Common Sense Range Vent Hood Evaluation Tools

A. Requirements

1. Ventilation objectives. Range hoods perform many functions. Sometimes hood vents are used merely to circulate air in the kitchen. Usually, they are needed to remove cooking odors, vapors, particulates, and moisture from the air over the cooktop surface. It's important to consider the type of cooking you'll be doing. For example, if you cook exotic dishes that are very aromatic, you may need a more powerful vent hood. Suppose you are considering a re-circulating hood because you don't have the ability to duct outside. You need to be aware that recirculating hoods will capture some particulates, but will do little to remove vapors or moisture from the room.
2. Ductwork. If you are installing new ducting you'll want to make sure that you take the most direct, shortest path – the fewer turns, the better. Use the largest duct size that is practical for quieter more efficent operation.
3. Makeup air. The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) requires when installing new vent hoods exceeding 400 cfm, makeup air must be provide in an amount roughly equivalent to the exhaust CFM.
4. Location. The location of the range will influence the type and size of the range hood. Is the range on on an island or peninsula? Where are the windows located? What is the ceiling height? Are there ceiling fans? How much space is available between adjacent cabinets?

B. Sizing the hood

Best hoods offer these recommendations for hood sizing.

1. Under 60,000 BTU. If the maximum burner output on the cooking surface is under 60,000 btu, calculate a range hood capacity of 10 cfm per inch of cooking surface. For example, for a standard 30″ range, a range hood of 300 cfm would be adequate.
2. Over 60,000 BTU. If the maximum cooking surface output is over 60,000 btu, calculate 100 cfm for every 1,000 btu. A 60,000btu cooking surface would take a 600 cfm hood.
3. Grill or Griddle. If there is a grill or griddle add add 200 cfm to the estimate.
4. Island Installation. For an island installation greater capacity is needed. Calculate 150 cfm per foot of cooking surface width. Add another 100 cfm for high performance cooktops.

C. Ducted vs Ductless. Most hood manufacturers recommend ducted over ductless hoods. However, there are conditions under which a ductless hood might be a better choice. For example, with the IRC requirement of makeup air for hoods exceeding 400 cfm, the additional cost for this provision may be prohibitive. Makeup air is unneccessary when using ductless ventilation. Also, the need for duct runs may make certain ducted installations impractical.

D. Microwave Hoods are often popular in mid-priced new homes. They are available from most major appliance manufacturers such as GE, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Electrolux, Sharp, Maytag, Bosch, and Viking. Customers like the convenience of the built-in microwave above the range. On the other hand, the ventilation capabilities of the hood are often sub-par. The ergonomics of a microwave over the range are not good, and they are thought to be unattractive by design professionals.

E. Height over cooking surfaces. Hoods should be located at least 24″ over the cooking surface. Refer to the manufacture recommendations. It's not a good idea to have them much more than 33″ over the cooktop because the hood begins to lose its effectiveness when it it too far away from the cooktop.

F. Hood designs. There are a host of different hood styles and designs from most major appliance brands as well as a variety of different specialty hood manufacturers such as AirKing, Best, Elica, Faber, and Zephyr. Visit a professional appliance retailer to view the many choices and learn more about this important topic. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center carries all the major hood brands, and a good selection of the speciality hoods as well. Call or visit them at the locations below for expert advice.

NOW, two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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2 Sale Days Left at UAKC

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Here's an example of the fantatstic savings available through the 28th. These are new in box deluxe chimney and commercial style vent hoods from Elica, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid,and Zephyr. Check out the savings:

Regular Prices from $989 to $2099

Sale Prices from $599 to $1599

Save up to $500

Click on the links below to view all the savings on the Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 4 page flyer:

Hurry In today. Sale ends January 28th.

