Asian cooking is composed of cooking methods like stir-frying, steaming, and deep frying that create a lot of smoke and smell. In addition, different variations of rice and recipes that involve chicken and other meats are part of Asian and Chinese cuisine. These dishes have a special taste and are often light on your stomach.
Nevertheless, one of the important considerations for people who want to prepare Chinese food in their kitchen is the choice of the range hood. If you are looking for the best range hood for Chinese cooking, you have come to the right place.
There are two types of hoods available: a ducted range hood and a ductless range hood. Both these types have their own pros and cons, but here we will find out which is better for Chinese cooking and look at some of the best range hoods available on the market.
So, let’s get started.
How to Choose the Best Range Hood for Chinese Cooking
It is recommended to use a ducted range hood to prepare Chinese food variations in your kitchen. A ducted hood serves to remove the excess humidity from the kitchen and the dirty air, along with any smells that might gather. With a ductless hood, it won’t be easy to remove the smoke, grease, and steam from the kitchen, and it will need a lot of power to achieve this. Depending on the power of your range, you need to check the size of your ductwork, which is located outside.
Furthermore, a larger model that offers around 900+ CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures the power or rate of air moving. Heavy cooking that produces a lot of smoke or steam needs a hood that has a higher CFM. It also depends on your stovetop; for example, if you have a 100,000 BTU stove, you are going to need a range hood with a CFM of at least 1,000.
Moreover, range hoods come in various sizes ranging from as small as 24″ to as large as 60″. As a rule of thumb, remember to buy a range hood that is approximately the same size as your stovetop. However, if you plan on preparing Chinese food, it is recommended to choose a range hood slightly larger in size. For example, go for a 40″ hood if your stove is 35″ or 36″ wide.
Chinese cooking is usually high-heat and high-grease, and it goes well with stainless steel baffle filters. They are easier to maintain and clean than aluminum filters. Moreover, there won’t be any need to replace them every year because stainless steel is quite durable and long-lasting. Make sure to clean them every now and again to ensure proper operation.
Now that we know the qualities of the best range hood for Chinese cooking, let’s look at the top 5 range hoods recommended by experts for this type of high-heat cooking.
Read Also: Top 12 Best ductless range hood
Top 5 Best Range Hood for Chinese Cooking
Depending on their construction, functionality, price, and customer reviews, we have shortlisted the top 5 best range hoods for Chinese cooking available on the market. They are particularly recommended for Chinese cooking because of their excellent features and the ability to remove dirty air as well as smoke and smells effectively from the kitchen.
So, let’s have a look at these range hoods.
1. Cosmo 63175S 30 Inch 380 CFM Wall Mount Kitchen Range Hood – Best Overall
If you’re a clean freak, then Cosmo is the way to go!
This 380 CFM is equipped with advanced features to eliminate strong odors from Chinese cooking and ensure you always have a clean, smell-free kitchen.
Its permanent filters are dishwasher-safe and offer extremely durable materials that make every penny count. By simply throwing the filters into the dishwasher, you could save hundreds of bucks in maintenance.
Cosmo is known for comprising of the best features at extremely affordable prices. It’s not only cost-effective, but it makes sure you stay ahead of your kitchen safety game.
It comes with 2W LED lighting, which is the ultimate energy-conserving solution. In addition, the hood is mounted right below the wall, so you have absolutely no trouble cooking in the dark. Its easy-to-clean filters make maintenance very straightforward. Owing to its stylish design and construction, it can brighten up your kitchen instantly.
Let’s have a look at some of its pros and cons.
Pros
- Easy soft-touch controls for better adjustability
- Energy-conserving hood
- Easy to carry
- Requires minimal maintenance
Cons
- Slightly difficult to assemble
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If you are looking for a wall-mounted range hood, which comes with LED lighting and easy push controls available at a reasonable cost, this is the hood for you. However, there are some points that you will have to keep in mind if you plan on buying them for your kitchen. First off, it offers a ductless conversion model that requires you to spend some extra money on the purchase of a carbon filter kit. But if you are going to buy the ducted version, this won’t be a problem.
It comes with a 380 CFM, which is good enough for a small stovetop. However, it has a width of 30″, which might not be suitable for larger stovetops.
