Why You Need A Rangehood In A Modern Kitchen
These days, as they became more and more popular over the past decade or two, we rarely hear the question ‘What is a rangehood’ anymore. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t still asked a lot of questions about rangehoods!
In fact, as electricians, you can probably imagine that we’re asked about rangehoods more than ever – they’ve gone from a nice functional extra to a genuinely important part of a healthy, functional and good-looking kitchen. Older homes might have gone without them, but today they’re considered essential for safety, comfort, style – and therefore even home value.
People often think of a range hood as something that just sits above your cooktop, doing a functional job – but its job is in fact far more important even than that.
A good rangehood:
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Improves air quality
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Removes smoke, steam, grease and smells
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Protects cabinetry
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And keeps your kitchen fresh instead of sticky or humid.
And with dozens of styles and features now available, they’ve become part of the modern look of a kitchen just as much as the appliances beneath them.
So we’ve decided to break down the common questions customers ask us literally every week or two – and then run through the biggest reasons homeowners should install one.
The 4 Most Common Rangehood Questions Electricians Get Asked
These are the exact questions we hear on the phone, during quotes, and while installing new rangehoods across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
1. What is a canopy rangehood?
It’s the classic “chimney-style” unit you see mounted on the wall above a cooktop. It acts like a full kitchen exhaust fan system, pulling air into the hood and directing it up through the flue. Canopy models are powerful, stylish and often chosen as the main feature of the cooking area.
2. What is a good extraction rate for a rangehood?
People ask this a lot. Here’s the general rule:
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Look for at least 600 cubic metres an hour for small kitchens
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And 800–1200 cubic metres/hr for larger kitchens or heavy cooking.
So the answer really depends on how much you cook, how strong you want the suction to be, and how open the kitchen is.
3. What is a recirculating rangehood?
A recirculating rangehood is a model that doesn’t duct air outside. Instead, it filters air through charcoal filters and pumps it back into the kitchen. So:
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It cleans the air instead of removing it outdoors.
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It’s ideal for units, apartments, and homes where external ducting isn’t possible.
4. What is a powerpack rangehood?
A powerpack (or slide-out) rangehood is a compact unit that fits discreetly inside cabinetry. These are excellent for invisible, streamlined kitchen designs.
Why Do You Need A Rangehood? – The 6 Biggest Benefits
While we’re on the rangehood topic, we thought we’d summarise what we generally share with homeowners when they ask whether a rangehood is truly necessary these days. Modern cooking spaces almost always benefit from having one – whether it’s a large canopy, a slimline model, or an oven hood range designed for smaller kitchens.
1. Better air quality
Your cooktop releases smoke, steam, grease particles, odours and fumes. A range hood removes these pollutants before they spread through your home, making the space healthier, cleaner and safer.
2. Stops grease build-up
Without a rangehood, airborne grease lands on cabinets, walls and benchtops. Over time, this causes sticky residue and even long-term discolouration. Proper ventilation prevents that problem entirely.
3. Reduces heat & steam
Cooking creates heat and humidity. A rangehood draws that excess air upwards, keeping the kitchen cooler and more comfortable – especially in Queensland’s warm climate.
4. Protects your kitchen & appliances
Moisture and heat can cause damage to cabinetry and overhead cupboards. Adequate ventilation helps keep materials in good condition, protecting your investment.
5. Makes cooking more enjoyable
When steam and odours are cleared quickly, the kitchen becomes a calmer, cleaner environment. You can talk, entertain, or focus on cooking without the fog and fumes.
6. Improves kitchen style & home value
Today’s rangehoods aren’t just functional – many are designed as centrepieces. A sleek canopy or integrated hood completes the modern look and helps with property resale.
How Static Electrics Can Help Install The Right Rangehood
Every home is different. Ceiling heights, ducting options, cabinetry style, cooktop size and cooking habits all determine the best type of hood.
When we install a rangehood, we assess:
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Whether ducting outside is possible
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The right extraction rate for the home
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The ideal style (canopy, slide-out, under-mount, powerpack, recirculating)
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Safe electrical wiring and switch placement
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The perfect height and alignment above the cooktop
Our goal is simple – a safe, powerful, neatly installed system that works efficiently and looks great in your kitchen.
Need A Rangehood Installed? We’re Ready When You Are
Did you know Static Electrics can install, upgrade or replace rangehoods of all types across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast? If you’re planning a new kitchen or replacing an old unit, we’ll help you choose the right model and install it with care.
Give us a shout or book online for fast, professional rangehood installation and advice.
