How to Choose a Rangehood: Complete Buying Guide
A rangehood is an essential kitchen appliance that removes cooking fumes, steam, grease and odours from your kitchen. The right rangehood dramatically improves kitchen air quality, reduces grease buildup on surfaces and walls, and prevents moisture damage. Here's a comprehensive guide to choosing the right rangehood for your kitchen.
Ducted vs Recirculating Rangehoods
Ducted (Extraction)
A ducted rangehood extracts air outside through ductwork installed in your wall or ceiling. This is the most effective option: it removes all fumes, steam and odours completely. The challenge is installation — ductwork needs to run from the rangehood to an external wall or roof, which can be expensive if retrofitting.
Recirculating (Filterless Extract)
A recirculating rangehood passes air through charcoal filters to remove odours and grease, then returns the filtered air to the kitchen. No external ductwork required, making installation much simpler. The trade-off: charcoal filters need periodic replacement (every 3–6 months) and recirculating is less effective than ducted at removing steam and moisture. Best for apartments or kitchens where ducting is not possible.
Types of Rangehood
Canopy / Wall Mount
The most common type in Australian kitchens. Mounts on the wall above the cooktop, with a stainless steel canopy and a chimney that runs up the wall to the ceiling or roof. Available in widths from 60cm to 120cm. Visible design element in the kitchen — choose a style that complements your kitchen aesthetic.
Island Rangehood
Hangs from the ceiling above a kitchen island or island cooktop. No wall to mount to, so it uses ceiling mounting. More complex installation but creates a dramatic visual centrepiece. Typically more expensive than wall-mount models.
Under-Cabinet / Undermount
Mounts under the overhead cabinets above the cooktop. Less visually prominent than a canopy rangehood. Good for kitchens where you want to maintain the cabinet line. Available in both ducted and recirculating versions.
Slideout (Pull-Out)
Slides out from under a wall cabinet when in use, retracted when not needed. Good for tight kitchens or where you don't want a rangehood visible. Limited airflow capacity compared to canopy rangehoods.
Sizing Your Rangehood
The rangehood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, ideally wider. Standard sizing:
- 60cm cooktop: 60–90cm rangehood
- 75cm cooktop: 75–90cm rangehood
- 90cm cooktop: 90cm rangehood minimum
- Island cooktops: allow 10–15cm extra width on each side for effective capture
Airflow Capacity (m³/h)
Measured in cubic metres of air per hour. The minimum recommended is 10x the kitchen volume per hour. For a 25m² kitchen with 2.4m ceilings: 25 x 2.4 x 10 = 600 m³/h minimum. For gas cooktops or wok cooking, multiply by 15–20x. Most quality canopy rangehoods offer 600–1,200+ m³/h.
Key Features to Consider
- Noise level: Measured in dB. Under 55 dB is quiet for a rangehood. High-performance models can be noisy at maximum speed
- Lighting: LED lighting over the cooktop is standard on most quality models
- Fan speeds: 3–4 speeds for varying cooking intensity
- Hob2Hood: Automatic fan speed adjustment when heat sensor detects cooking activity (Bosch, Siemens, Neff)
- Grease filters: Dishwasher-safe aluminium mesh filters are standard — easy to clean
Shop Rangehoods at Oceania Appliances
We stock canopy, island and undermount rangehoods from Bosch, AEG, Smeg, Samsung, Fisher & Paykel and more. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.