On Wed, 18 Jan 2006 02:16:07 GMT, "Vox Humana" > wrote:

>...It isn't the cost that is important, but how many CFM's of air that the hood
>moves. I would look for something between 600- 900 for a low-end range. If
>you can get one that does that for under $100, then buy it since you aren't
>going to live with it very long.

Are you sure about those numbers? I just searched pretty exhaustively on the
Web, and didn't find much over 400cfm for any reasonable price. I ended up
buying and installing a stainless steel Broan Allure III (the high end of the
line carried by Home Depot, etc.). Its high speed moves 300cfm, and its "turbo
mode" moves 400cfm.

Also, the flip side to cfms -- and just as important to us -- is the noise
level. The Allure III is the quietest I found, at 0.4 sones at normal speed, 3.5
sones on high, and 4.0 sones on turbo.

The difference in air movement and sound level, compared to the overhead
microwave with external exhaust fan I remove, is astounding.

This level of performance costs almost $400, and we're very happy with it. I
would think a 600 cfm hood for <$100 would sound like a B-17 taking off nearby.
8

If you know of a 600 cfm unit with comparable sound figures, I'd love to know
about it. TIA.

Info link: http://store.yahoo.com/usappliance/qs3broanalse.html

-- Larry