The kitchen can be called the most important room in a house or apartment, because it is where the family most often gathers, friendly gatherings are held, and, of course, culinary masterpieces are created. And so that the atmosphere in the kitchen is not only beautiful and comfortable, the organization of the kitchen space must be properly thought out.
In addition to the fact that the kitchen always has a sink, stove, refrigerator, kitchen furniture, there must be a kitchen hood. For example, a flat hood for the kitchen, the task of which is to protect the floor, walls and ceiling from soot, purify the air and create a favorable climate. Consequently, this kind of device is the most necessary and significant piece of furniture.
Flat hood with lighting
Main points when choosing a hood
Before purchasing this or that hood, you should study the information about it in detail. The main points that play an important role in a kitchen hood:
- 1. What type and dimensions of the hood.
- 2. What material is the body made of?
- 3. Maximum extraction power.
- 4. Cleaning method.
- 5. Filter system.
- 6. Type of hood control.
- 7. Availability of additional functions.
It is also important to consider the cost and service life of the hood.
How to choose a model
Despite the fact that flat-type hoods are quite compact and ergonomic , during installation it is extremely important to ensure that their parameters match the dimensions of the furniture or hob.
The standard sizes of such hoods range from 40 to 60 cm: accordingly, if you have a large stove, you will have to choose a larger model or with a higher power.
Advice: if you are going to purchase a model of a flat hood of a non-standard shape, choose a larger one so that it completely covers the area of your stove.
Many people prefer to integrate hoods into a ready-made wall unit. To make the design of such a kitchen look harmonious, order furniture based on the parameters of the purchased equipment : it is desirable that the bottom area of the wall cabinet and the built-in hood coincide.
Please note that to choose a reliable hood model, you need to calculate not only the area of the cabinet or hob, but also the footage of the entire kitchen . A hood with medium power is suitable for a kitchen with an area of no more than 10 square meters. If the interior of your kitchen is more spacious, you will have to install a model with high power, for example, 800 m3/h.
Remember! The importance of using powerful cleaning equipment increases when combining the kitchen with other interiors. Polluted air flows will quickly spread throughout the kitchen-studio, which is not separated by partitions, so take care of timely cleaning of the room.
You can calculate the optimal power indicators for a flat-type hood using the generally accepted formula: according to the requirements of the sanitary and epidemiological station, the performance of such equipment must correspond to the volume of the room, multiplied by 12 and 1.3.
For example, if you have a kitchen with a ceiling height of 3 meters and an area of 10 square meters, you will have to purchase a hood with a minimum power of 3x10x1.3x12 = 468 cubic meters per hour. If there is smoking in such a room, increase the result obtained by one and a half to two times.
When choosing a suitable model, pay attention to the features of the hood control : you can adjust the power using push-button or touch mechanisms, as well as remotely using the remote control. The latter option is more preferable in large rooms: to change the operating mode of the hood, turn on and off appliances, you do not have to move around the kitchen.
Advice: if you plan to cook a lot and often, choose sensor technology: its coating will be easier to clean from stubborn dirt, dirt will not accumulate between the buttons, and even if wiped with a damp sponge, such a hood will not work less well.
Many flat hoods are equipped with built-in lighting. If the work area of your kitchen is not lit, a hood will be enough to ensure comfortable cooking on the stove.
The need for additional lighting will not disappear even if you mount the hood above an island structure: in this case, you will have to carefully consider what materials will be used to keep the hood at the desired level under the ceiling.
Hanging hoods
The most popular and accessible among other categories. As a rule, this type of hood is mounted under a wall cabinet to save space. This type of hood is quite compact in size, does not make much noise, and is economical in terms of energy consumption.
It is worth considering that they have low power and are well suited for a small kitchen. Such hood models are simple and easy to install; they can be installed even if there is no access to the general ventilation system. You can buy a kitchen hood of this type in almost any appliance store, and in any color.
Air purification methods
The first category consists of products that operate from exhaust: the equipment does not process the air, but only replaces it with fresh air coming directly from the ventilation duct. During the installation process, it is imperative to use an air duct; it may require additional usable space in the room. Despite the relative inconvenience of installation, this particular option for introducing inclined hoods is the most common.
Reasons: a wide selection of designs and colors (black is in demand due to its practicality, white and beige are attractive for their versatility), optimal power of equipment, availability of budget prices.
The second group includes recirculation type devices. They process the air in several stages. At the first stage, external cleaning is carried out: fatty inclusions are removed using special filters. In the second stage, the carbon components of the system are involved: complex air purification is carried out here, and unpleasant odors are eliminated.
The choice of the second option is attractive for those users whose kitchen is not subject to sufficient natural ventilation or does not have access to a ventilation duct.
The top of the user rating is headed by mixed technologies that combine the operating principles of both options, which significantly increases their productivity. The downside is the high cost of such products.
Built-in kitchen hood
A built-in kitchen hood is placed in a kitchen cabinet, so that only the working surface of the appliance is visible. This type of hood is compact, can have different dimensions, and looks good when combined with a built-in stove.
In terms of power, a built-in hood can range from minimum to maximum power in operation; during operation, they create virtually no noise. You should buy such hoods only after the kitchen set and pita have been installed so that it fits exactly in size.
Dome hoods
Quite impressive in size and non-standard shapes. This type of hood has high power and a wide air duct. A kitchen hood with a ventilation outlet requires special attention during installation and preparation for use.
As a rule, they are mounted above the stove. Dome hoods are divided into three subtypes: wall-mounted, corner and island hoods.
