Range Hood Buyers Guide

September 25, 2024
Published on  Updated on  

When it comes to creating a functional and stylish kitchen, choosing the right range hood is essential. Vent-A-Hood offers a wide variety of high-quality range hoods, designed to fit any kitchen layout while efficiently clearing your cooking space of smoke, steam, and odors. This guide will walk you through the different types of Vent-A-Hood range hoods, the key features to look for, and how to select the perfect model for your kitchen.


Types of Vent-A-Hood Range Hoods

Vent-A-Hood offers several types of range hoods to suit different kitchen layouts and preferences:

1. Under-Cabinet Range Hoods

Perfect for smaller kitchens, under-cabinet range hoods are installed beneath kitchen cabinets, saving space while providing efficient ventilation. They are ideal for compact kitchens or homeowners looking for a seamless integration with their cabinetry.

  • Example Model: Vent-A-Hood 30" Under Cabinet Range Hood (PRH9-130 SS)
    This compact model offers powerful 300 CFM ventilation, ideal for smaller kitchens with limited space.

2. Wall-Mounted Range Hoods

Wall-mounted range hoods are a popular choice for larger kitchens. They attach directly to the wall, often serving as a focal point in your kitchen design while providing powerful ventilation.

  • Example Model: Vent-A-Hood 36" Wall Mounted Range Hood (PRH18-236 SS)
    This sleek and stylish model offers 600 CFM of ventilation, perfect for kitchens with high cooking demands.

3. Island Range Hoods

For kitchens with a cooktop on the island, island range hoods offer the perfect solution. These hoods are designed to hang from the ceiling, providing 360-degree ventilation coverage while making a bold design statement.


Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Range Hood

When selecting the right Vent-A-Hood range hood, consider the following features:

1. CFM Ratings (Cubic Feet per Minute)

The CFM rating determines the power of your range hood, specifically how much air it can move in a minute. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood. For heavy-duty cooking, you’ll want a range hood with a higher CFM rating.

  • Guideline: For every 10,000 BTUs on your cooktop, you should have 100 CFM of ventilation.

2. Noise Levels

Range hoods can be noisy, so it’s important to consider the noise level, especially if you have an open-concept kitchen. Vent-A-Hood is known for its quiet Magic Lung technology, which provides powerful ventilation without the noise.

3. Filter Types: Baffle vs. Mesh

Filters are an important component of any range hood. Baffle filters are durable and easier to clean, making them ideal for homeowners who cook frequently. Mesh filters, while effective, require more frequent cleaning.

  • Baffle Filters: Typically found in professional-grade range hoods, they are designed to trap grease more efficiently.
  • Mesh Filters: Lightweight and easy to remove, they’re best suited for kitchens with moderate cooking activities.

Popular Vent-A-Hood Models

Explore some of the most popular Vent-A-Hood range hoods for different kitchen needs:

1. 36" Wall Mounted Range Hood (PRH18-236 SS)

This model features a modern design with a powerful 600 CFM blower, ideal for medium to large kitchens. It’s perfect for cooks who need high-performance ventilation to keep their kitchen smoke-free.

2. 30" Under Cabinet Range Hood (PRH9-130 SS)

A compact and efficient option for smaller kitchens, this under-cabinet range hood provides 300 CFM ventilation and energy-efficient LED lighting, making it both functional and cost-effective.

3. 42" Wall Mounted Range Hood (EPH18-342 SS)

Designed for larger kitchens, this model boasts dual blowers for extra power and LED lighting for optimal visibility. With 900 CFM, it’s perfect for serious home chefs who need a powerful ventilation solution.


Choosing the Right CFM for Your Cooking Style

The power of your range hood should match your cooking style. If you frequently cook with high heat, fry foods, or use multiple burners at once, you’ll need a higher CFM rating. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Light Cooking (boiling, steaming): 300–450 CFM
  • Moderate Cooking (sautéing, stir-frying): 450–600 CFM
  • Heavy Cooking (grilling, frying): 600+ CFM

For example, if you cook with high BTU burners, consider a model like the Vent-A-Hood 42" Wall Mounted Range Hood (EPH18-342 SS), which offers 900 CFM to handle heavy-duty cooking needs.


Noise Considerations for Open-Concept Kitchens

Nobody wants a range hood that’s too loud to have a conversation over. Vent-A-Hood’s patented Magic Lung blower system not only provides powerful ventilation but also keeps noise levels low. This is especially important for open-concept kitchens, where minimizing sound disruption is crucial.

Look for models like the Vent-A-Hood 36" Wall Mounted Range Hood (PRH18-236 SS), which offers quiet yet effective ventilation, ensuring your kitchen remains peaceful while you cook.

Choosing the right Vent-A-Hood range hood for your kitchen involves considering your cooking style, kitchen layout, and ventilation needs. Whether you prefer a sleek wall-mounted design or a compact under-cabinet model, Vent-A-Hood offers a wide range of options to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and design.

Ready to upgrade your kitchen’s ventilation? Explore our full range of Vent-A-Hood range hoods and find the perfect match for your space today!