Kitchen hood

Extractor-hood

Kitchen hood, also known as an extractor hood, range hood, or cooker hood, is a device containing a mechanical fan that hangs above the stove or cooktop in the kitchen. It is used to remove airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, odors, heat, and steam from the air by evacuation of the air and filtration. In commercial kitchens, extractor hoods are often used in combination with fire suppression devices so that fumes from a grease fire are properly vented and the fire is put out quickly. Commercial vent hoods may also be combined with a fresh air fan that draws in exterior air, circulating it with the cooking fumes, which is then drawn out by the hood.

Design and Function

The design of kitchen hoods encompasses a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel, tempered glass, and others. The primary function of a kitchen hood is to capture and extract the pollutants generated during cooking. This is achieved through a combination of a fan or blower motor and one or more filtration methods. Filters may be made of metal, charcoal, or other materials, designed to trap grease and other particulates. The effectiveness of a kitchen hood depends on its capacity to move air (measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM), the type of filtration it uses, and the overall design that ensures coverage of the cooking surface.

Types of Kitchen Hoods

There are several types of kitchen hoods, including:

• Under-cabinet hoods - These are mounted underneath a cabinet above the stove. They are common in residential kitchens due to their compact size and ease of installation.
• Wall-mount hoods - Mounted on the wall, these hoods can become a focal point in the kitchen and offer more power and coverage than under-cabinet models.
• Island hoods - Designed for kitchens with a cooktop located on an island or peninsula, these hoods hang from the ceiling and are often larger and more powerful.
• Downdraft hoods - Unlike traditional hoods that vent air upwards, downdraft hoods pull air down and out through a duct in the floor. They are often used in kitchens with a minimalist design or where an overhead hood is not feasible.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation of a kitchen hood should be done in accordance with local building codes and manufacturer instructions. Proper ducting is essential for vented hoods to ensure efficient operation and removal of contaminated air from the kitchen. Maintenance typically involves regular cleaning of the hood and filters to prevent buildup of grease and other debris, which can affect performance and pose a fire hazard. Metal filters can usually be washed in the dishwasher, while charcoal filters need to be replaced periodically.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Kitchen hoods play a significant role in improving indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants and reducing moisture, which can lead to mold growth. However, the energy consumption of the fan and, in vented models, the loss of heated or cooled air from the home, can impact the environment and household energy costs. Energy-efficient models and practices, such as turning the hood on only when necessary and using it at the lowest effective speed, can help mitigate these effects.

Kitchen hood Resources
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