Flow of air (motor)
The maximum flow of air or motor flow of air indicates the theoretical capability of the device. This parameter of the hood (motor) is measured during idle operation. By connecting the duct and working in the appropriate mode of extraction, the flow of air will be lower. However, high-performance motors will also give a high flow of air in extraction mode.
Max. noise level
The level of noise produced by the hood in the loudest mode of operation. Usually (but not necessarily) it is the maximum power mode. It affects the comfort during operation of the device, so
quiet hoods will be more preferable, but also more expensive.
The decibels in which the noise level is measured are non-linear units, so it is easiest to use comparison tables to estimate a specific value. Here is the simplest table for the values relevant in this case:
— 35 dB. The volume of a conversation in an undertone (but not a whisper). The lowest maximum noise value in modern hoods. Devices with such characteristics are almost guaranteed not to cause inconvenience: such noise is often blocked by other sounds, for example, the background noise of the street in an open window.
— 40 dB. The volume of a normal conversation. The maximum noise level allowed in a residential area during the day. If the hood is bought for home use, and it is supposed to be turned on often and for a long time, the noise level in the selected device shouldn't exceed this indicator.
— 50 dB. Conversation volume at medium tones.
— 60 dB. Raised conversation.
— 70 dB. Sound background on a busy street, in a crowd of people talking loudly, the sound of a vacuum cleaner motor at a distance of 2 – 3 m.
— 75 dB. Scream or loud laughter at a distance of about a metre.
— 78 – 79 dB. Loud mechanical alarm clock, motorcycle o
...r truck engine. The highest level in modern consumer-grade hoods.
Note that the actual comfort of using the device depends not only on the volume but also on the timbre (tonality) of the noise: for example, a low, even rumble is generally perceived easier than high frequencies with clanging notes. If the hood installation is unsuccessful, the actual noise level may be higher than stated in the specifications. For example, additional noise can be caused by the hum of air in the ducts or rattling from the contact of the vibrating body with the wall. However, when choosing, it is worth focusing on the noise level claimed in the specifications.Remote control
A remote control allows you to control the functions of the hood from a distance. Such a remote control will be especially convenient for those who, due to low height or health problems, find it difficult to reach for the hood itself every time. At the same time, this function affects the cost of the device, and the need for it arises relatively rarely. Therefore, the presence of a
remote control is typical mainly for rather expensive models.
Smoke sensor (auto-on)
System
of hood automatic start. It is based on a sensor that monitors the presence of kitchen fumes in the air — when a certain concentration of smoke, steam, fat particles is detected in the air, the sensor gives the command to turn on. Such a system not only relieves the user of the need to turn on the device manually but also helps to save energy since the hood turns on only when it is really needed. In addition, not only automatic switching on but also automatic switching off can be provided — after a certain time (most often 5 minutes) after the sensor has ceased to detect pollution in the air.
Duct diameter
The duct diameter characterizes the size of the hood outlet to which the ducts are connected. The standard is either
120 mm or
150 mm. In many cases, an adapter from one diameter to another can additionally be included with the device. However, when replacing the hood with a new one, it is still better to operate with the existing pipe diameter and not use adapters.
Country of origin
The country in which this or that model is manufactured. Even though most of the capacities are concentrated in China, European factories for the production of household appliances have not disappeared. And certain models can be produced at them. In general, such a division into a Chinese or European factory should not particularly affect the quality of products, but the stereotype of a reliable European assembly is still present. However, it is possible that the model may have a country of manufacture, for example, Poland, and in the store under the same article, you will meet China.
