2025 Range Hood Comparison and Recommendations
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Which Range Hood Is the Best? Key Points for Purchasing a Range Hood in 2025
Cooking fumes not only makes the kitchen dirty but inhaling them can cause respiratory diseases. According to some studies, long-term inhalation of cooking fumes may even lead to cancer. In Hong Kong, people particularly like to cook fried foods and emphasize the "wok hei" (smoky flavors and aromas), which produces more fumes. At this point, the importance of a range hood becomes apparent. A range hood is an essential appliance in every Hong Kong kitchen. However, many BBE customers know little about range hoods and are clueless about where to start when selecting the right one. Here, BBE compares the advantages and disadvantages of different range hoods and delivers installation tips to help you better understand the various criteria to consider when selecting a range hood.
1. Comparison of Range Hood Types
Range hoods can be divided into three types based on their principle: recirculating, exhaust, and combined.
Ducted Range Hoods:
Suitable only for a portion of homes in Hong Kong. These range hoods must be installed with an exhaust pipe, and their operating principle is to suck the fumes into the hood and then expel them outdoors through the exhaust pipe. This method effectively removes fumes and even the hot air in the kitchen, keeping the kitchen or indoors fresh. However, the downside is that an exhaust hole must be installed in the wall or window to bring in fresh air continuously. In the past, these range hoods were equipped with oil filters to remove the grease, but now, many use oil collecting cups to maintain efficiency. For users who often cook with high heat, emphasizing "wok hei," or like to cook strongly flavored dishes, ducted range hoods are more suitable.
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Expels odors, grease, and hot air directly
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May not be compatible with some kitchens that lack exhaust holes due to structure (e.g., range hood is not situated near a window) or space constraints
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Has a higher initial cost, such as for ductwork and installation fees
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Does not require regular replacement of activated carbon filters, making long-term operational costs cheaper
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Causes loss of heat in winter and loss of cool air in summer
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Has higher air flow rate, i.e., more efficient suction and filtering, due to the absence of filters
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Brings in fresh air continuously while expelling hot air from the kitchen
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Recirculating Range Hoods:
As recirculating range hoods do not require an exhaust hole, all Hong Kong kitchens can install them theoretically. These range hoods filter cooking fumes through two layers of filters. First, the fumes pass through an outer oil filter, then through an inner activated carbon filter. The air, purified by the two filters, is then expelled back into the kitchen. If your kitchen has no exhaust hole, you can choose this type of range hood. Recirculating range hoods are also suitable if your family mostly cooks with low heat, producing less smoke and smell through steaming and boiling. However, the efficiency of recirculating range hoods is closely related to the efficiency of the "purification" of the carbon filter. Filters with proper thickness, activeness, and dense structure have better filtering effects.
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Easy to install
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Needs regular replacement of filters every few months to half a year, depending on usage, indirectly increasing long-term operational costs
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Does not require special installation of exhaust ducts, can be installed in any kitchen
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Has lower initial cost due to absence of ductwork
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Cannot introduce fresh air and expel hot air from the kitchen
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Retains heat in winter and preserves cool air in summer
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Integrated Range Hoods:
The third type is the integrated range hood, which has the features of both ducted and recirculating types. However, this does not mean it operates with principles simultaneously. You must decide which extraction principle to use during installation. If you install an exhaust pipe, the technician will remove the carbon filter, and the range hood becomes a ducted type. Conversely, if you do not install an exhaust pipe, it becomes a recirculating range hood.
2. Range Hood Sizes
The second most common factor to consider is the size of the range hood, and the most direct answer is to refer to the surface area of your stove. The range hood does not necessarily have to match the exact area of your stove, but if you want to absorb most of the cooking fumes accurately, the size of your range hood should at least cover the entire stove surface. Of course, the larger the range hood, the more expensive it will be, but if you already use a large stove, it is definitely worth complementing it with a larger range hood. If your stove has three burners, you can choose a range hood with a width of about 120 cm, and if only two, then a 90 cm model would be suitable. Generally, the most common range hood size is 90 cm, followed by smaller models of 70 cm and 60 cm.
