Winflo Island Range Hood

Everything You Need to Know Before Making Your Purchase

Installing an island range hood in your kitchen is one of the best ways to keep the air free of smoke, grease, and odors while cooking. Not only do they look sleek and modern, but they also add powerful ventilation where you need it most – right above the cooktop.

Winflo offers a line of high-quality island range hoods with the features and performance you need. But with so many options, styles, sizes, and configurations available, it can be tricky to select the right model for your kitchen.

This comprehensive Winflo island range hood buying guide will provide detailed information on all the key factors to consider before making your purchase. We’ll cover the product specs, installation requirements, available configurations, operation, maintenance, and much more.

Let’s dive in!

What to Look for in a Winflo Island Range Hood

When browsing Winflo’s island range hood selection, here are the most important features and specifications to keep in mind:

• Ventilation power – Measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), this determines how quickly the hood can clear smoke and odors from the kitchen. Winflo offers models with up to 1200 CFM of airflow.
• Blower type – Options include single speed, multi-speed, or variable speed blowers. Variable speed is the most advanced and offers the greatest flexibility.
• Noise level – Important if you value quiet operation. Winflo hoods produce as little as 40 decibels on the lowest fan setting.
• Venting options – Hoods are either ducted (vented outdoors) or ductless (recirculating). Ducted is more powerful but requires professional installation.
• Mounting type – Choose from under-cabinet or ceiling/wall mount depending on your kitchen setup.
• Size – Optimal hood width is at least as wide as your cooktop/range. Island models range from 30″ to 60″ in width.
• Features – Look for brilliant LED lights, stainless steel or painted finishes, remote controls, filter clean reminders, and delay shut-off.
• Budget – Winflo offers island hoods ranging from affordable to premium models with advanced features and design.

How to Install a Winflo Island Range Hood

Installing a Winflo island range hood involves mounting the hood to the ceiling, running ductwork (for ducted models), connecting wiring, and finishing trim work.

While doable as a DIY project, it’s highly recommended to have a professional install your hood to ensure proper ventilation, safety, and compliance with building codes.

The basic installation steps include:

• Determine the exact mounting location based on cooktop size and kitchen layout.
• Run ductwork if installing a ducted version. This requires cutting holes for ducts.
• Securely mount the motor housing and chimney using provided hardware.
• Connect ducting to the hood and outside vent. Seal all joints.
• Connect wiring from the hood to the primary power source.
• Install the filters and lighting. Test all functions.
• Add any finishing panels or trim kits to conceal gaps and create a seamless look.

Again, unless you have professional construction experience, hire a qualified technician for best results.

Where to Buy a Winflo Island Range Hood

Winflo island range hoods are sold through several retailers:

• Direct from Winflo – Ordering directly from the manufacturer’s website allows you to customize the product specifications. You can choose the exact blower CFM, mounting type, size, and features. Use their online design tool to visualize your hood.
• Appliance and specialty stores – Retailers like Best Buy, AJ Madison, and Pacific Sales carry popular Winflo hood models in-stock for faster delivery. You can see display models in person before purchasing.
• Home improvement stores – A limited selection of Winflo range hoods are sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Expect to pay MSRP.
• Kitchen and bath showrooms – These specialty retailers have educated staff that can guide you through the buying process. It’s helpful if you need design advice.
• Online retailers – Amazon, Overstock, WayFair and others sell Winflo range hoods with discounted pricing. Just ensure the seller is authorized.

No matter where you buy, take accurate kitchen measurements first and have an installation date lined up.

How to Clean a Winflo Island Range Hood

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your Winflo island hood looking shiny and operating properly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Surface cleaning – Wipe down the exterior of the hood with mild dish soap and water. Stainless steel cleaner products can be used to polish and protect the surface.
• Filters – Metal grease filters should be cleaned monthly in hot water and detergent or placed in the dishwasher. Charcoal filters need to be replaced approximately every 6 months.
• Fans and vents – Use a small brush to remove grease buildup from the interior fans and ventilation openings.
• Lights – LED lamps rarely need replacement. But the lenses should be cleaned regularly with a dry cloth to maintain optimal lighting.
• Ducts – For ducted range hoods, ducts and vents should be periodically cleaned by a professional to remove accumulated sticky grease.

Always consult the manufacturer’s care and cleaning guide for your specific model before performing any maintenance. And be sure to turn off power to the hood at the circuit breaker before cleaning electrical components.

