Range hoods are the new thing for the kitchen. Known for having high quality venting systems, range hood vacuums then recirculate fresh air, helping to defray smoke and other airborne chemicals. A ducted hood even removes unwanted odors and excess moisture than can result from using your dishwasher, preventing mold and dry rot from accumulating on your building materials.

Finding Your Model

Once you begin shopping for a new range hood, you’ll discover a vast variety in style and design. Begin the process with a closer look at your own kitchen, assessing your home’s individual style and kitchen’s unique design scheme. Then, decide whether you want a stainless steel model with handblown glass or a copper finish. Or, perhaps, your range hood of choice will have frosted glass, a seamless design, and a slide-out canopy. Finally, pair your range hood with a decorative chimney for a backdrop, utilizing anything from stainless steel to rock to brick, and you’re sure to turn your range hood into the most popular fixture in the room.

Prices and Features

Range hoods vary in price, from a $99 basic model to a top of the line, $11,144 product made with coppered hammer. Besides materials used, what entails so vast a difference?

Low end models might come with a light and basic up-draft, down-draft, or no-draft fan. From there, the models evolve, including everything from microwave hoods, undercabinet mounts, and wall mounts to island chases, oil filters, different motor speeds, LCD screens, automatic shutoff systems, and heat sensors.

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