What is a Range Hood Insert?

A range hood insert is a kitchen exhaust fan that is fitted in a hood that is built under cabinets. It comes in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials, depending on the individual needs in the kitchen. They come with a blower, filter, and a control panel. They are usually 28’’ and 60’’ wide, and range between 600 and 1200 CFM. They are used to clean the smoky and greasy gases from the kitchen, as well as cooling hot air. Since range hood inserts are fitted in a custom hood under the cabinets, most of them are ducted. However, they can still be converted into ductless, as per the customer demands. This article gives more insights regarding range hood inserts.

Structure

Just as the name suggests, range hood inserts are fitted into a hood that is built under a cabinet, as well as kitchen islands. Seamless stainless steel, a blower, and a control panel are the main components of a range hood insert. Depending on a customer order, a kitchen range hood insert can also be made of copper, wood, or brass. A kitchen range hood insert is sometimes called a liner and most probably because it is another layer that has been added to an existing hood. Technological advancement has seen the introduction of more sophisticated inserts that have built-in sensors to allow the insert turn on upon sensing the change of temperature over the cooktop. Other inserts have halogen lights with dimmer controls that bring in ambiance.

Types

Although most range hood inserts are ducted, some come without a duct. The ducted type sucks in lots of smoke and grease from the cooktop, and it brings more fresh air from outside. For this reason, it does not need to come with a higher CFM rating. The ductless type on the other hand, cleans a lower amount of gases and does not bring in fresh air from outside. Instead, it just recirculates the hot air after purifying it, something that makes the ductless inserts come with a power CFM rating. For home kitchens, you will need a range hood insert with a CFM rating of between 600 and 800. However, for a commercial kitchen where heavy-duty cooking takes place, you will need a range hood insert with a CFM rating of above 1200.

Uses

The primary reason for a range hood insert is to clean grease and smoke produced by the cooking, while at the same time replacing hot air with a cooler fresh one from outside. This helps in keeping you and your family healthy from the harmful gases that would otherwise affect your breathing. The lighting system found on the lower part of the insert is used to illuminate the cooktop, and this provides a great experience when cooking. Besides, the lighting also contributes to the overall cooking, which saves you money on energy bills. Circulation of air provided by the range hood insert helps in eliminating the chances of the buildup of bacteria and germs due to grease produced by the stove when cooking. After all, a range hood insert improves the general value of the house by bringing the perfect look and feel, and this motivates you to try out your most favorite recipes.

Installation

Installing a range hood insert is simple and easy, as long as you follow the installation instructions on the user manual. Before you begin the installation work, ensure that the power source is switched off to avoid electrocution. You just disassemble the hood from the control panel, blower and the filter and use a spanner to remove the knockout on the power unit. Join the power cables of the power unit to the electrical unit on the hood, and mount the hood unit. Afterward, fit in the control panel, blower and filter into the already mounted hood by use of power screwdriver. Turn on the power button to test the workability of the insert and you are good to go.

Range hood insert styles and sizes come in a wide variety. The best thing is that they can be designed according to your unique style. All you have to do is to call or visit a manufacturer and explain your needs. Even as you do this, ensure to sample a few sellers so that you can broaden your options. It will also compare prices and quality so that you can buy only from the best in the industry. You can have a look at their customer reviews section to ascertain their reviews and ratings. After you have done that, call in a contractor for installation, if you are not very handy.