The best built-in hood for the kitchen: the secrets of choice

Comfort and coziness are two things without which a modern person can no longer imagine his life. Especially when it comes to your own apartment. The question of how to choose a built-in cooker hood for the kitchen is asked very often, since any family comes to the idea of ​​buying such a high-tech device for removing foreign odors sooner or later.

A bit about the benefits of embedded models

Few can boast of an impressive kitchen area, which easily accommodates a central island with tables for cooking and eating and an extractor fan of the appropriate format. Most owners of apartments and houses are simply fed up with standard chimney-type equipment sockets that spoil the interior. Even fewer people will prefer simple, circulating devices, which sometimes not only purify the air and contribute to improved ventilation of the room, but rather drive the contents of the kitchen volume in a circle.

A modern built-in range hood is one of the most convenient and practical solutions. She has a lot of advantages of both technical and consumer plan:

• located inside the hanging cabinet, the built-in hood does not spoil the design and aesthetics of the kitchen set;
• the manufacturer provides a convenient number of device operating modes;
• the best built-in hoods equipped with a pull-out panel easily capture the entire area of ​​the stove and reliably remove odors;
• the best models are equipped with automation, remember the latest settings, to start the ventilation process, just push the panel forward;
• the noise level that the built-in hoods have is noticeably lower than that of their freestanding counterparts.

The last factor is explained simply. Built-in hoods are always firmly fixed by the cabinet body. Therefore, the vibration level is lower, respectively - the noise emitted. Due to this, this type of equipment often leads the customer’s preference rating when choosing a particular model.

The last thing worth dwelling on, although you can list the advantages of the hoods in question for a long time, is the effect of the appliance on the aesthetics of the kitchen. The fact that it can be integrated immediately allows you not to spoil the appearance of the headset, masking the location in the cabinet.

The second important factor, which further increases the rating of the equipment in the eyes of the buyer, is the simplicity of the device, completely hidden from the eyes of the duct. The outlet at the integrated hood is located directly on the top of the kitchen cabinet, close to the wall. Therefore, even a simple corrugated pipe will have a minimum of areas open to the eye. And if you use a good solution in the form of a flat duct for the duct, it will become completely invisible.

How to choose a good model

When choosing a built-in hood, you need to consider many factors. Among them:

• structural design;
• odor removal technique;
• installation requirements;
• the presence of automation and convenient modes of operation;
• rated performance;
• coverage area;
• the presence of a retractable surface.

There are several more criteria for a successful purchase: for example, the presence of replaceable filters that allow easy cleaning, not replacement. Unfortunately, in a huge assortment of devices in the market it is difficult to navigate. Therefore, we will try to briefly and abstractly outline a simple step-by-step technique that allows you to quickly outline a set of products that make up a personal rating of preferences.

How to choose the width of the air intake

The overall size of the equipment depends on the area that needs to be ventilated.For example, if air needs to be removed from the gas stove, the dimensions of the hood must be calculated according to its width. Whenever possible, it is best to purchase equipment that is slightly wider.

In the case when the coverage of the air intake zone is less than the area where the steam and odors come from, the following phenomena will be observed:

1. A coating of grease and dirt gradually forms on the bottom of the furniture.
2. Odor removal efficiency will be reduced.
3. Due to the effect of steam, damage to the details of the kitchen set is possible.

When the criteria for selecting the hood width are clear, you should take them as a preliminary estimate. Final - done on the basis of the dimensions of the cabinets, which are located above the stove or hob. There is an option for the location of the hood in one of them, in several, in part of one of the interior items.

How to determine the convenient depth of the device

Built-in hoods vary in depth. The mistress will have to decide which hood is better. However, there is an average rating of preferences.

1. The first place is occupied by devices with a sliding panel. They occupy the full depth of the cabinet, allow you to capture air over a large area, over the entire cooking surface or stove.
2. In second place are hoods without a retractable part, the depth of which is equal to that of suspended interior items.
3. In some cases, if the depth of the cabinets is significant or there isn’t much food being cooked on the stove, you can opt for a shallow model. It occupies only part of the hanging headset item. Such a hood can be embedded either closer to the wall or to the front of the cabinet.

