How to Choose a Rangehood: The Complete Guide
A rangehood is one of the most underrated appliances in a kitchen. Done right, it removes smoke, steam, grease and cooking odours effectively and keeps the kitchen comfortable during cooking. Done wrong, it’s loud, ineffective and barely used. This guide explains what to look for.
Step 1: Determine the Right Size
The rangehood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, ideally wider. Standard widths:
- 60cm rangehood: Pairs with a 60cm cooktop
- 90cm rangehood: Pairs with a 90cm cooktop or large freestanding cooker
- Island rangehood: Available in 90cm and wider for island kitchen setups
Wider is better for capture efficiency, particularly for high-heat cooking where steam and smoke rise and spread.
Step 2: Choose the Type
The main types in Australian kitchens:
- Canopy (wall-mounted): Mounts to the wall above a wall-mounted cooktop. Most common type. Available in angled or straight profiles.
- Slideout (undercabinet): Mounts under an overhead cabinet. More compact. Lower airflow than canopy. Good for kitchens without a dedicated wall or ceiling duct point above the cooktop.
- Island rangehood: Hangs from the ceiling above an island bench cooktop. Statement design. Requires ceiling duct access.
- Integrated/concealed: Hidden behind cabinet panels. Minimal appearance. Usually lower airflow.
Step 3: Ducted or Recirculating?
Ducted rangehoods extract air to the outside through a duct. Recirculating rangehoods filter the air and return it to the kitchen. Ducted is always preferable — it removes heat and moisture from the kitchen, which recirculating models cannot do (charcoal filters only remove odour, not steam or heat). If ducting is feasible, always choose ducted.
Step 4: Calculate the Required Airflow
Airflow is measured in m³/h (cubic metres per hour). The minimum requirement is 10 times the kitchen’s volume per hour. For a 25m² kitchen with 2.4m ceilings (60m³), that’s 600 m³/h as a minimum.
For high-heat cooking (gas, stir-fry, grilling), aim for 15–20 times the kitchen volume. For standard everyday cooking on induction, 10 times is usually sufficient.
| Cooking Style | Recommended Airflow |
|---|---|
| Standard induction, low-heat | 400–600 m³/h |
| Gas cooktop, everyday | 600–900 m³/h |
| High-heat cooking, frying | 900–1,200 m³/h |
| Commercial-style burners | 1,200+ m³/h |
Step 5: Check the Noise Rating
Rangehood noise is measured in dB. Under 55 dB at medium speed is considered quiet. Under 65 dB at high speed is acceptable. Canopy rangehoods are generally quieter than slideout models at equivalent airflow levels because they have a larger motor and housing. If you’re sensitive to noise or have an open-plan kitchen, check the dB rating before buying.
Step 6: Filter Maintenance
Baffle filters (stainless steel): Easiest to clean. Dishwasher-safe. Standard on most canopy rangehoods. Recommended. Mesh filters: Catch grease but require more frequent cleaning. Charcoal filters: Only on recirculating models. Need replacing every 6–12 months (can’t be cleaned).
Top Brands for Rangehoods in Australia
- Bosch: Quiet, efficient, great-looking. DFS067A52 is a popular 60cm model
- Westinghouse: Good value, reliable. WHC9165SC is a popular 90cm model
- Electrolux: Wide range, good price-performance ratio
- ILVE: Premium Italian design. Pairs with ILVE cookers and freestanding ranges
- Miele: Premium, very quiet, excellent build quality
Shop Rangehoods at Oceania Appliances
We carry the full range of canopy, slideout and island rangehoods. 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.