If you cook often, a rangehood is a must. It helps pull out smoke, steam, and smells from your kitchen, stops grease building up on your cupboards, and keeps your smoke alarm from going off every time you fry something. There are heaps of models out there, but not all of them are worth the money. Here's what to look for.
What to Think About First
Size and space Make sure the rangehood fits your kitchen layout. Over-the-range microwaves with built-in hoods might save space, but they’re not great at clearing smoke. If you cook a lot, go for a proper rangehood that matches the width of your cooktop.
Looks vs performance Some people buy based on style, but that’s not always smart. A good-looking rangehood that doesn’t work well is a waste of money. Some models cost over $1,000 but don’t perform any better than mid-range ones around $500–$800.
Types of Rangehoods
Under-cabinet (canopy) hoods These sit under your kitchen cupboards and connect to ducting in the wall or ceiling. They’re common and work well, but can take up cupboard space.
Wall-mounted (chimney) hoods These mount straight to the wall and vent out like a chimney. They’re good for open kitchens and often look tidy.
Downdraft hoods These pull air down instead of up. Most tests show they don’t work well, so best to avoid them.
Ducted vs Recirculating
Ducted rangehoods push air outside through a vent. They’re better at removing smoke and moisture.
Recirculating ones filter the air and push it back into the room. They’re easier to install but not as effective.
Key Features to Look For
Airflow (CFM rating) CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the hood can move. Higher numbers sound good, but what matters more is how well it captures smoke. A well-designed hood with 300–600 CFM is usually enough for most Kiwi homes.
Fan speeds Two or three speeds is plenty. More speeds don’t make much difference.
Lighting LED lights are bright and energy-efficient. Handy for seeing what you’re cooking.
Timer Some models have a timer that turns the fan off after a set time. Good for saving power.
Manual controls Avoid models with automatic heat sensors. If there’s a fire, they can kick on and make things worse. Manual is safer.
Top Brands in NZ (2025)
Fisher & Paykel Trusted Kiwi brand. Good range of styles and sizes. Known for reliability.
Westinghouse Affordable and decent quality. Mostly under-cabinet and chimney styles.
