The kitchen is a place to cook delicious food, and it may also be a place that is harmful to health. According to scientific research, long-term inhalation of kitchen fumes can cause respiratory diseases such as rhinitis and pharyngitis. Therefore, the range hood has become a necessity in modern kitchens. However, due to too many product brands on the market, many consumers can't choose a suitable range hood at the moment. Don't worry. The following is my knowledge about the classification and purchase of kitchen range hoods. Let's have a look.
First, the structural classification of range hoods
Although with the development of technology, the range hood is no longer a simple tool to remove oil fume, but has more and more multifunctional products, such as better decorative functions, entertainment functions, intelligent functions and so on. However, we can't "give up the basics" and we can't forget that the most important thing of a range hood is its ability to remove fumes. The first step in purchasing is to understand some basic knowledge of range hoods.
1. Basic structure and working principle of range hood
The basic structure of the range hood is mainly composed of box, motor, wind wheel, exhaust pipe, volute, one-way valve, air deflector, panel, oil collecting and discharging device, lighting device, power switch and power cord.
Basic components of range hood
Box: the structure that supports the whole range hood. The wind deflector and panel components are all installed on the box, and the components such as volute, lighting lamp, motor, wind wheel and check valve are also installed on the box.
Motor: It is the core part of the range hood, and basically consists of stator, rotor, front and rear covers, ball bearings, etc.
Wind wheel: it has a direct impact on the smoke exhaust effect and working performance of range hood. At present, centrifugal wind turbines are widely used, also known as Chiba wind turbines.
Smoke exhaust pipe: a passage device for smoke exhaust.
Volute: the top is connected with a check valve, and the bottom is connected with an air deflector. Mainly to let the smoke inhaled by the wind wheel be discharged from the exhaust pipe smoothly; At the same time, the wind wheel throws the condensed oil onto the volute to collect the oil.
Check valve: plays the role of connecting the volute and the exhaust passage, and can play the role of preventing backward wind.
Air deflector and panel: the combination of the two forms the smoke collection hood of the range hood, and at the same time plays the role of collecting lampblack.
Oil fume collecting device: mainly composed of oil collecting box, exhaust pipe, oil collecting cup and oil guide ring.
The basic working principle of the range hood is that after the power supply is connected, the motor drives the wind wheel to rotate at a high speed, so that the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air inlet and the outside of the air outlet of the range hood is generated, and the oil fume is accelerated with the rotation of the air in the vortex cavity and blown to the outside. At the same time, in the process of removing the oil fume, some high-temperature oil particles in the oil fume are thrown to the inner wall of the volute under the centrifugal force of the wind wheel, condensed into oil droplets, and then flow back to the oil collection device under the action of gravity.
2. Classification of range hoods
Knowing the basic structure and working principle of range hoods, let's take a look at the classification of range hoods. According to different classification methods, range hoods can be divided into many types, and different types of range hoods have different functions and applicable kitchens.
According to installation position
The range hood can be divided into top suction type, side suction type and bottom suction type according to the installation position, which are located above, on the side and below the cooker respectively.
Classification of range hoods
Top suction type: the suction above the cooker is strong, which is easy to produce the phenomenon of oil smoke dispersion, occupying a large space above the cooker, easy to touch, and it is more troublesome to clean up. There are many styles ranging from 1000 to 3000.
Side suction type: the smoke exhaust effect on the side of the cooker is more ideal, the oil fume purification rate is high, the occupied space is small, there is no sense of depression on the top of the head, it is difficult to meet and clean, and there are fewer styles; The noise is 2000~5000.
Downdraft type: the oil fume absorption effect under the cooker is excellent; The oil fume does not pass through people's faces, so it occupies a small space, saves the space above the cooker, is convenient for cleaning and maintenance, and has a high price and a low cost performance ratio of more than 5,000.
According to the structure of the hood
The structure of hood has a great influence on the smoking effect of range hood. Common smoke hood structures include flat hood, shallow hood, deep hood, spread wing, stepped hood and cabinet hood.
Flat hood type: the hood is flat, with beautiful shape and average smoking effect. Common in European range hoods.
