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Whether upgrading your kitchen or building a new house from scratch, a range hood is one of the most important design elements you’ll have to choose from. Not only do these ventilation systems ensure that you won’t suffocate in charcoal fumes after frying up some burgers, but they also make your kitchen look sleek and modern.
Most people tend to underestimate the value of custom range hoods. After all, they’re just another appliance sitting on the ceiling above your stove. But trust us when we say that installing this is one of the smartest things you can do for your cooking space.
Read on to learn more about customizing a range hood to fit perfectly with your kitchen remodel or renovation.
1. Size
As with any other design element in your kitchen, the first thing you want to consider when choosing custom range hoods is the size.
Now, there are two main factors that come into play when determining a range hood’s size: the range hood’s width and the width of your cooking space.
For a standard range hood, you want the unit’s width to be at least two inches less than the width of the space above your cooktop. This ensures the hood won’t interfere with your pots and pans. If your kitchen has high ceilings, on the other hand, you can go ahead and choose a range hood with a larger width. High ceilings are more prone to grease build-up, so a wider range hood can be a good option in this case.
2. Venting Type
Your range hood’s venting type will determine how the hood will expel airborne grease from your kitchen.
That said, there are two main types of venting systems you can choose from: downdraft systems and chimney systems.
The difference between these two types of venting systems is their lifting method. A downdraft range hood has a motorized fan that lifts the air up and out through the roof. A chimney range hood, on the other hand, has a fan at the base that pushes the air up through a pipe leading to the roof.
3. Fan Speeds
Once you’ve decided on the venting type, the next thing you want to look out for is the range hood’s fan speeds.
If you’ve opted for a downdraft unit, you can expect the fan to have three to six speeds. The maximum speed is usually reserved for heavy-duty cooking, while the slowest is for normal and everyday cooking. If you’ve opted for a chimney variety, you’ll probably get two or three fan speeds.
4. Lighting
If you plan on installing custom range hoods in your kitchen, chances are you’d like to illuminate its surroundings.
Most modern range hoods have built-in LED lights that can be turned on or off. Some even come with customizable light settings, such as brightness and hue. This means you can set the lights to a specific brightness according to your needs and preferences.
5. Color
Custom Range hoods come in a wide array of colors and finishes that you can use to add a personalized touch to your cooking space.
We suggest going with an all-white range hood if you’re looking for a sleek and modern design. This is especially useful if you have high ceilings, as a white range hood will blend in naturally with the surroundings. For a more rustic and vintage look, you can try out a range hood in a brown or black finish.
6. The Finish
You should also make sure to pick the right finish for your range hood. This is especially important for range hoods with exposed metal parts such as the ducts. The finish on these metal surfaces will determine how good your range hood will look and how long it will last.
Among the most common finishes for range, hoods are stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Aluminum is a softer material that’s easier to scratch and dent, so it’s best suited for indoors. Copper, on the other hand, is a softer material that can rust if exposed to moisture. Stainless steel is the most practical choice because of its high durability.
In Conclusion
The key to finding the right range hood for your kitchen is thinking about what kind of look you want to achieve in the room. Many details go into making a home feel cozy and comfortable, such as lighting, furniture, appliances, and accessories like range hoods.
Depending on what style you like best, consider the factors above to find a range hood that fits perfectly with your kitchen remodel or renovation.
