Once an industrial eyesore, canopy rangehoods are now often considered a decorative staple in modern kitchens. However, no two rangehoods are identical. Instead, different rangehood types boast various benefits that suit dynamic kitchens.
If you’re in the market for a canopy rangehood installation, this guide will tell you what you need to know about its uses, benefits, disadvantages, and how to pick the right one.
What is a Canopy Rangehood?
A canopy rangehood is a metal duct installed above cooktops to absorb heat, grease, smoke, and condensation while cooking.
Internal fans are responsible for pulling air up into a filtration system. Alternatively, canopy rangehoods can be ducted externally, cleaning the air using carbon filters and recirculating it back into your kitchen. They can be installed against a wall or even overhead of a kitchen island.
What Are Canopy Rangehoods Best Suited For?
Canopy rangehoods are best for people who require powerful air filtration for larger kitchens. Because they are fixed structures, they are better suited for homeowners who don’t plan to move or restructure (at least in the meantime).
In addition, they are aesthetically pleasing focal points and make an excellent style statement.
Canopy Rangehoods come in a range of different sizes and can be custom built as needed as well. Some of the most common sizes for a Rangehood Canopy include:
- 600mm Canopy Rangehood
- 900mm Canopy Rangehood
- 1200mm Canopy Rangehood
- 1500mm Canopy Rangehood
The Benefits of Canopy Rangehoods
Compared to other rangehoods, canopy types are typically considered the most effective because they cover your entire cooktop. They also provide the following benefits.
Improved Air Quality
Because canopy rangehoods typically have more advanced filtration systems, they effectively reduce smoke, fumes, steam, and grease when cooking. In addition, high-quality ventilation pulls hot air from the surrounding area, providing a more comfortable cooking experience.
Better still, if your interiors consist of a lot of fabric, the right rangehood can eliminate foul smells.
Diverse Installation Types
Unlike other kitchen appliances and budget rangehoods, canopy types are compatible with multiple installation types that increase efficiency.
For instance, they can be fixed or installed over an island setup or even under-cabinet to improve ventilation in smaller kitchens.
Increased Home Value
Because canopies are typically considered nice-to-haves, incorporating one into your kitchen can significantly increase your home’s dollar value.
If you choose to relocate soon, kitchen renovations are the most value-adding for potential buyers.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Some homeowners install canopies purely for visual appeal. They are large-scale, dramatic, and draw lots of attention.
In addition, most of them suit various home aesthetics, whether contemporary, traditional, or rustic—you’ll impress any guest!
The Drawbacks of Canopy Rangehoods
While rangehoods provide apparent benefits, not all of them are perfect. Below are a few things to look out for if you consider buying a canopy rangehood.
Noise Pollution
Naturally, more powerful rangehoods tend to be noisier. While this isn’t an issue for most modern ones, which come with better insulation to reduce noise levels, ones with powerful motors can concern neighbours.
Installation Requirements
While installing a canopy rangehood in a house is relatively straightforward, installing one in a shared building might be a long process. On top of requiring a compatible ventilation system, some buildings will limit your rangehood’s CFM (cubic feet of air moved per minute).
High Costs
Because of their efficiency, canopies often cost more than fixed, under-mount, and retractable hoods. While budget-type rangehoods can cost as low as $400, most high-quality canopy rangehoods can cost $1,000 – $5000, not including installation fees – but if your wallet can handle it, it’s well worth the price.
Additional Maintenance
As with incorporating any new significant home fixture, a canopy rangehood installation will require additional maintenance. While you can apply DIY solutions with household ingredients, running the risk of taking a rangehood apart yourself may not be worth what you’ll pay for repairs.
As such, scheduling a yearly check-up and cleaning might be more beneficial and cost-effective.
Sydney Rangehoods provides extended warranties of upto 10 years on a number of brands including Qasair, Whispair and Sirius.
The Best Canopy Rangehoods
If you’re shortlisting the best canopy rangehoods on the market, consider the following models from Australia’s top brands:
Qasair
Qasair’s locally designed rangehoods are powerful, quiet, and produced with the most effective Australian-made extractors.
The Qasair 90 cm Heritage Canopy Rangehood is timeless, traditional, and highly efficient. Its all-metal motor provides high extraction with minimal noise. In addition, it contains patented Qasair filters that capture every particle and are easy to throw into the dishwasher for cleaning.
