Choosing the right ventilation for your kitchen
When it comes to cooking, a well-ventilated kitchen is essential for removing smoke, steam, and cooking odours. Choosing suitable ventilation for your kitchen can be a challenge! Still, with the right information and considerations, it can be done easily. Whether you're looking for a wall-mounted hood, island hood, downdraft hood, or one that's built right into the hob, there are many factors to consider, such as type, size, airflow and style. This guide will provide the information you need to make an informed decision about the best ventilation for your kitchen and your style.
Let's go through the kinds of ventilation you can choose
There are several types of kitchen ventilation to consider:
- Wall-Mounted Hood: This is the most common type of ventilation hood and one we all recognise. It is mounted on the wall above the hob, removing smoke and steam directly from above.
- Island Hood: Similar to a wall-mounted hood, but mounted on the ceiling above an island hob.
- Under-Cabinet Hood: This type is mounted under the cabinets above the hob and can often be found in kitchens with limited wall space.
- Built-In Hood: This type of hood is built into the hob itself and is often used in kitchens with a sleek, modern look.
Of course, each type of ventilation hood has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your kitchen layout and cooking needs when choosing one. Selecting a hood with adequate airflow and noise level is also essential to keep up with your cooking and not disrupt your household. Similarly, check whether the existing ventilation in your home (ductwork) can keep up with whatever type of hood you pick.
Size
When choosing a ventilation hood that's the right size for your kitchen, you must consider several factors. First, ensure the hood covers your hob's entire cooking surface so that it can effectively remove smoke and steam. The hood should also be mounted at the proper height above the hob. It should be proportional to the size of your kitchen and hob. Its CMM (cubic meter per minute) rating should be sufficient to handle the amount of smoke and steam generated. As a general guideline, you should aim for a CMM of at least 100 for every 3 square meters of kitchen space. Additionally, be sure to check local building codes, as some may specify minimum hood size requirements based on the size of your kitchen and hob.
Airflow
Although less glamorous than, say, choosing cabinets, a good airflow will make a huge difference when using your new kitchen. When considering airflow for kitchen ventilation, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- m3/h (Cubic Meters per Hour): This measures the air the ventilation hood moves in one hour. The m3/h rating should be sufficient to handle the smoke and steam your hob generates. A general guideline is to have at least 0.1 m3/h for every square meter of kitchen space.
- dB (Decibels): This is the measurement of the noise level produced by the ventilation hood. Lower dB ratings indicate a quieter hood, while higher dB ratings indicate a louder hood. Consider the decibel level of the hood, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen.
- Type of Ventilation: Different ventilation hoods, such as wall-mounted, island, downdraft, or built-in to the hob, have different airflow capabilities. Consider the kind of hood that is best for your kitchen layout and the cooking you do.
- Ductwork: Ensure the ventilation hood is compatible with your existing ductwork or can be properly installed with new ductwork. The ductwork should be appropriately sized and insulated to ensure maximum airflow and minimise noise.
Overall, it is vital to choose a ventilation hood with adequate airflow to effectively remove smoke and steam from your kitchen while also taking into account noise level and compatibility with your kitchen layout and ductwork. Our kitchen experts are on hand to help you find the right solution for your kitchen.
Style
To determine which style of kitchen ventilation fits your kitchen, consider the following factors:
- Kitchen Layout: Take into account the location of your hob and cabinets. Wall-mounted hoods are best for kitchens with wall space above the hob, while under-cabinet hoods are best for kitchens with limited wall space. Island hoods are best for kitchens with island hobs, and downdraft hoods are best for kitchens with island hobs and minimal ceiling height.
- Cooking Needs: Consider the amount of smoke and steam generated by your cooking style. A hood with adequate air flow and proper ductwork is essential for removing smoke and steam from your kitchen.
- Aesthetic: Choose a hood that fits with the overall look and style of your kitchen. Wall-mounted, island, and under-cabinet hoods are available in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, to fit any kitchen décor.
- Budget: The style of hood you choose will also affect your budget. Built-in hoods and island hoods are typically more expensive than wall-mounted and under-cabinet hoods.
- Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the hood, especially if your kitchen is open-plan and connected to a living space. Choose a hood with a lower dB rating for a quieter kitchen.
Our friendly kitchen experts can help you determine which style of ventilation fits your kitchen, budget and cooking needs.
As you can see, choosing the right kitchen ventilation solution is so important for removing smoke and steam generated by cooking and maintaining a healthy kitchen environment. When selecting a ventilation solution, consider factors such as kitchen layout, cooking needs, aesthetic, budget, and noise level.
Our kitchen experts can help you select the right kitchen ventilation solution to meet your needs and ensure a comfortable and healthy kitchen environment. We have a range of kitchen ventilation solutions that fit perfectly with our Danish design kitchens. Book a meeting with one of our experts today for more information and help.
