How to prevent range hood problems when cooking for the holidays

The holidays mean more time in the kitchen preparing big meals, which can put your range hood to the test. From clearing smoke to removing food odors, it plays a huge role in keeping your kitchen comfortable and safe. But with all the extra cooking, your range hood can run into problems if it’s not properly maintained.

To help you avoid those issues, we’ve put together this guide. With a little preparation and care, you can keep your range hood working smoothly throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Benefits of using a range hood during cooking

Using a range hood every time you cook has many advantages, especially during the holidays. A range hood keeps your kitchen cleaner, safer, and more comfortable, making it an essential tool during holiday cooking. Here are the key benefits:

• Improves air quality: Clears smoke, steam, and grease, keeping the air clean.
• Removes odors: Eliminates strong cooking smells, leaving your kitchen fresh.
• Reduces heat and humidity: Vents excess heat and moisture for a comfortable kitchen.
• Prevents grease buildup: Traps grease, reducing cleaning and maintenance.
• Increases safety: Lowers the risk of fires by venting grease and fumes.
• Enhances visibility: Built-in lights improve stovetop lighting for safer cooking.

Read more: How to get your electric stove ready for holiday cooking

Common range hood problems

During the holidays, your range hood works overtime, which can lead to a few common issues if it’s not in good shape. Here are the problems you’re most likely to encounter:

Excessive grease buildup: Grease from cooking builds up on the filters, fan, and interior surfaces, reducing the hood’s ability to function effectively.

• Remove the filters from your range hood.
• If they’re metal, soak them in warm, soapy water, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly. Let them dry completely before reinstalling.
• For disposable filters, replace them with new ones if they’re clogged or greasy.

Reduced airflow: Blocked filters or clogged vent ducts can limit airflow, making it harder for the hood to remove smoke and odors.

• Check the duct for grease or debris buildup.
• Use a long brush or a vacuum attachment to clean out the vent and improve airflow.

Noisy or failing fan motor: Overuse or a lack of maintenance can cause the fan motor to become noisy or even stop working altogether.

• Turn on the fan and listen for unusual noises, like rattling or grinding. These can indicate a problem with the motor or the fan blades.
• Lubricate the motor if needed (refer to your range hood’s manual for guidance).

Lighting issues: Burned-out bulbs or electrical problems can leave your cooking area poorly lit, making it harder to see what you’re doing.

• Test the range hood’s lights to make sure they’re working properly.
• Replace any bulbs that are burnt out so your cooking area is well-lit during meal prep.

Read more: 8 Tips to Prep Your Fridge for the Holidays

How to avoid problems

Once your range hood is prepped and ready, following a few simple habits while you cook can help keep it running smoothly:

• Use the range hood every time you cook. Turn the hood on before you start cooking and let it run for a few minutes after you’re done. This clears smoke, odors, and excess moisture from the air.
• Cook with lids on pans when possible. Covering your pots and pans helps reduce steam and grease splatters, which means less work for your range hood.
• Don’t overwork the hood. Use a medium fan setting for most tasks, reserving high-speed settings for heavy smoke or strong odors. Running the fan at full power unnecessarily can wear out the motor over time.
• Keep the cooking area clean. Regularly wipe down your stovetop and the exterior of the range hood to prevent grease buildup. This not only keeps things looking tidy but also makes the hood more efficient.
• Monitor airflow while cooking. If you notice the range hood struggling to clear smoke or steam, check the filters or vent for clogs. Cleaning them promptly can prevent bigger issues.
• Inspect electrical connections. Check the hood’s wiring, switches, and light fixtures for any signs of wear or looseness. Fixing small issues early can prevent bigger electrical problems later.
• Run a test before big cooking days. Before holiday cooking marathons, run the hood to make sure everything is working properly. Address any unusual sounds, weak airflow, or other problems early.

Read more: How to Maintain Your Mixer for Holiday Baking

Additional info

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