2. ZLINE 30″ Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood – Best for Adjustability
This is another 30″ wide range hood recommended for Chinese cooking. Its stainless steel construction and convertible design make it one of the preferred choices of a lot of people out there.
The factory-tested assurance of Zline 30-inch convertible vent wall is the go-to choice for you if you want an easy-to-use ventilation solution for your kitchen. In addition, the 4-speed touch-sensitive electronic controls easily make it one of the best sellers that this brand provides.
This hood also offers Chimney extensions for up to 12-inches to help you get the complete rangehood set that, in turn, makes cooking a lot easier. With the aid of a fully installed blower and fan, this Zline hood is the epitome of reliable hoods.
One of the practical benefits of this best range hood for Chinese cooking is that it doesn’t have to duct the product outside. Instead, you can simply go for the ductless operation to Activate Charcoal Filters to cook what you desire effortlessly.
This model has directional lights that make it undemanding to cook at night and ensure you utilize the hood throughout the regular cooking session.
Pros
- Stainless steel gives a beautiful snow finish
- Easy to install and use
- Relatively quiet
- Durable
Cons
- May require you to have a DIY permit if you are installing it yourself
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It offers a CFM of 400, which is quite good for its size. The manufacturer offers three types of stainless steel finishes for this model, which include 430 Grade, 304 Grade, and Snow Finish. Depending on your kitchen decor and theme, you can choose a suitable finish. Choose this product. If you’re looking for an easy-to-install hood that doesn’t produce a lot of noise while operating, then go for it. Another advantage is, this hood comes with excellent customer support, so even if you’re having some issues with its installation or functionality, you can get them resolved in no time.
3. Broan-NuTone 413604 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood – Best for Versatility
Broan-NuTone 413604 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood is the perfect example of a hood that offers utmost ventilation to satisfy all your needs. In addition, its unique design and features can be used as an exhaust fan and overhead light for added convenience.
The unit is designed to fit under cabinets and offers smooth airflow without making your kitchen stink., When maintained right, this non-ducted hood can be used to create fresh, odor-free air that will instantly improve your health.
It is constructed with smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and have its bottom edge hemmed for safety purposes. Moreover, the ADA-compliant hood comes with a 1-year limited warranty to ensure you take no risks with this purchase.
Pros
- Can be installed ductless with charcoal filter
- Protective lamp lens
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Offers excellent value for money
Cons
- It can get stinky if you don’t use the filter properly
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It’s a 36″ ductless range hood that comes with a stainless steel hood, but one disadvantage is that it doesn’t have a ducted version. It has to be installed at least 18″ above the stovetop. If you have a kitchen design with cabinets above the stove, you will need an under-cabinet range hood, which can be the best choice if you plan on preparing Chinese food often. Its beautiful design can instantly upgrade your old kitchen and give it a new look.
However, if you are looking for something more stylish and modern, our next choice will be more suitable for your needs.
4. Broan-NuTone BCSD130SS Glacier Range Hood – Best for Aesthetics
Be it the modern look or excellent lighting, the Broan-NuTone never fails to go the extra mile and offers features that you never imagined having in your range hood. In addition, its superior smoke and odor removal takes the lead above most of the other hoods in the market.
Moreover, the unit is equipped with halogen bulbs that can light up the stove and your surroundings to ease the process of cooking at night. You can also choose multiple light levels and blower speeds to adjust the settings to your preference. Its 250 CFM and the two-speed blower are ideal for efficient airflow in and out of the kitchen, making this experience far more comfortable.
What makes Broan NuTone better than most is its ability to tackle the aftermath of cooking seamlessly. All the parts can be washed single-handedly without compromising the quality of the wash. Additionally, the Glacier helps to completely remove the grease, making your range hood squeaky clean.
All in all, if you are tired of seeing your smelly kitchen filled with smoke, this Glacier Range Hood will be the best choice to improve the quality of air and light up your space for optimum satisfaction.
