Because great design should smell fresh, not sound like a jet engine

A rangehood isn’t the most glamorous appliance in your kitchen, but it’s one of the most important. Get it right, and you’ll barely notice it’s there. Get it wrong, and it can be noisy, clunky, or completely ineffective. Worse, it can wreck the aesthetic of your space, or leave cooking smells lingering long after dinner.

Here’s how to choose a rangehood that works hard, sounds quiet, and blends beautifully with your kitchen design.

1. Start with extraction, not looks
It’s easy to get swept up in sleek designs and hidden models, but the main job of a rangehood is to remove steam, grease, and odours. Make sure the model you choose has enough power (measured in cubic metres per hour) to suit the size of your kitchen and the style of cooking you do. If you’re a regular stir-fry cook or have a gas cooktop, you’ll need more grunt than someone who cooks lighter meals a few times a week.

2. Choose a style that suits your space
Canopy rangehoods are classic and often used as a statement feature, but they’re not for everyone. Power packs (built into overhead cabinetry) offer a clean, seamless look and let you keep valuable storage above the cooktop. Downdraft models and vented hobs are great for island kitchens or minimalist spaces where you don’t want anything overhead. The best option is one that complements your layout, not competes with it.

3. Think about where and how it vents
Good extraction depends on more than just motor strength, it also depends on ducting. Long, bendy duct runs reduce performance and increase noise. If you can, vent the rangehood directly outside with minimal turns. For apartments or homes where external venting isn’t possible, recirculating options with quality filters are available, but they won’t be as effective. It’s worth planning venting routes early in your renovation to get the best results.

4. Keep noise to a minimum
A powerful rangehood shouldn’t drown out your dinner conversation. Some of the quietest models use off-board motors, where the motor is installed in the ceiling or outside wall, rather than inside the unit itself. You still hear the air moving, but the mechanical noise is dramatically reduced. Variable fan speeds also help: you don’t need full power for everything, so you can run it quieter most of the time.

5. Don’t forget lighting and cleaning
It’s a small thing, but good lighting over your cooktop can make a big difference to how you cook. Look for rangehoods with built-in LED lighting that’s bright, even, and energy efficient. And make sure the filters are easy to remove and dishwasher safe, because a rangehood only keeps working well if you keep it clean.

Make it functional and beautiful

The best rangehoods do their job quietly, effectively, and without getting in the way of your design. Whether you want it to disappear into cabinetry or become a bold design feature, there’s a model to suit, just don’t compromise performance for looks.

For more practical advice on planning a kitchen that’s stylish, functional and built for real life, check out our Renovating Your Kitchen to Stay Guide. Because good kitchens don’t just look good, they work.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.