[MLS99]

Trying to find information on the effectiveness of glass hoods: the cooktop will be next to the window, and I'd prefer a glass hood rather than a steel behemoth. Anybody any information or recommendation for glass hoods? Thanks.

[Birkie]

I would like to hear from glass hood owners also!

However, it seems like the main thing about fan efficiency is the cubic feet per minute of air the fan draws (some gourmet stoves require 600cfm or more) and the size of the hood that captures the air. That is why some cabinet fans slide further out over the whole stove when in use. Another way to be more effective is to buy a hood larger than your stovetop area. I would love a 36" wide fan for my 30" stove, but there isn't room...

So I don't think the material the hood is made of makes that much difference as these other factors.

I bought, but have not yet installed, Home Depot's Arietta glass range hood (wall mount). It pulls 400 cfm which is more than I need for my stove. It is imported from Italy and made by Elica who makes high-end range hoods. We unpacked it and the quality seems very good. I am not keen on the blue LED display for the timer, and I do not yet know how loud it is. It doesn't have halogen lights (a plus for me--I don't like the heat) but only has one incandescent light (127V 40w E12). I couldn't find much info on this hood at all. The price was $299. Most glass hoods are around $500 for a wall mount.

The display model was dusty, so I imagine keeping the glass sparkling may be more work, but like other fans, the aluminum grease filter is dishwasher safe.

Because my hood will also be near a window, I really liked the idea of glass and having it "disappear" and not be such a presence in my kitchen.

[JimGo]

Birkie, I'm jealous. That was the hood we wanted to install. Unfortunately, our venting wouldn't allow for it without significant expense. So, we wound up with a significantly more expensive under the cabinet hood instead (Zephyr Pyramid)! Please be sure to post pics once it's installed!

[zeuss]

Demincent reviewed her glass hood in her blog.
demicent's domain