How to Choose the Right Rangehood for Your Kitchen

A rangehood is an essential part of any cooking kitchen. It removes grease, smoke, steam and cooking odours, protecting your kitchen and making cooking more pleasant. This guide helps you choose the right type and size for your home.

Why a Rangehood Matters

Cooking generates grease particles and moisture that settle on surfaces and damage cabinetry over time. Without a rangehood, your kitchen walls, ceiling and cabinets will gradually accumulate a sticky, discoloured grease layer. A rangehood captures this at the source. Beyond protection, it removes cooking smells and keeps your kitchen air fresher.

Types of Rangehoods

1. Wall-Mounted Canopy Rangehood

The most common style in Australian kitchens. Mounted on the wall above a freestanding or built-in cooker, it typically vents to the outside through a duct in the wall or ceiling. Good extraction performance and a strong visual presence in the kitchen. Available in 60cm and 90cm widths to match your cooker.

2. Undermount (Under-Cabinet) Rangehood

Installed underneath an overhead cabinet, completely hidden when not in use. Good for kitchens where visual simplicity is important. Typically vents through the cabinet above and out through the wall. Available in 60cm and 90cm widths.

3. Island Rangehood

Suspended from the ceiling above an island or peninsula cooktop. These are statement pieces as much as functional appliances — they hang in open space and become a visual centrepiece. Available in widths from 60cm to 120cm.

4. Recirculating Rangehood

Filters air and returns it to the kitchen rather than venting outside. No external ducting required. Useful in apartments or where wall ducting isn't possible. Performance is generally lower than ducted models and filters must be replaced regularly.

What Width Do You Need?

The rangehood should be at least as wide as the cooker, and ideally wider:

• For a 60cm cooker — choose a 60cm rangehood (minimum) or 90cm (better capture)
• For a 90cm cooker — choose a 90cm rangehood (minimum) or wider

Extraction Rate: How Powerful Does It Need to Be?

Extraction rate is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h). As a guide:

• Small kitchens (under 15 m²): 400–600 m³/h
• Medium kitchens (15–25 m²): 600–900 m³/h
• Large kitchens or heavy cooking: 900–1,200+ m³/h

For gas cooktops, choose a rangehood with higher extraction capacity — gas generates more heat and combustion products than electric or induction.

Noise Level

Rangehood noise is measured in decibels (dB). Most rangehoods operate at 55–70 dB on full power. Models under 60 dB on medium speed are noticeably quieter and more comfortable in an open-plan kitchen. If noise matters, compare noise ratings before buying.

Filters: Mesh vs Baffle

Mesh (aluminium) filters are common in lower-priced models and can be washed in the dishwasher. Baffle filters are more effective at capturing grease, easier to clean and more durable — found in mid-range to premium models. For heavy cooking, baffle filters are strongly recommended.

Shop Rangehoods at Oceania Appliances

We stock wall-mounted, undermount and island rangehoods in our Wetherill Park showroom. Browse our rangehood range or visit us in person. Free Sydney delivery, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance.