A range hood is an important investment in a kitchen. A common mistake most homeowners make is underestimating the benefits and use of their range hoods. Usually, a range hood is purchased under the impression that it can only be used to eliminate the excess heat, grease, smoke, and food odors in a kitchen; but a range hood can do so much more than just those.
Like any other investment, it is understandable that any purchaser would want to make the most out of it. We have listed a couple of tips that a homeowner should keep in mind before and after purchasing a range hood.
Before Purchasing a Hood
Before purchasing a hood, there are a couple of things that you should consider. The first thing to consider is if you are looking for a ducted or ductless range hood. The ductless range hoods are less expensive than the ducted hoods but are also less powerful.
The second thing to consider the size of your range hood. The standard rule is to buy a range hood that is wider than your stovetop.
The next thing to determine the power of your range hood. To determine the power, you should consider not only the amount of food that you cook but also your cooking style and preference. If you tend to cook Asian or Indian recipes or use a lot of strong spices in your cooking, you would be needing a more powerful range hood. This applies as well if you deep fry often. On the other hand, if you enjoy steaming your food, you wouldn’t be needing a range hood that is too powerful.
Lastly, consider the design and material as well so that it matches the rest of your kitchen design.
After Purchasing a Hood
After purchasing and installing your range hood, the first thing you need to do is to read the manual and take note of the dos and don’ts. By familiarizing yourself with the dos and don’ts, you are already setting yourself up for success.
Always remember that the setting of your range hood should depend on what you are cooking. Whether you are boiling, steaming, or frying, adjust the power of your range hood accordingly. This applies as well to when you are cooking something that emits a strong odor, be sure to leave your range hood on for a few minutes after cooking to remove all remaining scent.
Aside from using your range hood properly, cleaning and maintaining it is also a crucial part of making the best use of your range hood. Invest in the proper cleaning materials and read up on tips that will help you and make it easier for you to clean up.
