Just like buying any home appliance, there are many factors to look out for if you're getting a kitchen hood: How it works, how easy it is to clean, the price tag attached, and more – which is why it never hurts to make a list.
But no worries, we have your back. Below, a handy guide that covers everything you'll need to know about purchasing a kitchen hood in Singapore.
What’s the air flow like?
Air flow measurements may be a dry topic to start things off with, but it’s always good to get the complicated stuff out of the way first, yes?
On a more serious note, there’s an important reason why we chose to have this specification at the top of the list.
Expressed in either CFM (cubic feet per minute) or m³/h (cubic meter per hour), air flow is a measurement of how much air a hood can suck up within a set time period. Therefore, it makes sense that a hood with a higher suction power is more effective… or is it?
View this project by The Local INN.terior
The Answer: It would be in your best interest to get a hood with a level of suction power that matches the intensity of your cooking sessions.
Too powerful, and you’ll be faced with an unbearably warm kitchen because of excess hot air being drawn in from the outside – a very real problem considering how hot and humid Singapore’s weather is.
How easy is it to clean?
Picture this: You head into the kitchen after a big cookout, and on a whim, you decide to brush your hand against the side of your hood. And the next thing you know, there’s a thin film of brown, partially-dried grease stuck to your fingertips… yuck.
View this project by Starry Homestead
While you may think that solving this problem begins with regular clean ups, it actually starts from the moment you shop for a hood.
If you frequently engage in heavy cooking, prioritise hood options that come with an easy-to-remove oil tray and filtration system for a fuss-free cleaning session (may we recommend FUJIOH’s FR-CL1890?).
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for models with oil repellent paint! This additional layer of protection prevents grease from sticking on a hood’s surface, thus making clean-ups a lot simpler.
Size matters, and so does type
When it comes to finding the right kitchen hood, another major concern that most homeowners have is size. And matter it does. Not only will it determine your kitchen’s layout, it also has a bearing on the type of hood that you should get.
Larger models include chimney/island hoods that are typically mounted directly above the hob. On the other hand, under-cabinet hoods are smaller and can be stowed away neatly when not in use. So, before you make a purchase, be sure to consider these key differences!
Other useful built-in/integrated features
While the typical hood is solely meant to handle cooking fumes, there are specialised models on the market that offer more than that.
View this project by Meter Square
Feel your kitchen is too dark? Get a hood with built-in lights for extra illumination. Want more control over your cooking? There are hoods that come with overhead controls that allow you to vary fan speeds. Looking for something even more? There are also hoods that remind you went it’s time to clean, so you’ll never forget.
The type of property you live in
Although there doesn’t seem to be a correlation between the type of property you live in and the suitability of your kitchen hood, there’s actually one.
View this project by Meter Square
Broadly speaking, hoods can be categorised into two main groups (read: models/types): Recycling and Ventilating; the former works by filtering captured hot air, smoke, and steam before releasing it back into your kitchen, whereas the latter works by piping any unwanted fumes outside.
What’s the catch then? Ventilating hoods require external ducting to work, which means they aren’t suitable for high-rise HDB homes due to the possibility of exhaust fumes spreading into surrounding units.
Look out for special deals
View this project by Schemacraft
What’s a shopping guide without a tip (or two) on how to save on your purchases?
If you’re refurbishing your kitchen and/or planning to buy a new hood, it may be prudent to get a new hob while you are at it. And that’s because kitchen brands available in Singapore often work with local distributors to offer attractive discounts if you purchase both of these appliances together as a package.
Plus, there’s no need to concern yourself with the availability of suitable hood options either. Brands like FUJIOH have a wide range of models available, from sleek slimline units to powerful chimney hoods, which will address both your cooking and space requirements.
FUJIOH 25th Anniversary Celebration: Win $2,500 Worth of Travel Vouchers
Join FUJIOH as celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year!
From now till 30th November 2018, purchase any FUJIOH product to participate in the FUJIOH 25th Anniversary Lucky Draw, and stand a chance to win the grand prize: a pair of travel vouchers to Japan (worth $2,500)!
Bitten by the shutterbug? FUJIOH is also running a Snap-Tag-Win Instagram contest, allowing homeowners to win $150 in NTUC vouchers bi-weekly.
To participate, simply snap a picture featuring the FUJIOH products in your kitchen, and upload it on Instagram with the tags #fujiohhome and #fujiohsg before 30th November 2018.
For more information about these campaigns, check out the Fujioh 25th Anniversary homepage or visit Fujioh Global's Facebook and Instagram page.