Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a new home, installing a kitchen ventilation system is an important feature. While large hoods over the stove may seem like a fancy design element, they really do have a function that you should have in your kitchen. There are a lot of options but the most common is to install a ventilation hood over the stove that will pull steam, smoke, and gas out of the kitchen.

Design Versus Function

When you start looking at ventilation for your kitchen, be sure to look at the effectiveness of the fan and hood as well as picking a design that will fit your room. If the fan does not adequately pull enough air out of the room, it can't take the smoke, steam, or other things that are in the air out. Sometimes a smaller hood fits in the room better than a large one but if it does work, it is just a waste of time to have installed it. Even smaller units have ratings that can make one more effective than another so be sure to check them carefully.

Proper Installation

The best ventilation fan available will not do anything for you if it is not installed correctly. The hood needs to vent to the outside so that the smoke is removed not just moved around the room. This involves running some duct work outside and if you have the walls open already is easier. If you are not comfortable with this part of the job, hiring a contractor to do the work is your best option.

Selecting Filter Types

Many of the ventilation hoods that you find on the market come with filters that are designed to catch and hold grease so that it does not end up in the ventilation duct. The filters may be replaceable or reusable so look to see what options you have when you buy your hood. If you have the washable metal filters, putting them in the dishwasher is a great way to get them clean but check with the manufacturer for cleaning instructions before you attempt this.  

Lighting In The Hood

The last thing to consider is the lights in the hood. Take a look and see what option you have a select one that works for you. The brighter the light, the easier it will be to see what you are doing when you are working at the stove.  You may have the option to add a brighter bulb if the one in the hood is not bright enough but check the rating before you try that. Once the hood is in, wired up, and the duct work installed, it is time to test it with your favorite recipe.