How to Choose a Rangehood for Your Kitchen

A rangehood is an essential part of any kitchen. It removes grease, smoke, steam and cooking odours, keeping your kitchen air clean and protecting your cabinetry. With so many types available, here's how to choose the right one for your kitchen.

Ducted vs Recirculating Rangehoods

Ducted Rangehoods

Ducted rangehoods extract air and vent it outside via ductwork through the wall or roof. They are the most effective type for removing cooking odours and moisture. The downside is that installation is more complex and expensive if ductwork doesn't already exist.

Recirculating Rangehoods

Recirculating (or ductless) rangehoods filter the air through charcoal filters and recirculate it back into the kitchen. They are easier to install and can be placed anywhere, but they don't remove moisture or heat as effectively as ducted models, and the charcoal filters need replacing every 6–12 months.

Recommendation: If you can duct, do it. It's significantly more effective. Use a recirculating rangehood only where ducting is not practical.

Rangehood Types

Canopy Rangehood

Mounts to the wall above the cooktop. The most common and effective type for standard kitchens. Available in 60cm and 90cm widths. Suitable for gas and induction.

Island Rangehood

Hangs from the ceiling above a kitchen island or island cooktop. Visually dramatic and high-performing. More expensive due to greater ductwork complexity.

Undermount (Slideout) Rangehood

Mounts inside the overhead cabinet above the cooktop. The extraction component slides out when in use and hides inside the cabinet otherwise. Good for smaller kitchens where you don't want the rangehood to dominate visually.

Integrated Rangehood

Built into the rangehood cavity of a kitchen cabinet. Often very quiet and powerful. Usually found in high-end European kitchen designs.

What Width Do I Need?

Your rangehood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, and ideally wider. A 60cm cooktop can use a 60cm rangehood, but a 90cm cooktop should use a 90cm rangehood. For island cooktops, some designers recommend going even wider than the cooktop.

Extraction Rate: How Powerful Do You Need?

Extraction rate is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h). The right extraction rate depends on your kitchen size and cooking style:

• Light cooking, small kitchen: 400–600 m³/h
• Moderate cooking, average kitchen: 600–900 m³/h
• Heavy cooking, gas cooktop, large kitchen: 900+ m³/h

Noise Levels

Rangehood noise is measured in decibels (dBA). Quieter models run at 50–60 dBA. Some premium models are as low as 40–45 dBA at low speed. If your kitchen is open to the living area, noise level is worth paying attention to.

Filter Maintenance

Metal mesh filters (found in ducted rangehoods) are dishwasher-safe and should be cleaned monthly. Charcoal filters (recirculating models) cannot be cleaned and need replacement every 6–12 months.

Shop Rangehoods at Oceania Appliances

We carry a range of canopy, island and slideout rangehoods. Free Sydney delivery, 3–6 month warranty on every purchase. Browse online or visit our Wetherill Park showroom.