A remote blower on a range hood is a powerful ventilation motor that is not housed within the range hood canopy itself, but rather positioned outside the hood's immediate structure. This crucial design choice significantly enhances kitchen ventilation by moving the noisy motor away from the cooking area, resulting in a much quieter cooking experience.
These systems are often chosen for their superior performance and ability to create a more pleasant kitchen environment.
Understanding Remote Blower Systems
Remote blowers are designed to pull cooking fumes, smoke, and odors through the range hood and ductwork more efficiently. By separating the motor from the hood, they effectively reduce operational noise inside the kitchen.
One prevalent type of remote blower is an inline blower, also referred to as an inline fan or inline blower motor. This specific remote blower is strategically positioned inside your ductwork, typically between the range hood and the final exhaust point outside your home. Inline blowers are known to be more affordable compared to blowers integrated directly into the hood (often called local blowers).
Types of Remote Blowers
While inline blowers are common, other remote configurations exist:
- Inline Blowers: As described, these are installed within the ductwork. They are ideal for installations where the duct run is long or complex, offering a good balance of performance and quiet operation.
- External Blowers (Rooftop or Wall-Mounted): These are mounted entirely outside the home, either on the roof or an exterior wall. This configuration offers the ultimate noise reduction inside the kitchen, as the motor operates completely outside the building envelope.
Key Benefits of a Remote Blower System
Opting for a range hood with a remote blower offers several compelling advantages for homeowners:
- Significantly Quieter Operation: This is the primary benefit. By moving the motor away from the kitchen, the noise level during operation is drastically reduced, allowing for easier conversation and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: With no bulky motor inside the hood, the hood design can be sleeker and more minimalist, integrating seamlessly into modern kitchen aesthetics.
- Improved Air Capture and Extraction: Remote blowers, especially external ones, can often handle higher CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings, leading to more effective removal of smoke, steam, and cooking odors.
- Reduced Vibration: Isolating the motor from the hood minimizes vibrations transmitted to the hood structure and surrounding cabinetry.
- Increased Power (often): Remote blowers often provide greater power and efficiency, especially for large cooking surfaces or professional-style ranges.
How Remote Blowers Work
When you turn on a range hood with a remote blower, the fan motor, located remotely, creates a powerful suction. This suction draws air, grease, and odors from your cooking surface up through the hood's capture area, through the ductwork, past the remotely located blower, and finally exhausts it outside your home. The longer path and isolated motor ensure that the noise generated by the fan is muffled or completely externalized.
Considerations for Choosing a Remote Blower
Before installing a remote blower system, consider these factors:
- Ductwork Requirements: Remote blowers often require specific duct sizing and configurations to optimize performance and minimize static pressure.
- Installation Complexity: Installation for remote blowers, particularly external types, can be more complex and usually requires professional assistance. This may involve running longer duct runs, making roof or wall penetrations, and ensuring proper sealing.
- CFM Needs: Match the blower's CFM rating to your cooking habits and range type. Higher BTU ranges require higher CFM ventilation. For guidance on appropriate ventilation, refer to reliable sources on kitchen ventilation standards.
- Accessibility for Maintenance: Consider future maintenance needs. While remote blowers are generally reliable, ensure that the chosen location allows for access if servicing is ever required.
Remote Blower vs. Internal Blower Comparison
Here's a quick comparison to highlight the differences:
| Feature | Remote Blower | Internal Blower |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Location | Outside the hood (in ductwork, on roof, or wall) | Inside the hood canopy |
| Noise Level | Very quiet in the kitchen | Noticeable to loud, depending on power and speed |
| Installation | More complex, often requires professional | Simpler, can be DIY-friendly for some models |
| Cost | Can be higher overall (including installation), but inline models are often less expensive than comparable local blowers | Generally lower initial cost for the unit |
| Aesthetics | Allows for sleeker, more minimalist hood designs | Motor visible or integrated into the hood's design |
| Vibration | Minimal to none in the hood | Can cause noticeable vibration in the hood |
| Power | Often capable of higher CFM and efficiency | Good for standard needs, but limited by hood size |
Choosing a remote blower system is a significant upgrade for any kitchen, offering a quiet, powerful, and aesthetically pleasing solution for effective ventilation.