Available Sizes of Winflo Island Range Hoods

One of the biggest purchasing considerations is selecting the proper size Winflo island hood for your kitchen. Island models are available in widths ranging from 30 inches all the way up to a spacious 60 inches.

Here are the most common Winflo island range hood sizes:

• 30-inch – Best suited for compact kitchens with 24-30 inch cooktops. Provides around 600 max CFM.
• 36-inch – The most popular mid-sized option for 30-36 inch range tops. Offers 700-900 CFM.
• 42-inch – Ideal width for covering 6-burner pro-style ranges. Provides up to 1100 CFM airflow.
• 48-inch – Large sizing with plenty of ventilation power (1200 CFM) for commercial-grade 48-inch ranges.
• 60-inch – One of the widest residential range hoods available. Covers extra-large stoves and double ovens.

Measure the width of your existing cooktop or stove to determine the recommended minimum hood width for full coverage. Always opt for a slightly wider hood if possible.

How Much Do Winflo Island Range Hoods Cost?

The price of Winflo’s island range hoods spans an understandable range, much like the hoods themselves:

• Budget models – Hoods in the $200 to $500 range feature basics like LED lighting and 600 CFM blower motors but lack premium finishes and technology. Still a good low-cost option.
• Mid-tier models – The $500 to $1,000 tier offers greater CFM power, popular styles like chimney hoods, and smarter features like touch controls. Best value overall.
• High-end models – For $1,000 to $2,000 expect pro-style performance with features like remote operation, stainless and tempered glass, and technology integrations.
• Designer and custom models – Unique statement pieces with hand-crafted quality can cost $2,000 and up. Made to order with cutting-edge performance and styling.

Installation costs are additional. On average expect to pay $500 – $1,500 for professional installation of a high-CFM ducted island hood.

Energy Efficiency of Winflo Island Range Hoods

From an energy perspective, Winflo range hoods include smart technologies to keep costs down:

• Blower motors – Designed for optimal CFM air movement per watt consumed. Winflo uses Japanese-made motors recognized as some of the most efficient available.
• Speed settings – Low, medium, and high settings let you adjust fan speeds based on cooking needs for minimal electrical usage.
• Timers – Delay shut-off features will automatically turn the blower off after 5 or 15 minutes, preventing fans from running unneeded.
• LED lighting – Brilliant LED lightbulbs consume a fraction of the energy of halogens while lasting 10x longer. Most models use energy efficient LEDs.
• Ductless tech – Ductless models with internal air filters have less CFM power but require no outside venting and use less energy overall.
• Energy Star – While not yet Energy Star certified, Winflo hoods utilize similar energy saving innovations within their product line.

So while island range hoods need sufficient power for kitchen air quality, Winflo does offer energy conscious features to keep electric bills reasonable.

Materials Used in Winflo Island Range Hoods

Winflo constructs their island range hoods using durable, safe, and visually-appealing materials that also minimize noise:

• Stainless steel – The primary material used is commercial-grade 304 stainless steel, polished to a brilliant finish. It resists corrosion, heat, and fingerprints.
• Tempered glass – Some designer models incorporate tempered glass panels in the canopy or backsplash for an ultra modern look. The glass is heat/shatter resistant.
• Heavy-gauge metals – Zinc alloy, cold rolled steel, and aluminum in varying thicknesses are utilized for strength, durability, and sound deafening.
• Non-toxic plastics – High-temperature components like fan blades and light covers are specially crafted from non-toxic engineering-grade plastics.
• Powder coated finishes – Many hoods feature a powder coated painted finish available in colors like black, white, gray, blue, green, copper, and more.
• Sound damping – Insulation inside the hood dampens vibrations and fan noise so operation remains peaceful.

Winflo intelligently combines metals, plastics, glass, and insulation to maximize air flow while minimizing sound. This results in a well-engineered and visually stunning focal point for your kitchen.

Can I Install a Winflo Island Hood Myself?

Technically, it is possible for homeowners with construction knowledge to install their own Winflo island range hood. But professional installation is strongly recommended for most buyers.

Reasons you may want a pro island hood installer:

• Requires expertise in ducting, electrical, cabinetry, and HVAC.
• Necessitates climbing ladders and working at dangerous heights.
• Building codes may require use of licensed contractor depending on ducting complexity.
• Mistakes can result in costly re-dos, whereas pros get it right the first time.
• Allows for calibrated air balancing of CFM blowers which requires special tools.
• Installers have access to wholesale parts for ideal fit and finish.

