Range hoods are pieces of equipment that go over your stove or rangetop that help to draw fumes, odors and vapors out of your kitchen when you are cooking. There are many different styles of range hoods, but generally just two types: ductless or ventless and ducted or vented.

A ductless range hood is a simple system that just circulates the air through a filter installed in the hood itself. The air is not vented to the outside, so although it can help control vapors and fumes, it doesn't do much for odors unless you have a specialized filter installed.

A ducted or vented range hood is one that removes the fumes, vapors and odors from cooking to the outside of the home. While this is a better option for most installations, it can be more expensive to install after the home is built. This style also allows for more flexible kitchen designs, such as island range hood systems and more.

An island range hood system is a unique hood system.  It is installed over the kitchen island area where some people are beginning to place their range tops.

The unique aspect of the island range hood is the vast amount of designs that you can find for the many different styles that people like.  Most island range hoods are of the ducted type, which vent to the outside, and are installed during the initial construction phase of the home.

With the extra bracing required to support the weight of the island range hood system, it is usually best to have this style system installed by a qualified contractor.

With more people enjoying spending time in their kitchens and making them more of a focal point of their home, the need for custom range hoods is becoming more apparent. 

You can find amazingly beautiful range hoods both online and in the home improvement stores.  However, the costs associated with some of these hood systems aren't for the weak of pocket.

Cooper range hoods are generally a custom order item due to the hand built nature of the appliance.  You can also find stainless steel constructed hood systems that will match the stainless steel appliances you might have.

Another trend in range hoods is to incorporate or hide them behind custom cabinetry.  This will usually require the work of the kitchen designer to take into consideration what style hood system you want, ducted or ductless, and what style cabinets you are having installed.

Hiding a hood system into or behind the cabinets is a great way to really make a kitchen area look more attractive.