Hi,
Thanks to all who take the time to advise, it is greatly appreciated. :)
I have a question about over the range hoods. I am getting started on redoing my kitchen and had planned on an over the range microwave. I don't have a huge budget so that is what my husband will prefer for sure (he's an accountant:)) Are there microwaves w/ hoods that do a sufficient job? I cook quite regularly.
Just wanted to ask the approx. cost of putting in a basic over the range hood (cost of hood and installation) There isn't outside ventilation currently. Also.. I have a small 11x11 kitchen so I don't know where I'd put my microwave if not above the range. Thanks!!

Cheri,
my personal favorite hoods are the canopy style, such as Rangecraft's canterbury line. Prettykitty and I believe Mamadadapaige have one. Modern-Aire and Vent-a-hood have similar styles.

yes, I did go with Rangecraft and would definitely recommend them. they will custom make the hood for your exact dimensions so you won't have a chimney pieced together and it will give your kitchen a more unique look. I also love gglks's hood though. I think part of the impact on that one is that it stands alone on that wall w/o uppers.

I think prettykitty went with Canterbury. I went with Taconic. I saw Baroque in a magazine and it was sensational (was my first choice but more $$ than Taconic so had to go with plan B)!! (and was my first introduction to Rangecraft... the resource section of the magazine didn't list them so I SCOURED the internet until I found them).

Here is a link that might be useful: Rangecraft Hoods

I like the barrel hoods but was afraid they might overwhelm the space. The wall is only 11' long and the kitchen is 11 x 16. Prettykitty's kitchen is plenty big to handle her huge hood and mamadadapaige, yours looks quite good in your space, which doesn't look that much bigger than mine. So, assuming the canterbury or baroque hood works and doesn't break the bank, how's the performance. I was drawn to Prestige because of all of the excellent reviews regarding great pull and low noise. Right now I have a hood that makes a racket but has low efficiency. I keep promising my family I'll go back to making curries on a regular basis after I get a decent hood. Are the Rangecraft hoods strong and reasonably quiet?

Cheri, what range are you getting?

cheril27....

i was set on a drywall hood, and then i saw mamadadapaige's and started leaning that way. for my budget, the rangecraft was too high. i'm sure that every contractor is different, but i had to pay for the vent liner (vah) which is about $900 and then my contractor charged my about $900 so custom make the hood. it was much cheaper than the rangecraft. i think there are more affordable options then rangecraft, but their's are beautiful. also, one of my first drawings was a smaller cooktop (30 instead of 36 inches) and smaller uppers on each side of the hood). i really wanted the 36 inch cooktop so that is why we got rid of the uppers. in the end, i agree with mamadadapaige that is really makes an impact that way.

anyway, my point is....i think that either hood will end up looking great in your space.

Victoriajane: I'm getting Lacanche Volnay in black. I know you're not crazy about Lacanche but want a black range. Have you see Cornu Fe in person. It's quite spectacular!

ggkls: I love your kitchen! I agree that the drywall hood looks best with no cabs flanking it, like yours and igloo's. I can't do it anyway because I don't have enough space now, cabinets are already made. So looks like I may just have to suck up the extra cost for Rangecraft.

I still need to know from Rangecraft owners: Does performance match the beauty? Mamadadapaige? Prettykitty? I need your help. Please fill me in on your experiences. Thanks.

Cheri, au contraire! I am wild about lacanche; just not in the budget.:) Yours will look fabulous in your kitchen and deserves a Rangecraft hood, imho!

Thanks Victoriajane. I thought I read that you didn't care for the Lacanche...maybe it was someone else. There are a number of nice black ranges out there; I'm sure you'll find something that'll work in your kitchen. I love your space and think it'll be great whatever you do.

Hi Cheril,
about the RC hood... it does work quite well. About the noise level, it is not as loud as our over the range MW/hood that it replaced, however, I don't know if it compares to the Prestige because I didn't look at that one.

I had gone into Eurostoves which is close by to me (big time seller of the Bluestar) and got a tour of their hoods and did notice that there was quite a difference in noise levels from one to the next. If it is something you are considering I would call Rangecraft and ask for the dB level of the fan. I have the 600 cfm. I think they also make a 1200.

to be completely honest, I wasn't as concerned about noise level as the look, but I am completely happy with the hood and would do it over again. On the low setting it is just fine, on high it is a little on the noisy side (this is all so subjective ... which is why getting dB levels info would be helpful).

If you decide not to do the Rangecraft, I think you should consider building one with a unique look. Personally I think the Prestige is rather pedestrian and particularly with a Lacanche (not meaning to offend anyone, just mho).

No offense taken, mamadada... The more I think about it, the more I agree with you; the range needs something more interesting above it than a simple pyramid. I saw some hoods on handcraftedmetals.com that I liked, also quite expensive, but I don't know anything about their performance either. I think the Rangecraft Baroque is my favorite though. Any thoughts anyone?

Rangecraft Baroque

Handcrafter metal with molding

Handcrafted Metal without molding (would require duct cover)

Same hood as above but with Paris Arch

Cheri

Interesting thread - found myself scrolling and wondering - Personally, for a hood/ventilation I want function over form first - I agree with you - not wanting to overwhelm the space - If your range was centered on the wall I think I would be more convinced that ones above may work. But because of the location I think it will make that side appear heavy, perhaps even lopsided
I think I would try to the best of your ability to do a mock up in the space - Range & hood - use cardboard boxes to make a real visual
To me the Lacanche is so beautiful & ones eye will be drawn there - there is no need to provide more architectural detail that may draw away from the lacanche
Hope that makes sense

I searched for photos this one by klb is stunning
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y281/klb_2000/Kitchen%2520Remodel%25202006/RangeWallinprogress.jpg&imgrefurl=http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0718050421613.html&usg=__dwj6GBBLhZGe7-66Nsc50SoUh7I=&h=536&w=362&sz=25&hl=en&start=31&sig2=7ksJOXe-Oib7_t8STRg6zg&tbnid=aldQ3GmAzxidEM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=89&ei=f0Z1SYq9LpqctwfizPHgCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dblack%2Blacanche%2Brange%26start%3D18%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

did I mention how much I love the Baroque Rangecraft Hood? I first saw it in the April '08 BH&G Beautiful Kitchens magazine... I actually called the KD listed in the resource section for the name of the manufacturer but of course she didn't call me back. I found it eventually on the internet. I scanned the pic in from the magazine for you. They went with non-directional stainless with mirror stainless to match their Cornue Fe range. A very nice effect (what with their 3" marble countertops and marble tiled walls... this kitchen is TDF) (oh, I almost forgot to mention the Urban Archaeology pot rack - only about $10K for that little number)

sorry for the fibers on my scanner bed.

Yea, Mamadada... the Baroque is a beauty. That picture helps a lot. $10K for the pot rack!!! Hahahahahahaha. You gotta love their gumption over at UA...like the $4K+ pendant pictured in a recent thread. Unbelievable.

jejvtr: thanks for the comments. I hadn't considered the lack of symmetry. I would love to wait till the cabinets are installed and do a mock up. I'll be calling Rangecraft and Modern Aire to find out what their lead time is.

What kind of range do you suppose that is? (my obsession continues...)

mamadada - I have that magazine issue. LOVE that entire kitchen!!!

You and I seem to have very similar taste. I too have the double island Minnesota kitchen(the one you posted on the grey/taupe thread) as one of my inspiration.