Kitchen hoods have been fixtures in homes for a long time, but gone are the days when they merely served as functional pieces. Today, a kitchen hood also makes up an integral part of the kitchen’s design, even serving as the focal point of the room.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling project for your Atlanta home, don’t overlook the kitchen hood. With the right type and design, it can enhance the appeal of your kitchen and put the entire look together.
These are the most popular types of kitchen hoods to consider for your space.
Wall-mounted hoods
The most traditional type of hoods, wall-mounted range hoods are installed on kitchen walls, above the stove or cooking range. This type of hood typically expels air through an outdoor wall, so it’s best used when your range is against one. Often, it’s connected to your home’s duct system and can also come with a chimney.
Because of their large size, wall mounted hoods can easily call attention, especially if they’re located at the center of the wall. This is why it’s important to make sure the hood is designed to work with your kitchen’s aesthetic and does not stand out like a sore thumb.
Under-cabinet hoods
Under-cabinet hoods are also wall-mounted hoods, but are typically smaller in size. As the name implies, they are positioned underneath kitchen cabinets, above the cooktop. The air passes through a duct in an exterior wall, or the duct may also go through the cabinet above the hood and expel air through the exterior wall.
An under cabinet hood’s compact size makes it ideal for small spaces, such as condos or apartments. It is also generally more affordable than other types of hoods, which is why it’s a very popular choice. It comes in a wide range of styles and materials, including stainless steel, metal, and tempered glass. It can be painted or finished to match the look of the surrounding cabinets or kept out of sight by a cover that blends in with the rest of the kitchen.
Another advantage of under cabinet hoods is that you don’t have to remove any cabinet to mount one. Simply design the hood to go with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. In addition, make sure there’s adequate clearance between the cooktop and the hood, which ideally should be between 28 and 36 inches.
Ceiling-mounted range hood
This type of kitchen hood works for cooktops that are in the center of the room, usually on a kitchen island, and not against a wall. The hood has a vent that is connected to a duct in the ceiling. With its conspicuous location, this type of hood can make a great centerpiece in your kitchen.
In addition to the traditional stainless steel, ceiling-mounted range hoods come in other materials, including copper, ceramic, and glass, so you have quite a few options to choose from. Moreover, there’s a wide array of available styles and designs, including flat rectangular hoods, hoods that look like hanging cabinets or large pendant lamps, and sculptural hoods.
Your kitchen remodeling expert can help you choose the range hood that’s right for your space. Ask them for ideas and work with them to create a cohesive look in your new kitchen.
Sources:
70 Kitchen Vent Ideas for Your Next Reno, HouseAndHome.com
26 Range Hood Ideas and Styles, BHG.com