What are Range Hood Filters?

A household cooking stove will often have a range hood over the top of the appliance. This hood is generally designed to suck up grease, smoke and other contaminants and provide a cleaner cooking surface and work area. Range hood filters fit inside these appliance hoods and can usually trap much of the dirt and grease that passes through so it does not clog the attached ventilation system.

There are many different manufacturers of kitchen ranges and appliance hoods. Each company will usually produce range hood filters that fit their particular brand of products. Other industrial facilities may produce multi-purpose filters that will fit a variety of different models. An appliance store will typically carry a variety of sizes in stock for consumers to purchase.

Removable filters are either square or rectangular, for the most part. These can range in size from 7.25 to 11 inches (18.4 to 27.9 cm) wide and 9 to 12 inches (22.9 to 30.5 cm) long. A few range hood filters may be circular or dome-shaped — this type might average 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) in diameter.

Range hood filters are usually constructed of an aluminum mesh-like material. This material is similar to a window screen, yet generally has a much tighter weave to it. It is usually a thicker texture than that of a window screen, so it can attract and absorb relatively heavy matter without buckling or collapsing. The screen-like material is normally surrounded by an aluminum or steel frame around the outer edges.

These devices are typically silver or gray in color. A few range hood filters might contain charcoal inside the inner mesh; these filters can be black or gray in the center. The outer edges of the filters could be gray, white or silver depending on the manufacturer.

Range hood filters can ordinarily be used for a number of years before needing to be replaced. Typically these filters will need to be removed and cleaned one or two times a year. One method of cleaning is to soak the filter in a tub of hot soapy water with a little bit of degreaser then spray it with a garden hose. Home owners can inspect their filters when cleaning them to make sure there are no rips or tears in the mesh and that the filter itself is not warped.

A range hood and filter can help a cook maintain a clean and safe working environment. These items are relatively easy to maintain and inexpensive to purchase. They may even add value to a home when properly installed.