Fireplace hood for the kitchen: what is it and how does it differ from other types

What is a fireplace hood

Fireplace ventilation is a device designed to extract smoke, unpleasant odors and combustion objects emitted during the preparation of culinary masterpieces. This name is associated with its dome shape and design, which in appearance resembles a classic fireplace.

This hood includes:

• control unit for the front part of the installation;
• backlight;
• filter system;
• pipe and body.

At the same time, such a hood can be equipped with both trapping filters made of aluminum and carbon filters that absorb small contaminants and odors. The lighting system uses halogen, neon or LED lamps. Incandescent lamps are also less common, and their number will depend on the individual model.

Fireplace hood: what is it?

A fireplace hood is designed to extract smoke, unpleasant odors, and combustion products created during the cooking process. The fireplace hood got its name because of its dome shape and design similar to the exhaust system of a traditional fireplace.

A fireplace hood is a kitchen appliance that purifies the air from harmful emissions and fumes.

She has:

• Control unit on the front of the structure;
• Backlight;
• Filters;
• Casing and pipe.

The filters used in the hood can be heat-catching - aluminum or synthetic; carbon, which capture small particles and odors. Hoods can be equipped with lighting consisting of halogen lamps, incandescent or neon lamps, LED and fluorescent lamps. The number of lamps is from 1 or more, depending on the hood model.

The principle of operation of a fireplace hood

This device operates on a simple principle, which involves drawing polluted air outside through a ventilation shaft, which can also be passed inside the room through filters.

The kitchen fireplace hood remained unchanged in its design for many years. The appearance of small improvements in the form of touch controls has become a distinctive feature of modern models.

The operating principle of a fireplace hood.

Models that vary in appearance may have a hidden discharge pipe. Thanks to this configuration, their appearance becomes more attractive. If the kitchen space occupies a large space and is combined with the living room, and the kitchen equipment is placed according to the “island” principle in the middle of the room, then the ventilation system requires the installation of island hoods. The standard placement of kitchen furniture along the walls is characterized by the use of wall-mounted exhaust systems.

The device should be selected depending on the ventilation system. A village house made of wood is rarely equipped with a ventilation shaft. In this case, ventilation is developed and installed with your own hands. The design of a complete ventilation system can be associated with the choice of a simple filter model of a kitchen fireplace hood. However, it may turn out to be ineffective, since the purified air will not be removed from the room, but will only be filtered.

Advantages of fireplace hoods

A design of this type has a number of advantages: it prevents furniture and walls from being finished, eliminates unpleasant odors, and also promotes the flow of fresh air. And these are not all the advantages.

The cost of dome hoods varies depending on the size, performance and material of manufacture. The price range is huge, so it’s easy to choose a model that suits your taste and budget

Appearance

The design of fireplace hoods is stylish and creative. The aesthetic appearance does not require additional decoration. They look organically in any kitchen interior, and the variety of models, materials and colors opens up a wide choice for the buyer.

A wide range of fireplace hoods allows you to choose a model for the kitchen interior in any style - from classic to high-tech

Thanks to the dome-shaped shape, there is no need to mask the ventilation communication.

Some hoods of this type are used as a continuation of the kitchen unit in the form of a shelf.

Corner fireplace hood with shelf for souvenirs

Dome shape

One of the features of the fireplace hood is the volumetric body, which has the shape of a trapezoid or hemisphere. Due to the dome shape, space is created for installing several filters and a powerful fan at the same time. This increases the performance of the device and the ability to purify air in large kitchens. It is also worth noting the ease of installation; installation can be completed without the help of specialists.

Dome hoods belong to the class of flow-through ventilation systems with high power and performance

A fireplace hood is characterized by high performance and functionality, regardless of the size and cost of the device. Some models have built-in reusable filters and two engines at once, improving the quality of air purification.

Air purification method

Modern hoods have two types of cleaning: exhaust and recirculation.