While Winflo hoods come with detailed installation manuals, even skilled DIYers should think twice before taking this one on solo. Spending the money on a qualified professional is worthwhile for your safety and peace of mind.

Warranty Details for Winflo Island Hoods

One confidence booster when buying a major appliance like an island range hood is the manufacturer’s warranty protection. Here is the warranty coverage for Winflo products:

• Parts – 5 years coverage on all functional components like motor, switches, controller board, lights, etc.
• Labor – First 3 years include free labor on repairs covered under warranty. After 3 years, labor costs apply.
• Cosmetics – 90 days coverage on visual defects of materials like stainless, paint, glass.
• Filters – aluminum grease filters have 1 year warranty against corrosion.
• Shipping – Winflo covers return costs for valid warranty claims. You pay to ship the unit to them.

This fairly comprehensive warranty provides a nice safety net should issues arise with your hood. Just be sure to go through authorized service channels for repairs and save your documentation.

Troubleshooting Common Winflo Range Hood Issues

While Winflo hoods are made to last, any appliance can encounter problems. Here are tips for troubleshooting some frequent range hood issues:

• Weak airflow – Clean filters, vents, and fans. Check for obstructions in ducting. Replace filters every 6-12 months.
• Noisy operation – Inspect for debris stuck in blower assembly. Tighten mounts and duct connections. Lubricate fans as needed.
• Lights not working – Ensure bulbs are properly inserted. Test or replace bulbs. Check wiring connections. Reset circuit breaker.
• Loose parts – Tighten all screws, bolts, and clamps on hood. Adjust any brackets or supports as required.
• Electrical issues – If electronics or controls fail, check circuit board and wiring for damage. Reset power.
• Leakage – Seal all duct joints. Check for gaps or cracks in hood or poor connections. Insulate around vent openings.

For problems not resolved with basic troubleshooting, contact Winflo support online or by phone for additional repair assistance while under warranty.

Noise Levels of Winflo Island Range Hoods

One concern shoppers have with powerful island range hoods is noise while operating, especially at higher fan speeds. But Winflo has engineered their products for quiet and peaceful kitchen environments.

To determine sound ratings, noise level is measured in sones (loudness) and decibels (volume). Here are the typical noise ratings for Winflo island hoods:

• Low speed – 2.0 sones or 40 dBA, similar to a quiet library.
• Medium speed – 4.0 sones or 55 dBA, comparable to an everyday conversation.
• High speed – 6.0 sones or 68 dBA, about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

So while increased CFM power requires louder fans, Winflo’s advanced blower designs, insulation, and vibration dampening components reduce noise considerably compared to older hood models.

Airflow Capacity of Winflo Island Hoods

The true measure of a range hood’s ventilation effectiveness is CFM – cubic feet per minute of air moved. More CFM equals greater ability to eliminate smoke, fumes, moisture, and odors.

Here are the typical airflow CFM ratings available on Winflo island range hoods:

• 30-inch models – 600 to 800 CFM
• 36-inch models – 700 to 1,000 CFM
• 42-inch models – 800 to 1,100 CFM
• 48-inch models – 1,000 to 1,200 CFM
• 60-inch models – 1,200+ CFM

Higher-end models feature variable speed blowers that allow you to adjust the CFM power based on cooking needs from a gentle simmer to boiling and stir frying.

Winflo hoods provide substantial ventilation capabilities to handle even commercial-level cooking airflow requirements in your home kitchen.

Available Discounts on Winflo Range Hoods

While already competitively priced, Winflo does offer promotions throughout the year on select island range hood models. Current discounts shoppers can take advantage of include:

• Manufacturer sales – Check Winflo’s website for periodic sales of up to 25% off hoods. Sign up for email alerts on new promotions.
• Seasonal savings – Twice annually, around Memorial Day and Black Friday, Winflo offers percent-off or free accessory deals.
• Open box units – Winflo sells discounted open box hoods directly on their site with full warranty intact. Save up to 35%.
• Returned models – Returned units can’t be sold as new but function flawlessly. Winflo resells at steep markdowns through Amazon.
• Floor models – Brick-and-mortar showrooms like Pacific Sales run clearance sales on last year’s floor display models.

With some smart timing, you can potentially purchase your desired Winflo island range hood at a significant discount off typical sticker pricing.

