There are a lot of things to consider when planning a new kitchen, and your rangehood is another item to add to the list. While there are a lot of rangehoods available today, the two types which stand out from the pack are ducted rangehoods and recirculating rangehoods.
In this article, we’re going to explain the difference between the two as well as explore the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
The Ducted Rangehood
A ducted rangehood is connected to your kitchen through extractor fans which transport airborne particles from your kitchen to the outdoors. This canopy hood is typically outfitted with a light and a fan with varying speeds, so you can keep smoke and grime at bay while you prepare meals.
The Pros of a Ducted Rangehood
There are a number of benefits of having a ducted rangehood, such as:
- Efficiency (ducted rangehoods are better at removing smoke and moisture)
- Better air quality (compromised air is completely removed from the kitchen)
- Reduced noise (many users claim that ducted rangehoods are quieter than their recirculating counterpart)
The Cons of a Ducted Rangehood
The only real drawback to the ducted rangehood is that it’s limited in terms of where it can be placed. Because it must be installed in a spot where there is a duct system which runs from inside of the kitchen to the outside of your home, it may not be the right fit for every kitchen.
The Recirculating Rangehood
Unlike the ducted rangehood, the recirculating rangehood does just that: airborne particles and smoke are sucked in, filtered out, and the air is then blown back out into your kitchen. The filter typically contains aluminium, charcoal or activated charcoal, and it will need to be changed up to two times a year.
The Pros of a Recirculating Rangehood
Users of recirculating rangehoods appreciate them for a number of reasons:
- Limitless locations (not requiring access to the outdoors, it can be installed anywhere)
- Ease of installation (easier to install than a ducted rangehood)
The Cons of a Recirculating Rangehood
With those benefits in mind, there are also a series of drawbacks, like:
- Noise levels (typically louder because of an increase in fan power)
- Humidity (kitchens may feel more humid because moist air is only being filtered, not removed)
- Expense (arguably more expensive due to the filter needing to be replaced or cleaned one to two times a year).
Which Rangehood Should You Choose?
The layout of your kitchen, personal preferences and your cooking style will all play a major role in determining which rangehood is best for your kitchen.
Need help planning your kitchen appliances? Know before you buy and schedule an in-store design with a member of our Smart Kitchen team today! We have three convenient locations in Preston, Kilsyth, and Maribyrnong with professional designers available to help you design your budget kitchen.