Ducted range hoods are designed to remove smoke, odors, and airborne particles from your kitchen while you cook. However, if your range hood is dripping oil onto the cooking top, it could be due to a few reasons. Here are some suggestions to address this issue:
Clean the range hood filters: The filters in the range hood can get clogged with grease and debris over time. Remove the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions and clean them thoroughly. Regular cleaning will help ensure proper airflow and prevent oil from dripping onto the cooking top.
Check the ductwork: Ensure that the ductwork is properly installed and free of obstructions. If the ducts are partially blocked, it can lead to improper ventilation, causing oil to condense and drip back down.
Adjust fan speed: If your range hood has multiple fan speeds, try using a higher setting while cooking. This will increase the airflow and help capture more grease and oil particles before they have a chance to condense and drip.
Maintain distance from the cooktop: Make sure your cooktop or stove is positioned correctly beneath the range hood. The hood should ideally cover the entire cooking surface to effectively capture the rising smoke and oil particles.
Use lids and splatter guards: When cooking dishes that may generate more oil or grease splatter, use lids on pots and pans or use splatter guards. This can help reduce the amount of airborne particles reaching the range hood.
Regularly clean the range and surrounding area: Keep your cooking surface clean and wipe down the range hood regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and oil.
Consider a secondary filter: Some range hoods have additional filters, like charcoal filters, that can further capture grease and odors. Check your range hood's specifications and consider adding these filters if applicable.
If you've tried these suggestions and are still experiencing issues, it's possible that your range hood might need maintenance or repair. In such cases, it's best to contact a professional technician or the manufacturer's customer support for assistance.