If you have a range in your kitchen, it's a safe bet that you'll be needing a range hood to go with it. Making the choice of a range hood can be daunting, though, especially if you aren't buying one to match your range. That's why the experts at Appliances Connection have compiled a list of three of the best European range hood brands you can choose from, in hopes of narrowing down your choices.
Miele
Miele has a reputation in the appliance industry for high-end precision German engineering, and its range hoods certainly live up to that reputation. Their range hoods include ducted, recirculating, wall mounted, cabinet insert, and convertible options, meaning that there's a Miele range hood for you regardless of your kitchen's layout or your personal needs. Many Miele range hoods include LED ClearView lighting that fully illuminates your range without adding unnecessary heat. One feature unique to certain Miele hoods is the ECO economy motor, which reduces energy use and noise by up to 70% while maintaining all the power of traditional motors. You should also look out for Con@ctivity 2.0 technology that communicates with a compatible Miele smart cooktop, automatically turning the blowers on and off while also selecting the correct power setting for the environment. Even if you don't have a smart cooktop, many of their range hoods have temperature sensors that perform a similar function. Miele also uses CleanCover technology; instead of sharp edges and hard-to-clean wires, all you will find behind the grease filters is a smooth, sealed, easy-clean surface.
XO
With a modern appearance and high-performance fans, the Italian-made XO brand is certainly one of the best European range hood brands you can buy. With sizes as small as 16 in. and as large as 48 in., you'll be sure to find one that fits in your kitchen as well. Many XO range hoods, especially in the XOIL Series, are professional-grade and wouldn't be out of place in a restaurant kitchen. Some of them have power ratings of up to 1,000 CFM. They often have machine-washable stainless steel baffle filters and all-in-one blower/liner combination units that are individually designed and built in Italy. Most XO range hoods use halogen lights, which gives them the brightest lighting among the brands on this list, and some of their island mount range hoods include glass canopies that will be the highlight of your kitchen.
Bosch
Bosch is by far one of the best European range hood brands you can choose, especially if you like smart technology. Many of the range hoods in their 500 Series are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control them from your phone using the Bosch Home Connect™ app or using your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. If you prefer direct controls, many of Bosch's range hoods have soft touch displays that show you not only the status of your appliance, but also send you proactive alerts such as reminders to clean the filters. Some of Bosch's recirculating range hoods include activated charcoal filters that remove smoke and odors, as well as dishwasher-safe aluminum mesh filters that trap grease. They also offer downdraft range hoods that retract when not in use, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen. Bosch also makes some of the most energy-efficient appliances; in fact, they recently won the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award.
Related Questions
Do range hoods have to be vented outside?
No; while vented range hoods are the most efficient at keeping the air in your kitchen clean, there are many range hood styles that filter and recirculate the air, negating the need for a vent.
Is higher or lower CFM better for range hoods?
The higher the CFM rating of your range hood, the more powerful its blowers are. In general, you need at least 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of your stovetop. Alternatively, for electric cooktops, look for 100 CFM per 10 in. of stove width.