odors from returning to the kitchen once it is turned off. The minimum absorption capacity must be 600-700 m 3 and the noise level must not exceed 60 decibels. Go for a design that fits the style of your kitchen.
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