How to Choose a Rangehood: Complete Guide for Australian Kitchens
Many Australians treat the rangehood as an afterthought in a kitchen renovation or appliance replacement, only to find that the wrong choice leads to a smoky, smelly kitchen and grease buildup on cabinetry. A well-chosen rangehood transforms the cooking experience. This guide walks through every decision you need to make to choose the right rangehood for your kitchen.
Step 1: Choose Your Type
Canopy Rangehood
Large pyramid or box-shaped extractor, mounted against a wall above the cooktop. The most effective and most common type. Available in 60cm, 90cm and 120cm widths. Can be ducted externally or run on recirculation. Best choice for a standard kitchen with a wall-mounted cooktop.
Island Rangehood
Suspended from the ceiling above a kitchen island bench. No wall mounting. Available in 60cm to 120cm. Generally more expensive than wall canopy models. The right choice if your cooktop is on a kitchen island.
Undermount (Slide-Out) Rangehood
Installed under a wall cabinet, slides out when in use. Less obtrusive than a canopy when hidden. Generally less powerful than a canopy of equivalent width. Good for kitchens where you don't want a prominent rangehood as a visual feature.
Integrated (Downdraft)
Rises from the benchtop or is level with it. Very modern, almost invisible aesthetic. Best for induction cooktops. Less effective than overhead extraction on gas cooktops.
Step 2: Choose Ducted or Recirculating
Ducted is always preferred where feasible. The extracted air is vented outside the building, completely removing cooking odours, grease particles and moisture. More effective and doesn't require carbon filter replacement.
Recirculating filters the air through carbon (charcoal) filters and returns it to the kitchen. The right choice when external ducting isn't possible (top-floor apartment with no roof access, rented property where you can't cut holes in walls). Requires carbon filter replacement every 3–6 months. Removes odours reasonably well but doesn't address moisture as effectively as ducted.
Can you duct externally? Check whether there's a wall or ceiling cavity that allows a duct run to the outside. The shorter and straighter the duct run, the better the extraction performance. Each 90° bend in the duct reduces effective airflow — keep bends to a minimum.
Step 3: Choose the Right Width
As a minimum, the rangehood should match the width of your cooktop:
- 60cm cooktop → 60cm rangehood minimum (90cm preferred for better capture)
- 90cm cooktop → 90cm rangehood minimum (120cm preferred)
A wider rangehood than the cooktop captures more of the cooking area and is generally more effective. If you can accommodate a 90cm canopy over a 60cm cooktop without it looking disproportionate, it's worth considering.
Step 4: Calculate the Airflow You Need
The standard formula is: kitchen volume (m³) × 10 = minimum extraction rate (m³/hr). A typical 4m × 5m × 2.4m kitchen requires at least 192 m³/hr. Most good rangehoods offer 600–900 m³/hr, which provides ample headroom. If you cook on a 90cm gas cooktop with a wok burner and cook frequently, choose a higher-capacity model (800m³/hr+).
Step 5: Check Noise Levels
Measured in dB. Quieter is better for open-plan kitchens. As a guide:
- Under 55dB — quiet enough for open-plan living, comfortable conversation while cooking
- 55–65dB — noticeable but acceptable for most households
- Over 65dB — loud; use at high speed only when really needed
Step 6: Check Mounting Height
Rangehoods should be installed at the manufacturer's recommended height above the cooktop, typically:
- 60–75cm above an electric or induction cooktop
- 75–90cm above a gas cooktop
Installing too high reduces extraction effectiveness. Installing too low on a gas cooktop risks heat damage to the rangehood.
Maintenance Requirements
- Metal grease filters: Wash monthly in the dishwasher or by hand. All quality rangehoods include dishwasher-safe aluminium or stainless steel grease filters.
- Carbon filters (recirculating models only): Replace every 3–6 months.
- LED lighting: LED globes typically last 10,000+ hours; most modern rangehoods use LED.
Find Your Rangehood at Oceania Appliances
We carry a range of rangehoods in Sydney to suit every kitchen layout and budget. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park (open 7 days, 10am–8pm), call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au.