Which begs the question – can you use an LED bulb in your stove’s range hood?
LED Bulbs
You aren’t the only person who has asked this question. The answer, however, is not a simple one.
The short answer is that yes, it’s possible to use LED bulbs in range hoods. It is not a simple changeover, though. First things first, the range hood itself will need to be LED compatible. Likewise, the LED bulb that you choose has to be heat-resistant, durable, and vibration-resistant as well. It will also need to have a strong CRI (color rendering index).
Today, many range hoods come pre-fitted with LED bulbs. It’s believed that almost three-quarters of new range hoods come equipped with LED bulbs. That’s good news, but not if you purchased one of the quarter of the new hoods that didn’t come with pre-fitted LED bulbs. Or, if you are still working with an older range hood and you’re simply trying to save money and get a more efficient bulb to do the job.
If you are stuck with conventional bulbs, you don’t have to be.
The Problem With Stove Range Hoods
If you compare the life of a stove range hood bulb versus the life of a standard household light, then this is what you are up against.
- Humidity
- Vibration
- Heat
- Dirt, grease, and grime
Typically, a stove range hood relies on a halogen (or perhaps an incandescent) bulb. These both provide light via thin filament. With so much heat involved, these are the commonly used bulbs because they can take the heat. You might not think about how hot your stove gets, but as you boil a pot of pasta, the heat rises over 200°F. That’s hot, and as the steam begins to rise toward the stove range hood, it’s the lights that get hit first.
Ultimately, whichever bulb you select, it has to handle high temperatures because that’s what it will face daily.
That isn’t the only factor to consider. You will also have to consider steam and choose a water-resistant bulb. Think about how the humidity could react with the bulb’s metal fixtures and whether the elements will reduce its lifespan.
There is also a problem with dirt, grease, and grime. All of the particles rise with water vapor, sticking to the bulb and reducing its brightness, as well as possibly shattering bulbs. Remember, the fan requires power, and this creates a vibration that may break or disturb bulbs.
Is it Safe?
There are a lot of factors to consider when you purchase a bulb for your stove range hood. While many view halogen and incandescent bulbs as tried and true, a lot of countries are banning their use. Leaving you with one alternative – and LED bulbs are usually compatible.
One consideration is that opting for an LED bulb may void your warranty, so check this before you proceed. Likewise, LEDs often struggle to perform when exposed to high temperatures. Exposure to heat degrades the bulb and shortens its lifespan. If you choose an LED bulb and install it in a hood that was designed for incandescent bulbs only, you are going to overdrive it, which essentially renders the bulb useless (whether it begins to flicker or fails outright).
The Bulb
So, what now? How do you choose? Your first step is to check with the manufacturer’s guide to ensure your stove range hood is compatible with an LED bulb. From there, you should search for LED bulbs that were specifically designed for use in stove range hoods. Remember, almost three-quarters of hoods come pre-fitted with LED bulbs so, there is a large market to shop.
- Heat-resistant
- Shatterproof
- Vibration-resistant
- CRI 90 or higher.
- A color temperature around 5,000K – 5,500K
If you need to find out more, why not get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements. We’re more than happy to assist!