NOW, two locations to serve you – Calabasas and Studio City:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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What does it mean when we hear the phrase “POP of color”? Ask a designer and they will describe a room full of neutral colors that is brought to life by a bold and surprising use of color. Sometimes it's a bright accent wall. Sometimes it's colorful throw pillows and flowers. But always its a contrast created by adding color to an otherwise neutral room. The POP calls the attention of the viewers eyes to the bright spot or POP, and often creates a focal point in the room.

Here's an example of a room that would have been a blinding snowstorm without the blue cushions and pillows. Notice also how the flowers create some balance and flow, and the clever addition of the touch of yellow in the chandelier.

In the picture below, the colorful chairs create needed interest, and the color-matched light fixtures help fill the volume of the room, an important consideration in large rooms with high ceilings.

In today's kitchens there are more ways than ever to add color. Kohler has recently teamed up with designer Jonathan Adler from Bravo's Top Design to introduce colored sinks that help bring life to a kitchen.

Jonathan Adler

Adler says, “It's the surprise factor that makes color work.” According to Adler, there's nothing better than a colored sink to bring a kitchen to life. Even better, he says, “These colors work in just about any kitchen color palette to add a little punch.” Kohler's new collection of sinks created in collaboration with Adler includes four special-edition colors available on six enameled cast iron kitchen and bathroom sinks. Available on select sinks in limited quantity, the punchy colors include Greenwich Green, Piccadilly Yellow, Palermo Blue and Annapolis Navy.

While we've previously blogged about color choices in major appliances (see link below), an important area worth considering for color splashes is in the vent hoods. The dramatic island hood from Best Hood's Sorpresa collection would be attention-getting without the color, but the red will bring any kitchen to life. It is appropriately named “lipstick”.

Another dramatic and colorful hood is the Italian Elica Euphoria model which features interactive color panels.

For more information about color POPS click on the link below to our previous blog:

More POPS of color to make kitchens lively

For more information on the products featured above call or visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Zephyr – Ariston – Liebherr – Eurochef – Scotsman

There are dozens of appliance brands for sale in the U.S. Many of them have names that are not household words. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center carries most of the well-known appliance brands, but they also carefully select appliance brands that fit important needs, but may not necessarily be household names. Some of these brands are leading brands in their field, but are in categories that are not well known. For example, most consumers do not recognize the most popular brands of range hoods. So, we're going to be name droppers here. Most of the brands that are mentioned above you've probably not heard of, but they are brands that make great products that might fit well in your kitchen or laundry room.

Zephyr, a pioneer in range hoods, has introduced their new Next Generation Europa range hoods, with a built-in state-of-the-art DCBL Suppression System. These hoods deliver a powerful yet pleasantly quiet cooking experience while barely using 14-watts of energy. The DCBL Suppression System is Zephyr's proprietary technology that powers the first even range hood to use this brushless DC motor technology.

• 77% Less Noise
• 77% Less Energy Consumed
• 30% More Power
• Exceeds Energy Star Requirements

Ariston Laundry fits where others don't. If you have a challenge finding space for laundry, take a look at Ariston. With a leading market share in Europe, Ariston's 24″ high performance product line offers laundry solutions for the most challenging of spaces. They offer a 24″ all-in-one unit, as well as both condensation and vented dryers. Ariston can provide brilliant laundry results suited to a variety of space conditions and lifestyle needs.

Liebherr, a worldwide leader in luxury refrigeration, is introducing the new WS17800, a three-zone freestanding wine cabinet. Holding 178 bottles, this adaptable wine cabinet, adds to Leibherr's full line of wine cabinets, and is intended for wine drinkers of all levels. Ideal for the wine connoisseur who may not have space for a cellar, the third temperature zone allows the perfect beverage storage temperature (55 F), and drinking temperature for whites (41 F), and reds (64 F). Each zone can be adjusted separately from the other zones to adhere to the owners' specific preferences.