The exhaust involves removing air from the apartment through a ventilation duct. This method is considered more effective. However, the need to pull the air duct is very upsetting for many for aesthetic reasons.

To protect internal parts, the unit is equipped with a metal grease trap, where the bulk of the contaminants are deposited. It is removable and needs to be washed as it becomes salted.

Recirculation devices drive the air through filters and return it cleaned to the room. This technique is suitable for those homes where connection to the ventilation duct is impossible for any reason.

Also, be prepared to incur additional costs for fairly frequent replacement of parts of such equipment. There are two stages of cleaning here.

1. A mesh-shaped cassette for removing large oil particles and preventing them from getting inside. After a certain level of contamination, it must be replaced with a new one.
2. The carbon filter captures unpleasant odors and must be replaced approximately every 4-6 months.

The display system will remind you of the need to install or wash filters. This may be a light indicator or a message on the display, and in some budget solutions, special symbols disappear on the purifier itself as the resource is used up.

There are devices that can operate in two modes. This is especially convenient in winter, when it is unprofitable to remove warm air from the apartment.

Size

The size of the hood is not the least important, especially for installation. Keep in mind that if your cabinet is 60 cm wide, then the built-in hood will be slightly smaller to fit inside. The most standard gradations of built-in hoods are 45, 60 and 90 cm. Models of 50, 70 or 80 cm are less commonly used. You need to select the width based on the dimensions of the hob. The hood should be equal in width or larger in order to capture air above the burners as efficiently as possible.

It is also important to take into account the depth of the wall cabinet so that the hood structure does not stick out anywhere. Dome (fireplace) hoods are usually selected so as to completely cover the space above the hob.

In any case, the most important thing is to take the exact dimensions of either your kitchen unit or the space allocated for the hood, so that when you make a purchase, you don’t have to think about how to fit a 60-centimeter hood into a half-meter cabinet. An approximate understanding of the relationship between the device and the locker:

Advantages of fireplace hoods

These designs will not only become indispensable in the kitchen, but will also fit perfectly into the interior of any style. In addition, such a device will appeal to all housewives who dream of a fireplace, but are unable to purchase one.

At the moment, the following types of hood design can be distinguished:

• wall;
• hanging;
• corner;
• inclined;
• island

REFERENCE! In addition, all models have different sizes, and devices in sizes 50, 60 and 90 cm are especially popular among consumers.

At the same time, fireplace hoods have many advantages, and the main ones include the following.

1. Appearance. These designs have a beautiful and stylish design.
2. Dome shape. Such hoods do not require special masking in the ventilation pipe during installation. It will hide all the details that you don’t need to see.
3. Efficiency at work. Regardless of the size and model purchased, the fireplace hood will delight you with a high level of performance. Some models even have two built-in motors and reusable filters.
4. Easy installation. For installation it is not at all necessary to have experience or any knowledge. Each user can install it independently using dowels and screws.
5. Affordable price. Of course, the cost of the design will depend on the specific brand, functionality and size of the device, but in any case, the price range is simply huge, and the consumer will be able to choose the right option for themselves, based on personal preferences.

Fireplace hoods in the interior

Contrary to popular belief that fireplace hoods are only suitable for classic interiors, these devices can be used in almost any design line. So, they look great in country-style kitchens, rustic kitchens, high-tech kitchens, and even futuristic designs. This is possible thanks to the large selection of dome hood designs. Designers advise that in order for the dome to fit perfectly into the overall design of the room, it must be selected at the stage of creating the interior. By following the rules for choosing and installing dome hoods, you can create not only a unique interior in your kitchen, but also maintain a healthy microclimate throughout the house. The main thing is to take your time, make the right choice, and in this case you can forget about greasy stains on the furniture, soot under the ceiling and the smell of cooking food in the neighboring rooms.

Other characteristics important for selection

Other characteristics that may be important when choosing a hood are backlighting, number of speeds, timer, presence of a display, type of control, etc.

It is very convenient if the equipment is equipped with lighting - this will allow you to control the cooking process and not miss the moment of burning.

