We all know kitchen hoods are a must in Singapore’s kitchens with its high humidity levels as it ensures that your kitchens stay ventilated by absorbing the odours, grease and smoke. However, with the myriad of kitchen hoods available, there is one particular hood gaining popularity among Singaporeans 一 the downdraft hood!

What is a downdraft hood?

Perhaps you are hearing this for the first time and you are wondering what is a downdraft hood exactly? 

A downdraft hood functions by taking in any emissions produced downwards through a horizontal blower and out of a duct. It is more discrete unlike its counterparts with its ability to be beneath the countertop when not in use. Downdraft hoods are typically 8 to 10 inches in height and are placed behind or around your kitchen hobs.

Now that we all know what a downdraft hood is, let’s get into the reasons why SIngaporeans  are choosing the downdraft hoods for their kitchens and why you should too!

Benefits of the downdraft hood

Space Efficiency 

The downdraft hood helps you to save space as it does not need cabinetry space or be mounted to the wall like a wall mount hood. Rather, as aforementioned, it is placed on the countertop and can be stored under the cooktop when not needed. This helps to save countertop space, especially if your kitchen is small. Furthermore, this means there can be more space for lighting fixtures if you need more light in your kitchen. 

Minimalist Aesthetic 

Minimalism has been a running trend in design for the past few years. With the downdraft hood being able to be hidden from view when it is not in use, it allows your kitchen and countertop to be clutter-free. Downdraft hoods are also more aesthetic looking and sleek compared to other kitchen updraft hoods. If you want a minimalist style for your kitchen, the downdraft hood will be a fantastic choice as it will fit seamlessly in with the rest of your kitchen. 

Easier Cleaning 

Downdraft hoods are great for fuss free maintenance as a majority of downdraft hoods come with filters that are easily removable and washable. With easier maintenance, this means more time saved for cleaner kitchens while having enjoyable cooking experiences.

Additionally, if you do not cook often, a downdraft hood will be a great choice for you to maintain easily. 

Quieter 

Oftentimes when we think of kitchen hoods, we associate it with being an annoying and noisy partner that is necessary to ensure our kitchens are ventilated when cooking. 

However, with downdraft hoods ranging around 60 to 70 decibels, slightly louder than normal conversation sound levels, this means you can have a more peaceful cooking experience. Furthermore downdraft hoods offer different settings in which you can opt for a less powerful and quieter setting when you are not cooking up meals with intense grease or smoke.

If you are thinking the downdraft hood is the best option for you, here are some other things to consider before making your purchase.

Things to consider before purchase

Good Kitchen Airflow 

Since downdraft hoods use a powerful fan to absorb smells, grease and smoke during cooking, ample airflow is necessary. Smaller kitchens might not have enough air circulation and could cause downdraft hoods to be less effective in ventilating out smoke or odours. 

Measure 

Measure beforehand your hob and ensure there is enough space behind or beside the hob to ensure the downdraft extractor will be able to fit nicely. Additionally, ensure there is at least 70cm of height under your countertop and at least 75cm above the hob. Leave about 9cm to the left and right of your hobs so that there will be sufficient space for the downdraft hood’s extractor fan. 

Do note the extraction power you would need for your downdraft hood. The bigger your kitchen is, a more robust fan would be needed to ventilate your kitchen. 

Your Choice of Hobs

As the downdraft hood is typically installed at the back of your hob, if your cooking is done on traditional front rings, the odours and moisture might not be absorbed as easily. The induction hob will be the best pairing with the downdraft hood. 

Cooking Ware Used

Another thing to consider before buying a downdraft hood is the cooking ware that you frequently use.

For example, tall pots and woks will not work as well with downdraft hoods if they are taller than the downdraft hood. Smoke and moisture in turn might not be absorbed as well by the downdraft hood. Instead, an overtop hood will be a better option for better suction of grease and moisture. 

Conclusion

The downdraft hood is still gaining high popularity among Singaporeans with its suitability to Singaporean lifestyles when not as much cooking is done often or even just to free up kitchen space. 

Interested in getting a great downdraft hood suitable for your home and lifestyle? Speak to us at Rina Electrical at our Shaw Centre showroom or call us at 6737 4351. Check out our website to view our range of high quality downdraft hoods available at https://rinaelectrical.com.sg/.