The latter option is somewhat irrational. But such equipment may be acceptable if there is one person living in the apartment who hardly cooks on his own and the hood is needed only for ventilation and lighting.

Structural design

Built-in appliances differ in their design. It will depend on how convenient the hood is, and how much effort and skill will be required to install it. Distinguish:

• hoods for tapping into the area of ​​the lower part of the cabinet. For installation, you will need to make a hole and work with the internal shelves for laying the air duct. This format is convenient if the device does not occupy the entire width and depth of the hanging interior item or, on the contrary, is located in the area of ​​two lockers;
• hoods for fastening instead of the bottom of the cabinet with space for parking doors. Convenient if the width and depth of the suspension unit meet the requirements for capturing the area. Installation is easier than the previous device format;
• hoods for attaching to the bottom of the cabinet with the front panel. The most convenient format of the device, offering the functionality of a drawer. Many manufacturers offer the opportunity to install a panel purchased by the buyer to perfectly fit the appliance into the kitchen.

Another device format involves wall mounting. Such hoods can be considered conditionally built-in. But they can be useful in the individual design of a kitchen set, since all that needs to be done is to provide an air duct inside the hanging cabinet on top or the construction of the latter around the hood.

It should be noted right away: the first type of hoods (mortise) in the list is not equipped with pull-out panels.

Specifications

The main thing that the hood should do is to effectively remove air. For this, the device will need to have a certain performance. Today, many manufacturers indicate the recommended area of ​​the kitchen for easy orientation.You can choose a hood by this parameter if the ceilings in the apartment are of standard height. For fidelity, it is worthwhile to prefer a device whose recommended area of ​​use is 15-20% more than the kitchen.

You can calculate the required performance by the formula: the volume of the kitchen (floor area X ceiling height in square meters and meters, respectively) is multiplied by 12. This is the minimum sanitary indicator. In practice, the hood will have to overcome the air resistance as it passes through the filters. To compensate for this phenomenon, the resulting sanitary minimum is increased by 10%.

Since the hood does not work evenly during the entire cooking process (almost no one turns on the appliance at the same time as the gas is ignited or the hob starts heating), it is recommended to increase the calculated figure by another 10-15%. This will be an indicator of performance, which should be guided when buying a device. Of particular note: this characteristic does not apply to the maximum performance mode (or the so-called intensive). You need to focus on the nominal performance.

The second thing you need to pay attention to is the noise level. This indicator should be given the main priority in deciding which built-in hood is better to buy. The comfort zone for this class of devices is at the level of 50-55 dB in maximum performance mode.

With some assumptions (in the afterburner, the hood is rarely used), you can assume the presence of 60 or even 65 dB in the documentation. But you should not climb above this limit. Such a hood will not only make noise, but will also be able to vibrate, making additional sounds with the cabinet and objects located in it.

Another feature on the basis of which the rating of purchase preferences is formed is the location of the duct outlet. A round hole close to the middle of the upper part of the built-in hood housing is an inconvenient option. You will have to cut a hole in the shelf, the upper part of the cabinet, and there will be little space for things in it.

The models with the air duct located in the rear part look the best. At the same time, the responsible manufacturer will offer a variant of the cover with a transition to a rectangular shape for fastening a rigid duct duct. Such a model at the same time will require less effort during installation and save free space inside the cabinet.

Principle of operation

There are models on the market that can provide work in the following modes:

• recirculation, when air is taken from the volume of the kitchen, passes through the filters and is again fed into the room;
• exhaust, when air from the kitchen enters the ventilation duct of the house.

To get a cheap built-in hood, working only in recirculation mode, is irrational. In order for such a device to efficiently remove odors, you will need to constantly clean or replace the filters.

Most built-in hoods from good manufacturers will offer two operating modes at once, between which you can switch. For example, if breakfast is being heated, you can start the appliance in recirculation mode for a short time. In the case when the food is cooked for a long time and a lot of smells are released, it will be more efficient to bleed air into the ventilation duct.

