01
.Introduction
Test results for 20 canopy rangehoods priced from $399 to $1599
Canopy rangehoods, which are like a freestanding flue, are usually more expensive than retractable ones. Despite this, they’re becoming an increasingly popular way of removing cooking smells and steam from your kitchen.
Last time CHOICE tested rangehoods we didn’t have an issue finding the carbon filters required for recirculating mode (where the rangehood cleans the odours from the air it pulls in from cooking). It was a simple process to buy and fit the filters. This time around, the distributors just couldn’t seem to get their act together. We were left wondering how consumers are supposed to get the filters, and in some cases, how they are supposed to fit them.
For information on other essential kitchen items currently available, see CHOICE's Ovens and cooktops.
Brands tested - all 90cm and all can be installed ducted or recirculated.
- Baumatic BAH9008G #
- Blanco BWCE9X
- Blanco BWC9X #
- Bosch DKE935AAU (A)
- Chef CS901S
- DeLonghi DEBETA90 #
- Electrolux EF935X/A (A)
- Fisher & Paykel HC90PCHPX1 (A)
- Fisher & Paykel HC90DCXB1 #
- Fisher & Paykel HC90PCHTX1 #
- Lofra LOH9008G (A)
- Miele DA 399
- Miele DA 5990 W #
- Omega K224X90 (A)
- Omega OR917CXA #
- Robinhood RCT900SS (A)
- Robinhood RHCV9G #
- Robinhood RWC3CH9SS #
- Smeg K181V90 #
- Westinghouse WRF900CS
(A) Discontinued.
# Newly tested models.
Ducting vs recirculating mode
While we test in both ducted and recirculating mode, we always argue for ducting out of the home over recirculating. Ducted takes the steam, fat and smells outside; recirculating uses a carbon filter, and pushes the air back into the kitchen while claiming to remove smells. If you don’t live where ducting is possible, you might want to consider recirculating. Before you do:
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Check whether the manufacturer can regularly supply the filters that strip the smell from the exhaust air.
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Keep in mind that while some manufacturers state that filters need replacing as little as every two to four months, this really depends on the type of cooking you do. High fat cooking with high-odour vapours will require the filters to be changed more frequently than cooking that produces mainly steam.
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We also display costs for this sometimes-extravagant ongoing expense below.
How we test
Our tester, Peter Horvath, installs the rangehood following the manufacturer’s instructions above a 900mm-wide ceramic hotplate with four hobs.
- Performance He simmers water first in two saucepans, then four. With the fan on both the lowest and highest settings, he assesses how well the rangehood removes steam. He tests all models in ducted and recirculating mode.
- Noise is measured at each fan setting with the noise level meter 500mm from the front edge of the hood. The readings are taken at the lowest and highest fan settings then averaged.
- Power output is measured at every fan setting with the lights switched off.
- Light output is measured by placing the light meter directly on the four hobs and over the four control knobs at the front of the hotplate. Five readings are averaged, and comments made regarding the intensity of the light output.
- Ease of use assessment consists of how easily the mesh filters can be accessed and cleaned in the kitchen sink, cleaning the exterior surface, ease of using the controls and light intensity.
CHOICE independence is guaranteed
These independent ratings are only available through membership with CHOICE Online because no one tests products like we do. Arm yourself with our unique and exclusive information and make your next purchase with confidence.