The presence of several speeds allows you to adjust the intensity of the hood depending on air pollution. The timer allows you to automatically turn off equipment at a specified time. The choice of control type is determined by ease of use: some prefer a touch option, others prefer a push-button, lever or rotary control mechanism.

Criterias of choice

What should you definitely consider when choosing a fireplace hood?

Firstly, power . It should be sufficient to fully purify the air in the kitchen. However, the lower the power, the less electricity will be consumed. The indicator varies from 25 W to 600 W, it all depends on the model. Most models are connected to electrical outlets, but more powerful devices are connected directly to the electrical wiring.

The higher the power, the louder the hood will operate. Only imported expensive models can work quietly. If you want equipment that is not too loud, purchase a hood with two fans.

The width must be no less than the hob. A kitchen fireplace hood is usually 60 cm, but you can also find more compact options (50 cm or 40 cm).

The simplest and most inexpensive hoods operate on a slider or push-button mechanism. If you need a wide range of functions, then a range hood with a remote control or touch panel would be an excellent option.

Kitchen hoods are equipped with an internal filter (cleans the air from odors) or an external one (retains soot and grease). In expensive models, grease-repellent filters generally do not require cleaning. In inexpensive devices, the filters become dirty after a few months.

Attention. If you begin to notice that the air is not being purified, it means that the filter is very dirty and needs to be replaced.

Another criterion when choosing a device is the material. The stronger it is, the longer the unit will work. Metal is mainly used in the manufacture of fireplace hoods, but sometimes you can find models made of glass, plastic and even wood. Hoods with wooden edging are suitable for standard-plan apartments.

Even the most budget designs have backlighting. You can choose automatic turn-on and timer for your own convenience. But the more features, the higher the cost.

Installation of a fireplace hood

Devices such as Eleyus Solo Country 1000 LED SMD 60 N BL, Gorenje WHI621E1XGW and others are distinguished by their ease of installation. But before attaching fireplace hoods, a number of points are taken into account, and the following actions are carried out:

• the location area is determined;
• guidelines are drawn for subsequent installation;
• distance measurements are taken;
• the possibility of connecting the pipe to the ventilation duct is established;
• The mounting location itself is determined using pencils and installation is carried out.

For installation in all cases, as a rule, screws or dowel-nails are used. The fireplace wall hood is mounted like other types of this equipment. Initially, holes are drilled, fasteners are inserted, and then the device is mounted. Afterwards, you need to check the quality of the fixation so that the hood is securely attached to the wall. Installation work is not complicated, which ensures convenience for the user.

Useful to know : “How to clean a hood? How to clean a hood filter – 5 important aspects.” The main thing is to follow the prescribed actions and take into account the features. These are: 1. The indicator for the location of the hood above an electric stove is 0.5 m. Above gas hobs, you need to hang a fireplace-type hood at a height of 0.6 m. 2. The device must not be located in the opening area of ​​wall cabinets of kitchen furniture. Consequently, the technical parameters are set in advance, based on already installed headsets. 3. For rooms where cooking is carried out frequently, complex cleaning is required, so the hood must have a motor, which is distinguished by its impressive dimensions and power. 4. Models with a width of 50 cm or less are installed only above small cooking surfaces. 5. The installation of all types of fireplace hoods is the same and does not differ in any special features. In the case of autonomous variations, it is enough to provide access to the electrical network, make holes and install the device using fasteners. If you purchase a hood with air exhaust, then a ventilation structure is also required. 6. Leave free space between the pipe and the ceiling to avoid vibrations. This guarantees the quality of the hood.

It will be useful to read “Why is the hood very noisy? 3 most common situations."

Prices, differences, features of fireplace kitchen hoods

It became clear what a fireplace hood is, the reader is eager to find out in more detail, who makes it, and how much it costs. Cheap models cost 1,500 rubles, the functionality is so modest, consider it just a kitchen decoration. No wonder the book of the same name, Kitchen Hoods, costs 1,250 rubles. You can find a foreign edition on Yandex Market. To simplify your search, limit the scope to 1,400 rubles; you will certainly find reading material. By Ronald Cohn, ISBN: 5-509-76331-0 978-5-509-76331-1, Onyx Publishing.

