Many functions presented in hoods in the expensive segment are not used when cooking, so you can save money on them. For non-standard stoves, fireplaces or barbecues, expensive hoods become the only solution.
For a small kitchen, for example, there is no point in overpaying for a remote control and remote control capabilities. You can easily reach the stationary unit and switch to the desired mode. But let’s take a closer look at what else could be the reason for the low or high price for a hood.
Kitchen hood material
Hoods are available in plastic or metal casings; glass and wooden models are less common. The most budget options are finished with polymer materials, which significantly reduces the weight of the structure. It is more difficult to wash plastic hoods — abrasive sponges damage the paint, and grease can remove the top layer of coating.
Metal hoods coated with enamel belong to both the budget and mid-price segments. They are distinguished by an attractive appearance, glossy or matte surface. Such models are easy to wash and clean from greasy deposits, are mechanically durable and resistant to high temperatures.
Stainless steel hoods are more aesthetically pleasing and qualitatively complement the kitchen interior. But such a surface is more difficult to clean — active work with cheap powders or attempts to scrub with the hard side of a dish sponge will leave marks. The cost of stainless steel models is slightly higher than enameled ones.
The premium class includes models trimmed with tempered glass and natural wood. They create a unique kitchen interior and are distinguished by a high price. But, in comparison with other materials, they require special care and cleaning methods: the products should not leave streaks or stains on the glass, and wood does not accept aggressive reagents. Hoods made of tempered glass are quite easy to clean.
Therefore, a glass case can be selected in an acceptable price range, but with cheaper components.
Hood dimensions
All models of exhaust equipment can be divided into three categories according to their dimensions:
- Compact — their width ranges from 30 to 60 cm and is used for small stoves with 2 burners. Presented with built-in hoods for narrow fittings.
- Standard — from 60 to 90 cm are the most common, as they cover a wide model and price range. This category includes wall-mounted, built-in, island models. Compatible with standard 4-burner stoves and extended built-in panels.
- Wide — from 90 to 120 cm are installed in kitchens with a large area for wide cooking surfaces. Characterized by a unique design and greater performance, the price of such hoods significantly exceeds the two previous categories.
How does the type of hood installation affect the price?
Built-in hoods are the least expensive — they do not require external finishing. Therefore, the price of the device is determined solely by the internal filling and the proposed functionality. Hanging takes second place in cost due to the ease of fixation on the wall. Does not require specialized mechanisms, and the entire structure rests on the wall on one side.
Flat wall models can be divided into stationary and retractable. Both options have an average price due to the circulation ventilation method. The first of them is cheaper due to simple fixation on the wall, the second is more expensive due to the folding mechanism.
The island hood is mounted on the ceiling without additional rigid supports. Which requires additional consumption of finishing materials and more reliable fasteners. Therefore, this installation method is the most expensive.
Power and Performance
Kitchen hoods are selected according to the cubic capacity of the room. The larger the cubic capacity, the greater the performance forced ventilation should provide. For kitchens without a door separating it from the rest of the home, more powerful models are relevant. In small rooms there is no need to overpay for performance, so weak models are suitable.
An exception for small kitchens are recirculating models used in long-term cooking conditions. In these cases, more powerful hoods are needed with a margin of 20 — 30%. High power does not mean maximum cost; hoods with higher performance can be cheaper due to the design and the lack of a number of functions.
Noise level, noise reduction systems
Removal of combustion products and steam from the room must be accompanied by a minimum or acceptable noise level. Otherwise, your household members will not only be able to sleep, but also solve routine tasks in the next room. All hoods can be divided into three categories according to noise intensity:
- 40 dB — comparable to quiet speech, practically unnoticeable even when close.
- 60 dB — similar to standard conversation volume, does not create discomfort in adjacent rooms.
- 70 dB and above is loud enough to affect occupants in adjacent rooms.
The lower the noise level at the same power levels, the higher the price of the hood. In expensive models, more reliable connection methods are used, all fixation points are treated with sealants, and the structure is equipped with additional sound insulation.
Manufacturers in the budget segment practically do not use sound insulation. And backlashes, gaps and loose connections in the design of the product add a heavy fly in the ointment.
Filters: types and quantities, their effectiveness
All hoods are equipped with a grease filter that prevents heavy substances from reaching the engine elements. Depending on the price segment, the following types of coarse filters are distinguished:
- Paper or non-woven — installed in small-sized versions, suitable only for one-time use. Used for models in the mid-price segment.
- Acrylic — made of a polymer with a cellular or mesh structure on which fat settles. They are installed in budget hoods, despite their reusable purpose, they often break due to impacts or aggressive use.
- Aluminum or steel — used in expensive models, effective against dirt, high mechanical strength. Easy to clean and reuse.
Fine filters are used only in circulating hoods in the form of carbon cartridges. They remove gases, steam and aerosol from the air, but over time they require replacement. Filters in premium segment hoods are equipped with contamination indicators that signal the need for replacement.
Functions
The hood includes several motor speeds. It can be equipped with only an air exhaust mode or additionally include recirculation. In the second case, two motors are used, which increases the cost of the device.
In the additional functionality of expensive models, you can find automatic shutdown that responds to the operation of the burners, the presence of heating sources, etc. This segment presents on and off timers with which you can set the operating period.
Cheap models are equipped with a push-button control system. You also have to navigate the mode based on the buttons pressed and their indications. Medium-priced and expensive models are equipped with a display and can be controlled by touch or contactless methods.
Budget models are illuminated with incandescent lamps, which provide little light and consume a lot of electricity. Therefore, they are used to enhance the main lighting source. More expensive hoods are equipped with LED or halogen lighting, which provides sufficient visibility on the stove and near the hob. This type easily replaces the central kitchen lamp and can be used as the main source.
Summing up
A budget range hood is suitable if you have a small kitchen or a stove with only two burners. They are also relevant for apartments and houses with a well-functioning supply and exhaust ventilation system, where forced steam removal is used in rare cases.
Hoods in the mid-price segment are suitable for those who like to cook frequently in their apartment or house. Such models should provide several of the most relevant ventilation modes and be easy to clean from pollutants. They are installed under standard four-burner stoves or hobs.
Premium-class devices are suitable for designer kitchens, as an integral element of decor, or for a kitchen-living room as a working unit above a remote stove.
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