Consumer guide for today's elegant range hoods
(NC)-Over the past several decades the common kitchen range hood has gone through significant change. To see how far they've come one can simply think back to our mother's noisy range hood that left a collection of grime and grease in its "filter" while doing a poor job of drawing moisture and pollution out of the kitchen.
Today, the latest décor choices and technology have combined to bring excellent ventilation to the forefront of kitchen design. In fact, in some kitchens the range hood has become the focal point of the décor.
A quality kitchen ventilation system plays a significant role in the indoor air quality of the home, drawing stale air filled with grease, odors, and moisture out of the room. A range hood's noise level, power, and efficiency are often overlooked but are crucial to its performance.
So what makes a quality kitchen range hood?
According to Shirley Marquis, Range Hood Product Manager for Venmar Ventilation, "a good range hood should be powerful enough that it reduces greasy buildup that can accumulate on cabinets and kitchen appliances, and strong enough to pull out contaminants that occur naturally while cooking."
A good way to check on a model's efficiency is to look at the manufacturer's specifications, she advises. "A CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating tells you the amount of air that is moved per minute in cubic feet. The amount of air that the unit will actually move once installed in your kitchen will depend on how airtight the room is. This rating varies significantly between models. A good hood should be between 250 and 650 CFM."
Range hoods have a functional purpose but Marquis said they have also become important kitchen design elements. "Homeowners can now choose a hood that brings a contemporary edge to their kitchen or they can opt for something more traditional."
In addition to standing out as a result of their unique, refined look, the range hoods satisfy all your needs when it comes to trapping and eliminating various sources of pollution. They're a breeze for you to maintain with dishwasher-safe filters and come with a five-year guarantee and Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) certification.
Excess noise from the kitchen while you entertain is no longer a concern as the hoods feature low noise level, thanks to their soundproofing. Their efficient halogen lighting also ensures that you have ample lighting to create your culinary masterpieces.
You can now customize the look of your hood by choosing unique design accessories, such as a tempered glass canopy, to make a statement in your kitchen décor. For instance, the state-of-the-art Best By Broan range hoods feature sleek streamlined design and a high level of performance (www.bestbybroan.com). They're the ideal choice for those seeking the latest in contemporary design and luxury.
They also feature the latest in range hood technology such as an electronic push-button control with blue LED display and an ambient light sensor that automatically turns on/off for nighttime ambiance and safety. More information on the latest range roods is available at www.venmar.ca.