Once the reader has bothered to read the review, there is a chance for attentive eyes to find a mountain of useful information in the printed edition or pirated electronic one. We doubt that they will find the answer to the question of what a fireplace hood is, since the terminology is not settled, the name is popular. The cheapest hood on the market, Hansa OSC 511 WH, is not a fireplace hood. The manufacturer boasts low prices; the quality, hidden by the sign, is difficult to describe. The Yandex search string cache is full of queries.

The productivity of the device is 320 cubic meters, the best ratio of price and functionality. The model is a bit narrow (50 cm), the motor is decent, 135 W is not the minimum seen on the market. The kitchen hood Hansa OSC 511 WH works on recirculation and throws air outside. An option for installation without air ducts, if you have 800 rubles, buy an additional carbon filter every six months. Grease is included, just wash it periodically.

Great flat model. Are you sure you need a wall-mounted fireplace hood? Today you can find cheap Elicor telescopic models; the company gives a 5-year warranty on the motor. It costs a lot, people are confident in the quality of the products. Sold from the manufacturer are hoods for fireplace-type kitchens (not a fireplace kitchen - a hood).

For example, an umbrella model for 2800 rubles with a capacity of 650 cubic meters (White Storm 60 gold antique) can, if desired, be styled as a dome model, guided by the articles posted on the portal. We do not promise simplicity and ease; on the contrary, there will be a complex creative process, but inside the review there are human instructions on how to apply the varnish correctly. One of the few in RuNet.

Division of fireplace hoods according to air purification method

The method of air purification involves dividing fireplace hoods into the following types:

1. Flow-through.
2. Circulating.

Stages of cleaning a kitchen hood filter.

If the fireplace model operates in circulation mode, then the contaminated air can pass through a series of filters, after which it is returned to the kitchen area. With this method, the equipment is not connected to the ventilation pipe. However, it is quite difficult to obtain maximum efficiency from the operation of the device.

Using the flow-through method of purifying exhaust air involves removing it completely from the room. This mode is more efficient because it provides cleaner air in the kitchen. In this case, it will be necessary to carry out work related to the installation of the hood when connecting it to the ventilation shaft.

Any type of kitchen hood has filters that can be disposable or reusable. The former require timely replacement, while the latter should be removed once a month to remove dirt and grease. Flow hoods have a motor that can wear out prematurely. Because grease sticks to it, the fan blades must be protected. Each dome hood is equipped with coarse grease filters. If a carbon filter is installed, it must be changed once every 4 to 6 months.

If filters are not replaced in a timely manner, the quality of air purification deteriorates.

Fireplace hoods: what does it mean?

Hoods are divided according to the method of operation. Flow hoods that remove dirty air from the room directly to the street. Circulating hoods that filter dirty air and return it to the room. The quality of clean air is determined by the presence of filters, which need to be changed in a timely manner.

The fireplace hood is perfect for any interior, as it has different types of installations, sizes and colors.

A fireplace hood is suitable even for small rooms; it can be easily integrated into a kitchen unit and has excellent efficiency compared to other types.

Installation of a fireplace hood

When installing a fireplace hood, you need to decide on the design, since there are three main options.

This:

1. Wall hoods, which are mounted to the wall above the main equipment that pollutes the air.
2. Island hoods, which can be located in the center of the room, above the equipment.
3. Corner hoods are located in the corner of the room. Such hoods are an excellent choice in a small kitchen area.

The main thing when installing a hood is its positioning, that is, the minimum distance between the highest part of the device and the lowest when preparing food. If the stove is gas, then a distance of at least 65 cm must be maintained between it and the hood.

