When it comes to designing a great kitchen, everything boils down to one thing – efficiency. Whether it's the layout, flooring or storage fixtures, everything should (ideally) run like clockwork to make your cookouts as fuss-free and comfortable as possible.
With that in mind, a hardworking kitchen hood is one ally that you'll want on your side, especially if the most apt description for your kitchen is 'smoky and hot'.
That said, there are a couple of myths revolving around this humble appliance and why homeowners prefer not to use it: some say it's too loud, others say that it's too difficult to clean.
But what's the truth? We set the record straight with the help of FUJIOH's latest 'made-in-Japan' hood: the FR-CL1890.
Myth 1: "Kitchen hoods are bulky eyesores."
Somewhat False. While it's true that hoods aren't exactly the sleekest appliances in a kitchen, there's a good reason for their size.
The majority of kitchen hoods available in Singapore have a standard width measuring approximately 600mm or 900mm (a useful rule-of-thumb to take note of if you are planning your kitchen's layout), which provides just enough overhead coverage so that cooking fumes from your hob are efficiently absorbed.
In addition, newer models on the market are designed with aesthetic appeal in mind.
Aside from its stylish range of colours (white, grey, and glossy silver), the FR-CL1890 also possesses an ultra-slim front profile due to the 35mm thickness of its main body – making it an attractive fusion of style and performance that is meant for the design-savvy home chef.
Myth 2: "You can't clean a kitchen hood easily in 10 minutes."
Somewhat True. If you have an older hood in your kitchen, this statement probably rings true. Unless you are blessed with deft fingers, infuriating features on earlier hood models like awkwardly-positioned latches and screw-on protective casings will make the process of removing internal oil filters hard.
For those who aren't consistent with their housekeeping (don't worry, we all have our flaws), the slipperiness of accumulated grease will also raise the difficulty and yuck factor of cleaning an older kitchen hood.
On the other hand, removable access panels (No need to deal with tiny screws!), easy-to-pull-out oil trays, cleaning reminder lights, and other well-designed components on newer kitchen hoods make cleaning a whole lot easier.
Taking things to the next level is FUJIOH's FR-CL1890, which comes with all of the above features, and more.
Aside from being coated in oil-repellant paint for quick wipe downs, the FR-CL1890 also possesses the latest in oil filter technology: the OIL SMASHER.
Consisting of a stainless steel disk that spins at high speeds to keep oil away from internal components, the OIL SMASHER is as straightforward to clean as it is effective.
Just pop open the rectifier panel, then remove the disk and oil tray for a good rinse off – it's that simple.
Myth 3: "Hoods with a larger airflow work better."
Somewhat True. It's often said that 'big is always better', but when it comes to a kitchen hood's performance, another factor comes into play other than airflow (i.e. The volume of air your hood takes in), and that is suction efficiency.
According to research done by FUJIOH, a kitchen hood that is capable of taking in a larger volume of hot air is a good thing to have, but what if it ends up being too powerful?
The result is inefficient performance as the excessive suction will cause a larger influx of hot air from the outside, and not to mention, plenty of noise.
In contrast, the FR-CL1890 avoids this problem with the help of its DC motor, built-in microprocessor and rectifier panel (a hood component that helps to gather smoke and oil fumes) to achieve the desired result of a faster, but stable suction speed.
Myth 4: "All kitchen hoods work the same."
False. While they may look the same on the surface (read: external casing), the two main types of kitchen hoods: recycling and ventilating, are anything but similar when it comes to their inner workings.
Recycling (a.k.a. Recirculating, extractor or ductless) hoods work by filtering airborne grease, smoke and particles from the air that it sucks in, before releasing it back into the kitchen.
Conversely, ventilating (or ducted) hoods take the easier route: by simply releasing the air outside through a system of ducts.
In Singapore, this critical difference determines which type of hood that you'll be purchasing for your home. High-rise HDB apartments do not allow ventilating models, simply because unfiltered fumes will inevitably end up entering neighbouring units.
In any case, there's no need to fret if you are getting the FUJIOH FR-CL1890 – this efficient and flexible hood is available in both configurations.
Request for the 'R' model if you require a recirculating hood for you HDB home, or the 'V' model if a ventilating hood is what you wish for your private house.
FUJIOH 25th Anniversary Celebration: FR-CL1890 Hood Deals and Lucky Draw!
Join FUJIOH as celebrates its 25th Anniversary!
From now till 30th June 2018, preorder the FR-CL1890 and stand to receive a cashback of $125, along with an additional 25 months of warranty.
Getting this deal will also double your chances of winning in the FUJIOH 25th Anniversary Lucky Draw with a grand prize of a pair of travel vouchers to Japan (worth $2,500).
For more information, check out the Fujioh 25th Anniversary homepage, or visit Fujioh Global's Facebook and Instagram.