Today's range hoods are not only functional, they're also good-looking | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

But if the odor still lingers hours later, maybe it's time to take a look at your range hood and see if a new one might be better.

Range hoods remove bad odors and steam from the kitchen. Without hoods, the steam, grease and grime caused by cooking can eventually damage nearby cabinetry.

The hood you choose depends on your current situation and whether you're starting fresh, either with a remodeling project or a newly constructed kitchen. Range hoods nowadays can be basic or sleek in style and have fancy features.

The most basic and often least expensive ones are under-cabinet hoods, which are attached beneath the cabinets above ranges. The ductwork is hidden in the cabinets. Basic hoods sell for less than $60 at many appliance stores.

Similar in concept are microwave-range hood combinations. "Generally speaking, they're a little bit of a compromise," says Farshid Assemi, co-owner of Central Distributing in northwest Fresno, Calif. "The problem with them is with the microwave. It can be too high for people to reach. The advantage is space efficiency." They can start at about $125.

Wall-chimney range hoods don't have any cabinets above them to hide the ductwork. Instead, they have covers that conceal the ducts. Island range hoods, which are suspended above island ranges, also have covers that go around the duct. The covers are often metal and match the rest of the hood.

Wall-chimney and island hoods can cost $500-$5,000, with higher-end models starting at about $2,000.

One trend that's growing, particularly in custom-built homes, is to cover the range hood with a decorative facade.

How expensive these ranges can get depends on what material you use for the facade.

Alternatives to these above-range hoods are downdraft units, which are typically in the center of ranges, or retractable telescoping hoods located behind the stove top.

Range hoods often come in black, white, stainless steel or sometimes almond colors. However, stainless steel seems to be the popular choice, several local appliance experts say. Hoods typically have lights, (some newer models may have LED ones), and several fan speeds. Optional features, often on higher-end hoods, can include heating lamps and automatic venting settings.

Most range hoods have blowers to remove the air. The blowers can be part of the range hood or be separate - usually either in the attic or on the roof. The external blowers tend to be quieter, says Jackie Taylor, who sells appliances at Fresno Distributing.

However, hoods with internal blowers can be easier to work on or to replace, Mr. Assemi says.

Hood filters should be cleaned or changed every few months. If you cook a lot, then clean them more often. Many of the filters can be put in the dishwasher.

If you've ever tried to hold a conversation while a hood is on full speed, you know it can be difficult to be heard or to hear over the whirl. "A lot of people don't like to use kitchen hoods because of the noise," Mr. Assemi says.

However, he and several other appliance experts recommend you not only have one, but use it.

You'll also spend less time scrubbing grease or grime off of the surrounding cabinets and walls.

You also will want to know how many cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow the range hood needs to provide, several local appliance experts say. Generally, the more airflow the hood can move, the faster it can ventilate.

To find out, you'll need to know how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) each of the burners or cooking elements use. Add the BTUs of all the burners, then divide the total by 100.

However, don't rely heavily on the CFM number, says Bob Markovich, the home and yard editor for Consumer Reports magazine in Yonkers, N.Y. In 2006, the magazine reviewed range hoods and rated the ones they tested.

"Our tests showed (the CFM numbers) don't mean a lot," he says. The numbers didn't correlate to actual real performance in capturing and venting out smoke, heat and steam, he says.

Instead, when shopping, you should make sure the hood is at least as wide as the range or cooktop and stick out far enough to cover the front burners or elements, he says.

Several local appliance experts recommend that the hood be at least 3 to 6 inches wider on both sides.

Regardless how you may feel about the CFM numbers, you don't need to spend an extravagant amount of money on a hood.

"One of the things you want to be careful is you can easily spend $2,000 on a hood," Mr. Assemi says. "People overspend. You can get a nice kitchen range (hood) for $400. If you like to cook, go for $600."