Ostrovnaya
The most unusual hood, it is perfect for a large kitchen. As a rule, it is placed above the stove, which in turn is installed in the center of the kitchen. This type of hood not only purifies the air, but also serves as decoration.
Care
The best thing about modern appliances is that they will tell you when they need to be cleaned. This also applies to inclined hoods. Inside them there are special technical sensors that calculate the amount of air passing through the filters before purchase, and report on reaching the minimum permissible value to the corresponding indicator. All you have to do is change the filter.
Cleaning the hood itself will also not cause much trouble. You just need to decide and rub the hood with a rag and remove the grease deposits. Under no circumstances should you use abrasive substances or melamine sponges; textiles are better, since the surface of inclined hoods is most often glossy, you can easily scratch it and the shine of the coating will disappear. Melamine sponges spoil the subtleties of the coating.
A modern inclined hood is not only a high-tech device for purifying the air from dirt and odors, but also an additional accessory in interior design, its location, sophisticated shapes and unsurpassed style will give a harmoniously unique look to your kitchen.
Basic principles of hood operation
A kitchen hood can have two operating principles: flow type and filtration type.
The main principle of operation of the flow type is that dirty air is taken in and flows into the exhaust pipe, then exits through the ventilation system to the outside. A hood with this type of operation is well suited for a kitchen of any size and does not require special care.
The filtration type of operation means that dirty air is drawn in, thoroughly cleaned with special filters and returned to the kitchen. Most often, built-in hoods work on this principle. It is worth noting that hoods with this type of operation require frequent filter replacement.
Interior design ideas
A hood in the kitchen interior will become a harmonious addition to the design if you choose the right model.
In a country or Provence style kitchen, the central element will be a large domed hood with a carved side. To make it even more noticeable, choose a contrasting color option.
A domed hood with gold trim will harmoniously fit into a classic interior. An alternative idea for a classic style is any hood hidden behind wooden sides under the facades.
The photo shows a spacious kitchen with steel appliances
When decorating a modern kitchen in the Art Nouveau style, pay attention to sloping glass options or modern island models.
A designer inclined hood made of tempered glass or a steel domed one is also suitable for the high-tech trend.
The photo shows an interior in a minimalist style
Depending on the environment, steel or black hoods are purchased for the loft. The shape is suitable for dome, cylindrical, rectangular.
The photo shows a variant of a non-standard kitchen design in the house
Hood filter
The hood can have 2 filters: a grease filter and a carbon filter.
A grease filter is mandatory in a filtration type hood. As a rule, the filter is made of aluminum and cleans the air from dust, dirt and grease. If necessary, the filter can be removed and cleaned, or replaced with a new one if it cannot be washed.
Carbon filter - purifies the air of aroma. It is located behind the fatty tissue and requires frequent replacement.
What material is the body made of?
To make the body of a kitchen hood, only 3 materials are most often used:
- tree;
- stainless steel;
- plastic.
One of the best materials for the case is stainless steel. This hood is the safest and does not require special care, as it is easy to clean from contamination. Steel is also durable and works well with any kitchen style and design.
Advantages and disadvantages
A thin kitchen hood has a number of advantages that make it popular among buyers.
- This model will be an effective solution in cases where it is not possible to connect the hood with ventilation due to deterioration of the ventilation duct, low ceilings that do not allow the air duct to be extended, or a small room.
- The flat housing takes up little space and can be built into a cabinet. In this case, the outlet part of the device must have enough space for the return of purified air.
- It is possible to choose a model with a metal, glass or plastic body to suit any style of kitchen.
- A flat hood with recirculation does not affect the room temperature and does not require cooling in summer or heating in winter.
- Most models have a low cost - from 3,000 rubles.
Some modifications, such as recessed countertops, can be expensive. Also among the disadvantages of the system are:
- Flat hoods have a small body, so they cannot be equipped with a high-performance motor and are only suitable for small rooms of 8-9 square meters. m.
- Flat models require replacement of the carbon filter; this can be a big disadvantage for the consumer due to additional expenses.
What additional functions does the hood have?
A kitchen hood may have some additional features that can be useful in the kitchen. The most common and profitable:
- lighting;
- filter contamination indicator;
- anti return valve;
- timer;
- remote control;
- automatic switching on and off.
Kitchen hood 60 cm wide
A 60 cm kitchen hood is the most common and practical to use. It is capable of well drawing in heat and smoke from the entire cooking surface.
Hoods of this width can be partially or completely hidden in a wall kitchen cabinet, and they are also very easy to install and keep clean.
Kitchen hood 90 cm wide
A 90 cm hood is considered a large-sized hood, which requires special attention during installation and preparation for use. This hood cleans the air quickly and efficiently, but at the same time it will look beautiful in a large kitchen.
Most often, dome hoods of this width are made, namely the wall-mounted type. Such a hood is practically not suitable for any kitchen set, so the kitchen must be made to order, taking into account the dimensions of the hood.
Several placement rules
Since there is nothing complicated in the hood installation scheme, many homeowners prefer to do the installation themselves. It is worth knowing that:
- the distance to the gas stove should be 75-85 cm for a straight line, and 55-65 cm for an inclined one;
- for an electric stove the figures are slightly less than 65-75 cm and 35-45 cm, respectively;
- there must be a socket above the wall cabinet;
- Grounding is required.
You can deviate from the standards by 5-10 cm only if the design features or height of the cook do not allow it.