Shallow hood type: the smoke collection hood is very shallow, the smoking effect is average, and the oil fume overflows and spreads seriously. Common in European range hoods.
Deep hood type: including deep type and deep cabinet type, there is a deep smoke collection hood to contain the oil fume that cannot be sucked and discharged in time, which plays a buffering role and prevents a large amount of oil fume from overflowing. Common in Chinese range hoods.
Spreading wing type: the smoke collection hood is unfolded when it works, and automatically closes and becomes smaller when it does not work; Beautiful appearance and strong sense of streamline.
Cabinet cover type: multiple smoking areas are formed to improve the oil smoke absorption effect. Commonly used in side suction range hoods.
Step-by-step: it is composed of wind shields surrounded on all sides, which can effectively prevent the oil fume from overflowing and spreading. It exists in the downdraft range hood.
These six different smoke collecting hood structures have different appearances and different smoke collecting effects. Generally, flat range hoods and shallow range hoods have beautiful shapes, but the smoke collection effect is poor. The smoke collection effect of deep range hoods is better, and the smoke collection effect of cabinet range hoods is the best. Top-suction range hoods generally have flat hoods, shallow hoods, deep hoods and wings. Side suction type generally has two types: deep cover type and step type; Downdraft hood is generally cabinet hood.
According to the design style
Chinese-style range hood: Chinese-style range hoods generally use high-power motors, large turbines, large smoke collection bins and single-layer smoke bins; Smoke is good, but the oil fume is not separated, which has certain pollution to the surrounding environment.
European-style range hood: European-style range hood chooses moderate motor power, double turbines, small smoke collection bins and non-smoke collection bins, and multi-layer dense mesh plates are superimposed; The separation of oil fume has low noise, energy saving and environmental protection, but the effect of oil fume absorption is poor.
Press panel material
Stainless steel, tempered glass, aluminum alloy
As can be seen from the above, the classification of range hoods is varied. Consumers still need to consider the specific performance, kitchen space and budget of the product when purchasing. The introduction of the knowledge of range hood classification can make everyone not be fooled by the clerk when purchasing.
Second, understand the key quality indicators of range hoods
We have learned that different types of range hoods have different performances. Next, let's take a look at the key product parameters of range hoods that have a great influence on their performance. It is very important to learn to look at these product parameters when buying, and pay attention to these aspects.
1, exhaust air volume of range hood
The exhaust air volume of range hood refers to the exhaust air volume per unit time when the static pressure is zero. Generally speaking, the greater the air volume, the stronger the ability of the range hood to absorb and exhaust oil smoke. The country stipulates that the exhaust air volume of range hoods should be more than or equal to 7 cubic meters per minute, while the exhaust air volume of general range hoods can reach 13~ 15 cubic meters per minute. Therefore, if there is a high demand for the oil fume absorption and exhaust ability of the range hood, choose a product with a large air volume value when purchasing.
2. Wind pressure of range hood
The wind pressure of the range hood refers to the static pressure when the air volume of the range hood is 7 cubic meters per minute. The greater the wind pressure, the stronger the downward flow resistance of the range hood. Under the condition of long smoke exhaust pipe, products with large wind pressure value can ensure the complete exhaust of lampblack. The state stipulates that the wind pressure of range hoods should be greater than or equal to 80Pa.
3. Noise of range hood
The noise of kitchen range hoods often annoys many people who cook. Noise refers to the sound emitted by the range hood when it works normally at the highest speed under the rated voltage and rated frequency. Noise is an important technical index to measure the performance of range hood. Obviously, the smaller the noise value of the range hood, the better. The national standard value does not exceed 74dB.
4, lampblack machine motor power
The suction of the range hood depends on the power of the motor. The motor power of range hoods on the market is generally between180-220 W. Relatively speaking, the greater the motor power, the better the smoking effect. But it doesn't mean that the greater the motor power, the better. This needs to take into account the size of kitchen fumes. If the oil smoke is not big, don't choose high power, otherwise it will waste electricity.
