Welcome to our comprehensive kitchen ventilation and remodeling glossary page. This page is dedicated to providing clear and concise definitions and explanations for the most commonly used technical terms and industry jargon in the field of kitchen ventilation and remodeling. Consider this the ultimate kitchen ventilation and remodeling dictionary.
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A
Airflow: The movement of air through a ventilation system or appliance. Proper airflow ensures efficient removal of cooking odors, smoke, and steam.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
B
Backdraft Damper: A device that allows air to move in only one direction. This prevents external air or contaminants from flowing back into the ventilation system.
Blower: Another term for the fan inside a range hood or ventilation system. It’s essential for moving air out of the kitchen and ensuring effective ventilation.
BTU (British Thermal Units): A measure of heat output from cooking appliances. It’s important to match the hood’s CFM to the stove’s BTU output for efficient ventilation.
Bypass: A method or mechanism that allows some air to avoid filtration. This can improve system efficiency and speed by not filtering all the air.
C
CFM: Stands for cubic feet per minute. It’s a measure used to quantify the volume of air moved by a fan in one minute.
Charcoal Filter: A filter that uses activated charcoal to absorb and remove odors from the air. These filters are especially beneficial for kitchens where external venting isn’t feasible.
Chimney Extension: A piece added to the top of a wall-mounted or island hood to reach higher ceilings. It’s often used in homes with taller ceiling heights.
Convertible Range Hood: A versatile hood that can be set up in multiple configurations. Depending on the kitchen setup, it can operate as either a ducted or ductless system.
D
Downdraft Ventilation: A system that pulls air downward, typically installed behind the cooktop. It’s ideal for kitchen islands where traditional overhead installation isn’t feasible.
Duct: A conduit or passage designed to carry air from the range hood to the outside. Ensuring the duct is clean and free from obstructions maximizes airflow and efficiency.
Ductless (or Recirculating) Hood: A type of hood that filters the air and then returns it to the kitchen. Since it doesn’t vent outside, it relies heavily on its filters to purify the air.
E
Exhaust: The act of expelling air from the kitchen. Proper exhaust ensures that contaminants, odors, and moisture are effectively removed from the cooking space.
Extraction Rate: The speed at which a hood can remove air, typically measured in CFM. A higher extraction rate means the hood can clear the air more quickly.
External Rotor Motor: A motor design that offers increased efficiency and reduced noise. Often found in premium range hoods, it ensures quieter operation.
F
Filter: A component that removes particulate matter and odors from the air. Regular maintenance and cleaning of filters ensure efficient operation.
G
Grease Filter: A filter designed to capture grease particles from cooking vapors. Over time, these filters can become saturated and need cleaning or replacement.
H
Heat Sensor: A feature in some hoods that detects high temperatures. When activated, it automatically adjusts the fan speed to help clear the air.
Hood: A covering over the cooking area equipped with a fan to extract air. Hoods come in various styles and designs to suit different kitchen aesthetics and needs.
I
In-Line Blower: A blower positioned in the duct run between the hood and the exterior of the home. It helps increase the efficiency of long duct runs and reduces noise at the source.
Insert Hood: A built-in hood that’s integrated within cabinetry. This design provides a seamless look, blending the hood with the kitchen’s architecture.
Island Hood: Designed for installation over a kitchen island. These hoods have a 360-degree air intake and often serve as a design centerpiece.
J
K
L
LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lights commonly used in modern range hoods. They provide ample illumination for the cooking surface and have a long lifespan.
M
Make-Up Air: Fresh outside air brought into the kitchen to compensate for the air being exhausted. This helps balance the air pressure and ensures efficient ventilation.
Mesh Filter: A filter made from layers of metal mesh designed to trap particles. Due to its design, it’s relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Micromesh: A finer variant of the metal mesh filter. Its intricate design allows for even better particle capture, making it ideal for heavy-duty cooking.
Mounting Height: The recommended distance between the cooktop and the bottom of the range hood. Proper mounting height ensures optimal performance and safety.
N
Noise Level: The sound produced by a range hood, often quantified in decibels (dB). Quieter hoods are preferable in open-plan kitchens or where noise might be a concern.
O
P
Perimeter Ventilation: A system that pulls air from around the edges of the hood. This design can increase capture efficiency and provide a more streamlined look.
Push-Button Controls: A type of control interface on the hood. Functions like fan speed and lighting are controlled by buttons.
Q
R
Recirculation: The process of cleaning the air and then returning it to the kitchen. This method is common in ductless hoods where external venting isn’t an option.
Remote Blower: A blower positioned away from the actual hood. By placing it elsewhere, like the attic or outside, noise levels in the kitchen can be reduced.
S
Slide-Out Hood: A design where the hood slides out when in use. When not needed, it retracts, offering a sleek and minimalistic look.
Sintered Filter: A filter made by fusing together tiny metal particles at a high temperature. It offers efficient filtration and is often used in premium hoods.
Soffit: A lowered section of a ceiling from which a hood can be suspended. Soffits can be both functional, helping with ventilation, and decorative, enhancing kitchen aesthetics.
Speed Settings: The various fan speeds available on a range hood. Multiple settings allow users to adjust the ventilation based on their cooking needs.
Squirrel Cage Fan: A specific type of fan resembling a hamster wheel. Its unique design can offer efficient airflow with less noise than other fan types.
Static Pressure: Represents the resistance to airflow in a duct system. A system with high static pressure may require a more powerful fan to move air efficiently.
T
Telescopic Chimney: An adjustable two-piece chimney section used for wall-mounted range hoods. It provides flexibility in installation height and suits different ceiling heights.
Thermal Overload Protector: A safety mechanism that turns off the motor if it overheats. This feature is essential for preventing potential fire hazards and ensuring the longevity of the hood.
Touch Controls: A modern control interface found on some range hoods. They offer a sleek appearance and are operated using touch-sensitive buttons or panels.
Turbine Fan: A fan design that can provide high airflow with reduced noise. It’s often chosen for its efficiency and quiet operation.
U
Under-Cabinet Hood: A compact hood design meant to be installed directly underneath a cabinet. This design is ideal for kitchens with limited space or where a minimalist look is desired.
V
Vented: A system that directs the extracted air outside of the home. Vented systems are often more effective at removing odors and contaminants than recirculating ones.
Ventilation: The broader process of providing fresh air to a space. In kitchens, effective ventilation ensures a healthier and more pleasant cooking environment.
Vibration Dampeners: Components used to reduce vibration from the range hood. By minimizing vibration, these dampeners also reduce the noise produced by the hood.
