Range Hoods, Downdrafts & Ventilation
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Vented models use ducts to remove air outdoors, non-vented units recirculate filtered air using charcoal filters, and combination systems can work with or without ducts. Regular filter replacement is important for non-vented models. For detailed comparisons, visit our Range Hood Buying Guide.
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Check the specifications for the size and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to ensure proper ventilation for your cooking needs. Gas ranges require higher CFM than electric ranges. Higher CFMs move more air but can be louder. Find more advice in our Range Hood Buying Guide.
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Yes, downdraft systems pop up from your countertop and are great for keeping a sleek kitchen look. Over-the-range microwaves can also ventilate or recirculate air on their own. Learn about all options in our buying guide.
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If you already own an over-the-range microwave, you typically do not need a separate range hood or downdraft. These appliances include built-in ventilation that can vent or recirculate filtered air.
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Internal blowers are the most common but can be loud. External or in-line blowers offer quieter operation, especially useful with high CFM models. Consider your kitchen layout and personal preference. For help choosing a quiet solution, feel free to contact our team for expert advice.
Range Hoods, Downdrafts & Ventilation
When cooking on a rangetop or stove, your food is bound to release steam, odors, grease or even smoke into the air. This is not only unhealthy to inhale, but can also damage your kitchen walls, which is why proper ventilation and filtration are key. Luckily, Abt has plenty of range hoods and downdraft styles for you to explore and choose from. Canopy-style range hoods are the most common and can be mounted under a cabinet, to a wall or soffit. Chimney-style range hoods, on the other hand, consist of both a canopy and a duct cover. While these hoods can be mounted to a wall, they're versatile enough to be mounted to the ceiling over your kitchen island as well. The canopies on these hood models can be made of either glass or stainless steel to fit any style or aesthetic in the home. If you have a counter cooktop and don't desire a large hood in your kitchen, downdrafts are the perfect solution. These models sit beside your cooking area and pop out of your countertop when needed. Looking for or already own an over-the-range microwave? Then you won't need additional range hoods or downdrafts as these small kitchen appliances can vent or recirculate filtered air all on their own. The range hoods and downdrafts at Abt come in a variety of sizes and different blower outputs, so be sure to check the specifications of each model before choosing the perfect unit to properly ventilate your kitchen.
Find The Filtration For You
Ventilation can be performed in three different configurations: vented, non-vented or combination. A vented hood contains ducts that funnel the contaminated air outside of your home. A non-vented hood does not contain ducts, but rather a fan with a charcoal filter that traps heat, grease, odors and smoke. After sucking in the pollutants, clean air is then recirculated into your kitchen. Just remember: these charcoal filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly. Combination hoods are the most versatile as they can perform with or without ducts and vents. Most range hoods and downdrafts come with a built-in internal blower, which is most convenient for users but also louder than the alternatives. If your unit does not come with an internal blower, one must be bought separately. One separate blower option is an external blower, which lives outside the home and is mounted to a wall or roof. Because of the greater distance to the hood, these blowers can handle more powerful models at a quieter level.
In-line blowers, in contrast, can only be used in vented models as they are located in the ducts between your hood and the outside vent. In-line blowers are easy to access for any needed repairs and are also quieter than internal blowers. The last thing to consider before choosing from our downdrafts and range hoods is the CFM or Cubic Feet Per Minute. The CFM measures the volume of air the unit is able to move and ventilate. The higher the CFM, the faster your hood can filter the air in your kitchen. Unfortunately, higher CFMs also force range hoods and downdrafts to operate louder than usual. While you may want to base your choice on noise levels, it's also important to remember that gas ranges require higher CFMs than electric ranges as well. To learn more about downdrafts and other kitchen ventilation, do a deep dive into our range hood buying guide. Any remaining questions you may have can be directed to our team at 800-860-3577.
