A Guide to Energy Efficient Range Hoods for the Kitchen

An energy efficient range hood gives your kitchen added flair along with the security of cooling it during and after cooking. Consider one of these eight range hoods to re-flavor your kitchen and keep the temperatures comfortable while you cook.

1. Air King AD124 24" Under Cabinet Hood

This range hoods comes with a charcoal filter, 75w incandescent lighting and rocker switch controls with 2 speeds. It delivers economical ventilation and is basic in style. One customer wrote, "Quiet, easy (to) install, looks great. Highly recommended."[1]. Priced at only $38.75, it is available in white, black, stainless steel, and biscuit. At Venting Direct.

2. KOBE CX1830GS-8 30"

A stainless steel show stopper of a range hood. This wall mounted range hood with 600 CFM, LED Touch Screen Controls has an oil cup filter and two 20w Halogen lights. It has advanced LED design which automatically detects smoke, gas and temperature settings. It is a bit on the pricey side at $860.00 at Venting Direct, however it is well worth it. A satisfied user said, "I'm happy with this hood. It is powerful and not that noisy. In the low velocity is low noise, and in high (it) gets odors out completely. No odors inside house. Easy to clean." [2]

3. Bosch DUH30252UC Kitchen Hood

One consumer stated, "Works well, installs easily. No surprises."[3] This kitchen hood is in the moderate-to-high price range between $400.00 - $600.00. One of the drawbacks is that the halogen lights do not come with the unit, however, for the quality and value, you win. Available at US Appliance.

4. BROAN Economy 30-Inch Two-Speed Non-Ducted Range Hood, Stainless

"The light is very simply made and will accept a fluorescent light bulb, which will add a lot of light to the kitchen without using much energy," wrote a happy customer. This range hoods requires a 75 watt bulb, which is sold separately. Purchase the hood for a little over $100.00 at Buy.com.

5. Frigidaire® 30-Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood

One customer stated, "This hood...looks great, runs great..."[4]. Available at FFEMax.com. Price is around $75.00. The fan has two speed controls to help keep smoke out of the kitchen.

6. Summit 24" Under Cabinet Range Hood with 180 CFM Internal Blower

This hood has many nice features for the price. The fan has two speeds, a switchable light. Line cord is not included. The value is highlighted as one customer put it, "Very happy with the quality of the product. Priced between $59.00 and $99.00 at AJ Madison.

7. European Hoods

For European flair, visit Euro-Kitchen. With hood ranges reasonably priced between about $400.00 - $1,000.00, you get the exotic and elegant expensive touch without the bloated price. Showcasing tempered glass and stainless steel combinations, the Spagna Vetro series' style is totally different, in a good way. The hoods at Euro-Kitchen are technology advanced, for instance, the SPAGNA VETRO 30" Island-Mounted Stainless Steel Glass Range Hood - SV281D-I30 features a dual six-speed electronic, touch sensitive control panel with LCD display. And it is not complicated to set up.[5] A satisfied customer stated, "It was just what I expected. It was easy to install."

8. Copper Hoods

If money is no object and you want something original, visit Handcrafted Metal and browse through their offerings. Expect to pay between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 for a fully handcrafted, finished one-of-a-kind hood. You will get a true piece of functional art that is truly unique.

Before you purchase your next energy efficient range hood, learn more about them in general to find the one that best meets your needs. The guide to range hoods from Lowe's may give you more insight into the variety of hoods available. Some hoods come with fans, others are just for lighting. Decide what features you want in a hood, as well as your maximum price range comfort level. With so many variations in styles and textures, you are bound to find what you need for the price you are willing to pay.

[1] http://www.ventingdirect.com/index.cfm/page/product:display/productId/AD124/manufacturer/air%20king?intcmp=rhreviewbanner#productDetails. Accessed August 20, 2008.
[2] http://www.ventingdirect.com/index.cfm/page/product:display/productId/CX1830GS-8/manufacturer/kobe?intcmp=rhreviewbanner. Accessed August 20, 2008.
[3] http://www.epinions.com/Bosch_DUH30252UC_30IN_RECIR_400_CFM_HALOGEN_LGHT_4INH_STAINLESS1_Kitchen_Hood/display_~reviews. Accessed August 20, 2008.
[4] http://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-30-Inch-Under-Cabinet-Range-F30WR01EB/dp/B000R9CFT8/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t. Accessed August 20, 2008
[5] http://www.euro-kitchen.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SV218D-I30. Accessed August 20, 2008