Let's Talk About the Least Sexy Item in Your Kitchen

The rangehood.

We know.

Nobody walks into a kitchen showroom and says, "Show me your finest extraction systems."

People get excited about stone benchtops, beautiful joinery profiles, integrated fridges and fancy tapware.

The rangehood?

Poor bloke gets ignored.

And trust us when we say...

You'll know if you've overlooked it.

Because six months after moving into your beautiful new kitchen, you might find yourself standing there cooking dinner thinking:

"Why does this thing sound like a jet engine preparing for take-off?"

And suddenly, that appliance you barely gave a second thought to becomes the one you notice every single day.

Your Kitchen Should Sound Like a Kitchen. Not an Airport. ✈️

Cooking should be enjoyable.

A chance to unwind after a big day, pour a glass of wine, put some music on and maybe pretend you're on MasterChef for half an hour.

Instead, your rangehood sounds like it's operating at approximately 4,000 decibels, and your nervous system is filing a formal complaint.

Not exactly the relaxing kitchen experience you had in mind.

This is why we encourage our clients to think about their rangehood early in the kitchen design process.

Not simply as another appliance to tick off the shopping list, but as an important part of how their kitchen will look, feel and function for years to come.

The Best Rangehood? Sometimes It's the One You Can't See. 👀

When it comes to kitchen design, we're big fans of a beautifully concealed rangehood.

Neatly integrated into the overhead joinery, hidden from view and designed to blend seamlessly into the kitchen.

No bulky stainless-steel box dominating the room.

No unnecessary visual clutter.

Just clean lines, thoughtful design and a beautifully cohesive finish.

It's one of those details that can make a kitchen feel instantly more refined.

And when you're investing in custom joinery, it's absolutely worth considering how your appliances will complement the overall design.

But here's the thing. A beautiful rangehood is only half the equation.

Because while we love good design, we're equally passionate about functionality.

And that brings us to the question we wish more people would ask.

How Loud Is Your Rangehood, Really? 🔊

It's surprisingly easy to get caught up comparing appliance brands, prices, finishes and features without ever considering how noisy a rangehood might be.

And believe us, they can vary enormously.

So before committing to a particular model, ask a few important questions:

• How noisy is it on low speed? This is the setting you're likely to use regularly.

• How noisy is it on high speed? Because sometimes dinner involves a hot pan and a serious amount of extraction.

• What's its extraction capacity? Will it effectively remove cooking fumes, steam, grease and odours?

• Can you comfortably hold a conversation while it's running? Because nobody wants to shout across their kitchen island.

• How easy is it to maintain? Accessible, easy-to-clean filters make a big difference over time.

And our personal favourite...

Will I need hearing protection just to cook a steak?

Jokes aside, noise levels are a genuinely important consideration, particularly in modern open-plan homes where the kitchen, dining and living areas all share one space.

A rangehood shouldn't overpower the very space you've worked so hard to create.

Forever Home or Investment Property? Your Budget Should Reflect the Purpose. 🏡

Here's where we think a little perspective goes a long way.

Not every kitchen needs the most expensive appliances on the market.

But equally, the cheapest option isn't always the smartest investment.

It really comes down to how the kitchen will be used, how long you intend to own the property and what matters most to you.

Building or Renovating Your Forever Home? ❤️

Our advice?

Buy once. Buy well.

You don't necessarily need the most expensive rangehood in the showroom, but this is one appliance we'd encourage you not to overlook.

Think about it.

You'll potentially use your rangehood almost every day, for years or even decades.

Investing in a quality model with effective extraction, quieter operation and a strong warranty can make a noticeable difference to your everyday experience.

When choosing a rangehood for your forever home, we'd prioritise:

• Quiet operation across different fan speeds

• Effective extraction performance

• A reputable brand with a strong warranty

• Easy cleaning and maintenance

• A concealed design, where suitable, for a seamless joinery finish

A little extra consideration now can save you years of frustration later.

Renovating a Rental or Investment Property? 🏠

That's a slightly different conversation.

For an investment property, it's often about finding that sensible middle ground between functionality, reliability and value.

You want an appliance that does its job properly, is easy to maintain and won't create unnecessary headaches down the track.

Our priorities would be:

• Reliable everyday performance

• Good value for money

• Straightforward cleaning and maintenance

• A reasonable warranty

• A quality mid-range model rather than simply choosing the cheapest available

Because not every kitchen needs a Ferrari.

But nobody wants a lawnmower hanging above their cooktop either. 😏

The Little Details Make the Biggest Difference.

At Harrisons Joinery, we spend a lot of time talking about the importance of thoughtful kitchen design.

And while the beautiful finishes, materials and joinery details often steal the spotlight, it's the practical decisions behind the scenes that can have the biggest impact on everyday living.

Your rangehood is a perfect example.

It's not necessarily the appliance you'll show off when friends come over.

It's probably not the first thing you'll photograph when your kitchen is complete.

But when it's doing its job properly?

You'll appreciate it every single time you cook.

And that's exactly what good kitchen design should deliver.

A kitchen that doesn't just look beautiful, but genuinely works for the way you live.

Our Verdict? 🌺

A good rangehood is like a good referee.

You barely notice it when it's doing its job properly.

But you'll definitely notice when it isn't. 😏

So when you're planning your next kitchen, give the humble rangehood a little more love.

Your ears, your kitchen and your future self will thank you.

🌺 The HJ Appliance Checklist: Before You Buy a Rangehood

Before making your final selection, make sure you can answer these four questions:

✅ What's the noise rating? Compare the decibel (dB) levels at different fan speeds.

✅ What's the extraction capacity? Check the airflow rating (m³/h) and whether it's suitable for your cooktop, kitchen layout and ducting arrangement.

✅ What's the warranty period? Understand what's covered and for how long.

✅ How easy are the filters to clean? Because practical maintenance matters.

Because nobody has ever stood in their beautiful new kitchen and said:

"Gee, I wish I'd bought the louder one." 😏

HARRISONS JOINERY

Beautiful joinery. Thoughtful design. Practical advice.