How to Choose the Right Rangehood for Your Kitchen

Why a Good Rangehood Matters

A rangehood is one of the most overlooked appliances in the kitchen, yet it plays a critical role in keeping your home comfortable and your cabinetry in good condition. Every time you cook, you generate steam, smoke, grease particles, and odours. Without adequate extraction, these settle on your walls, cabinetry, and surfaces over time, causing staining, moisture damage, and lingering smells.

A well-chosen rangehood removes all of this at the source, keeping your kitchen fresh and your home healthier. This guide covers the different types of rangehoods, the features that matter most, how to match a rangehood to your cooktop and kitchen layout, and what to expect at different price points.

Types of Rangehoods

Canopy Rangehoods

Canopy rangehoods are the most visible type, mounted on the wall above your cooktop with a distinctive angled or curved canopy shape. They make a strong design statement and are available in a wide range of finishes including stainless steel, black, and white. Because of their size and positioning, canopy rangehoods typically offer excellent airflow and extraction performance.

They're best suited to kitchens where the cooktop is positioned against a wall, and they work particularly well above gas cooktops where higher extraction capacity is needed. Installation requires ducting to an external wall or ceiling, or a recirculating kit if ducting isn't possible.

Browse our range of canopy rangehoods to compare styles and extraction rates.

Slideout Rangehoods

Slideout rangehoods are mounted underneath your overhead cabinetry and feature a pull-out panel that extends over the cooktop when in use. When retracted, they sit flush with the cabinetry, making them virtually invisible. This makes them an excellent choice for kitchens where a clean, uncluttered look is a priority, or where overhead cabinetry runs continuously across the kitchen.

Slideout models are generally more compact than canopy rangehoods, which means extraction capacity can be lower. They're well suited to ceramic and electric cooktops and moderate cooking volumes. For heavy cooking or gas cooktops with high output burners, a canopy or undermount model may be a better fit.

Explore our slideout rangehoods for a discreet, space-saving option.

Undermount Rangehoods

Undermount rangehoods are fully integrated into your overhead cabinetry, with only the grease filter visible beneath the cabinet. A custom cabinet door conceals the motor and controls, giving a completely seamless look. They're the most discreet rangehood option available and are popular in contemporary kitchen designs where appliances are hidden behind cabinetry panels.

Installation is more involved than other types and is best planned during a kitchen renovation. Extraction performance varies by model, so check the airflow rating carefully against your cooktop type.

See our undermount rangehoods for a fully integrated finish.

Fixed Rangehoods

Fixed rangehoods are a straightforward, no-fuss option that mounts beneath overhead cabinetry in a fixed position. They don't have a slideout panel or integrated cabinetry design, making them simpler to install and generally more affordable. They're a practical choice for rental properties, budget renovations, or kitchens where aesthetics are less of a priority.

Browse our fixed rangehoods for reliable, budget-friendly options.

Canopy vs. Slideout vs. Undermount: Which is Right for You?

• Canopy: Maximum extraction performance, strong design statement, best for gas cooktops and heavy cooking. Requires wall mounting and ducting.
• Slideout: Discreet when not in use, fits under existing cabinetry, good for moderate cooking volumes. Best for ceramic or electric cooktops.
• Undermount: Fully integrated, completely hidden behind cabinetry, ideal for contemporary kitchen designs. Best planned during a renovation.
• Fixed: Simple, affordable, easy to install. Best for rental properties or budget-conscious renovations.

Key Features to Look For

Airflow Capacity

Airflow capacity is the most important performance specification for a rangehood. It's measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h) and indicates how much air the rangehood can move in an hour. As a general guide, your rangehood should be capable of exchanging the air in your kitchen at least ten times per hour.

To calculate the minimum airflow you need, multiply your kitchen's volume (length x width x height in metres) by ten. For example, a kitchen that is 4 m x 3 m x 2.4 m has a volume of 28.8 m³, so you'd want a rangehood with at least 288 m³/h capacity. For gas cooktops or heavy cooking, aim higher.

Ducted vs. Recirculating

Ducted rangehoods extract air and vent it outside via ductwork, which is the most effective method of removing cooking odours, steam, and grease. Recirculating rangehoods filter the air through charcoal filters and return it to the kitchen. They don't require external ducting, making them easier to install in apartments or kitchens where ducting isn't practical, but they're less effective at removing moisture and odours than ducted models.

If ducting is possible in your kitchen, a ducted installation is always the better choice for performance. Recirculating is a practical compromise where ducting isn't an option.

Noise Level

Rangehood noise is measured in decibels (dB). Most models operate between 55 and 70 dB on their highest setting, which is noticeable but acceptable for most kitchens. Quieter models use larger, slower-spinning motors to move the same volume of air with less noise. If your kitchen is open to a living or dining area, or you find rangehood noise distracting while cooking, look for models with lower noise ratings or a boost mode that runs quietly at lower speeds.

