Letter From a Frustrated Outdoor Range Hood Shopper!
We received this email recently and wanted to share it along with our response, because we understand that many of you can relate to the overwhelming number of choices, the decision paralysis, and the pressure to make the perfect selection when it comes to range hoods, amid all the competing advice out there.
With the writer's permission, we wanted to share the following.
Dear Proline,
I'm at my wit's end. I've spent the last two weeks agonizing over this stupid range hood for my outdoor kitchen, and I still have no idea what to do. Why does something as simple as a kitchen appliance have to be so damn complicated?
It all started a month ago when I finished building my dream outdoor kitchen. I'd been planning it for years - the perfect grilling and entertainment space, right off the back patio. I put so much thought and effort into every detail, from the custom stone countertops to the top-of-the-line gas grill. It was going to be my culinary oasis, the envy of all my neighbors.
And then I got to the range hood. I know it's an important piece, to capture all the smoke and smells from cooking. But I had no idea how many options there were, or how difficult it would be to find the right one. Do I go with stainless steel? Black? What size do I need? How much CFM? Ductless or ducted? The choices are endless, and every time I think I've made a decision, I second guess myself.
I've spent hours scouring the internet, reading reviews, watching YouTube videos, and consulting with the sales people at every appliance store in a 15 mile radius. I've probably spent more time on this one purchase than I did designing the entire kitchen! ok, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but it feels that way! And the more I learn, the more overwhelmed I feel.
I just want something that looks nice, works well, and doesn't break the bank. Is that too much to ask? But every time I think I've found the perfect option, I find a dozen reasons why it's not quite right. The airflow isn't strong enough. The dimensions don't match my setup. The reviews say it's noisy. The price is way higher than I wanted to spend. (until I found your site and hoods... But more on that in a minute.)
I'm so frustrated that I'm starting to wonder if I should just scrap the whole hood idea. Maybe I'll just not worry about it. At least then I won't have to deal with all these range hood headaches.
But then I think about how much work I've put into this space, and how excited I was to have this amazing outdoor oasis. I can picture myself out there, grilling up a feast for friends and family, with the warm summer breeze blowing through. I just want to be able to enjoy it, without this constant range hood stress hanging over me.
I feel like I'm going in circles, and I'm starting to lose my mind. I think I've narrowed it down to two or three options, but then I second guess myself again. What if I make the wrong choice? What if I spend all this money and it ends up being a disappointment? I just want to make the right decision, but I'm terrified of messing it up.
Maybe I should just call in a professional and have them make the choice for me. I'm sure they'd be able to assess my space and needs and recommend the perfect range hood. But then I feel like I'm giving up, admitting defeat. I should be able to figure this out on my own, right?
Ugh, I don't know. I'm so sick of thinking about range hoods. I just want to be able to go out there, fire up the grill, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Is that too much to ask?
I know I'm probably overreacting a bit. In the grand scheme of things, this is such a small, insignificant decision. But it's been weighing on me so heavily, and I feel like I'm failing at something that should be simple. I don't want to disappoint myself, or my wife... And I want to have guests and enjoy entertaining out there...
It's late. That's why I'm emailing and not calling in. I'm going to give you a call when I have time in a couple of days because your prices look really good compared to others and your power ratings are much better too. Want to know if I'm missing something. I'm going to take a deep breath, clear my mind, and go to bed. Talk to you later.
HELP!
Sincerely,
A Frustrated Outdoor Chef
🙂
First, before we get on to our response, let me tell you, our reader, that before it gets this frustrating for you, just give us a call and talk to one of our range hood experts.
We will walk you through the whole process and help you know what you need for your space and situation, whether you end up buying from us or not. Here’s our number: 877-901-5530.
Please give us a call or send us an email or use our chat feature on our website during business hours. Here’s our email address: support@prolinerangehoods.com
But on to our response. We have bolded a few parts and added some pictures that weren’t in the original response so it’s more interesting for you to read.
Dear Frustrated Outdoor Chef,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns so candidly. I can only imagine how overwhelming the process of selecting the perfect range hood for your dream outdoor kitchen has been. At Proline Range Hoods, we understand that this isn't just about buying an appliance—it's about completing your ideal cooking and entertainment space.
Firstly, I want to commend you on the effort and passion you've put into creating your outdoor kitchen. It’s clear from your email that this space is more than just a place to cook for you—it’s a place where you intend to make memories with friends and family. I assure you, your feelings of frustration are completely valid, and you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the array of choices available.
Let's break down the decision-making process into simpler terms to help alleviate some of that stress. There are three main factors you should consider for an outdoor range hood: material, size, and airflow capacity (CFM).
Material: Stainless steel is often the best choice for outdoor environments due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. A black finish can be sleek, but make sure it’s durable and designed specifically for outdoor use to withstand elements like moisture and heat. Just look for a hood made out of 304 stainless steel.
Size: The size of the range hood should generally be larger than your cooking surface. We recommend that the hood extends at least 6-12 inches beyond the cooktop on width-wise. And then as deep as you’re comfortable with.
This ensures it can effectively capture smoke and odors, which are more likely to disperse quickly outdoors.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): The CFM reflects the hood's air extraction power. For outdoor kitchens, a higher CFM is necessary due to factors like wind, which can dissipate smoke and odors before they are extracted. A range hood with a CFM rating of 1000 or more is typically effective for most outdoor settings.
Given these considerations, here are a couple of links that I hope will be helpful to you in your search.
Here is a link to all our 2000 CFM outdoor models for you to look at.
And here are all our outdoor-rated range hoods.
Here are more than 70 outdoor kitchens for you to look through for ideas or inspiration.
I’d like to reassure you about the noise concerns—our high-CFM models are designed with noise reduction technologies that keep the operational sound to a minimum, ensuring that your outdoor gatherings remain peaceful.
Your frustration is understandable when making a decision as significant as this one, but I assure you that you're closer to a solution than you think. Our customer service team is here to guide you through this decision, offering personalized advice tailored to the specifics of your outdoor kitchen layout and your cooking habits.
I strongly encourage you to give us a call or schedule a consultation. You can ask for me personally. My name is (REDACTED). Ask for me. I am happy to talk you through this.
Usually, a direct conversation clears up confusion pretty fast.
If you call and I’m not here, anyone who answers is an expert and can assess your space and needs to recommend the perfect range hood for you and your family.
And call us anytime throughout the lifetime of your hood, or if you want help buying another one in the future. We offer installation guidance and post-purchase support also to help you maintain your hood in peak condition, ensuring it adds value to your outdoor kitchen and life for years to come.
Please feel free to reach out at your convenience. We are eager to help. Here’s to many happy gatherings in your new culinary oasis!
Warm regards,
Customer Service Specialist
Proline Range Hoods
* Just so you know, there was no initial email. We wrote both the initial email and respnse. It might be a little over the top, but hope you enjoyed reading it and found it helpful in some way. Good luck with your range hood purchase or kitchen build or remodel. And do let us know if we can help!
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