Electrical connection and installation of the hood must be carried out by qualified personnel of the store where the purchase was made in order to comply with the warranty and return if there is a defect.

If you install the hood yourself, then if it breaks, it will be impossible to return it to the store.

When using an exhaust hood, you must turn it on a minute before starting food preparation, this is done in order to create the correct air flow to direct combustion products and steam to the suction surface. When cooking is completed, the hood must be left on for 15-20 minutes, until all odors and combustion products are completely aspirated.

All hoods have filters that need to be replaced or washed.:

1. Metal filters are washed every 30 hours of operation. They need to be soaked in hot water and dishwashing detergent.
2. Optional filters are replaced after 4 months.
3. Activated carbon filters must be washed in the dishwasher after 4 months of use.

The outer surface of the hood must be cleaned every two weeks, but please note that abrasive detergents should not be used to avoid damaging the surface.

Installing a fireplace hood for the kitchen

A hood is a guarantee of comfortable work in your kitchen. Natural ventilation will never be enough, especially during the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Therefore, people began to resort to installing this artificial type of air purification, which is filtered through the ventilation duct.

The heat generated from cooking is immediately eliminated and does not bring the discomfort that is guaranteed to be present in kitchens with natural ventilation. Plus, kitchen hoods ensure the cleanliness of the room - the walls will not smoke, the ceiling above the stove will not darken. With this device there will be no complaints about foreign odors or other problems.

A fireplace hood is an ideal choice for those who love quality and sophistication

Brick and terracotta are certain types of clay, the only difference is in their production. Fireplace-type hoods have a major advantage, unlike standard options. It's all about the appearance, which gives the impression of real prestige. This is a really expensive building that not everyone can afford, but the impressions from its presence are truly mesmerizing.

What criteria to consider when choosing a fireplace hood

Most consumers are confident that a large hood will be an excellent choice for any kitchen because it has more power. But fireplace models are not suitable for installation in large areas. But they will be an ideal option for installation in small kitchens, because they have compact dimensions and allow you to save space for placing a variety of cabinets, drawers or shelves.

Power

In order to make sure that a particular model has sufficient power, you will need to use a basic mathematical formula, namely, calculate the area of ​​the kitchen, and then multiply the resulting figure by 12. You don’t have to do the calculation at all, but find out the necessary information from a consultant in a household appliance store . According to established standards, consumers are recommended to install models with a power rating of 350 cubic meters. m for small rooms (no more than 11 sq. m). In medium kitchens (11–18 sq. m.), you need to install a model with a capacity of up to 420 cubic meters, while in large kitchens (20 or more sq. m.) you should install structures with a capacity ranging from 600 to 650 cubic meters.

Noise during operation

It should be understood that the higher the power of the purchased model, the louder it will work. And you must admit, you are unlikely to enjoy cooking under the constant hum of the device, which does not even allow you to hear the voice of other household members.

IMPORTANT! It is necessary to select models whose operating noise level can be adjusted using a special switch.

Filter system type

Most hoods differ in the type of filter. Kitchen appliances are supplied with:

• external filter – to retain fat and soot;
• internal - to clean the air from unpleasant odors.

In more expensive models you can also find grease-repellent filters that practically do not need cleaning . In devices representing the budget category, filters become dirty after just a few months of operation, and cleaning them is fraught with a number of difficulties.

IMPORTANT! If you notice that during operation of the hood, the air is not cleaned for an impressive period of time, this means that the filter is very dirty and needs to be urgently replaced.

Material of manufacture

Another selection criterion will be the material of the device. The stronger it is, the longer the installed structure will last. For the manufacture of fireplace hoods, metal is used, which is highly reliable. But sometimes there are also models made from plastic, glass and even wood.

In any case, which model to choose will depend solely on you, but the information presented above should greatly simplify the selection process.

Criterias of choice

Cost, design, shapes and sizes, power and ease of installation, noise level, filter type - these and many other parameters influence the decision to purchase one option or another. Let's consider each criterion separately.