5. Hood panel material
The panel material of range hood is also very important, because it needs to be exposed to various fumes and other corrosion every day. Common range hood products mainly include aluminum alloy, stainless steel and tempered glass. Aluminum alloy material has low strength and is easy to be scratched and tarnished in daily use; Stainless steel has high strength, good finish and convenient cleaning; Tempered glass is easy to clean, bright in color and good in plasticity, but it may explode when the temperature difference changes greatly.
6, lampblack machine lighting function
If the range hood is equipped with a lighting device, the maximum power of the light bulb should be indicated in the product parameters. At the same time, the lighting lamp should have a lampshade with good transparency and easy replacement.
7. Cleaning function of range hood
It is also important whether the range hood is convenient to clean or whether it has its own cleaning function. The range hoods on the market began to add some cleaning functions, such as: the surface of the wind wheel is coated with non-stick oil; The box adopts seamless design and double oil circuit design, and an inclined oil spill slot is added; The box body adopts an easy-to-disassemble structure; Some also add an automatic cleaning device, add cleaning liquid to the liquid pot in the machine, and press the switch to automatically wash the oil stains in the machine. Users can pay attention to this function when purchasing.
3. Tips for purchasing range hoods
We learned the basic knowledge about range hoods, including its classification, key quality indicators and so on. But only with this knowledge, consumers will still be confused when choosing products, and it is still difficult to choose the most suitable range hood. Next, let's take a look at the key points that need to be considered when choosing a range hood product that is most suitable for your kitchen.
1. Choose the color style of the range hood according to the overall style of the kitchen.
The range hood is an integral part of the kitchen, and its color style should match the overall color style of the kitchen. At present, the color of range hood products is not rich, only black and white ash. Generally speaking, light-colored kitchens can only be matched with white range hoods; Dark kitchen is most suitable for matching with white, gray or black-gray range hoods.
2. Choose the range hood style according to the kitchen space.
The shape and size of kitchen space also have a great influence on the choice of range hood. When buying a range hood, you need to consider the shape and size of your own kitchen.
Common kitchen shapes are linear, U-shaped, L-shaped and island-shaped. The kitchen area is small, and the range hood has little choice, so you can choose one that is coordinated with the appearance of the cabinet; L-shaped kitchen is a common kitchen layout, which saves space and has extremely simple style. The corresponding range hood style should also adhere to the simple style; U-shaped and island-shaped kitchens have large areas, and the selection of range hoods should be based on the overall color style of kitchen appliances and kitchenware.
Different range hood products have different application spaces. For example, European-style range hood, with beautiful appearance and fine manufacturing technology, is suitable for modern kitchens with large space and little oil smoke; Chinese deep range hood is suitable for kitchens with more oil smoke and larger space; Thin range hood is light and beautiful, occupies small space and is suitable for small kitchens. The sub-deep range hood is between the thin range hood and the deep range hood, which is suitable for kitchens with moderate space and large lampblack.
3, according to the family cooking method to determine the performance of the product.
For traditional China families who like frying, frying, boiling and frying, the smoke exhaust function of the range hood is the key, so we should choose products with strong suction; For white-collar workers and young families, the kitchen is only for emergency, more from the perspective of beauty and harmony, and has no high requirements for functions; For families who are busy at work and don't often start businesses, dishes with large fumes are rarely cooked, so range hoods with simple lines and elegant colors, including European range hoods, are more suitable for such people's tastes.
4, according to the consumption ability to choose the right price of products.
It is not that the higher the price, the better the smoke absorption performance of range hood products. In addition to the performance of lampblack absorption, we should also consider the noise level and easy cleaning degree of lampblack machine. When purchasing, you need to comprehensively consider the performance and price of the product, and choose the product with the right price that is most suitable for your consumption power.
5. Choose brands and operators with good after-sales service.
Under normal circumstances, you should buy well-known brands of range hoods, because this means that the product quality is guaranteed, and at the same time you can get better after-sales service, which will relieve the worries in the use of range hoods. And if you choose some products with low production level, the product quality and after-sales service are difficult to guarantee, although it will be much cheaper, but it will bury great hidden dangers for future use.