During cooking, mouth-watering smells not only spread throughout the kitchen and far beyond, but also eat into pieces of furniture, walls, etc. As a result, many housewives complain that they have a kitchen smell everywhere in their homes. Also, near the stove, tables and cabinets are usually covered with a greasy coating, which also forms during cooking. A good kitchen hood will help to solve the problem. But not everyone knows at what height to hang the hood so that it performs its functions as efficiently as possible, but at the same time does not interfere with the cook.
Hood types
First of all, you need to decide what type of device will work in the kitchen. The quality of air ventilation depends on this.
Filtering. The simplest and cheapest hoods do not require a connection to a ventilation shaft or a pipe run outside, outside the window. They pass air through filters and release it back into the room. This principle of operation is called recirculation. They are quite effective for small cooking volumes, but if the stove is used regularly and for a long time, then the filter hood will not be able to provide high-quality air purification, since it has a low efficiency. On the other hand, it is these hoods that are easiest to install, they do not require special connection conditions. Also, most of the design solutions have just such models. Another indisputable plus is the silence during work.
All other species are displayed either outside or connected to the ventilation shaft. Depending on the installation method, they are divided into dome, recessed and flat. Not aesthetically pleasing pipes are usually hidden behind cabinets, in some cases, they can be completely hidden. Such hoods have more power, more efficiently deal with dirt and odors. However, you will have to call professional installers for installation.
At what height should the hood be
The instructions do not always indicate at what height to hang the hood. This simplifies the task to some extent, since it provides more options for choice. On the other hand, people often hang the hood in the wrong way: too high or too low. In the first case, the efficiency of the device decreases, in the second, it is simply inconvenient to cook. Therefore, there are some guidelines to consider when placing the hood. Typically, a range of optimum values is given. Further, based on the characteristics of the room and considerations of its own convenience, a decision is made on the final height of the hood placement.
The patterns of placement depend on the characteristics of the device itself, its type, and also on the type of plate. So, the height of the hood above the gas stove should be within 75-85 cm, while the distance to the electric stove is less by 10 cm - only 65-75 cm.
If the hood has an inclined shape, then the distance between the device and the hob is calculated along the lower edge. In this case, the distance to the gas stove will be 55 - 65 cm, and above the electric one - 35-45 cm. Greater variation in height is also permissible. Within another 10 cm of the indicated ranges.
The installation height of the hood above the hob is the same as above the electric stove.
Why is it so important to place the hood correctly?
However, the maximum approximation still does not guarantee the maximum efficiency of the device.Nevertheless, the distance from the stove to the hood is one of the key parameters affecting the productivity of the device, as well as the safety of operation.
So, if it is placed too high, then the efficiency of the hood will decrease several times. The steam will dissipate before it rises to the required height, therefore, some of it will disperse through the kitchen and throughout the apartment.
If the hood is too close, there is a high likelihood of a fire, since fat and dust accumulate on the hood. They light up quickly and easily. For a fire to appear, they heat up enough. Then the flame quickly spreads across cabinets, countertops, etc. And if there is an open fire below, like a gas stove, then the hood can instantly flare up.
Also, placing it at a low height will interfere with cooking, the cook will have to bend over strongly to see what is being cooked. Hence, it will be inconvenient.
Placement of the socket
Another important point is the correct placement of the outlet, since the safety and comfort of using the hood depends on this. As a rule, the socket is installed at a height of 2 to 2.5 m from the floor. It is shifted slightly away from the center of the device (by 20-30 cm) so that the air duct does not cover it. It is good if there is a small distance between them. It is advisable to make sure that the location of the outlet allows you to disconnect the device from the network at any time. This is one of the fire safety requirements.
Installation
In most cases, you can fix the hood yourself. The whole procedure takes an average of 1.5 hours. But even with the worst case scenario - no more than 2 hours. Installation work is carried out in several stages:
- First, preparatory work is carried out: they remove all unnecessary from the wall, clean the ventilation shaft, etc.;
- Then the hood is applied to the wall and the place of attachment is marked;
- Holes are drilled with a perforator for attaching dowels and a hood is attached. It is important to ensure that it is placed evenly;
- The corrugation is attached to the hood (you can strengthen the joints with a sealant) and extend to the ventilation shaft;
- The other end of the corrugation is run into the shaft as deep as possible. There it is also fixed with a sealant or polyurethane foam. However, if additional construction work is planned in the kitchen, it is better not to do this in order to be able to move the hood and corrugation;
- A special overlay is installed on top of the corrugation, which gives a complete look to the entire structure. As a rule, it also needs to be fastened with screws, screws or dowels.
Hood care
No matter how expensive and modern the acquired equipment is, it must be looked after. This will prevent the occurrence of fire hazardous situations, as well as extend the life of the device.
First of all, it is necessary to regularly change or wash filters and grease traps. The quality of air purification depends on them. The fact is that over time they become clogged and let air pass worse. Also, fat is a flammable material that ignites even when heated. Stopping such a fire is very difficult.
It is advisable to stock up on filters in advance, this will simplify and speed up the process of replacing them.
It is also necessary to monitor the appearance of the hood, otherwise it will quickly become ugly, stained, etc.
So, the device can be installed independently, but you need to follow some safety rules and regulations. Do not forget about such a parameter as the installation height. It is she who determines the quality of the entire system, as well as the safety of using the device.
