With the recent surge in popularity of range hoods for home kitchens, we’ve received several questions about choosing the right one. One of the most frequent questions that comes up about a range hood is: what is a CFM rating? If the numbers surrounding CFM ratings leave you scratching your head, you’ve come to the right spot. Here, we’ll explain simply what the CFM rating means as well as give guidance on how to choose the right range hood for your home and your family.
A range hood isn't just about aesthetics or getting rid of odors; it's about ensuring your kitchen is equipped with a device that effectively manages smoke and improves air quality. Let's demystify the CFM rating to help you make an informed decision.
What exactly is a CFM Range Hood Rating?
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is a measure of a range hood's motor power. This number indicates how much air it can extract per minute. A higher CFM denotes greater power, capable of swiftly removing smoke and odors. However, before you go on a hunt for the highest CFM rating, we have a caveat to tell you about. Higher power comes with a trade-off: increased noise levels. Understanding this balance is key to choosing a range hood that fits your kitchen’s needs.
Selecting the Optimal CFM Rating for Your Home Kitchen Hood
Contrary to popular belief, bigger isn't always better in the world of range hoods. For standard home kitchens, we’ve found that a 400 CFM rating usually strikes the right balance between efficiency and noise control. This level suits most household cooking needs. However, for those frequently engaging in high-heat cooking or dealing with more smoke, models ranging from 700 to 800 CFM might be appropriate. Keep in mind though that these will carry a louder operating noise.
If you’re concerned about noise levels, we have an additional recommendation to keep in mind while shopping. It’s helpful to take note of the decibel levels at various speeds, which is often listed in the product specs of a hood.
Critical Factors to Consider When Choosing a Range Hood
It’s not just CFMs that you’ll want to investigate when choosing a range hood. It’s also important to consider basics like what type of hood fan is best for your kitchen. Will you vent the hood out through a chimney or will the air be recirculated? If it’s the latter, you’ll want to dig into what type of baffle filter comes with the range hood. Some are dishwasher-safe, which makes it very convenient for cleaning.
There are also plenty of bells and whistles to consider, such as LED lighting, fan speeds and what timer functions come with each hood style. Of course, you’ll also want to choose a hood that meets your style and aesthetic needs, so look at what molding and finish options are available. Finally, it might not be as exciting as choosing between matte black hoods and stainless steel options, but we need to remind you to check out each hood’s warranty, because they do vary greatly from brand to brand.
With a bit of research, you’ll soon be on your way to a fresher home with a more simplified cooking experience. A range hood can be a gorgeous centerpiece of a home kitchen, but it’s best to look into the details of its parts before committing to a range hood model.
