Range Hood Buying Guide

Fans are either rotary (like a traditional-bladed fan) or centrifugal (barrel-shaped). A centrifugal fan will move more air and is quieter to operate. This type will also perform better if you have ducts. Select a range hood with rotary fans for less expense. You may want to choose a range hood fan with variable speed controls.

CFM — Cubic feet per minute is used to rate and compare air movement, whether it's a leaf blower or a range hood. Choosing a range hood with higher CFM results in more air moved.

Noise is measured is sones. A sone is roughly equal to the sound of a refrigerator running. Normal conversations take place at about four sones, city traffic rates up to around eight. Use sones to compare units, but be aware that the higher the CFM, the higher the sone rating is likely to be.

Automatic shutoff can be preset to shut the fan off after a specific time.

Heat sensors automatically speed up the fan or sound an alarm when they detect increased heat.

Lighting is also a part of some hoods, with one or two incandescent or halogen bulbs.