The trend towards open-plan living has made many kitchens in Darwin more sociable places. No longer is the cook isolated, doing all the work while the rest of the household is chatting or watching TV. Now you can get the meal preparation done while remaining part of the group.
We even see it in restaurants, with the chefs in full view as they go about their business. But how do they do this without filling the dining room with the smells of frying, grilling and boiling? They have good extraction systems, that’s all – and in your domestic kitchen, you need something similar: a good rangehood.
Ducted vs. Recirculating: Which System is Right for You?
A ducted system removes steam and cooking smells, directing them outside where they simply disappear, rather than hanging around indoors and turning from mouthwatering to stale and unpleasant. The difficulty comes when ducting is not an option because of where the kitchen is located, and in this situation, you need a good recirculating system that can filter out the smells before returning the air to the room.
If you are not sure how your kitchen fits in this respect, consult your kitchen fitter and get the benefit of their experience. Give some thought to how and where you want your unit situated: wall-mounted may be the obvious choice, but there is also the option of undermounting, hiding the machinery in the cabinetry.
Matching Rangehood Size to Your Cooktop and Kitchen Layout
As a rule of thumb, the rangehood should be the same width as the cooktop, or even a little wider. You can go big for the sake of visual effect if you wish, but going smaller means reducing the effectiveness. Various styles are available, so you can go for a hidden function or make the rangehood a feature. It’s all part of interior design, and that is a matter of personal taste.
In addition to appearance, there are the issues of power and noise. Extraction power of 600-700 square metres per hour is usually enough for a domestic kitchen, although you can find more powerful ones if, for instance, you do a lot of deep fat frying or grilling of burgers and ribs.
Check out the decibel level before you buy your unit, because the benefits of freshened air can be spoiled if the unit is so loud it disrupts any conversation in the kitchen.
The Critical Role of Proper Electrical Wiring and Exhaust Vents
It is essential to have this work done professionally, with an electrician ensuring not just that the job will be effective but that the wiring is safe, because a lot is going on in a kitchen at times, with steam and liquids around the place. Make sure the exhaust vents are adequate and properly fitted, too.
Safe Installation Clearances and Height Requirements
A rangehood protrudes. It has to, to catch the steam and fumes, and it needs to be relatively close to what it has to catch, too. But head clearance is vitally important because you don’t want to be ducking and risking knocking your head on the unit just to get fresher air.
Keeping it Running: Basic Rangehood Maintenance Tips
Cleaning and maintenance are very important, as what a rangehood sucks up, particles of food and fat, will accumulate over time. Vents and filters should be checked and cleaned regularly, because if you let these traces build up, you are creating the kind of odour you’ve been trying to avoid. It’s a health hazard, too, attracting flies and vermin, so make sure to clean thoroughly.
Need a professional rangehood installation for your Darwin kitchen? At Florance Electrical, we ensure safe wiring, proper ventilation, and expert installation. Get in touch with our team today.