TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A RANGE HOOD
There are various brands of range hoods on the market. When making your choice, take the following tips to avoid being taken in and buy the one that most suits you.
A. Comparison of new and old types:
Although various brands of range hoods are available on the market, there are actually only two types in terms of structure.
The following comparison will help you to choose the right device for your kitchen.
- Old type: All range hoods made between 1986 and 1996
are of the same structure, though their appearances vary.
Internal structure: Taiwan motor 760CFM with jet vanes (Turbine type (680CFM) was used early on, but it was weak and might cause oil dripping) is used with a single oil tray (easy to dismantle for cleanup, self-cleaning not available).
External structure: Electric lamps are located in front, motors and suction ports at the back (all motors rotate in the same direction). Regardless of the brand, therefore, any range hoods with lamps in front, suction ports at the back, and using Taiwan motors, are of the old type and have the same internal structure. Both the internal structure and the suction cannot be changed through increasing the number of suction ports, adding a windshield (a plastic baffle), changing the shape of oil cups, and altering the slope of the base plate. - New type: Beginning in 1996, our company asked a Japanese
company to redesign the structure and developed a new model. Model:
Series TY-9830
Internal structure: The new model uses Japan motors 1040CFM that rotate in different directions (The motor on the right rotates clockwise, the left one anticlockwise), and has a double oil tray structure (No more oil dripping. Self-cleaning is available, without the need for dismantling).
Innovative outside design: The lights have been moved to the back, and the motors with the suction ports to the front. When the device is mounted in place, the suction ports will be right above the burners in front. The surface is coated with colored Teflon made by Du Pont (An unfading oil-repellent coating, no matter how long it has been in use, spray some cleaner on it, wipe it with a piece of tissue, and it become as clean as new. Self-cleaning available).
B. Make a reasonable and economical decision:
- For a rented house or a house for rent, an ordinary and inexpensive range hood ($250 - $290) will serve the purpose. Range hoods of this kind are of the old type with the lights in front and the suction ports at the back, using Taiwan motors. They are warranted for three years.
- For a small kitchen, or a small family, or a family planning to live in the house for only 3 - 5 years, a medium grade device ($350 - $380) will suit. Range hoods of this kind are also of the old type, but use Japan motors with the suction a little enhanced. They have a five-year warranty period.
- For a big kitchen, or a large family, or a family cooking Chinese food every day and hoping the house is free of smoke and the kitchen is as clean as the drawing-room, an up-to-date model (Series TY-9830) should be used. With the lights located at the back and suction ports in front, the new models use Japan motors 1040CFM and have an over-six-pound suction (over $450).