Understanding range hood terminology is crucial when selecting the right hood for your kitchen. Here's a guide to some of the key terms you'll encounter:
1. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
- Definition:A measure of the volume of air the range hood can exhaust per minute. Higher CFM indicates more powerful ventilation.
2. Ducted vs. Ductless Hoods
- Ducted Hoods:These hoods vent air to the outside of the home. They require ductwork installation.
- Ductless (Recirculating) Hoods:These filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen. They use charcoal filters to clean the air and are easier to install.
3. Sones
- Definition:A unit of loudness used to measure the noise level of the range hood. Lower sones mean quieter operation.
4. Baffle Filter
- Definition:A type of filter used in range hoods, made of stainless steel or aluminum. They trap grease and are durable and dishwasher safe.
5. Charcoal Filter
- Definition:Used in ductless hoods for filtering out odors. They need to be replaced periodically.
6. Convertible Hoods
- Definition:Range hoods that can be converted from ducted to ductless and vice versa, offering flexibility in installation.
7. Hood Insert
- Definition:The interior mechanical part of a custom range hood. It includes the fan, lights, and filters but without the decorative exterior.
8. Makeup Air
- Definition:The air that is brought into the home to "make up" for the air vented out by the range hood. Important in tightly sealed homes to maintain air balance.
9. Heat Sensor
- Definition:A feature in some range hoods that automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the temperature of the cooking surface.
10. Capture Area
- Definition:The size of the area over the stove that the hood effectively covers to capture smoke and odors.
11. Chimney
- Definition:The part of the range hood that covers the duct running to the outside. In chimney-style hoods, it's a prominent design feature.
12. Blower
- Definition:The fan mechanism in a range hood that moves air. Blowers can be located in the hood itself (internal blower) or remotely (external blower).
Conclusion
Understanding these terms will help you make an informed decision about which range hood is best for your kitchen's needs, considering factors like ventilation efficiency, noise level, type of filtration, and aesthetic preferences.