Watch also a useful video on how to choose a hood:

Price

Today this type is the most popular, as it allows you to make a choice in different price categories. The cost is determined by the manufacturer, performance, and design. On average, the price starts from 3 thousand rubles. The largest selection of hoods in the range of 5,000 - 15,000 rubles.

Shape and method of fastening

According to the type of design and installation method, the fireplace hood can be:

• wall-mounted – attached to the wall above the stove;

• corner - mounted in the corner of the room. This option looks natural in a spacious kitchen in a classic, Provence or country style;

• inclined - located at an angle to the working surface of the slab. Fits perfectly into high-tech, loft style;

• island - mounted on the ceiling in any part of the kitchen. Suitable for both modern and classic trends.

Power, performance and noise level

Power and performance are important indicators when choosing this equipment; the higher they are, the better the air purification process. But it is worth considering that as productivity increases, the noise level increases.

The information below will help you determine how comfortable the noise of the equipment is for your perception:

• 35 decibels (dB) - this noise level can be compared to a human whisper;
• 45 dB is the quiet operating mode of most devices; it can be compared to the noise from a conversation taking place at a distance of 10 meters or soft music;
• 50 dB – this noise comes from normally operating ventilation in the kitchen;
• over 50 dB – increased noise level, it can be compared to a loud conversation 5 meters away from you. Has a negative effect on the nervous system and distracts attention;
• 60 dB – noise from a loud conversation at a distance of one meter;
• 130 dB is a critical pain threshold for human hearing.

Type of operation: with or without venting

Fireplace type kitchen hoods are divided into:

• flow-through - connected to the ventilation duct. They remove smoke and unpleasant odors from the room, while requiring the supply of fresh air from outside;
• circulation - not connected to the ventilation duct. The air does not leave the room, but is filtered and released back;
• mixed - can operate as flow and circulation depending on the selected mode.

Filter types

You also need to pay attention to the filter that will be used:

Changing filters is important not only from the point of view of the efficiency of the hood, but also from the point of view of the proper operation of the equipment. Synthetic disposable filters are not washable. If operating recommendations are not followed, there is a risk of engine damage.

The metal filter, which acts as a grease trap, is the most durable. It lasts as long as the hood itself; if properly cared for, it does not need to be replaced. It must be washed regularly.

Metal filters can be made of aluminum, steel or stainless steel. The latter option is more effective and will last longer.

Once every 1–2 weeks you also need to clean the outer surface, avoiding the use of abrasives.

How to choose a model

Many people believe that a large hood is much better, since it has more power. If a fireplace hood is needed for a spacious kitchen-dining room, then this option will be appropriate.

For a standard kitchen, a small hood -50.60 cm is suitable. Its power will be more than enough, and its small dimensions will perfectly save kitchen space for additional shelves or drawers.

Customer Reviews

Have you read a bunch of articles on the topic “how to choose a fireplace hood for your kitchen”, looked through dozens of photos on the Internet, but still don’t know what to buy in the end? Reviews. This is what will really help you.

If you follow the positive example of other people, the likelihood of making a mistake will be reduced to a minimum. The most popular, based on reviews, is the Krona fireplace hood. This model has an impeccable appearance and stylish design, since all its panels are smooth, even and white.

Despite its high performance, it is completely silent during operation. You can select the operating mode of the hood by lightly touching the special panel. The grease filter can be easily removed and washed.

This model will easily fit into any interior and will protect furniture and walls from odors and grease.

Ventilation for the fireplace room

The design of a modern apartment can be a real work of art. You can often find real fireplaces in homes today. Of course, you cannot install a wood-burning fireplace in an apartment, but electric fireplaces can become a real decoration of the living room. For gas and electric fireplaces, you can also use a dome hood. A fireplace hood will complement the composition and allow you to create a reliable imitation of a real fireplace. However, you need to remember that if an air duct is not needed for electrical appliances, then for a gas fireplace the ventilation must be connected to the air duct pipe, because gas combustion products are hazardous to health.