Pros
- Modern look
- Incredible value for money
- One of the highest rating range hoods
- Very quiet
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Lacks LED lights
- It’s not equipped with an electric cord
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This under-cabinet range hood is one of the best options for smaller stovetops. Its 250 CFM ventilation and whisper-quiet operation make it possible to enjoy Chinese cooking whenever you want. Its dual, open-mesh filters are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe. And most importantly, it is very stylish and modern and comes with two-level halogen bulbs for proper illumination while you’re cooking your favorite meals.
One disadvantage is that its filters are made from aluminum and not stainless steel. Although easy to clean, they are not very suitable for Chinese and other types of high-heat and high-grease cooking in the long run. You might also need to replace them after a year or so.
5. IKTCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood – Best for Powerful Performance
No other range hoods can beat the powerful performance of IKTCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood that offers maximum airflow that surpasses its competitors. This is best for kitchens that prepare large food quantities and eliminate odor without causing too much noise. Its modern design comes with a digital screen, a complete stainless-steel body, and Gesture Sensing & Touch Control to handle ventilation efficiently.
This enables you to keep your space quiet, safe, and odor-free to make Chinese cooking even more enjoyable. As your favorite meals cook, you can rest assured that the durable filters of Iktch take care of all the waste and pollutants. The unit is specifically designed for people who hate cleaning stubborn greasy filters, which can ruin the overall appearance of your kitchen. This cost-effective option is low maintenance and maintains its brand new condition with just a single wash.
Iktch understands that while installing lights in your kitchen would be convenient, it is also a rather lavish purchase. This is precisely why Iktch offers you two pieces of Bright Energy Saving Lamps with completely adjustable light intensity settings to suit your needs.
The unit offers the whisper-quiet operation, is easy to use, and has been vouched for by most past users on the internet. However, like anything else, it also has its own set of pros and cons. So, let’s find out what they are, and then you can make a buying decision.
Pros
- It has a modern, sleek look to enhance the appearance of your kitchen
- It’s equipped with removable dishwasher safe filters
- Increased fan speeds
- Highly durable
Cons
- Lacks instructions needed for beginners to set the unit up.
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Although it comes in a modern design and offers quite a powerful operation, this hood may not be the easiest to install. However, one of its most striking features is the availability of 900 CFM, which is quite impressive and ideal for Chinese cooking. Its ultra-quiet operation is also another prominent feature, along with gesture sensing and touch control panel. Another plus is its stainless steel filters, which are recommended for high-grease cooking. They are not only easy to maintain but are also quite durable and long-lasting.
Range Hood Buying Guide: Factors to Before Buying a Range Hood
It’s important to gather as much reliable information on products as possible to decide which product perfectly meets your needs and is also available within your specified price range. However, sometimes the choice is not easy with so many options available on the market and your requirements being a little vague.
If you are specifically looking for a range hood for Chinese and Asian cooking, you have to keep in mind a number of factors. However, from the size and material of construction to the CFM it offers and the filters, these points are usually enough to help you make a decision.
To help make this decision easier, here are the top 5 factors to consider before purchasing a range hood.
Size
The size is the most important aspect of buying a range hood. Not only do you need to measure your stovetop before buying a hood, but you also need to make sure that you find the right size, so it works efficiently.
The size of the hood shouldn’t be equal to that of your stove. Many prefer to have an induction cooking system that requires relatively smaller range hoods. Gas and electric stovetops also require different sizes. If you are looking for an affordable option, I suggest going for a small range hood which is good enough to trap all the gunk while providing sufficient ventilation.
If you are willing to invest in a bigger stovetop, there is no harm in investing in a high-quality range hood. However, you need to ensure that the range hood you choose can fit perfectly into the given space with enough room for proper ventilation. Before opting for an under-cabinet vent hood, measure the dimensions of the space assigned for it. Also, we highly recommend reading this guide on what size of cooker hood do I need?
Power
The better the performance, the more powerful the ventilation. If you cook many stir-frying Chinese dishes, you should opt for a high-powered range hood that can effectively handle large amounts of smoke, gunk, and unpleasant smells.
Try using 100 CFM per linear foot range hoods installed for walls or 150 CFM for the vent to support the needs perfectly. Counting on ductless range hoods isn’t the best strategy, as they work by filtering the present air instead of getting rid of it from the space. However, depending on your regular usage, you can work your way around finding the best range hood for your kitchen.