EuroChef USA offers innovative Italian crafted Verona and VeronaPro Ranges, Ovens and Cooktops along with their premier line of ILVE Dual Fuel and all Gas Ranges. THe Verona and VeronaPro collections are exquisitely designed and available in a variety of color and size options, perfect even for small space kitchens. The chef inspired ILVE Collection is available in six standard sizes, eight color and three trim finish options to create a unique and distinctive appliance. Luxury features include powerful burners, warming drawers, and rotisseries. Numerous cooktop configurations and optional accessories offer an unprecedented nine different ways to cook on your LIVE Range.

Scotsman's new Brilliance Ice Machines make the perfect chewable ice of the perfect drink, ice coffee, soda's, cocktails, or plain old water

Sipping a single-malt scotch. Enjoying sun tea on a lazy summer afternoon. Celebrating with friends and neighbors. Occasions like these are why ice matters. And they’re why Scotsman proudly introduces the Brilliance™ collection of residential ice machines. Convenient and stylish, these 15-inch under-counter models are ideal for indoors, outdoors or wherever a good time is ready to be had.

These are all brands that you may be unfamiliar with – yet, they are leaders in their field. For more information about these great brands and others call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

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Can't find what you are looking for in appliances. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has the best selection covering the entire spectrum of brands from A to Z – Literally. Check a few of their “A”s below and finish off with the “Z”. Of course, to look at all the letters in between just go to their website by clicking below and Shop by Brand.

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

AGA

AGA Range

Aga is an 80 year old company that had its beginnings in Sweden. They started with their first cooker in 1922 and have continued to develop innovative technology and a fine range of cooking appliances and refrigeration products. Aga cookware's secret is in its material and design. The entire appliance is made out of cast iron, which is efficient and effective at storing heat. These appliances are unique as there are no switches or dials on them; they maintain a constant temperature and look after themselves. The cast iron structure means an appliance that is with you for a lifetime, and they get better with age. They come with a choice of natural or propane gas, oil or electricity.

Alfi

Alfi Showerhead

ALFI brand fireclay and ceramic sinks are imported from Israel and Italy. ALFI brand Kitchen and Bath faucets and sinks are manufactured in state of the art facilities that maintain high environmental standards. Each fireclay sink is crafted from 100% white clay and glazed with a thick coat to insure durability and long lasting shine. All faucets are made of 100% SOLID Stainless Steel. ALFI brand is your number one source for high end quality sinks and faucets at affordable prices

Amana

Amana Chest Freezer

Amana is credited with producing the world's first upright freezer for the home. The company has a proven track record in the appliance industry and has been operating since 1947. In 1954 they expanded into ventilation systems for the home with air conditioning systems to regulate the temperature in your home. The company currently falls under the Whirlpool Corporation's umbrella of appliance brands. Amana now offers a broad range of efficient and quality appliances for household use. They manufacture a line of products that are very much at home in any kitchen: dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, air conditioners and ovens.

Asko

Asko Washer

Asko provides a range of high quality Scandinavian appliances for domestic use that look as good as they work. Asko products are renowned for their quality and durability. Their products have a strong focus on energy efficiency and their dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators lead the way with products that use lower amounts of electricity and water to operate effectively. The company has been leading the way for appliance design and durability for over 23 years. It is reputed for the rigorous testing processes that its products undergo before making them available on the market. Most of their high quality products come with an impressive two-year warranty.

Zephyr

Zephyr Vent Hood

Zephyr offers a modern line of chic kitchen ventilation solutions. The company believes that the hood in a kitchen is the most distinctive appliance and should be dressed up as the central feature. They have designed their ranges and hoods around this concept. Zephyr has put lots of research and effort into efficiency and performance when it comes to filtering and purifying air and offer both cutting edge technology and design as the characteristics of their products. Their hoods come in a number of innovative styles, shapes and colors and you're guaranteed to find something that suits your look in their extensive ranges of artistic ventilation solutions.

For all your appliance needs from A to Z call or visit the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center today:

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center
12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105
Studio City, CA 91604
PH 877 696-2987
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