5 Stunning Modern Range Hoods
Today's kitchen range hoods can look like sleek sculptures. Here's what to look for when you go shopping for one
Contemporary hood fans are more than functional — they also can be a showpiece for the kitchen. Some tips and examples to consider on your next hood fan purchase:
- Power. Look for units that will exhaust at least 300 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm). Keep in mind that higher cfm will waste more energy due to the extra heat that the fan is drawing out from the house, thus increasing burden on your furnace.
- Size. When possible the fan unit should be 3 to 6 inches wider than the cooktop for maximum efficiency.
- How is the unit vented? There are basically two types: Top and back vents. The ideal location for hood fans is directly behind an exterior wall.
- Look for filters that can be changed easily. This will save a lot of hassle and frustration in the long run.
- Built-in lighting. Take into consideration for extra lighting for the cooktop if this feature is not available.
- Noise. Choose centrifugal fan over rotary fans for quieter operation.
- Avoid re-circulating type range hoods. As the name suggests, smoke and fumes are just going back inside the house, which defeats the purpose of having a fan in the first place.
Here it is, hanging solo and proud in a modern kitchen.
Zephyr Trapeze 48" Island Hood - Stainless Steel
Here’s another powerful 1000 cfm fan with a curved detail. The four side bars stabilize the hood fan and make the duct slimmer.
The designer incorporated curved bar stools to match the hood fan in this kitchen.
Bosch Stainless Steel Slim Silhouette Hood
This model has a clean and simple design, 600 cfm fan with two halogen lights and four-speed fan settings for extra customization with the foods you are cooking.
It looks great behind the pots and pans in this country-style cottage in Michigan.
Here the hood fan is highlighted by two large windows in a contemporary kitchen.
Cavaliere Euro AP238-PSD Wall Mount Range Hood
This 860 cfm Centrifugal fan unit comes in widths of 30", 36" or 42" to fit in most kitchens. The curved glass makes it unique among some of the stainless steel hood fans.
Its slim profile makes this hood fan perfect for showcasing the marble tiles in the back.
LUFTIG HOO C50 S Exhaust hood
This 400 cfm hood fan is the least expensive of the group. Its timeless tapered shape works in any type of kitchen. There are two dishwasher-safe grease filters and two 40-watt light bulbs inside.
This IKEA kitchen proves this hood fan can look good in budget kitchens, too.
More: 8 Industrial-Luxe Range Hoods
More: 8 Industrial-Luxe Range Hoods
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