Ease of Installation
The factor relies on whether you are willing to go the extra mile and hire a professional to install the range hood or not. This holds for ducted hoods, which need to be installed permanently in your kitchen. The more complicated and advanced the hood is, the more you will be charged for it.
Learn More: How to install a kitchen hood through the roof
If you don’t wish to resort to higher prices, you can always opt for a DIY option and use a ductless range hood for ease of use and installation. Some experts do not recommend a ductless range hood for Chinese cooking, but the modern and technologically advanced ductless hoods are quite efficient nowadays. Go through our list of best range hoods once again, and you will find the right product.
The Cost
Regardless of all the features, everything boils down to the cost of your range hood. The price varies with size, features, power, brand, and materials that distinguish one piece from the other.
For instance, a range hood with heat sensors, lighting, and automatic power-off functions will cost more than regular ones. . To make the best decision, make sure to compare the costs and determine which hood offers better value for the price point. While considering the price, you should also consider the installation costs and other unapparent expenses.
The Exhaust System
There are two different types of exhaust systems you get with range hoods. First, you could start with a ducted exhaust system or vent system – this is where the greasy smoke channels away and out of the house to reduce long-term maintenance and create a healthier environment.
Read Also: How does a ductless cooker hood work
You need to position the duct system in your ducted range hood in a short and efficient place to reduce the amount of time taken for the air to travel outside. The shorter the duct, the less costly the installation is going to be.
On the flip side, a duct-free exhaust uses a different approach to filter the air returning it to your home instead of channeling it outside. This may not be the most efficient choice, but it is cheaper and easy to use. Other than that, ductless exhaust systems require additional maintenance in cleaning and replacing the filters to keep them in excellent shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which range hood is best for Chinese cooking?
Chinese cooking requires a lot of stir-frying and deep-frying, which creates a lot of smoke. Therefore, a ducted range hood is the best choice to eliminate the odor and smoke and get rid of the humidity and heat that remains after you’re done cooking. However, today’s modern range hoods that are ductless are also quite efficient. However, you will need to spend a little extra money on the carbon filter kit if you plan on buying a ductless hood.
Q. How much CFM do I need for Chinese cooking?
When it comes to CFM for Chinese cooking, you need at least 900 CFM that can support the heavy cooking involved in Chinese food preparation. However, if you have a small stove, a CFM of 300 to 600 will also work just fine.
Q. What type of duct is best for venting a range hood?
If you are going for a ducted or venting range hood, it’s best to use Rigid Dust that requires a one-time installation to cover all your needs. In addition, it requires little to no maintenance and is made of robust stainless steel giving you a long-term solution.
Q. Do I really need a range hood?
Buying a range hood is crucial to avoid health risks while cooking. It keeps out the harmful chemicals, exhaust, and odor in the kitchen to streamline your cooking experience. You will notice an almost instant improvement in your meals once you incorporate a range hood in your cooking space. Still, you consider not getting a range hood then read this article where we explain how to survive in a kitchen without a range hood?
Q. How do I choose a quiet range hood?
A highly quiet range hood should be around 1-3 sones or 40-60 decibels. The lower the numbers are, the quieter the unit is going to be. You can also count on customer reviews to honestly analyze the noise and experience with the range hood.
Conclusion
Using the right equipment and ingredients can be crucial for preparing a perfect foreign dish. This best range hood for Chinese cooking article serves as a guide to help you create authentic and delicious meals.
Range hoods are the best option to save you hours of cleaning and annoying fire alarms that go off right when you start cooking. Thus, if you are looking to brighten up your kitchen, it’s never a bad idea to include a good quality range hood that not only meets your needs but fits your budget as well. Modern range hoods are quite stylish, sturdy, and long-lasting. In addition, they have the ability to amp up any type of kitchen, small or spacious.
So, we recommend the Cosmo 63175S 30 Inch 380 CFM Wall Mount Kitchen Range Hood because of its advanced durability, positive customer reviews, and unrivaled adjustability. Moreover, it’s one of the most affordable range hoods and therefore highly recommended.
So get ready to take your best bet!