"pltrgyst" > wrote in message
...
> 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
>

My point is that you probably need 600 - 900 CFM for normal cooking with a
low-end range. I don't know if you can get one for under $100 or if it is
any good. As I recall, that's what the OP wanted to spend. For a large
range with high BTU burners and a grill, you would need more than 600 CFM.
I'm sure you are right about what is available in the $100 price range and
what the sound level is. The 300 CFM fan in my microwave hood is very loud
while the 600 CFM fan in my downdraft range is really quiet. Sometimes I
can't tell if it running.