Home
Blog
What You Need to Know About Light Bulbs for Range Hoods

What You Need to Know About Light Bulbs for Range Hoods

Having proper lighting over your stove is crucial for cooking safely and effectively. The right light bulbs in your range hood can make all the difference in illuminating your cooking surface. With so many options on the market, choosing new light bulbs for your range hood can be overwhelming.

Types of Range Hood Light Bulbs

There are four main types of light bulbs used in range hoods:

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are the traditional lighting choice for range hoods. They produce light by heating a filament inside the bulb. The major pros of incandescent bulbs are that they come in many sizes to fit different fixtures, produce a warm and familiar light, and are inexpensive. The downsides are they are not energy efficient, generate a lot of heat, and have a relatively short lifespan.

Halogen Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are a subtype of incandescent that use halogen gas to increase light output and bulb life. Halogen bulbs shine brighter than regular incandescents while using less energy. They also typically last twice as long. However, halogens run very hot and can be a burn risk if touched when lit.

LED Bulbs

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are quickly becoming the most popular options for range hoods. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescents while lasting 25 times longer. They run coolly with no fire risk. LEDs also come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and brightness levels. The only potential downside is higher upfront cost.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs work by exciting a gas inside a glass tube to create light. They use about 75% less energy than incandescents and last 10-20 times longer. However, fluorescents contain mercury and require special handling. The light color may also seem harsh or cold.

Light Output

When shopping for range hood bulbs, you'll want to consider specifications like lumens, beam angle, and color temperature:

Lumens

Lumens indicate the total light output from a bulb. More lumens means a brighter light. For a 30" range hood, look for bulbs with around 400-600 lumens. Larger range hoods may require 800+ lumens bulbs.

Beam Angle and Diffusion

The beam angle shows the directionality of the bulb's light. Narrow beam bulbs concentrate light while wide beam bulbs spread it out. Diffused bulbs scatter the light evenly. Combining wide beam and diffusion creates an even glow.

Color Temperature and CRI

Color temperature indicates how "warm" or "cool" the light appears. Warm temperatures around 2700K create a cozy ambiance while cool temps around 5000K feel crisp and energizing. High CRI (color rendering index) numbers ensure colors look accurate under the light.

Physical Size and Shape

Pay attention to the physical specifications of light bulbs to ensure they'll fit and function properly in your range hood:

Diameter

Standard household bulbs come in A19 shape with a max width of 2.375 inches. Smaller specialty bulbs may be needed for confined range hood fixtures.

Length

In addition to diameter, verify a bulb's overall length to make sure it won't stick out from the fixture. Bulbs that are too long can create a fire hazard.

Bulb Shapes

Beyond A-shape bulbs, common varieties include BR bulbs with domed tops, R/PAR bulbs with reflective coatings, and directional MR options. Check which bulb types your range hood is designed for.

Features

Today's range hood bulbs offer many helpful features to consider:

Dimmable vs Non-Dimmable

Dimmable bulbs can lower brightness as needed. Be sure to choose dimmable or non-dimmable to match your range hood's controls.

Directional vs Omnidirectional

Directional bulbs point their light while omnidirectional bulbs spread it out widely. Combining both types can create ideal coverage over the stove.

Bulb Coatings

Coated bulbs help with heat dissipation and UV filtering. Common coatings include dichroic, phosphor, and silicone.

Rated Life

Check expected bulb longevity to estimate how often you'll need to replace them. LED and fluorescent bulbs often last over 10,000 hours of use.

Installation and Maintenance

Properly installing and caring for range hood bulbs is key to performance and longevity:

Electrical Requirements

Match bulbs to your range hood's voltage to avoid problems. Most systems use standard 120V household current.

Handling Precautions

Always switch off and allow bulbs to fully cool before handling to prevent burns or breakage.

Cleaning Dust and Grease

Over time, bulbs attract cooking residue. Gently clean with a microfiber cloth to maintain light output.

Accessing Hard-to-Reach Bulbs

Use a flashlight and dental mirror to see bulbs in cramped spaces. Needle-nose pliers help grip and turn stuck bases.

Replacing Burnt-Out Bulbs

Check frequently for dark or flickering bulbs and replace promptly. Recording install dates helps maintain.

Top Brands

Quality range hood bulbs come from brands like:

Philips - Famous for lighting, Philips bulbs come in all common types and sizes.
GE - A widely available brand, GE offers LED, halogen, and incandescent bulbs.
Sylvania - Known for LED innovation, Sylvania makes long-lasting bulbs.
Feit Electric - Feit sells energy-efficient, cost-effective LED and halogen bulbs.
Cree - Specializing in LEDs, Cree bulbs provide excellent light quality and efficiency.

Safety Tips

Follow these tips to safely light your range hood:

Choosing the Right Wattage

Exceeding the recommended wattage can overheat the fixture. Check markings and use equal or lower-wattage bulbs.

Avoiding Electrical Shorts

Loose sockets create sparks and shorts. Ensure bulbs seat securely and replace corroded lamp holders.

Fire Hazards

Extended contact with hot bulbs can ignite grease or fabrics. Keep flammables away from range hood lights.

Proper Ventilation

Restricted air flow causes overheating. Keep vents and filters clean so bulbs don't get too hot.

Hood Cleaning

Clean accumulated grease deposits which can catch fire. Use non-combustible degreasers recommended for range hoods.