Selecting the right range hood for your kitchen is one of the most crucial decisions when designing or renovating your cooking space. A high-quality range hood not only enhances the aesthetics of your kitchen but also ensures that smoke, grease, and odors are effectively ventilated, making your cooking experience cleaner and more comfortable. With so many options available in terms of design, features, and performance, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps for how to choose the right range hood.
Step 1: Analyze Your Cooking Habits and Needs
Before you begin shopping for a range hood, take some time to consider your cooking habits. Do you cook a lot of heavy, greasy meals, or are you more of a light cooker? Understanding your cooking style is crucial to choosing a range hood that meets your needs.
When you ask yourself "what to look for when buying a range hood", consider the following:
R-Max Series: If you frequently cook with oils or prepare strongly flavored dishes, the ROBAM R-Max Series will likely suit your needs. This series provides powerful suction and is designed for heavy-duty kitchens. R-Max Generation 2 and Generation 3 models offer higher performance, quieter operation, and smart features that make cleaning and maintenance much easier.
Tornado Series: For larger kitchens or frequent cooking with multiple burners, the ROBAM Tornado Series is an ideal choice. This high-performance range hood offers cyclonic suction technology that is perfect for demanding cooking environments.
Step 2: Determine Your Kitchen's Layout and Venting Options
Your kitchen layout plays a significant role in determining which range hood will work best for you. If your kitchen is smaller or located in an apartment where external venting isn't an option, you'll need a range hood that either recirculates the air or fits seamlessly into your cabinetry.
When considering how to choose a range hood based on your kitchen's layout, think about these options:
CleanAir Series: The CleanAir Series is perfect for apartments or smaller kitchens where external venting is not available. This series features a top-suction design that effectively captures grease and smoke, even without the need for an external exhaust system. Additionally, the compact design makes it easy to integrate into cabinetry, which is ideal for those with limited space.
R-Max Series: If you have a larger kitchen or access to external venting, the R-Max Series offers versatile configurations and sizes. Whether your kitchen is small or large, there's a model to suit your needs.
Step 3: Select the Right Type of Range Hood
Range hoods come in different designs, such as wall-mounted and under-cabinet hoods. The design you choose should align with both the functionality you need and the aesthetic you desire for your kitchen.
How to pick a range hood that complements your kitchen style:
Wall-Mounted Range Hoods: The Tornado Series is a great choice if you're looking for a wall-mounted option. This series combines European-inspired design with powerful performance, making it ideal for large kitchens where you need strong suction combined with style.
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods: If you prefer something discreet and space-saving, the R-Max Series provides sleek, under-cabinet models that are both powerful and compact. These are perfect for kitchens with limited overhead space.
Step 4: Calculate the Necessary CFM and Size
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is a measure of a range hood's suction power. The greater the CFM, the more powerful the suction, which is essential for larger kitchens or heavy cooking. It's important to select a range hood with the appropriate CFM based on the size of your kitchen and the intensity of your cooking.
How to buy a range hood that is the right size for your kitchen:
R-max Series: The R-Max Series comes in various sizes, ranging from 30 to 36 inches, allowing you to select the right model for your stove width. You can ensure that you're getting the appropriate CFM by choosing the model that best fits your needs.
Tornado Series: If you have a larger kitchen or cook with multiple burners, the Tornado Series offers high CFM options to ensure maximum airflow and effective performance for demanding environments.
CFM Calculation Tip:
To calculate the minimum CFM needed for your range hood, use the formula:
(Stove Width in Inches) x 100 = Minimum CFM Required
ROBAM range hoods offer a range of CFM ratings to match your specific needs:
|
Model |
Unresisted Airflow（CFM） |
Wind Pressure（Pa) |
|
850 |
450 |
|
|
1050 |
450 |
|
|
1100 |
1000 |
|
|
1200 |
1000 |
|
|
1200 |
1000 |
|
|
1300 |
1000 |
|
|
1400 |
1200 |
|
|
1100 |
800 |
|
|
1100 |
800 |
|
|
1300 |
1000 |
|
|
1200 |
800 |
|
|
1500 |
1000 |
By choosing a model with the appropriate CFM, you ensure your kitchen remains fresh and free from smoke, odors, and grease, matching the range hood's power to your cooking habits and space.
Step 5: Compare Key Features and Noise Levels
When selecting a range hood, noise levels should not be overlooked. Some models offer powerful suction but at the cost of noise, which can be disruptive, especially in open-plan kitchens or smaller living spaces. It's important to choose a range hood that offers both high performance and a quieter operation.
Beyond noise, modern range hoods are equipped with intelligent features that can make your cooking experience even more convenient and efficient. Some of these features include gesture controls, responsive touch screens, and auto-adjust speed control, which add a layer of comfort and ease to your kitchen routine.
What range hood should I buy if noise is a concern and you want intelligent features?
R-Max Generation 2 and 3: The R-Max Generation 2 provides quieter operation compared to earlier models, with enhanced suction power. Generation 3 goes even further by offering a near-silent cooking experience while maintaining excellent suction. It is equipped with smart features such as gesture control, allowing you to operate the range hood with simple hand motions—perfect for when you have greasy hands while cooking.
CleanAir Series: The CleanAir Series is designed to operate quietly while still providing excellent grease capture. Its top-suction design ensures that it operates quietly even under high suction. It also includes an intuitive touch screen panel for easy operation and auto-adjust speed control function, which seamlessly adjusts the suction power in real-time to match the duct air, optimizing performance and energy efficiency.
Tornado Series: The Tornado Series, while slightly louder due to its high suction power, is perfect for large kitchens where noise is less of a concern. It also includes smart features like a smart timer to control how long the fan runs after you're finished cooking. The Tornado Series offers a responsive touch screen for easy operation and can be paired with other smart home systems for greater convenience.
Step 6: Set a Budget and Explore Brands
The price of range hoods can vary widely, depending on the design, features, and performance level. Setting a budget before you start shopping will help narrow down your choices and ensure you're choosing the best option for your needs.
How to pick range hood models within your budget:
R-Max Series: The R-Max Generation 1 is an affordable option that offers solid suction power at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a mid-range model, R-Max Generation 2 or Generation 3 provide additional features, such as quieter operation and smart controls, at a higher price point.
Tornado and Dual-Chamber Series: These high-end models offer superior performance, sleek designs, and advanced features. While they come with a higher price tag, they are ideal for large kitchens or luxury installations where both performance and aesthetics matter.
Step 7: Final Checklist Before You Click "Buy"
Before you make your final purchase, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you assessed your cooking habits and kitchen layout?
- Do you need a high-performance model for heavy cooking or a quieter model for regular meals?
- Have you calculated the necessary CFM and stove size for your kitchen?
- Have you set a realistic budget and explored the available brands?
By asking "how to choose a range hood" and following these steps, you'll be well on your way to selecting the best range hood for your kitchen. Whether you opt for the high-performance R-Max Series or the stylish Tornado Series, ROBAM has the right model to meet your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right range hood is essential for maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen environment. By carefully considering your cooking habits, kitchen size, budget, and desired features, you can confidently choose the right range hood for your needs. Whether you need a quiet, high-performance model like the R-Max Series or a premium option such as the Tornado Series, ROBAM offers a wide range of options to suit every kitchen style and requirement.