3. Range Hood Suction Power
After understanding the operating principle and size of range hoods, the exhaust airflow is another key point in comparing range hoods. The main purpose of buying a range hood is to remove fumes to lessen its impact on our health. To accurately understand the suction power of a range hood, we can estimate it using "exhaust airflow." Although manufacturers do not have a universal standard for measuring exhaust airflow, its specification is the most valuable data on suction power you should consider. Many Hong Kong people's favorite Chinese cuisine requires high heat for stir-frying, and range hoods with high exhaust airflow can help you remove most fumes. If you have a large household, or if your family members particularly like to cook fried and stir-fried foods, you should choose a range hood model with an exhaust airflow rate of about 1,000 cubic meters per hour (about 17 cubic meters per minute) or more. If there are fewer family members, or if you cook Western-style dishes that produce fewer fumes, you can choose models with an exhaust airflow of about 800 cubic meters per hour (about 16 cubic meters per minute). You can purchase a range hood with an appropriate exhaust volume based on your actual situation. However, take note that although a higher exhaust airflow can expel more fumes, it also consumes more electricity.
Another reference data is the fan speed. Models with a fan speed of 1300 RPM (revolutions per minute) or more have an ideal fume extraction effect, and some models can even reach up to 3000 RPM. However, fan speed is directly related to its motor, and the motor speed directly affects the noise range produced during operation. You can also visit BBE's stores in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, and Tuen Mun to test the machine directly and observe whether its noise range is appropriate.
4. Range Hood Materials
Range hoods are primarily made of stainless steel and enamel. In terms of cost, enamel and stainless steel range hoods are more common and affordable. When it comes to cleaning, the enamel and stainless steel surfaces are very easy to cleanse. After all, the main function of a range hood is to expel the fumes generated during cooking. As the fumes are expelled, the body of the machine itself will also be stained with grease and dirt. Basically, after cooking, users will usually wipe the grease off its surface, and before the New Year, they can thoroughly clean it, using a detergent to clean the range hood. The surface of enamel-coated range hoods is more susceptible to corrosion by cleaning agents, while stainless steel surfaces do not have this problem.
5. Range Hood Appearance
In addition to size, suction power, and materials, the appearance of the range hood is also part of the consumer's consideration. Range hood appearances can be roughly divided into six types: traditional Chinese wall-mounted type, inclined chimney type, deep hood type, European-style funnel type, inverted T type, and built-in type.
- Traditional Wall-Mounted Type: Currently the most popular model with the lowest price and average suction power.
- Inclined Chimney Type: An improved version of the standard model, the inner wall and inclined back design on both sides can more effectively concentrate fumes with a better smoke collection effect than the standard model.
- Deep Hood Type: The hood is thicker than the standard model, like a higher hood, and improves the fume-collecting effect through a larger fume-collecting chamber.
- Funnel Type: It has a one-piece design with beautiful lines and texture. Without considering its motor capacity and purely in terms of design, it has the best suction power among European-style range hoods.
- Inverted T Type: Minimalist design, sleek and stylish.
- Telescopic and Built-in Type: It can be embedded in cabinets. Only a thin piece of metal is visible when not in use, and the air vent needs to be pulled out when in use. This type is highly recommended for those who value overall kitchen design.
6. Cleaning the Range Hood
The primary function of a range hood is to extract cooking fumes, making it one of the kitchen appliances that accumulate the most grease. How to choose the right material, filters, and features to maintain it is a key consideration for cooks. As mentioned earlier, range hoods are typically made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches, while enamel looks attractive but is less durable and should be wiped with a soft cloth.
Secondly, range hoods need to be equipped with filters or exhaust hoods. On one hand, this helps to filter the fumes and prevents grease from sticking to the internal blades, affecting the suction power and ensuring the expelled air is cleaner. On the other hand, it prevents hair and other foreign objects from being sucked in, which could cause injury to the user. Filters can accumulate a lot of grease, and imported range hoods usually have three to five layers of oil filters at the air vent, which are easy to dismantle and can be directly cleaned in a dishwasher. Many manufacturers have developed different range hoods with automatic cleaning functions to make it convenient for users. BBE offers a wide selection of these, some of which are exclusive models.
