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.
Flow of air (extraction)
The performance of the hood in extraction mode at maximum speed shows the real possibilities for air purification. Since this parameter is several times less than the motor performance (maximum performance), not all manufacturers indicate this value, trying to present large and beautiful numbers. A similar situation can be observed among other devices. For example, in vacuum cleaners, the total power is many times greater than the suction power; in acoustics, mediocre brands prefer to list peak power instead of nominal power. Therefore, motor performance and extraction performance can not be compared. However, high-performance motors will also give high performance in extraction mode. And it may well be that the conditional Bosch with an extraction performance of 300 m³/h will be better than another hood with a maximum motor performance of 500 m³/h.
Flow of air (intensive mode)
Extraction flow of the air when using intensive mode. This mode is used in case of emergency on the stove, such as burnt food, spilt liquid, etc., which give off a lot of smoke and an extremely unpleasant smell. In turn, the intensive mode forces the hood to run at maximum speed, thereby increasing its performance even more (compared to performance at maximum speed). However, this function is activated for a short time (so the motor does not burn out). Therefore this mode is not considered standard, and it will not be possible to use it in everyday cooking.
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.Carbon filter model
The model of the carbon filter compatible with the hood. For more information about such a filter, see "Ability to install carbon filter". Here we note that the carbon filter is not always supplied in a kit, and its service life is limited, periodic replacement is required. Anyway, the data on the filter model makes it much easier to find.
Filter indicator
The presence
of an indicator signaling the clogging of the filter and the need to clean/replace it. Both grease and carbon filters can be equipped with such an indicator (see above for the filters themselves). One of the options for such an indicator is a pattern applied to the filter surface itself, and a signal about the need for replacement may be the disappearance or, conversely, the appearance of the pattern. A more advanced option is a timer that tracks the total operating time and gives a signal when the filter resource is exhausted.
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.
Energy class
This indicator characterizes how economically the hood consumes electricity. Initially, classes were marked in Latin letters from A (highest) and further down as they went down; later, improved classes A+ and A++ appeared. (the more pluses, the better). More energy-efficient models are more expensive but can pay for themselves in the process of use, especially if you have to cook often and in large quantities.
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.
