Powerful and quiet it should be, the optimal Hood It creates fresh air in the room of cooking and culinary enjoyment, by extracting the odors and vapors that are produced when preparing delicious food. Before you buy a new device, it must be checked in each case, whether a recirculation or exhaust air system is the better option for your own kitchen. This guide provides both this criterion and some other characteristics that can be found before buying a Hood should consider.

On the advantages and disadvantages of a Hood with exhaust system

How does an exhaust system work? The cooking vapor is passed through a grease filter. He then gets out of the house via a tube. If no appropriate access is set, there is a need for a wall breach. Anyone who lives for rent should contact the landlord in such a case and obtain his (written) consent. The big advantage of a Hood with exhaust system is that the variant is extremely effective: odors are completely transported outside. Aside from the fact that possibly immense installation effort prove to be a disadvantage, the high operating costs in winter. Because in the cold season, the warm air heating is deducted. Apart from the financial minus, this damages the environment.

About the merits and negatives of a Hood with air circulation system

In the case of an extractor hood with recirculation system, the haze is routed through a grease filter as well as an activated charcoal filter. Afterwards, however, he does not get outside, but back into the air. This technique is recommended primarily for passive and low-energy houses – but also in households where the necessary installation conditions for the exhaust air variant are not given. In contrast to the exhaust hood, a recirculation model is not accompanied by an (exaggerated) energy loss in winter and the time-consuming wall breakthrough is not required. Furthermore, the air circulation hood only needs a power supply – then you can immediately put them into operation. However, the disadvantages should not be concealed: depending on the intensity of use you have to replace the activated carbon filter every three to six months. The cost of such a filter is about 20 to 50 euros. In addition, it should be mentioned that all the moisture that arises during the cooking process remains in the kitchen. If you do not ventilate the room sufficiently (several times a day for five to ten minutes each), this can lead to mold growth that is harmful to your health.

Energy efficiency and usability as essential purchase criteria

Generally significant purchase criteria for an extractor hood relate to energy efficiency and serviceability. The former is indicated by a scale ranging from A + to F. A + means that it is a particularly energy-efficient hood. Models with E and F should be better off. For consumers, in addition to energy efficiency, the grease efficiency and noise emissions are important features. The former is again indicated as a class: the letter A corresponds to a separation efficiency of more than 95 percent. About the noise emissions can be informed on the basis of the sound power level in the form of a Decibelangabe.

Extractor hoods in various forms

As with almost all furnishings, the design also plays an influential role in the choice of extractor hood. From a classic wall hood over a retractable table hood to a so-called island hood, the right shape is available for any kitchen. In addition, there are hoods with built-in flat screen or in hanging lamp shape, so that even those who want a luxurious version, adequate models are available. The price range extends from about 150 to 3,500 euros.

Tips for installing the cooker hood correctly

Finally, some tips on how to install the new hood best: For safety reasons, it is advisable to install the device at least 65 centimeters above the hob. However, the correct distance also depends on the bonnet power: For example, more powerful versions (air flow from 500 cubic meters per hour) can be mounted up to 120 centimeters above the cooking surface. In any case, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the respective cooker hood, in order to make no mistake.