The Benefits of Outdoor Vent Hoods
Outdoor range hoods are an essential tool for keeping your outdoor kitchen clean and comfortable. Read on to learn about the benefits of these ventilation units and check out all our top picks have to offer.
If you want a new way to minimize maintenance and extend the longevity of your outdoor kitchen, one option that’s trending is the integration of an outdoor vent hood (or outdoor range hood). Outdoor vent hoods are powerful extraction units that sweep away heat, vapors, and other inconveniences that can distract guests and ruin your grilling experience.
As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best outdoor range hoods for your patio or backyard, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of ventilation products like an appliance pro! Let’s go through some of the top reasons you should add an outdoor range hood to your barbecue suite before checking out what our top picks have to offer.
What is the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Range Hoods?
An outdoor grill vent hood is basically a more durable, sturdy, and powerful version of an indoor hood. Outdoor range hoods for BBQ setups have higher CFM ratings (some as high as 2,300 CFM) to overpower drafts and breezes which can sweep smoke or grease across your backyard. However, this also makes them a bit noisier. They are also built with higher-grade stainless steel which resists rusting and corrosion caused by outdoor exposure. Since they are built for high performance usage, outdoor kitchen vent hood units are typically not built with luxury aesthetics in mind, instead focusing on durability and robust installation mounting with control panels that are very straightforward. In short, their main purpose is to keep your outdoor kitchen clean and comfortable.
Do I Need a Vent Hood for an Outdoor Kitchen?
The average griller might assume that the only issue with grilling is heat and smoke – both of which rise and drift away into the wind. However, there are many other concerns the great outdoors cannot account for, especially when you have a high-end outdoor kitchen setup you want looking its best for years to come.
Comfortable Cooking and Entertaining – On days that are not especially windy (or have breezes that drift toward your patio set), odor and smoke control can be nearly impossible if you have a built-in grill. An outdoor kitchen range hood can easily rectify this issue, generating powerful fan speeds that quickly extract pollutants before they drift toward your guests.
Protects Surrounding Counters and Finishes – According to Homes & Gardens, introducing a more vibrant hue can make a real statement in an outdoor kitchen that becomes the focal point of your yard. If you invest the budget into a truly one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen with colors like red, blue, or green, it’s essential you minimize the chance of discoloration when uncovered. Grease and oil vapors may rise with heat, but they inevitably settle somewhere – usually on surrounding countertops or furniture. An outdoor BBQ vent hood will extract these vapors before they stain your outdoor kitchen setup.
Protects Other Appliances – An outdoor vent hood for grills also protects outdoor refrigerators, pizza ovens, and other appliances in your backyard suite from grease and oil vapors. Aside from discoloration, these pollutants can also corrode your appliances.
Fire Hazard Reduction – Heat and embers from your grill can ignite any flammable objects nearby. Outdoor range hoods prevent them from escaping your cooking area.
Increased Property Value – When you combine the clean air quality, professional designs, and other perks outdoor vent hoods bring to your patio entertainment space, potential buyers will likely be willing to pay a higher price for your home upon resale.
What Kind of Range Hood Should I Use for my Outdoor Kitchen?
Wall Mount Hoods – If your grill is set up against a wall, this is your ideal configuration. Wall mount units have canopies and ductwork that are clearly visible, lending a professional aesthetic to your kitchen.
Under Cabinet Hoods – If a massive stainless steel unit is not ideal for your outdoor kitchen design, under cabinet models can be more subtle. While their canopies are still visible, their ductwork is concealed within surrounding cabinetry, giving them a more integrated appearance.
Island Hoods – If your cooking area is centrally located in your entertainment space, island hoods are your best option. Their ductwork extends down from the ceiling, allowing them to be placed anywhere that isn’t touching a wall.
How Many Years Does a Range Hood Last?
A range hood typically lasts up to 15 years depending on various factors such as usage frequency, the manufacturing quality, and regular maintenance. Although outdoor appliances are typically made with high-grade stainless steel to be more weather resistant, it is imperative you care for your range hood the same way you would for an indoor unit. Clean or replace filters as necessary, ensure their ductwork is clear of obstructions, and wipe down their exteriors according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
