Vented Under Cabinet Range Hood

A vented under-cabinet range hood is a type of exhaust fan that is installed beneath a kitchen cabinet, typically above the stovetop. It helps to remove cooking fumes, smoke, and odors from the air, making it a vital component of any kitchen. Here's a detailed guide to vented under-cabinet range hoods.

Types of Vented Under Cabinet Range Hoods

There are two main types of vented under-cabinet range hoods:

Ducted range hoods: These hoods vent cooking fumes directly outside the house through a duct system. Ducted hoods are generally more effective than ductless hoods, but they require professional installation and may be more expensive.
Ductless range hoods: These hoods recirculate the air within the kitchen, filtering it through a charcoal filter before releasing it back into the room. Ductless hoods do not require ductwork, making them easier to install, but they may not be as effective as ducted hoods, especially if high volumes of cooking fumes are generated.

Benefits of Vented Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Vented under-cabinet range hoods offer several benefits, including:

Improved air quality: Range hoods remove cooking fumes, smoke, and odors from the air, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment in the kitchen.
Reduced fire risk: Cooking fumes can be flammable, and a range hood helps to remove them from the air, reducing the risk of a kitchen fire.
Protection of cabinets and appliances: Cooking fumes and grease can damage cabinets and appliances over time. A range hood helps to protect these surfaces by removing fumes and grease from the air.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vented Under Cabinet Range Hood

When choosing a vented under-cabinet range hood, there are several factors to consider:

Size and capacity: The size of the range hood should match the size of your stovetop. It should also have a sufficient capacity to handle the volume of cooking fumes generated in your kitchen.
CFM (cubic feet per minute): CFM measures the airflow capacity of a range hood. The higher the CFM, the more air the hood can move. A CFM of at least 100 CFM is recommended for most kitchens.
Noise level: Range hoods can produce noise when operating. Choose a hood with a noise level that is acceptable to you.
Features: Some range hoods come with additional features such as LED lighting, touch controls, and variable speed settings. Consider which features are important to you.
Style: Range hoods come in a variety of styles to match your kitchen décor. Choose a hood that complements the overall design of your kitchen.

Installation and Maintenance of Vented Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Installing a vented under-cabinet range hood requires professional expertise. The hood must be connected to a duct system and properly wired. Regular maintenance of the range hood is also important to ensure its optimal performance. This includes cleaning the grease filters and wiping down the hood's exterior.