What to Consider When Choosing a Thermador Kitchen Vent Hood
Investing in a good ventilation hood can take your kitchen to the next level in both convenience and style. A Thermador kitchen hood looks sleek, and it can help eliminate heat and grease splashes while you cook. Having a high-quality hood can make life much easier when you’re behind the stove, but what qualities should you be looking for in a Thermador hood? If you’re thinking about treating your kitchen to a brand-new ventilation hood, keep these four things in mind.
What Kind of Cooking Do You Do?
There’s no shame in being a microwave chef, but if your culinary limit is stovetop ramen and microwave burritos, you’ll probably need a different kind of hood than what a professional chef would want for her home kitchen. Luckily, Thermador offers options for every cook’s needs. If you prefer to keep meals simple, an over-the-range hood with recirculating functions is a great option for keeping your kitchen cool and clean while you’re whipping up dinner. But, if you’re looking for a professional kitchen with all the accoutrements, Thermador’s Professional line of hoods offers a variety of high-powered, customizable vents with different strengths, speeds, and blower options.
Ducted or Recirculating?
All of Thermador’s ventilation hoods come with ducted ventilation, but many include a recirculation function as well. Ducted hoods channel hot, greasy air outside the building using vents, while recirculating hoods filter the air and push it back into the kitchen. Recirculating hoods are generally less effective than ducted hoods, but if you don’t often cook oily, messy foods -- or if you don’t have pre-existing vents in your kitchen -- you’ll want to make sure you pick out a model that can be converted into a recirculating ventilator.
How is Your Kitchen Set Up?
The size and setup of your kitchen is important to consider when deciding what type of hood to get. Thermador has options to fit any kitchen, but you’ll need to select one that’s best suited to your space. Do you have a free-standing range or a built-in stovetop? Do you cook close to the wall or on a countertop island? You’ll need to make sure your hood is wide enough to cover the entire cooktop, and that you have enough ceiling and wall space to install the one you want. If your hood is placed too far from your cooktop or doesn’t cover enough of the surface, it won’t be as effective at protecting your kitchen. You can find vents in a variety of sizes, so no matter what size kitchen you have, there’s a Thermador hood that fits your needs.
What’s Your Style?
Of course, your kitchen must be functional, but there’s no need to sacrifice style for performance! Thermador hoods are available in plenty of different shapes and styles, so you’re sure to find something that suits your kitchen. In addition to traditional stainless-steel options, Thermador also offers a glass island hood that’s perfect for a sleek, modern kitchen. The clear overhead panel helps illuminate your dish while you’re cooking, and blends right in with the rest of your kitchen décor when you’re not. For an even more streamlined look, try a collapsible downdraft vent that slides right up from your countertop.
A ventilation system is a must-have for any kitchen, whether you’re boiling pasta for one or hosting 3-course meals for family gatherings. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect Thermador hood for your home in no time.