Best Range Hood Recommendations

Range Hood Features

• Look for off-board or in-line motor for reduced noise.
• Consider a good m3/h extraction rate.
• Ensure the range hood is at least 2 inches wider than the cooktop.
• Opt for 42" wide hood for a 36" range to control grease and steam.
• Check placement above range according to building code.

Recommended Brands

• Schweigen, Sirius, Fisher & Paykel, AEG are top brands in Australia for range hoods.
• Imperial range hoods in the US offer a 7-year warranty.
• Vent-a-Hood provides a 5-year warranty on certain products.
• Zephyr offers a 3-year non-consumable parts and 1-year labor warranty.
• Best Range Hoods provides a 5-year warranty on materials and workmanship.
• Viking ventilation offers a 1-year full warranty and 5-year limited warranty.
• Bosch, Broan ventilation offer limited warranties on entire appliance, parts, and labor.

User Feedback on Specific Brands

• Imperial range hoods: Some users report issues with parts availability after several years.
• Zephyr: Users appreciate the product quality but mention touch-activated buttons can be problematic.
• FOTILE: Praised for excellent performance in removing smoke and smell quickly.
• Vent-a-Hood: Known for being a superior product.
• Best: Mixed reviews on ease of cleaning and noise level. Some users find the design not optimal.

Gas Range Considerations

• Ensure proper venting when using a gas range due to off-gassing concerns.
• Induction ranges can be a safer alternative if not venting outside.
• Avoid gas ranges if not venting outside to prevent natural gas off-gassing in the house.

Microwave vs. Hood

• Range hoods are generally preferred over OTR microwaves for better ventilation.
• OTR microwaves tend to be noisy and less effective in removing odors and smoke.
• Consider a range hood with a good capture area for optimal ventilation.
• Ensure the CFM matches the needs of your cooking style and kitchen setup.

Ventilation Suggestions

• If the CFM exceeds 400, consider installing makeup air to meet code requirements.
• Opt for a range hood for better odor and smoke removal.
• When venting outside, choose a hood with proper CFM for effective ventilation.

This summary covers recommendations, feedback, and considerations for selecting the best range hood for optimal ventilation in your kitchen.