Range hood is an indispensable appliance in modern kitchens, which is responsible for sucking away the oil smoke generated during cooking and protecting the kitchen environment and the health of its occupants. However, many families have some misunderstandings when using range hoods, resulting in the performance of range hoods not being fully utilized.
After several days and nights of research and analysis, I have summarized the following suggestions, hoping to help you use and maintain the range hood correctly.
1. Clean regularly
The cleanliness of the range hood is key to maintaining its performance. The build-up of grease inside the hood can lead to a decrease in suction power and may even start a fire. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the range hood thoroughly after every period of use. When cleaning, you can use a specialized range hood cleaner, or a homemade cleaning solution such as a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. In addition, it is also necessary to change the filter screen of the range hood regularly to maintain its filtration effect.
2. Install it correctly
The installation position and height of the range hood have a direct impact on the smoke absorption effect. The range hood should be installed directly above the stove, and the height from the stove is subject to the manual of the range hood, usually between 65-75 cm. Installation too high or too low will affect the suction and exhaust effect of oil smoke. In addition, the range hood should be installed in a stable manner to avoid vibration and noise during use.
3. Reasonable use
During the cooking process, the range hood should be used reasonably. It is advisable to turn on the hood before cooking starts, so that the fumes can be extracted before they occur. When cooking is over, do not turn off the hood immediately and continue to run it for a few minutes to ensure that the fumes in the kitchen are completely discharged. In addition, avoid opening and closing the kitchen door frequently when the range hood is turned on, so as not to affect the discharge of oil smoke.
4. Choose the right range hood
There are many types of range hoods on the market, and choosing the right one is crucial to improving the kitchen environment. When choosing a range hood, you should consider the type of range hood, side suction or top suction, as well as factors such as suction, noise level, ease of cleaning, and whether it is intelligent. For open kitchens or homes with large cooking fumes, it is recommended to choose a range hood with stronger suction.
5. Regular maintenance
In addition to daily cleaning, range hoods require regular maintenance. It is recommended to perform professional range hood maintenance at least once a year, including checking the range hood's motor, wind wheel, and circuitry to ensure that it is operating properly. In addition, for range hoods with automatic cleaning functions, they should be cleaned regularly according to the instructions in the manual.
6. Pay attention to safety
When it comes to using and maintaining a range hood, safety cannot be overlooked. When cleaning the range hood, you should make sure that the range hood has been completely cooled to avoid burns. When disassembling and installing the range hood, make sure that the power supply has been cut off to avoid electric shock. In addition, if the range hood fails or its performance decreases, it should be stopped immediately and a professional should be contacted for inspection and repair.
The suction power of the range hood is very important for its efficacy in absorbing oil smoke, and we can test it by the following methods when we generally have no professional equipment:
Paper test method
Prepare materials: A sheet of A4 size paper.
Test steps: 1. Place the paper flat at the range hood outlet under the hood. 2. Turn on the range hood to the maximum suction gear. 3. Wait 5-10 seconds to see if the paper can be firmly adsorbed.
Result judgment: ● If the paper is sucked, it indicates that the range hood has good suction. ● If the paper cannot be sucked or only part of it is sucked, it may be because there is a problem with the exhaust pipe or fan of the range hood, and it is recommended to clean and replace the relevant parts in time.
Hand feel test method
Test steps: 1. After turning on the range hood, put your hand near the air inlet to feel whether there is a backwinding phenomenon. 2. Put your hand on the air outlet and feel the strength of the wind. 3. Put your hand on the screws and seams of the range hood to check whether there is air leakage.
Result judgment: ●The negative pressure generated by the range hood without backwinding, air leakage and strong wind is uniform and high, and the smoking effect is good.
Proper use and maintenance of the range hood is essential to keep the kitchen environment clean and the health of the occupants. By following the above recommendations, we can ensure that the performance of the range hood is fully utilized while extending its lifespan. Hopefully, this article will help you better understand and use range hoods and enjoy a healthier and more comfortable cooking environment.