Automation and adjustments

For the built-in hood, an extremely useful function is the automatic inclusion when pulling out the external unit and remembering the last setting of the operating mode. Using such a model is simple. It is enough to reach out and pull out the panel.

Useful is the intensive ventilation mode. It will help if there is a sharp and severe smoke in the kitchen or a large number of odors are released. In addition to the presence of such a function, a good hood has an operating time after a shutdown command.This is necessary to remove contaminated air from the duct space.

The availability of several engine speeds is extremely convenient and necessary. This will allow you to choose a comfortable mode of noise and ventilation. There are still many different amenities and possibilities in the hoods, the specific set of which the future owner chooses individually, according to his preferences.

What can i buy

After a step-by-step review of how to choose the built-in hood for the kitchen, it is worth stopping at successful models that can be purchased on the mass market.

1. Best P 580 IX 52. Representative hoods that cut into the lower shelf of the cabinet. The model is very successful, equipped with two backlight lamps on an inclined front panel, has two zones of air intake. The maximum productivity is 1000 cubic meters per hour, the power consumption is 250 watts, and the cut-in width is 520 mm. The model is electronically controlled, works both with recirculation and with a tap, is equipped with a quiet engine, has a maximum noise of 58 dB. Of the disadvantages, only the lack of intensive ventilation can be noted.
   
2. ELIKOR Integra 60. Representative of models that are mounted under the line of the lower shelf of the cabinet. The hood will be useful in urban apartments, its productivity is 400 cubic meters per hour, two work speeds are offered, there is a backlight, the device consumes 200 watts. The device works both for air exhaustion and in recirculation mode. The width of the cabinet for installation is 600 mm, the depth is 280 mm. The model is equipped with a front bar on a sliding shelf, it can be matched to the specific color of the furniture pediment.
   
3. Elica Glide 90 IX. A model of unusual shape, designed for mounting on a wall or built into the level of the lower part of the cabinet. The maximum productivity is 1200 cubic meters per hour, the hood works both for recirculation and for exhaust, a grease filter and anti-return mechanism for air movement in only one direction are offered. The model is quite wide - 900 mm, so wall mounting will help reduce the amount of work on modifying cabinets.
   
4. Jetair Aurora LX 60 IX. Hood with an excellent combination of functionality and cost. It is built in under the line of the lower part of the cabinet, has three speeds, a simple push-button control, a grease filter and an indicator of its pollution. Productivity at maximum is 500 cubic meters per hour, there is a recirculation and exhaust mode, and the noise level is very pleasant - only 53 dB.
   
5. Jetair CA Extra (52) IX. Looking at the market, one can not stop at the hoods, which will occupy a huge space inside the cabinet. Their representative, designed for insertion into the lower shelf, is Jetair CA Extra (52) IX. This hood works for exhaust and recirculation, has a maximum productivity of 990 cubic meters, three speeds, a grease filter. The height of the hidden block is 250 mm. You can forget about placing something in a good half of the locker. In addition, the model has quite an impressive sound - as much as 64 dB.
   

In conclusion

When choosing a hood for embedding in a cabinet, it is worth focusing, first of all, on its minimum dimensions, the overall height of the block, the nature of placement and technical indicators. After the circle of preferences is outlined, it remains only to determine the presence of additional functions, the number of speeds, backlight, display and other features. And the acquired hood, if you do not forget to pay attention to the noise level, will certainly please you with excellent work.

Title	Best P 580 IX 52	ELIKOR Integra 60	Elica Glide 90 IX	Jetair Aurora LX 60 IX	Jetair CA Extra (52) IX
Installation	built-in wardrobe	built-in wardrobe	built-in wardrobe	built-in wardrobe	built-in wardrobe
Operating modes	retraction / circulation	retraction / circulation	retraction / circulation	retraction / circulation	retraction / circulation
Maximum performance	1000 cu m / h	400 cu m / h	1200 cc m / h	500 cc m / h	990 cc m / h
Control	electronic push-button	mechanical, push-button	electronic push-button	mechanical, push-button	mechanical, slide
Price	from 15000 rub.	from 3700 rub.	from 25000 rub.	from 6600 rub.	from 9990 rub.