Qasair Heritage models are also available in, 600 mm canopy rangehood, 900 mm canopy rangehood, 1200 mm canopy rangehood & 1500mm canopy rangehood.
Falmec
Once a small manufacturing company, Falmec has evolved into a national giant for cutting-edge cooker hoods. Headquartered in Italy, Falmec products contain the highest-grade materials like AISI 304 stainless steel.
Among Falmec’s most prestigious rangehoods is the Lumina NRS Wall, complete with tempered glass and a washable metallic grease filter. Its NRS technology makes for a quieter machine that won’t disturb neighbors.
Sirius
Sirius’ Italian-designed rangehoods come with complete ducting kits that support multiple installation types. Its strikingly beautiful rangehoods suit all kitchen layouts and complement all interior aesthetics.
This world leader in technology and design stocks the bestselling SL80 BBQ 1200B or otherwise known as the Sirius Fresco, complete with a twin onboard motor and powerful 2000m3/h airflow. Tried and tested, it provides powerful extraction with little noise and total induction safety.
Whispair
Whispair’s German-made motors boast a remote system that maximize extraction performance. Considered an “advanced” traditional motor solution, Whispair rangehoods have top and rear ducting options that are easy to install and last years.
The Paris 36 Island Mounted is a popular rangehood choice with custom heights and is in itself a spectacular design statement. Its touch control is sleek and easy to use, perfect for the minimalist chef.
Schweigen
100% Australian-owned and operated, Schweigen’s European-made silent rangehoods boast the unique and powerful Isodrive motor, which is 3x more energy efficient than its traditional counterparts.
Schweigen’s Silent Island Rangehood 900mm is a revolutionarily designed rangehood with four speed levels and flexible motor options. Innovatively designed, Plus, its SteelFlex material is fire, crush, and pest proof, make it one of the safest rangehoods around.
A Grade Finish Canopies
For custom rangehoods and reliable designs, A Grade Finish Canopies turns traditional BBQ pits into full cooking spaces. Stylish and functional, A Grade’s products are top-of-line and crafted with robust stainless steel.
The AGF1500 Pro 2 Rangehood is deeper and wider than your traditional canopy, taking in more smoke than usual. With an impressive suction capacity of 6400 cubic m per hour, you won’t have to worry about air pollution. Not to mention, it has a 2x super quiet roof mount fan to drown out any noise.
Canopy Rangehoods Quick Buying Guide
Purchasing a canopy rangehood isn’t as easy as finding a reputable brand and picking out a product with every bell and whistle. When shopping for the right rangehood, consider the following factors.
Size
Generally, your rangehood should match your cooktop dimensions to take in smoke and vapours effectively. Measure the length and width of your cooktop before you buy a rangehood.
Canopy Rangehoods come in a range of different sizes and can be custom built as needed as well. Some of the most common sizes for a Rangehood Canopy include:
- 60cm Canopy Rangehood
- 90cm Canopy Rangehood
- 120cm Canopy Rangehood
- 150cm Canopy Rangehood
Airflow Rate
Airflow rates are typically calculated using cubic metres per hour. While internal designs and installation types often significantly impact efficacy, extraction rates can determine how well a rangehood pulls in smoke.
Filters
All rangehoods have different filters. Generally, aluminium mesh filters are the most affordable, effective, and easiest to clean. However, in rangehoods, aluminium filters require frequent replacement. In addition, recirculating rangehoods may require more expensive carbon filters.
Light
The best rangehoods comprise two globe lights above your cooktop for better visibility. Typically, halogen lights provide the best visibility and are more cost-effective than LEDs or incandescent lights.
Controls
All rangehoods have controls, but how accessible they are can significantly impact your cooking experience. Ensure that these controls are well within reach, such as on the rangehood’s front panel.
Noise
While silent rangehoods are not necessarily more effective than active ones, noisy rangehoods can be a nuisance, especially if you live in a building with neighbours. When trying out a rangehood, check for noise in every setting.
Price
As with any significant purchase, you get what you pay for. While you shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a high-quality rangehood, paying too little could indicate a poorly-constructed product with inferior materials.
The Bottom Line
For budding chefs who want to improve their cooking space, a canopy rangehood can revolutionise your kitchen. These advanced extractors are simple, sleek, and durable—perfect for homeowners who value a step up from tradition.
If you would like to know mor about getting canopy rangehood installation, contact Sydney Rangehoods. As Sydney’s most trusted rangehood installer, we provide end-to-end solutions from advice and installation through to maintenance and repairs.
