I just installed my new range hood with rigid duct extending about 5 feet vertically, and upon simple testing I feel it will live up to what is described in the specs. Very powerful on the highest setting, and still a good amount of suction on the lowest setting. I was looking for something more powerful than the options available at the big box stores, and this unit definitely fits the bill. In addition, the 22" depth is something I couldn't find at the stores. It doesn't make sense to me to have a range hood that covers only 1/2 of the stove top (especially units that have only 400 CFM of power or less). Most stove tops have their power burners in the front, so hoods that cover only the back two burners, combined with insufficient suction, are just a waste of money to me. The noise level on this unit is obviously loud on the highest setting, but nothing out of the ordinary on mid and lower settings. That being said, if you need to use the highest setting, you wouldn't need to for very long since at 850 CFM it would exhaust the air pretty quickly (depending on the size of your kitchen). I like the timer option, which ranges from 1-15 minutes. The lights provide more than ample visibility of on both low and high settings. The only knock I have at this time (and it is very minor) is that having to press the power button before controlling the fan and lights is an extra step that I find unnecessary. The unit displays only the time until the power button is pressed. Once pressed all the controls become available. I think it would be better if the controls were simply available at all times. I understand the minimalistic appearance with just the time displayed, but it's not like the other controls make the unit look ugly. Overall, I am well pleased with this unit. As mentioned in my review title, time will tell if it is durable and worthy of keeping my 5 star rating. I hope it is.
I like the styling, features and apparent build quality. I don't like that upon lightening up I found that dual intensity lighting system doesn't work, only one level available - I've been informed the manual is out of date. The 2 level intensity settngs is for earlier generation model using halogen lamps, my unit is an upgrade the has LED lamps with single inrtensityAlso - manual leaves some things to be desired, no reference to the drip tray or how to install it and install would have been much easier if a template for the mounting screw locations was provided.How the defective light issue gets resolved.
The high CFM exhaust works very well with 33" clearance from cooktop. Installing the hood was easy with a helping hand to position in place. Hired a professional to install duct work to vent outside. Great product.
The dual fans have 6 speed levels and are very quiet in the lower 2 settings but gets louder as you increase the speed (but not insanely loud like our old one) but it's to be expected. If you possess decent DYI skills & have the proper tools, self-installation is possible. I would classify the installation difficulty as moderate only because the weight (approx. 41 pounds) of the unit requires at least 3 people to situate it properly
The back exhaust is tapered and sticks out of wall by almost 2?? Should be explained more clearly in description. For back exhaust almost need a 6??minimum duct work in wall to use supplied adapters.Adapters and back exhaust need to be redesigned to work in normal 4??wall duct.Had to make custom plate to use hood