RANGEHOOD
BUYING GUIDE

Finding the right Rangehood starts with understanding which type of Rangehood will suit your kitchen layout, along with your cooking appliance selections. Let's begin by exploring the four main types of Rangehoods.

Undermount Rangehoods

The most unobtrusive option, undermount rangehoods are popular as they’re discreetly installed above the cooktop into kitchen cabinetry. While that means undermount rangehoods are visually hidden away, it does limit their effectiveness as their air collection area is reduced and they may not be as effective as canopy rangehoods in collecting steam.

Slide out Rangehoods

Slide out rangehoods are also installed into your kitchen cupboards. They also feature a fan that switches on as you slide it out, and lights to illuminate the cooktop surface. They’re often less effective than a canopy or fixed rangehood as their air collection area is small, but the fact that they can be pushed out of sight when you’ve finished cooking can give them an edge for those seeking a minimalist look.

Canopy Rangehoods

Set against the wall, a canopy rangehood channels the style vibes of a commercial kitchen as they are usually made of stainless steel and due to their larger size, they are indeed a feature piece. They’re the choice of serious cooks as they are extremely effective at capturing steam, smoke and cooking odours, thanks to its large air collection area and powerful function.

Fixed Rangehoods

Set against the wall, a canopy rangehood channels the style vibes of a commercial kitchen as they are usually made of stainless steel and due to their larger size, they are indeed a feature piece. They’re the choice of serious cooks as they are extremely effective at capturing steam, smoke and cooking odours, thanks to its large air collection area and powerful function.

Size

The most important thing to consider before selecting a rangehood is to measure the width of your cooktop. This will determine the size of the rangehood you require – the size should be the same – to effectively clear smoke, heat, odour, condensation, grease and more, to keep the air in your home clean and fresh.
The next step is to measure the area above your cooktop, regardless of the type of rangehood you’re looking to buy. Be sure to check the dimensions of the rangehood you’re interested in to ensure it will fit in your kitchen.
“Making sure your measurements are accurate is critical, because you don’t want a rangehood that is too small for the size of your cooktop,” says Tania Grillinzoni. “If that happens, your rangehood won’t do its job properly, and that is to clear your home of smoke, heat, cooking odours and more. Rangehoods keep air clean and fresh for healthy living.”

Ventilation

Considering how air will exit your home is the other critical aspect to consider when buying a rangehood. A ducted rangehood removes odours and heat externally, while a recirculating rangehood does as the name suggests – it filters the air and recirculates it back into your kitchen.
“Ducted rangehoods are the most effective and powerful,” says Tania Grillinzoni. “They rid your home of harmful smoke, cooking smells and that lingering oil or grease you can often feel in the air after frying or cooking oily dishes.
“What many people don’t realise is that when you don’t have a rangehood that is working effectively, you’re also risking damage to your cupboards or cabinets, which are in close proximity to your cooking.”
The type of rangehood you choose might depend upon existing ducting, which may be concealed within cabinetry, vented outdoors or it may not be ducted at all. Check on existing ducting before making your choice.

Noise Level

Rangehood noise levels vary depending on the type of rangehood you choose and the fan speed you use during cooking. Most manufacturers provide a decibel rating so you have an idea of noise levels, but if you’re after one that is as quiet as possible, check the features and look for one with a soundproof motor or special insulation to maximise soundproofing.