Selecting a range hood insert for your custom decorative hood is not easy. A range hood is a finishing touch and focal point of any kitchen. It has to be the right size and reflect the style of the kitchen. With so many sizes and features to choose from, it definitely can be a daunting task. But, with a few simple things in mind, you can easily select the right range hood ventilation to fit your needs.
Helpful Tips for Finding the Right Range Hood Insert
There are a lot of hood inserts & liners on the market, but they all differ in their performance. The best way to choose the right insert or liner is to do a little research and understand what you really need. It is essential to know the power of the fan/blower, the noise level, and the size of the hood. With this information, you will be able to decide on the proper liner for your kitchen.
What Size Range Hood Insert Do I Need?
First, you will need to make sure that the insert is the right size for your vent hood. You will also need to make sure that it is properly sealed so that it can effectively trap smoke and other contaminants. The design of the vent hood should match the aesthetics of the kitchen, but more importantly, fit the size of your range or cooktop. The range hood should extend about 3 inches beyond the cooktop on all sides. For example, a 30″ in range requires a 36″ wide hood.
What Features Should My Insert Have?
Most inserts come with special features, such as lights and upgraded filters, and automatic sensors. Make sure to choose one that has the features you need.
- Lighting: Most models come with two or three lights to brighten your cooking area.
- Quiet Operation: Not all customers will find the sound of an exhaust fan annoying, but some will. Thus, it is advisable for the customers to go for a blower that is extremely quiet like Trade-Wind.
- Remote Control/Auto on/off: Trade-Wind models with an internal blower come w/ a remote and auto shut-off timer.
- Filter Style: You’ll want to decide if commercial-style baffle filters or mesh filters are best for your range hood insert.
Understanding Vent Hood Insert Performance
The performance of the vent hood should match your needs and space, as it will filter the toughest particles and grease efficiently. The insert should have a quality venting system that will suck away the odor and the smoke from the kitchen.
The key to selecting the right ventilation is to know what kind of performance you need. Range hoods and inserts are rated by the amount of air they move in cubic feet per minute (C.F.M.). The CFM rating is important because it tells you how much air the insert can move. The higher the CFM rating, the better.
Determine the CFM Needed
There is no “industry standard” criteria for determining how many CFM’s are required for the many different types of stoves and ranges. Every installation has many variables including the basics: distance between vent and cooking surface, island or wall installation, air currents in the kitchen, length and shape of the duct run, e.g., number of bends (elbows), type of damper, type of roof cap and other considerations.
How to Calculate the CFM for Your Range Hood Insert
To determine the amount of CFM needed to exhaust an electric, gas, or dual fuel range, a generally accepted “rule-of-thumb” is to divide the total BTUs by 100. Example: KitchenAid’s Architecht® Series, Dual Fuel 36″ Model
| 6 Surface Burners (Gas) | 72,000 BTU’s |
| Broiler Element (Electric) 3,000 Watts x 3.5 = 10,500 BTU’s 10,500 BTU’s (BTU Equivalent; see details below) | 10,500 BTU’s |
| Total BTU’s | 82,500 |
| Rule of Thumb CFM Requirements | 82,500 divided by 100 = 825 CFM |
Other variables include the user’s cooking preference and/or the amount and types of foods cooked, e.g., fish vs. steamed vegetables. Cooking with strong-smelling seasonings can actually cause an entire house to smell, which can negatively affect the resale value of the house. And given that indoor grill cooking generates large amounts of smoke, cooks that grill indoors should install hoods or liners with very high CFM performance.
Trade-Wind stainless steel inserts and liners come in the right style, size and performance for every type of wood or custom-designed hood. The leading-edge inserts are engineered to be quiet, powerful, and reliable.
Sizes range from 30″ to 72″ widths to fit every range or cooktop application. Trade-Wind inserts/liners achieve exceptional performance by offering 290 CFM, 390 CFM, 600 CFM, or 1200 CFM depending on the size of your insert/liner.
Popular Trade-Wind Models
Final Range Hood Insert Buying Tips
The type of liner you choose for your home depends on many factors, including:
– The location of the range hood in your home.
– The type of venting system.
– The design of the hood itself. Most inserts are designed to fit into specific styles.
If you are searching for the right liner for your home, you should consider a few important factors. In order to choose the right insert or liner, you should consider the following;
- Cost
- Size
- Performance
- Noise level
- Special features (remote control, lighting, etc.)
Choosing the right kitchen insert can be a complicated process, and there are many variables to consider before making your purchase. When it comes to kitchen ventilation, there are a few key takeaways. First, you’ll want to make sure that the insert you choose is the right size for your range hood. Second, you’ll want to consider the features that are important to you. Some inserts come with built-in lighting, and auto on/off settings, while others have more powerful fans. Third, you’ll want to think about the type of filter. Making sure you choose the right range hood insert for your home is important for both style and function. With this guide, you’ll be ready to compare models and find the perfect match.
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