Low-noise hood: how to make it run as gently as the sound of the sea

Quiet cooker hood - how to make it operate gently, like the sound of the sea

A quiet cooker hood is one that operates at a noise level below 50 dB on its lower speeds. Find out how you can influence the level of noise it emits.

Everyone wants to have appliances that work efficiently, effectively, look great, and do not interfere with everyday life. We want the washing machine to be economical and to remove even the toughest grass stains. We are pleased when our fridge keeps our food fresh at all times. We dislike when the dishwasher leaves residue at the bottom of the pots, and the oven creates a soggy cake, even though we strictly follow the recipe.

It's the same with the cooker hood. It must be effective, absorbing all the moisture from cooking to prevent it from settling on furniture, windows, or other appliances. It must extract greasy particles to prevent them from forming a sticky residue with dust, which would dirty walls and countertops. It must also remove unpleasant cooking odours to protect upholstery, curtains, and other fabrics.

 

 

Quiet cooker hood - selection criteria

When choosing a cooker hood, users consider several key factors, which usually include:

• Type of cooker hood: depending on where you plan to install it. If you want to hide it, opt for a built-in cooker hood, which is integrated into the cabinet above the hob. If you have an island in your kitchen, go for an island hood mounted on the ceiling.


• Appearance of the hood: yes, aesthetics matter a lot. An appliance that you will use several times a day and may be quite prominent in your kitchen should look appealing and complement the interior design.


• Technical specifications: consider the efficiency, basic and additional functions, type of lighting, and all the features that affect ease of use.


• Noise level of the hood: for many people, this is the main factor when choosing a ventilation appliance for the kitchen. Each manufacturer specifies the dB range in which a particular model operates.

 

 

Quiet cooker hood GLOBALO AMADIO - 48 dB

Below, we focus on this parameter and provide tips on how to get a quiet cooker hood.

Quiet cooker hood - tips to reduce decibels

It's best to choose a hood that has less than 50 dB on its lowest setting. This way, you can be sure it will operate quietly and become an ambient appliance rather than a disruptive one.

Connect the hood to ventilation

We always recommend that our clients connect the appliance to a ventilation duct whenever possible. The hood will then work as an extractor, venting all cooking impurities and steam outside. An extractor is more effective than a recirculating hood (its equivalent in a closed circuit operating with a carbon filter).

 

 

Quiet cooker hood GLOBALO ALTARA - 47 dB

For the hood to be genuinely quiet, it must be properly installed. Smooth, round pipes that are routed in curves, avoiding right angles, are recommended. Avoid using spiro pipes and flexible ducts; instead, opt for a round pipe with a 15 cm diameter or its equivalents. Do not reduce the outlet diameter from the motor. If the vent grille in your kitchen is close to the wall where the hood is mounted, avoid attaching an elbow directly; instead, lead around 30 cm of pipe first, so the airflow from the motor doesn’t rebound off the plastic and return to the kitchen.

Install an external motor

Every hood has a built-in motor (turbine) that enables it to function by drawing in moisture and other substances that you want to eliminate. Depending on the quality of the appliance, materials used, and motor, it reaches a specific noise level. If you install an external motor, you can be sure that the hood will become quiet. You can place the external motor in the attic, garage, basement, or any other room where its noise will not be a bother. In the kitchen, you’ll be left with only the gentle sound of flowing air, which can even have a calming effect.

Soundproof the pipes

The installed pipes can be soundproofed using materials like mineral wool. You can soundproof them both in the hood cover, which conceals them, and in the wall, ceiling, or floor where they run. Soundproofing will undoubtedly reduce the noise level of the hood.

 

 

Quiet cooker hood GLOBALO NIDARO - 42 dB

Mount the hood on a solid surface

It's best to mount the hood on a solid wall, such as one made of brick, concrete, or blocks. Avoid installing the hood on plasterboard walls, which are less stable and can resonate, causing annoying vibrations. If mounting the hood in a cabinet, ensure its size matches the furniture and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you plan to have a island or ceiling hood, ensure that the equipment is securely mounted to either the main or suspended ceiling.

Regularly clean the metal filter and replace the carbon filter

Metal filters are mesh screens that capture dirt, grease, and other particles from the air. If they become clogged, they will lose their efficiency, and air won't flow freely through them. We recommend cleaning the metal filter once a month. You can wash it by hand or in the dishwasher, without other dishes, at a maximum temperature of 50 degrees.

Carbon filters should be replaced every 3-6 months. They are made up of tiny (1-2 mm) activated carbon pellets, which absorb moisture and unpleasant odours. The filter will also stop being effective if it’s not replaced on time. Clogged filters can significantly increase the noise level of the kitchen hood.

By following these tips, you can reduce the noise level of your hood, which will likely lead to more frequent use of the appliance.