A

Airflow

The amount of air moved by the range hood, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). It determines suction power.

Aluminum Filter

A washable metal mesh filter that captures grease and particulates from cooking fumes.

Auto-Clean Function

A feature that automatically removes accumulated oil using heat or centrifugal force to reduce maintenance.

B

Backdraft Damper

A flap that prevents outside air from flowing back into the kitchen through the duct system.

Baffle Filter

A stainless-steel filter with angled panels that redirect airflow and trap grease more efficiently than mesh filters.

Blower

The motor-driven fan that draws cooking air and exhausts it through the duct or filter system.

C

Carbon Filter (Charcoal Filter)

Used in ductless range hoods to remove odors and smoke particles before recirculating air back into the kitchen.

Capture Efficiency

A performance metric that indicates the percentage of cooking fumes and smoke captured by the hood.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

A measure of the airflow rate — higher CFM indicates greater suction capacity.

Chimney Hood

A wall-mounted hood with a decorative chimney that conceals the ductwork.

Convertible Hood

A model that can be configured for both ducted and ductless operation.

D

Ducted Range Hood

A system that expels cooking air and smoke outside through ductwork.

Ductless Range Hood

Uses filters to purify and recirculate air back into the room instead of venting it outdoors.

Decibel (dB)

A unit for measuring noise levels; lower dB values indicate quieter operation.

Downdraft Hood

A ventilation system integrated into the cooktop that draws fumes downward instead of upward.

E

Exhaust System

The full pathway — including fans, filters, and ducts — that removes air from the cooking area.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

A metric evaluating how effectively a range hood converts electrical power into air movement.

Electronic Control Panel

A digital interface that allows users to adjust fan speed, lighting, and timer settings.

F

Fan Speed Settings

Different power levels that adjust suction intensity according to cooking needs.

Filter Saturation Indicator

A light or sensor that alerts when filters need cleaning or replacement.

Flexible Duct

A type of duct made from aluminum or plastic, used for easier installation in tight spaces (though less efficient than rigid ducts).

G

Grease Filter

A removable component that traps oil particles from cooking vapors before they reach the motor or duct.

Grease Cup / Oil Collector

A small detachable container that collects oil dripping from filters during operation.

H

Hood Canopy

The visible upper structure of a range hood that captures and directs air toward the filters.

HVI Certification

A performance certification by the Home Ventilating Institute verifying tested airflow, noise, and energy data.

Hybrid Filter System

Combines baffle and mesh filter designs to maximize both airflow and grease trapping efficiency.

I

Illumination (Cooktop Lighting)

LED or halogen lights integrated into the range hood to illuminate the cooking surface.

Installation Height

The recommended distance between the cooktop and hood base, typically 24–30 inches for optimal performance.

Ionization System

An advanced air purification feature that releases negative ions to neutralize odors and airborne particles.

L

LED Lighting

Energy-efficient and long-lasting lights used to enhance visibility while cooking.

Low Noise Motor

A motor engineered with noise-dampening materials or variable-speed fans for quieter operation.

M

Make-Up Air System

Provides fresh air into the kitchen to balance the air exhausted by the hood, preventing negative pressure in tightly sealed homes.

Motor Housing

The enclosure that protects the blower motor from grease and moisture.

Multi-Speed Control

Allows users to select multiple levels of suction strength for different cooking conditions.

N

Noise Level (Sound Pressure Level)

Measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the range hood operates at various speeds.

Negative Pressure

Occurs when more air is exhausted than supplied, which can affect ventilation performance.

O

Odor Absorption

The process by which activated carbon filters capture volatile organic compounds and cooking smells.

Oil-Free Motor

A motor design that prevents oil accumulation inside the housing, extending lifespan and efficiency.

P

Plenum Chamber

An air collection area inside the hood that ensures smooth airflow distribution before exhaust.

Power Rating (Wattage)

The electrical power consumption of the range hood motor and lighting.

Push Button Control

A manual interface for operating fan speeds and lights.

R

Recirculating Kit

A conversion kit used to adapt a ducted hood into a ductless one with filters and air vents.

Remote Control System

Allows wireless operation of fan speeds and lighting using a handheld controller.

S

Sensor Technology

Smart sensors that detect smoke, heat, or steam and automatically adjust fan speed.

Sones

A unit used to describe perceived loudness; 1 sone equals the sound of a quiet refrigerator.

Stainless Steel Finish

A durable and corrosion-resistant material commonly used in commercial-grade range hoods.

Suction Power

The ability of the hood to pull in air, measured by CFM or m³/h; a key performance indicator.

T

Thermal Auto Shut-Off

A safety feature that turns off the motor if excessive heat is detected.

Timer Function

Allows the hood to continue operating for a set time after cooking, ensuring all odors are removed.

Touch Control Panel

A modern flat-surface control interface that responds to touch commands.

U

Ultra-Quiet Operation

A range hood design achieving low noise levels (usually under 50 dB) through acoustic insulation and optimized airflow.

Under-Cabinet Hood

Installed beneath kitchen cabinets and connected to ductwork or filters.

V

Ventilation Rate

The volume of air exchanged per hour, critical for maintaining indoor air quality.

Variable Air Volume (VAV) System

Adjusts airflow automatically based on cooking intensity or air quality sensors.

Vertical Venting

A duct configuration that channels air straight upward through the ceiling.

W

Wall-Mounted Hood

A range hood installed directly on the wall, typically featuring a chimney-style design.

Warranty Period

The duration of manufacturer coverage for defects or repairs, often 2–5 years.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Allows integration with smart home systems for remote operation and maintenance alerts.

Z

Zone Ventilation Control

Divides the kitchen into multiple ventilation zones, each controlled for optimal air balance.

Zero Leakage Design

A high-sealing system preventing oil or odor leakage during operation.

This glossary clearly defines key technical, mechanical, and performance-related terms in modern range hood systems. It serves as a professional reference for range hood manufacturers, engineers, and distributors. We hope it will be helpful.

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