Under Cupboard Rangehood Buying Guide

A rangehood is a metal duct installed above your kitchen cooktop. An in-built or external fan pulls air up through a filtration system to remove smoke, grease, heat, condensation and cooking odours. 

Rangehoods can be ducted externally by directing the air outside (through the wall or ceiling), or they can clean the air in the cooking area by using carbon filters to remove heavy agents then recirculating filtered air back into the kitchen.

Without a rangehood, your kitchen surfaces will quickly gather layers of grease and grime, which can leave strong unpleasant smells in the kitchen and require frequent heavy cleaning.

Under cupboard rangehoods, are designed to be installed beneath your kitchen cabinetry. In most cases, you won't be able to see the unit at all.

1. These types of rangehoods are unobtrusive and hidden away.

2. Are generally smaller as they are built directly into your cupboard.

3. Provide strong suction.

4. Offer excellent lighting and filtration.

5. Doesn’t interfere with your kitchen's decor.

Under cupboard rangehoods, are great for small kitchens where space is at a premium. Because they are hidden from view, they help to keep things simple and uncluttered. They are also perfect for minimalist kitchen designs, as they will not disrupt the cabinetry line.

Another advantage of under cupboard rangehoods is that they tend to be very quiet to operate. This is because the cupboard will absorb a lot of the motor noise.

For someone wanting an extremely quiet rangehood, an under cupboard model with an external motor, such as the Quiteair models, is the one for you.

Size:

First, you'll need to measure the width of your cooktop. Generally speaking, the rangehood width should match the cooktop cooking surface area.

Then, you'll need to measure the width of your cupboard. Before you purchase a rangehood, check the product dimensions to make certain that it will fit the available space. Please remember to measure carefully before you buy!

Appliances Online can organise an installation with our own team of fully licenced professionals. Please visit Winning Services for more information.

Height restrictions:

You will also need to consider your cooktop, as there are different height restrictions for different fuel types. For gas (from the top of the trivet to the underside of the rangehood) the height restriction is 650mm - 750mm. While for electric cooktops, the height restriction is 600mm - 650mm.

Ducted rangehoods:

A ducted rangehood directs air from the kitchen outside the house (via the wall or ceiling) through a metal duct. This is the most effective way to clear the air in your kitchen. However, this option might not always be possible, as it involves getting a builder to knock a hole in the wall or ceiling in order to install the ducting pipe. If you reside in a unit block, generally it is not possible to duct your rangehood, so recirculating would be the best option.

Recirculating rangehoods:

Recirculating rangehoods filter impurities from the air and then recirculate it back into the kitchen. They do this using carbon filters which need to be replaced from time to time (depending on how often you use your rangehood).

The advantage of recirculating rangehoods is that you don't need to install a duct pipe through the wall or ceiling. The downside to recirculating your rangehood and using carbon filters, is they don’t remove heat, smoke, and all cooking smells, they do, however, reduce the smells.

Extraction rate:

The extraction rate refers to a rangehood's ability to draw in air. Models with higher extraction rates will vent a larger amount of air, which makes them highly effective.

The extraction rate of a rangehood is measured in cubic meters per hour. If you have a large kitchen and a large cooktop, it is best to get a rangehood that has a high extraction rate so as to prevent smoke and cooking odours from traveling through your home. It is also good to keep in mind that a ducted rangehood is better for odour extraction.

If you do a lot of cooking, look for a rangehood with an extraction rate of around 700m3/h. These types of rangehoods also work extremely well when using ducting.

Filters:

All rangehoods have filters. Ducted rangehoods will usually use aluminum filters, which need to be cleaned regularly for maximum efficiency and safety. For maximum cleaning convenience, look for a model with dishwasher-safe filters.

Recirculating rangehoods use carbon filters to remove impurities from the air. These cannot be re-used - once their lifespan is up you'll need to buy new ones to replace them.

Some rangehoods include a filter indicator which is a handy feature to have - as it will inform you when it's time to clean the mesh filter.

Noise:

The noise levels of different types of rangehood will vary. Most manufacturers will provide a decibel rating, however, the noise level will be affected by other factors such as where it has been installed and what fan speed you're using.

Recirculating rangehoods use carbon filters to remove impurities from the air. These cannot be re-used - once their lifespan is up you'll need to buy new ones to replace them.

If noise is a concern for you, look for a rangehood with a sound-proof motor, or opt for a rangehood with an external motor.

Touch controls:

Touch controls will give your rangehood a streamlined aesthetic, and they are easier to clean than buttons that protrude from the unit.