Fan Speeds

Most rangehoods offer two to four fan speeds. A low speed is sufficient for light cooking like boiling water or making toast. A higher speed handles frying, grilling, and anything that generates significant smoke or steam. A boost or turbo mode provides maximum extraction for short bursts when needed. More speed options give you greater flexibility to balance extraction performance with noise level.

Lighting

Rangehood lighting illuminates your cooktop while you cook, which is particularly useful in kitchens where overhead lighting doesn't reach the cooking surface well. Most models include LED lighting, which is energy efficient and long lasting. Check the brightness and coverage of the lights, particularly if your cooktop is large.

Grease Filters

Grease filters trap airborne grease particles before they reach the motor. Most modern rangehoods use aluminium mesh filters that are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. Recirculating models also use charcoal filters to absorb odours; these need to be replaced periodically rather than cleaned. Check how accessible the filters are and how easy they are to remove, as this affects how likely you are to clean them regularly.

Size and Width

Your rangehood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, and ideally wider. A 60 cm rangehood suits a 60 cm cooktop, but a 90 cm rangehood provides better coverage and extraction for the same cooktop. For a 90 cm cooktop, a 90 cm rangehood is the minimum recommended width.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $300)

Entry-level rangehoods cover the basics reliably. Expect two to three fan speeds, standard aluminium filters, basic lighting, and moderate extraction capacity. They're a practical choice for rental properties or kitchens with light cooking needs.

Mid-Range ($300 to $800)

Mid-range models offer better extraction capacity, quieter operation, improved lighting, more fan speeds, and better build quality. This is where most households will find a rangehood that performs well and looks good without overspending.

Premium ($800 and Above)

Premium rangehoods deliver superior extraction performance, very quiet operation, refined aesthetics, touch controls, and premium materials. They're a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks, gas cooktops with high-output burners, or anyone undertaking a full kitchen renovation where quality and longevity are priorities.

Matching the Rangehood to Your Kitchen

• Gas cooktop with high-output burners: A canopy rangehood with high airflow capacity is the best choice.
• Ceramic or induction cooktop: A slideout or undermount model provides adequate extraction with a cleaner look.
• Open-plan kitchen: Prioritise a model with low noise ratings and a boost mode for when you need extra extraction.
• Contemporary kitchen renovation: An undermount rangehood integrated into your cabinetry gives the most seamless finish.
• Apartment without external ducting: A recirculating slideout or fixed rangehood is the most practical option.
• Rental property or budget renovation: A fixed rangehood is reliable, affordable, and straightforward to install.

Pairing Your Rangehood with the Right Cooktop

Your rangehood and cooktop work as a team, so it's worth considering them together. A high-output gas cooktop needs a rangehood with sufficient airflow to match. An induction or ceramic cooktop generates less smoke and steam, so a more modest rangehood is often adequate. Browse our full cooktop range, including gas cooktops and induction cooktops, to find the right combination for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a rangehood be mounted above the cooktop?

The recommended mounting height varies by rangehood type and manufacturer, but as a general guide, canopy rangehoods are typically mounted 650 to 750 mm above a gas cooktop and 600 to 650 mm above an electric or induction cooktop. Always check the manufacturer's installation guidelines for your specific model.

How often should I clean the grease filters?

For most households, cleaning the grease filters once a month is sufficient. If you cook frequently or do a lot of frying, clean them more often. Most aluminium mesh filters are dishwasher safe, which makes the job straightforward. Dirty filters reduce extraction performance and can become a fire hazard if grease builds up significantly.

Can I convert a ducted rangehood to recirculating?

Many ducted rangehoods can be converted to recirculating mode using a recirculating kit, which replaces the external duct with a charcoal filter. Check whether your model supports this before purchasing if you're unsure about your ducting options.

What's the difference between a canopy and a slideout rangehood?

A canopy rangehood is mounted on the wall above the cooktop and is always visible, making it a design feature in the kitchen. A slideout rangehood is mounted under overhead cabinetry and retracts when not in use, keeping it hidden. Canopy models generally offer higher extraction capacity; slideout models prioritise a discreet appearance.

Do I need a rangehood for an induction cooktop?

Yes. While induction cooktops don't produce combustion byproducts like gas, they still generate steam, cooking odours, and airborne grease from the food itself. A rangehood keeps your kitchen fresh and protects your cabinetry regardless of cooktop type.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Rangehood?

Browse our complete rangehood range, including canopy, slideout, undermount, and fixed rangehoods, to find the right fit for your kitchen. Whether you're after a statement canopy or a discreet integrated model, we have options to suit every kitchen and budget.