Glad I found this forum. I was so close to ordering on Ebay but something told me to do more research. I've been going nuts because I can't see these range hoods in person. I compared the manuals, call up the stores and still can't make a decision because even their manuals are VERY similar. I can't compare workmenship but it seems like the quality of the steel varies. Please advise. #304 & #201 DIFFERENCE? 19 Gauge = 1.0mm ? 22 Gauge = 0.8mmm ? The lower the gauge # the better Euro-Kitchen SV218D $520 INCLUDE SHIP 1 year warranty #304 19 Gauge 1.0mm Cavaliere SV218D - Overstock.com $529+FREE SHIP AND SOMETIMES ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS 10-20% #201 19 Gauge 1 year warranty I can't find the manufacturer website. There's warranty claim department in Overstock but they won't disclose the manufacturer contact info. Fabyka FD-30 EBAY $350 INCLUDES SHIP 0.8mm? #304 -TRUSTED? Fabyka FAD-30 $469 INCLUDE SHIP Go Direct 1.2mm #304 3 Year Warranty The Fabyka rep told me they are not affiliated with Ebay seller. They are the manufacturer. If I needed parts. I would have to contact the Ebay seller who then contacts the manufacturer for parts. If I go direct they have my record on file and can send me the parts. Apparently 1.2mm is sturdier and won't make as much noise on the highest level.

we installed a Zephyr typhoon w/our remodel 2.5 yrs ago Very happy w/it Here is a link that might be useful: zephyr

I just purchased a Zephyr Milano Island hood. Main reason, the sone is .5 on low and obviously higher as one increases the intensity. Still the lowest from the hoods i compared. The other thing I liked is the glass on the milano. I didn't want to take away from a gorgeous forrest view. It was definitely a great decision. Added note; the salesman I bought it from suggested putting the hood on 15 - 20 minutes ahead of cook time on low and leave it on low during cooking. He said if I leave it off and then place it on a higher number that it wouldn't be as effective as getting the airflow running ahead of time. It really does work and it is so quiet my son went to put it on for me and it was already on!

Thank you for your replies. The alcove is existing, it is simply drywalled but I will probably tile it. It currently houses a recessed refrigerator and microwave cabinet. It is 6'2" wide and 6' high. This is not a cabinet enclosure, there will be no cabinet above the range. If I go w/ the 750cfm Chinese hood and think 3' will be OK; the pther one might require me to drop the hood down a few inches, which I'd rather not do. The "Chinese" hood is sold by kitchenhoods.ca, in Canada. It is generic but also branded Euro-Kitchen or Spagna Vetro. I did find some old posts here that were mostly favorable. I leaning toward trying it. Bill/Memphis