When redesigning and upgrading a kitchen, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is ventilation. No matter how delicious or appetizing the food you prepare, without proper ventilation, the smoke, steam, and cooking odors can make your kitchen uncomfortable and unbearable.
It's important to recognize that range hoods add more than just functionality to your kitchen. A well-designed, functional range hood is an appliance that enhances the visual appeal of a cooking space. A quality range hood like the ZLINE range hood ensures your kitchen remains both functional and visually appealing.
Homeowners redesigning their cooking space need to understand the types of range hoods, their benefits, and their drawbacks. This blog discusses wall mount vs under cabinet range hood to help you make a better decision for your kitchen.
What are Under Cabinet Range Hoods?
As the name suggests, an under cabinet range hood is installed directly underneath kitchen cabinets and above the stove. The under cabinet mount is a more traditional method designed to blend the range hood with the kitchen's cabinetry. They are less noticeable because of their smaller, less intrusive design. These hoods usually ventilate by recirculating air through a filter without ducts. Under cabinet hoods are ideal for homeowners who want more storage space.
What are Wall Mount Range Hoods?
A wall-mount range hood is directly attached to the wall above and behind your range. They come with a chimney that makes ventilation possible. Modern and contemporary kitchens have these because they're perfect for making a design statement. A decorative wall mount range hood can be the centerpiece of the kitchen. Adding a premium kitchen appliance like the ZLINE gas range completes the kitchen’s design statement.
Wall Mount vs Under Cabinet Range Hood: Pros and Cons
The decision between Under Cabinet vs Wall Mount Range hood is a debatable topic. Your choice depends on various factors like the size of your space, your ventilation goals, and your kitchen design preferences.
Pros and Cons of Under Cabinet Range Hoods
Pros
Compact Design: Under cabinet hoods have a less intrusive and more compact design. They are perfect for kitchens with limited overhead space.
Space-Saving: The major difference between wall mount vs under cabinet range hood is that the latter takes up less space. And in smaller kitchens, every space matters. The range hood does not take up any additional space.
Simpler Installation: Under-cabinet range hoods are easier to install. They don't require wall or ceiling modifications like wall-mounted range hoods. The installation is simpler and less expensive.
Cost-Effective: They are generally less expensive. The simpler installation process reduces labor costs. They are a budget-friendly option for homeowners.
Cons
Less Powerful: Under-cabinet range hoods are effective at ventilation, but they are less powerful than wall-mounted options. If you commonly cook with high-heat methods like frying or searing, ventilation isn't as efficient at removing smoke and steam from the kitchen.
Limited Aesthetic Appeal: Under-cabinet range hoods lack the "wow factor." They are designed to blend into the existing cabinetry. But if you're looking for a modern or stylish centerpiece for your kitchen, then under-cabinet range hoods are not an ideal choice.
Ceiling Height Limitations: Under-cabinet range hoods are limited in terms of how far they can be installed. Ventilation might not be effective if you have higher-than-average ceilings. Since they sit closer to the cooktop, this could lead to less effective capture of smoke and odors from larger pots or frying pans.
Cleaning Challenges: When it comes to debating about wall mount vs under cabinet range hood in terms of cleaning, then under cabinet hoods are challenging to maintain. Grease and dirt can be found in the fan and filter, making regular cleaning important in enhancing performance.
Pros and Cons of Built-In Range Hoods
Pros
Aesthetic Appeal: Wall mount range hoods are a design statement. Their sleek appearance and contemporary style make it a must-have appliance for modern kitchens. Their materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or even custom finishes, allow homeowners to select designs that complement the kitchen's design.
Better Ventilation: Wall-mounted range hoods have better ventilation capabilities. They are larger and more powerful. Homeowners who use high-heat methods find these ideal. The ventilation system uses a powerful fan that helps expel grease, smoke, and odors more effectively.
Height Flexibility: A kitchen wall mount range hood accommodates higher ceilings better than under-cabinet models. Kitchens that have more space and handle extensive cooking need wall-mounted range hoods.
Cooking Experience: When it comes to choosing between a wall mount vs under cabinet range hood, wall mounts tend to give a better and more comfortable cooking environment. They pull all the smoke and steam away, making your kitchen space cool and smoke-free.
Cons
Complex Installation: Installation of wall mount range hoods is complex. There should be around a 1/2 inch gap between range hood and wall. Professional help is necessary, increasing your overall cost.
Space Requirements: They require more kitchen space. Smaller kitchens can feel cluttered and cramped. If you have kitchen space issues and you're looking for a minimalistic, low-profile design, a wall mount hood might not be the best choice.
Cost: Wall mount range hoods are more expensive than under-cabinet models. And when you add the potential cost of installation, which increases the budget.
How Your Range Hood Complements Your Kitchen Aesthetic
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's a place where functionality and aesthetics should blend in. Refrigerators, professional ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, and other appliances are the most noticeable elements of a modern home.
Among these, range hoods are often left underappreciated. They enhance air quality and ventilation but can also serve as a centerpiece that elevates your kitchen's style.
The right material and finish, size and proportion, technology and functionality, and other custom features in range hoods enhance the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. The choice you make adds innovation, style, efficiency, and sustainability to your kitchen.
How to Choose Which Range Hood is Better?
The debate between wall mount vs under cabinet range hood comes down to which range hood meets the size of your space, your ventilation goals, and your design preferences.
A large kitchen space can make a bold statement with a wall mount hood, while under-cabinet hoods give smaller kitchens a minimal look.
Factors like the installation process contribute to finding the right fit for you. Both options are great and do the job in their own ways. No matter what you choose, investing in a premium-quality range hood is an important step in creating a functional, fresh, and clean kitchen.
