In kitchen renovation and home appliance selection, the performance of a range hood directly affects the cooking experience and indoor air quality. Many consumers are easily attracted by brand promotions or exterior designs, but overlook core performance indicators, leading to issues such as poor oil fume extraction and difficult grease cleaning after use. Therefore, when choosing a range hood, it is essential to focus on the following three categories of key indicators to ensure the product is practical and durable.
1. Oil Fume Extraction Efficiency: The Core Determinant of Oil Fume Removal Effectiveness
Oil fume extraction efficiency is a core functional indicator of range hoods, mainly reflected by two parameters: airflow rate and static pressure. The airflow rate refers to the volume of air discharged by the range hood per unit time. National standards stipulate that the airflow rate of household range hoods must be ≥10 m³/min. For daily cooking, it is recommended to choose products with an airflow rate of 15-20 m³/min — for intense Chinese-style stir-frying, an airflow rate of at least 18 m³/min is required to quickly capture rising oil fumes; for light Western-style cooking, 15-18 m³/min is sufficient to balance efficiency and energy conservation.
Static pressure determines the range hood’s ability to resist oil fume backflow, making it particularly suitable for users in high-rise residential buildings. During peak hours of public flue usage, oil fumes are prone to flowing back into the kitchen due to flue pressure. At such times, models with a static pressure of ≥300 Pa can effectively prevent this issue. Users in high-rise buildings are advised to prioritize models with a static pressure of over 350 Pa, while those in low-rise buildings or detached houses can appropriately lower the requirement to over 280 Pa. Additionally, some models are equipped with a “high-heat boost” function, which can temporarily increase static pressure during peak cooking periods to further enhance the stability of oil fume extraction.
2. Cleaning Convenience: Affecting Product Lifespan and User Experience
After long-term use of a range hood, internal grease accumulation will reduce oil fume extraction efficiency and may even cause odors. Therefore, cleaning convenience is an important consideration. First, pay attention to the body material: Grease on tempered glass panels is easy to wipe off, while stainless steel panels need to be paired with an oil-resistant coating to prevent grease adhesion. Some high-end models adopt “self-cleaning technology,” such as high-temperature steam cleaning and high-pressure spray cleaning, which can regularly clean the impeller and volute automatically, reducing the trouble of manual disassembly and cleaning. It is recommended to prioritize models with self-cleaning functions, especially for busy office workers.
Second, take note of the oil cup design: A large-capacity oil cup (≥400 ml) can reduce the frequency of oil pouring. A transparent oil cup allows for intuitive observation of the amount of accumulated grease, and an oil cup with a sealed leak-proof design can prevent spillage when pouring oil. In addition, some models use an “oil-filter-net-free design,” which reduces grease accumulation points by optimizing the air duct, further lowering the difficulty of cleaning and making them suitable for users pursuing convenience.
3. Noise Control: Ensuring Kitchen Comfort During Use
The noise generated by a range hood during operation can affect the cooking experience, and this is especially important to consider for open-plan kitchens. National standards stipulate that the noise of range hoods must be ≤74 dB, and high-quality models can control noise between 55-65 dB, which is close to the volume of normal conversation. When making a purchase, it is important to note that there is a difference between the “sound pressure level” marked by some brands and the actual perceived “sound power level.” It is recommended to refer to actual noise feedback from third-party reviews or experience the operating sound of sample machines on-site.
Furthermore, noise control is also related to motor quality and air duct design: DC inverter motors operate more stably and produce less noise than ordinary AC motors; spiral air ducts or silent impeller designs can reduce airflow friction noise and improve user comfort. If the kitchen space is small or you are sensitive to noise, it is recommended to choose a model with noise ≤60 dB, paired with a “silent mode” function to further reduce operating noise.
In summary, when choosing a range hood, you should focus on the three core indicators of “oil fume extraction efficiency, cleaning convenience, and noise control,” and make a comprehensive selection based on cooking habits (such as the frequency of stir-frying), living environment (such as floor level and kitchen layout), and usage needs (such as cleaning frequency and noise sensitivity). Avoid blindly pursuing excessive functions or low prices to ensure the product is practical, durable, and meets your personal needs.