7. Control Panel of the Range Hood
When buying a range hood, it's recommended to choose a range hood with the control panel installed on the front. Also, pay attention to the different signs and functions on the control panel.
- Stove Lighting Button: This touch button can turn the lighting on or off and adjust its brightness.
- Exhaust Fan Switch: Besides turning the exhaust fan on and off, most range hoods allow you to choose the fan strength and whether it continues to run. The fan can be set to continue running and then automatically turn off after 5 or 10 minutes.
- Oil Filter Control: The indicator light will illuminate when the oil filter needs cleaning. Some range hoods use this button to reset the usage time calculator after each filter cleaning. It can also be used to check or change the filter.
2025 Top 6 Range Hood Brands and Models
Here are the top 6 range hood brands and models recommended in 2025:
Features of this model:
● Air extraction volume up to 1140 cubic meters per hour
● Oil cup design
● Easy to clean
● Strong suction power
● Quiet design
Features of this model:
● Siemens patented iQDrive motor with up to ten years of warranty
● Equipped with 3 baffle filters that can be cleaned in a dishwasher
● Optional accessories include:
- cleanAir recirculation air kit
- Activated carbon air filter kit
Features of this model:
● Strengthened black glass design on the baffle
● Elegant and technologically modern style
● High air extraction volume of up to 1200 cubic meters per hour, instantly removing grease and smoke
● Easy to dismantle the flow guide for filter replacement and cleaning, saving time and effort
Features of this model:
● 70 cm width suitable for smaller kitchens
● Built-in oil collecting cup design that does not require washing
● High air extraction volume of up to 1200 cubic meters per hour, instantly removing grease and smoke
Features of this model:
● Available in 4 colors
● Oil-resistant coating on the body
● Baffle filter
● Streamlined slanted design
Features of this model:
● Air extraction volume: 1000 cubic meters per hour
● 3 cm slim panel design
● Sleek and elegant appearance
Installation Precautions for Range Hoods
When installing a range hood, the following points should be noted to ensure safety and effectiveness:
- The range hood should ideally be installed directly above the stove to effectively capture all the smoke and fumes that rise while cooking.
- A minimum distance of 65 centimeters should be maintained between a gas stove and the range hood, and at least 55 centimeters for an induction stove to prevent fire hazards during cooking.
- However, if the range hood is installed too high above the stove, it may affect its ability to extract smoke effectively.
- For ducted range hoods, consider the bends in the exhaust pipe and whether a long pipe is needed to reach the window.
- The exhaust duct should be as straight and short as possible for optimal performance. If the duct is too long and has many bends, it may not ventilate efficiently.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Range Hoods
To maintain good performance and extend the lifespan of the range hood, consider the following tips:
- Continue running the range hood for about 10 minutes after cooking to remove any residual smoke and odors from the kitchen thoroughly.
- Do not move cooking pots on the stove while cooking to prevent any flames from being drawn into the range hood, which can be dangerous.
- For range hoods with oil filters, regularly clean or replace the filters to prevent excessive oil accumulation.
- Experts recommend cleaning the filters with hot water and detergent every 10-15 days and replacing the entire oil filter every three months.
- For circulating range hoods with activated carbon filters, which cannot be cleaned, replacing the filters every 6-9 months is recommended.
- For range hoods with oil collectors, regularly empty and clean them to prevent oil spillage.
Shopping Tips: What to Know When Choosing a Ducted Range Hood
The information above is essential when choosing a fume extractor hood. Apart from considering the exhaust airflow and the noise produced, we have also summarized several points to note during the installation, use, and maintenance of the range hood. BBE provides a comprehensive service for delivering and installing ducted range hoods. Our professional technicians will determine the appropriate installation location based on the manufacturer's instructions and your home environment. We also offer expert advice and competitive pricing on ducted range hoods. If you have any questions about purchasing a ducted range hood, feel free to contact us or visit our stores located in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, and Tuen Mun for a consultation with our professional appliance consultants.
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