Which rangehood canopy is best

First of all, you'll need to measure the width of your cooktop. Generally speaking, the rangehood width should match the cooktop width. Then, you'll need to measure the area above your cooktop.

Before you purchase a rangehood, check the product dimensions to make certain that it will fit the available space. We can't stress enough how important it is to measure carefully before you buy! A ducted rangehood directs air from the kitchen outside the house via the wall or ceiling through a metal duct. This is the most effective way to clear the air in your kitchen. However it might not always be possible, as it involves getting a builder to knock a hole in the wall or ceiling in order to install the ducting pipe.

Recirculating rangehoods filter impurities from air and then recirculate it back into the kitchen. They do this using carbon filters which need to be replaced from time to time depending on how often you use your rangehood. The advantage of recirculating rangehoods is that you don't need to install a duct pipe through the wall or ceiling. But the disadvantage is that they are not as powerful or effective.

The extraction rate refers to a rangehood's ability to draw in air. Models with higher extraction rates will vent a larger amount of air, which makes them highly effective. The extraction rate of a rangehood is measured in cubic metres per hour. If you have a large kitchen, it is best to get a rangehood that has a high extraction rate so as to prevent smoke and cooking odours from travelling through your home.

All rangehoods have filters. Ducted rangehoods will usually feature aluminium filters, which need to be cleaned regularly for maximum efficiency and safety. No stores can be found within km of the search data. Please try a different postcode or suburb. Too easy! Order by 4pm and selected stores can deliver to your door next day, even on weekends! Over The Phone Sales 9am - 9pm 7 Days varies on public holidays.

Stay Safe. As we negotiate, products will likely to have been sold below ticketed price in some stores prior to the discount offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount offer. See product for details. Additional charges apply after 30km. Pros: Fixed models work better than retractable ones in both recirculating mode and ducted mode because they cover more of the cooking area.

They also have a considerably larger filter area. Pros: Once you finish cooking, you can push them out of sight and out of the way. Cons: These are generally less efficient at venting steam because of their smaller steam collection area; this is especially the case in recirculating mode.

These vents are hidden behind the cooktop and rise up when in use, sucking in fumes and pushing them downward and out through a duct. Pros: Space efficient and invisible when out of use, ideal for island cooktops. Cons: They're more expensive and less efficient than many rangehoods, especially when cooking on taller pots. This is usually quoted in cubic metres per hour.

We've been testing rangehoods for some time and we've found that the claimed extraction rate makes little difference to the performance. This is because the internal design and the installation of the rangehood matters a lot more. For example, if the rangehood duct is obstructed, all the extraction power in the world isn't going to help. It may help a salesperson to sell the rangehood if they can rattle off a large number, but when you get it home and have it installed you'll want it to work effectively, not inefficiently.

Have a look at our rangehood reviews to make an informed choice. In brief: Claimed extraction rate is not as important as good internal design. It should be easy to clean and have no nooks and crevices where dirt and grease can build up. Fixed rangehoods with a smooth underside are generally easier to clean than retractable ones. All rangehoods have a filter.

Those made of aluminium mesh are relatively easy to clean and the cheapest, as non-washable filters need replacement which means ongoing costs. If you install a rangehood in recirculating mode it'll also need a carbon filter that has to be replaced regularly.

Two globes over the cooking area generally provide better visibility than one. Make sure the globes are easy to replace. Models with halogen lights have better illumination than those with incandescent or LEDs — speaking of which, LED lights use less power than incandescent. Sliding or push-button controls on the front panel are easy to reach and operate.

Some retractable models have controls on the underside of the hood. On some retractable units, the further you pull out the hood, the higher the fan speed becomes.