Wolf I believe makes their own hood in WI and buys blowers from Broan/Best. They use 16 guage 304 SS vs thicker 14 gauge SS in MA. MA uses arguably best external blowers in Abbaka. Their inline blowers are kinda loud. I think their internal blowers are from Best/Broan.MA made in Southern CA. MA has better design baffles for bigger area and smooth edges for lower noise. For the same money I would get MA. Wolf customer service is nice and all else being equal I would buy Wolf but they are far from equal in this case. The Best hood says they use 304SS OR EQUIVALENT. They don't guarantee 304 or 300 series SS. They don't specify gauge thickness. They don't say where hoods are made. The hood linked uses 4 speed blower vs infinate variable speed in Wolf and MA. I don't like Best waffling on specifications. I would cross them off my list for that reason alone.

I'm getting some great feedback here. Thanks! We won't actually mount the range hood until the cabinets go in. Then we'll be in a better position to gauge the height. Both hoods I'm looking at need to be mounted between 24" and 30" above the cooktop. Yes, definitely we don't want it to be a hazard for my husband hitting it. Sounds like front (or at least middle) lights are the way to go. I've picked out a Bosch induction cooktop, which has a texture to it. I was afraid that the shiny black surface of some of the inductions would cause unpleasant reflections or glare. Speaking of hoods, since you all seem to be a really knowledgeable group.... :-) (flattery will get you everywhere!) Would you go with baffles or mesh filters? Quiet (low sone rating?)is the number one concern for me since I'll be in a small space. I'm looking at hoods with 600 CFM's or less. I'm looking at hoods by Best and Broan, Zephyr, Bosch, and Kitchen Aid. They all have styles that are slimmer, less bulky styles, but some have mesh filters and some have baffles. If I don't get answers here, I'll post this separately. Thanks everyone! (Oh, based on idrive65's post, I'll check out VAH also.)

Thank you all! Though most seem to have lights in the front, those with them in the back do not seem to have issues. Due to some unexpected budget changes due to issues beyond our control (problems with the addition added by the PO in the 80's we were not able to anticipate until the roof, ceiling and walls were opened) I am having to be a bit more creative with the budget and reallocate resources. I am going to be installing a Berta 36" drop-in gas cook top and have decided to go with a 36" hood (I know, I know, bigger is better). I don't want to skimp on the hood. I emailed Bertazzoni and they assured me that I would be okay with the 36" hood as long as I had 600 CFMs. I also checked and their hood is 19 9/32" from front-to-back (and even better, evilbunnie doesn't have problems) so I am going to make sure that I have about that distance front-to-back.

I found this on line.... Bulb replacement is accomplished by prying the lamp out with a sharp instrument. Take caution that the glass does not fall out and break. Do not remove the entire fixture, as this is very difficult to re-install. Bulbs are available from the hood fan supplier or direct from Sirius. If in doubt call customer service and support for assistance � toll free 866 528-4987 It sounds like it might be pretty hard to do, without breaking it.