Ducted rangehood buying guide

What is a ducted rangehood?

A ducted rangehood is a duct above your cooktop designed to remove smoke, odours and grease from your kitchen. It uses fan power to suck contaminated air out of your kitchen and then vent it outside through the wall or ceiling.

A rangehood ensures that food odours, smoke, steam and other particles don't linger like unwanted guests in your kitchen and throughout your home.

Ducted vs recirculating rangehoods

There are two types of rangehoods available: ducted and recirculating. Recirculating rangehoods work by filtering air and then returning it into the room, rather than venting it outside like a ducted rangehood. They pass air through a carbon filter which will need to be replaced on a regular basis, reducing smells and impurities before releasing the air back into your kitchen.

As you'd probably expect, ducted rangehoods are the most effective option for removing odours and smoke from your kitchen. However, they require installing ducted piping through the wall or ceiling, which isn't an option in all homes.

Types of rangehoods

Rangehoods are available in several different styles to suit a variety of kitchen layouts and designs:

• Fixed rangehoods. The most affordable of all the available options, fixed rangehoods cover a large cooking area and feature a large filter. While they may not offer the flexibility of a retractable rangehood or the aesthetic advantages of canopy and undermount rangehoods, they offer efficient performance and won't break the bank.
• Under-cupboard (or undermount) rangehoods. As the name suggests, these rangehoods are installed under your kitchen cabinetry. This design means they're tucked away out of sight and generally don't take up too much space. However, they may not cover as much of your cooktop as some other options.
• Canopy rangehoods. An increasingly popular option, canopy rangehoods generally offer the most effective performance thanks to the amount of cooktop coverage they provide. They can be mounted on a wall or installed above an island bench, but some models can be quite expensive.
• Retractable rangehoods. Also known as slide-out rangehoods, these models are designed to save space and be reasonably unobtrusive. The fan and light switch on when you slide the rangehood out and switch off again when you slide it shut. However, their smaller collection area means they're not as effective as canopy or fixed models.
• Downdraft rangehoods. While they're not as widely available as the other options, downdraft rangehoods are concealed behind the stovetop and pop up when needed. Designed for island cooktops where venting through the ceiling may not be possible, they direct the fumes downwards to ducts beneath the floor. While they're worth considering if you want a streamlined look, downdraft models are typically expensive and not as effective as other options.

How to compare ducted rangehoods

With so many options to choose from, how do you choose the right rangehood for your kitchen? The most important factors to consider are the size of your cooktop and the space you have to work with. Those who are undertaking a full kitchen renovation (or building a new house) will have a whole lot more freedom than someone looking to replace an old or broken rangehood.

Your budget will also have a big bearing on which rangehood you select, so make sure you compare a range of options in your price range before you buy. Here are the key factors you'll need to take into account when shopping around:

Additional features

• Ease of cleaning. Rangehoods deal with grease, grime and a range of strong odours so will need regular cleaning. Look for a model that's simple to wipe down and doesn't have any obvious areas where grease will accumulate.
• Filter. Most ducted rangehoods have aluminium filters which require regular cleaning. Make sure the model you choose has a filter that is easy to remove and clean – many will be dishwasher-safe – to ensure that your rangehood will function properly.
• Lighting. Built-in lighting gives you a clearer view of the cooktop and whatever dish you're preparing. Check how much illumination is provided and whether replacing the globe(s) will be a simple job or overly fiddly.
• Height above cooktop. The type of cooktop you use will affect the minimum height at which your rangehood must be above the cooking surface. For example, in Australia the rangehood must be at least 600mm above an electric cooktop and at least 650mm above gas hobs. Many manufacturers recommend additional clearance, so read the fine print closely.
• Installation. If you're planning a DIY job, find out exactly what's involved in installing your chosen model. If you'll be getting a professional to do it for you, remember to factor this expense into your budget.
• Timer. Want to leave the rangehood on to clear the air while you sit down to dinner with the family? Many models feature a timer so you can set the rangehood to switch itself off after a specified period.
• Speeds. While some rangehoods offer up to six speed settings, two or three settings should be more than enough for most people.
• Heat sensor. Some more expensive models will come with a temperature sensor that can automatically adjust the rangehood speed to suit cooking heat levels.
• Warranty. Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty – two years is fairly common – and what it does and doesn't cover before you buy.