Buying guide for Best Cosmo range hoods
A range hood is an essential addition to your kitchen if you want to limit the smoke, odors, and grease around your stove. When it comes to high-quality hoods that feature superior construction, you really can’t beat Cosmo’s range hood options.
A range hood is a canopy with a fan that sits above your stovetop. The hood can filter out smoke, airborne grease, and cooking odors to keep the area around your stove clean. Cosmo offers several types of range hoods, but all of their models have a sleek, modern look that won’t take up too much space in your kitchen. The brand also incorporates plenty of convenient features that make operating and cleaning as easy as possible.
Since choosing the right model can be difficult, our buying guide has all the tips you need to find the best Cosmo range hood for your kitchen.
Key considerations
Types of range hoods
Cosmo offers three different types of range hoods. If you’re replacing an existing hood, it usually makes sense to choose a similar style. Otherwise, you can just select the type you prefer.
- Under-cabinet range hoods are the most common type and attach to the bottom of the cabinets above a range. They can work in a variety of kitchens and are incredibly effective at removing all the heat and smoke generated by a stove. That’s because the hood fits beneath the cabinets and typically spans the entire stovetop. Under-cabinet models are easy to install, too, and usually more affordable than other hood types.
- Wall-mount range hoods are designed for stoves that don’t have any cabinets above them. Instead, the hood is attached to the wall and has a chimney-like shape to remove the smoke and heat. Wall-mount range hoods are very similar to under-cabinet hoods, though they do cost more.
- Island-mount range hoods resemble wall-mount models, but they mount to the ceiling above an island with a stove or cooktop. The hood vents the smoke, heat, and grease through ducts in the ceiling rather than through the wall.
Vented vs. ductless
While most of Cosmo’s range hoods are designed for vented installation, some models allow for ductless installation. Vented range hoods have ducts that move the smoke and heat outside your home. If you live in an apartment or condo, though, your building may not permit you to install a vented range hood.
A ductless range hood isn’t vented outside, so the air from the range is recirculated through your kitchen. It has a replaceable filter that attempts to remove as much of the smoke and grease from the range as possible so that it doesn’t make its way back into your kitchen. Still, ductless models aren’t as effective as vented hoods and require more frequent maintenance.
Size
In general, you should match your range hood’s size to the size of your stovetop. If the hood spans the entire length of your stove, it’s usually much more effective at venting the heat, smoke, and grease. Cosmo range hoods are available in 30-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch sizes, depending on the model.
Airflow power
The amount of air that a range hood can move is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Hoods with a higher CFM can move the air around your stove more quickly, though they also generate more noise. As a general rule, you’ll want to choose a hood with at least 350 CFM to ensure that it works effectively. Cosmo range hoods typically range from 380 to 806 CFM.
Did You Know?
To clean the exterior of your range hood, use a degreaser and soft cloth to remove any built-up residue.
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Features
Controls
Cosmo range hoods usually feature either push-button or digital controls. Both are relatively easy to use, though digital controls are often more user-friendly and intuitive. They’re easier to clean than push-button controls, too. Several high-end Cosmo range hoods have touchscreen controls, which are generally considered the easiest to use and clean.
Some Cosmo range hoods also come with a remote control. This allows you to turn the hood on and off and adjust the fan speed even when you’re across the room.
Fan speeds
A range hood typically offers more than just one fan speed, so you can control the airflow around your range based on your cooking habits. Cosmo range hoods usually offer three or four fan speeds. This allows you to set the fan to a higher speed while you’re cooking and still producing smoke and heat that needs to be vented. When you’re eating, you can lower it to a quieter speed to deal with any lingering smoke.
Auto shutoff timer
Many Cosmo range hoods offer an auto-shutoff timer, which enables you to set a time for the hood’s fan to shut off to avoid wasting electricity.
Noise
Range hoods generally make quite a bit of noise during operation, but some models are louder than others. Cosmo range hoods typically operate at a noise level below 65 decibels, which is about as loud as regular conversation.
Lights
Cosmo range hoods are equipped with lights to help you see what you’re doing when you’re working at the stove. Most feature two LED bulbs that provide effective illumination above your cooktop.
Filters
Vented Cosmo range hoods have a permanent filter that requires regular cleaning to allow the hood to function properly. These filters are dishwasher-safe, though, which makes maintenance as easy as possible.
Ductless Cosmo range hoods use replaceable filters to remove grease and particles from the air they recirculate. They don’t require cleaning but must be replaced every few months for optimal performance.
Some cities restrict how powerful a range hood’s fan can be, so check your area’s codes to determine how high you can go with your hood’s CFM.
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Cosmo range hood prices
Cosmo range hoods vary in price based on their type, size, airflow power, and other features. Most models cost between $109 and $600.
The most affordable Cosmo range hoods are usually small under-cabinet or wall-mount models. They often have lower CFM and push-button controls. You’ll generally pay between $109 and $274 for these models.
Mid-range Cosmo range hoods are typically large under-cabinet or wall-mount models or small island-mount models. They usually have an above-average CFM and may have digital controls. These range hoods generally cost between $274 and $399.
The most expensive Cosmo range hoods are usually large island-mount models or extra-large under-cabinet models. They typically have extremely high CFM and feature touchscreen controls. You’ll generally pay between $399 and $600 for these range hoods.
Did You Know?
Ductless Cosmo range hoods use a charcoal filter that requires replacement every few months.
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Tips
- It’s usually best to mount a range hood about 24 to 30 inches above your stove or cooktop. However, you should always follow the guidelines that the manufacturer provides for the particular model you choose.
- If your range features an indoor grill component, it’s important to choose a Cosmo range hood with a higher CFM. That’s because grilling can generate quite a bit of smoke, so you need more power to remove it from your kitchen.
- Adjust the speed of your range hood’s fan based on the type of cooking. If you’re simply baking something inside the oven, a lower setting is usually adequate. However, if you’re frying food or preparing a dish that smokes a great deal, you’ll want to use a higher fan speed.
- You can determine if your range hood is working efficiently by placing a sheet of paper in front of the filter vent. If the paper is held in place, your hood is working well. If the paper doesn’t cling to the vent, your filter probably requires cleaning or replacing.
FAQ
Q. Why do I need a range hood?
A. The main reason to install a range hood is to move the smoke that cooking creates from your kitchen. Additionally, a range hood can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by effectively ventilating the area. A range hood will keep your kitchen cooler by venting excess heat. It will keep the grease from your cooktop from splattering on the walls and ceiling. A range hood also provides additional task lighting for your kitchen for improved safety.
Q. How frequently should I clean my range hood’s filter?
A. If you have a vented range hood, you should clean the filter thoroughly at least once a year. If you cook every day, though, you’ll need to clean it more often since there’s likely to be more soot and grease buildup. If you have a ductless range hood, you don’t need to clean the filter. Instead, the filter should be replaced every three to six months to keep the hood working efficiently.
Q. Does Cosmo offer warranty protection for their range hoods?
A. Nearly all Cosmo range hoods come with a five-year limited-parts warranty. That means the brand will replace any defective parts that are essential to the range hood’s functioning within five years of the date of purchase.
