We all know those smells that linger in the kitchen, even hours after cooking, which is why it's important to pair any cooking surface with the proper ventilation.
The purpose of cooking ventilation is to increase indoor air quality by removing cooking contaminants before they mix in with the rest of the air in the home.
These contaminants include:
Heat: Counters your indoor air conditioning
Steam: Vaporized water acts as a carrier
Smoke: A mixture of carbon particles and sulfuric acid, which are irritants to the eyes and lungs
Odor: Clingy smells that stay around. Last night’s salmon with this morning’s waffles
Hazardous Gases: Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are generated from gas appliances
Grease: The worst of them all, and leaves a sticky rancid film on anything in proximity.
Ventilation can come in 2 forms: Over the Range Microwaves (OTRs) or a Range Hood.
Over The Range microwaves, or OTRs are a typical solution, designed to pair with the standard 30” freestanding range or cooktop. These units usually come default to recirculate filtered air back into the kitchen. Some also come with a kit to send captured air outside your home if your setup allows.
Range Hoods come in many styles and aesthetics, but serve a more dedicated role in your kitchen’s air quality. Widths on range hoods vary from standard 30 inches, up to 60 inches for use above a professional series range.
Check out our guide on how to shop for the proper ventilation to pair with your cooking surface.