Planning to replace the range hood in your kitchen but confused by the countless technical terms on e-commerce pages? Words like "suction power," "static pressure," "air volume," and "noise level" may make you feel overwhelmed. Many consumers are misled by exaggerated advertisements and end up buying products that don’t meet their needs. In fact, buying a range hood is not complicated – as long as you grasp these 5 core parameters, you can avoid 90% of the traps and choose the most cost-effective product.
The first parameter to focus on is air volume, which is usually measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h). This directly determines how quickly the range hood can absorb oil fumes. For families that cook frequently or love stir-frying, an air volume of 18-22 m³/h is the basic requirement; for open kitchens, it is better to choose models with more than 22 m³/h to ensure no fume escape. However, don’t blindly pursue ultra-high air volume – excessive air volume may lead to increased noise and energy consumption.
Second is static pressure, the "anti-backflow weapon" of range hoods, measured in Pascals (Pa). If your home is in a high-rise building or has a long public flue, the flue pressure will be high during peak cooking hours, and oil fumes are easy to flow back. At this time, you need a range hood with sufficient static pressure – the static pressure should be at least 300 Pa for general households, and 400 Pa or more is recommended for high-rises. A range hood with good static pressure can smoothly discharge oil fumes even in a crowded flue.
Third is noise level, which is related to your cooking experience. No one wants to be disturbed by harsh noise while preparing a meal. The national standard stipulates that the noise of range hoods should not exceed 74 dB. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose models with noise below 65 dB – some high-end models even control the noise at about 50 dB, which is equivalent to the volume of normal conversation and will not cause discomfort.
The fourth key parameter is cleaning convenience, which is often ignored but crucial for long-term use. Look for products with detachable and washable oil filters, and inner cavities with non-stick oil coatings – these designs allow you to clean the range hood with just a wipe and a rinse, avoiding the trouble of disassembling and scrubbing. Some advanced models are also equipped with automatic cleaning functions, which can remove oil stains with high-temperature steam, saving you more time and effort.
Finally, energy efficiency grade cannot be ignored. Range hoods are divided into three energy efficiency grades, with Grade 1 being the most energy-saving. Although the power of range hoods is not high, choosing an energy-efficient product can save electricity costs over time, and it is also more environmentally friendly. Don’t think that energy efficiency is a trivial matter – it is a direct reflection of the product’s manufacturing process and quality.
Remember, the best range hood is not the most expensive one, but the one that fits your kitchen size, cooking habits, and flue conditions. By focusing on these 5 parameters, you can easily identify the "marketing gimmicks" and buy a range hood that is practical, durable, and cost-effective.
.png)
