Kitchen Exhaust Duct Purchase Guide: Comprehensive Analysis of Types, Selection Points, and Installation Techniques

 

As the core component of the ventilation system, the kitchen exhaust duct plays an important role in expelling oil fumes, moisture, and odors. Reasonable selection and installation of the exhaust duct can not only improve the air quality in the kitchen but also extend the service life of the equipment. This article will systematically analyze the types of exhaust ducts, key points for purchase, and installation precautions to help users effectively solve ventilation problems.

 

I. Two Major Types of Exhaust Ducts and Their Applicable Scenarios

1.Duct - type Exhaust System

The duct - type exhaust system connects the range hood to the outdoors through pipes, directly expelling the oil fumes. Its advantage lies in high smoke - exhaust efficiency, making it suitable for kitchens with a large amount of oil fumes. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the kitchen has enough space to arrange the pipes, and the length of the pipes should not exceed 2 meters to avoid excessive bends affecting the exhaust effect. Common materials include high - temperature - resistant aluminum foil pipes and PVC composite pipes. The double - layer thickened aluminum foil pipe has become the mainstream choice due to its corrosion resistance and air leakage prevention features.

 

2.Ductless Exhaust System

The ductless system does not require an external pipe. It purifies the air through a built - in filtering device and then circulates and discharges it. This type of equipment is suitable for kitchens with limited space or where an external exhaust pipe cannot be installed. However, the filtering system of this equipment requires regular replacement of the filter screen, resulting in relatively high long - term usage costs.

 

II. Five Key Factors for Purchasing Exhaust Ducts

1.Kitchen Layout and Space

- For small - sized kitchens, it is recommended to choose a ductless system or a design with short pipes to save space.

- For open - style kitchens or families with a high cooking frequency, a duct - type system should be given priority to ensure efficient smoke exhaust.

 

2.Matching of Exhaust Duct Diameter

The common diameters of household exhaust ducts are 160mm and 180mm, which need to be consistent with the size of the range hood's air outlet. For commercial kitchens or high - power equipment, specifications above 250mm can be selected to meet stronger exhaust requirements.

 

3.Material and Durability

-Aluminum Foil Pipe: It is lightweight and heat - resistant, suitable for most families.

-PVC Wear - resistant Pipe: It has strong anti - aging properties and is suitable for complex installation environments.

-Double - layer Thickened Material: It reduces the air leakage rate and improves the sealing performance.

 

4.Budget and Cost - effectiveness

The price of the exhaust duct is affected by the material, diameter, and length. The price of an ordinary aluminum foil pipe is between 10 - 30 yuan per meter, while that of a high - end thickened one can reach over 50 yuan. It is recommended to choose a cost - effective product according to the usage frequency to avoid frequent replacement due to excessive pursuit of low prices.

 

5.Cooking Habits and Smoke - exhaust Requirements

Families that often stir - fry or deep - fry need to choose a system with strong suction and an exhaust volume of more than 15m³/min, and be equipped with a large - diameter pipe to reduce resistance. Users with a light - diet preference can choose equipment with a medium or small air volume, taking energy - saving and quietness into account.

 

III. Key Points for Installation and Maintenance

1.Installation Specifications

- The length of the exhaust duct should be as short as possible, and the number of right - angle bends should be minimized (preferably no more than 2 bends).

- A back - draft damper should be installed at the outdoor smoke - exhaust outlet to prevent the back - flow of external airflow.

- Use sealant to fix the pipe joints to prevent oil and air leakage.

 

2.Daily Maintenance

- Check the pipes every six months to see if they are deformed or blocked, and clean the oil dirt in time.

- Clean the filter screen of the ductless equipment every month to ensure the filtering efficiency.

 

IV. Answers to Common Questions

Q: Can the exhaust duct be installed by oneself?

A: Simple replacement of the old pipe can be done by oneself. However, when it involves wall drilling or complex wiring, it is recommended to contact a professional to ensure safety and compliance.

 

Q: How to deal with oil leakage from the exhaust duct?

A: Oil leakage is often caused by loose joints or material aging. You can reseal the joints or replace local pipe sections. If the aluminum foil pipe is damaged, you can use aluminum foil tape for temporary repair.

 

Through reasonable selection and scientific maintenance, the exhaust duct can continuously provide fresh air for the kitchen and enhance the cooking experience. Whether it is a new house decoration or an old kitchen renovation, following the above guide can achieve a balance between efficient ventilation and cost optimization.