Home on the Range: What's Trending in Range Hoods

If you are remodeling a kitchen or building a new one, you will not want to overlook the importance of adding a statement range hood to your list of must-have appliances. Whether you are preparing breakfast or a large holiday meal, your range hood is there to vent out odors, grease and steam that builds up while you cook. The most important decision is how you will vent your range hood. After all, the basic function of a range hood is to properly vent the air in the kitchen. The three different exhaust types are:

• Ducted range hoods, which are the most desirable, vent directly to the outside.
• Ductless range hoods pull the impure air through a charcoal filter and then circulate it back into the kitchen.
• Convertible range hoods allow air to flow outside or back into the room.

Before deciding on the finish, material or style, the power and size of your range hood need to be addressed. Your range hood needs to be as wide as the stove or cooktop and preferably 3 inches longer on each side. You do not want the range hood to be so large that it dominates the room or so small that it gets lost in the overall design.

You have choices

There is a wide array of materials to choose from, including plaster, zinc, brass, copper, pewter, wood, stone and concrete. Choose one that complements the overall design of the kitchen. For example, using the same wood material in a kitchen range as in the kitchen island unifies the elements, creating a cohesive look. The same wood can be repeated in one or two of the kitchen cabinets to not overpower the room.

While stainless hoods are a timeless look that integrates well with other appliances, there are other options for you to choose from. Black stainless steel is gaining in popularity as is eye-catching brass. A white range hood with a soft matte finish seamlessly integrates with an all-white kitchen. It also has the advantage of not showing fingerprints.

Beyond the basics, range hoods in marble finishes can be used to complement countertops and backsplashes for a seamless, dramatic design. Using accent materials such as straps, rivets, texture or metal inlays creates a one-of-a-kind custom look for your range hood. A unique material is rainbow metal, which is raw metal that has been bent and clear coated. The result is an iridescent range hood that seems to glow when light hits it. Another possibility is a glass range hood. This option requires more cleaning than the others. It works best with electric stoves to mitigate grease and dust.

In the past, the kitchen range may have been a second thought when it came to designing a kitchen. With so many choices on the market, the homeowner can go beyond the tried-and-true stainless steel option and find something that expresses their personal style. Contact us to help you when planning to remodel or build a new kitchen.