How to Choose the Right Winflo Hood for Your Kitchen

Selecting the ideal Winflo island range hood for your space involves 3 key steps:

1. Measure your cooktop – Width and depth are needed to size the hood for proper coverage. Include pot racks or furniture near the range in the measurements.

2. Determine required CFM – Calculate total kitchen volume and account for stove BTUs to estimate necessary airflow CFM capacity.

3. Pick preferred features – Consider available budgets, sound ratings, sizes, blower types, lighting, and aesthetics like finish and design.

Be sure to also account for ceiling height, ducting path if applicable, and electrical requirements.

Sizing and spec’ing the hood correctly from the start prevents unexpected installation issues and ensures your Winflo model vents your kitchen reliably for years to come.

Benefits of a Winflo Island Range Hood

Compared to under-cabinet range hoods or cheap ventless ductless hoods, installing a Winflo island hood provides some compelling benefits:

• Superior smoke capture – The powerful airflow and placement directly over the cooking surface captures more contaminants.
• Increased ventilation – CFM levels from 600 up to 1200 CFM quickly remove cooking odors, humidity, and emissions.
• Spotlights cooktop – Integrated high-intensity LEDs provide bright task lighting right where you need it most.
• Safety features – Some models include heat sensors to detect excessive temperature and auto shut-off.
• Stylish focal point – An island hood’s visibility makes it a sleek design statement. Stainless and glass add modern luxury.
• Resale value – Upgrading to a professional-style island range hood boosts a kitchen’s value significantly for home buyers.

For serious home chefs or busy cooks, a Winflo island range hood delivers must-have power, convenience, safety, and style.

Maintaining Your Winflo Island Hood

Like most appliances, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, care, and maintenance is key to longevity. Here are tips for maintaining your Winflo island range hood:

• Clean stainless surfaces regularly using approved cleaners and polishes.
• Inspect filters monthly and wash or replace per guidelines.
• Have ductwork professionally cleaned every 2-3 years to remove grease.
• Clean fans, motors, and internals periodically with small brush.
• Check wiring connections; tighten any loose screws.
• Verify LED bulbs are in working order and not burnt out.
• Confirm no obstructions or leaks in ducting that reduce airflow.
• Lubricate fan motors with approved oil if loud or sticking.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, sharp objects near hood.

Create a maintenance schedule and follow it diligently to prevent avoidable repairs and keep your Winflo hood in peak operating condition.

Compatible Filters for Winflo Island Hoods

Winflo island range hoods utilize metal mesh grease filters to trap cooking contaminants and protect the interior blower components.

The commonly available filter options compatible with Winflo models include:

• Aluminum mesh – The standard reusable grease filters made of sturdy aluminum mesh in sizes to fit 30″ to 60″ hoods.
• Charcoal filters – For ductless recirculating hoods, charcoal filters help remove odors from filtered air before releasing back into the kitchen.
• Winflo CleanFlow – These proprietary filters combine mesh for grease plus activated carbon for odor removal in one.
• Winflo nano filters – Use nanotechnology to clean the smallest grease particles at high efficiency not achieved with regular mesh.

Be sure to check your specific hood’s manual for the quantity, sizes, and part numbers of filters needed. Winflo filters are readily available online or in stores that sell their range hoods.

Common Problems With Winflo Island Range Hoods

While Winflo hoods are well-designed, a few occasional issues can occur:

• Loud vibration or rattling – Loose parts need to be tightened. Check mounting brackets, vents, filters, and fans.
• Breaker trips repeatedly – Short circuit in wiring. Have an electrician inspect connections and cords.
• Lights flicker or fail – Damaged LED driver or faulty bulb. Replace defective driver module or bad lamp(s).
• Oil leaks – Loose fittings on pipe joints. Reseal leaking duct joints with metal tape.
• Reduced airflow – Clogged filters, grease buildup in vents, or obstructed ducting. Clean thoroughly.
• Error codes – If digital display shows an error, diagnose codes per manual. May indicate motor or control board failure.
• Corrosion – Clean stainless steel surfaces regularly and try a corrosion inhibitor wipe. Avoid chemical cleaners.

Thankfully, isolated issues with Winflo island hoods can typically be repaired with a few replacement parts and proper troubleshooting.

How Winflo Hoods Compare to Other Brands

In the island range hood market, how do Winflo models stack up against competitors?

Vs. Wolf – Winflo offers comparable CFM power and low noise at significantly lower cost. Wolf has more prestige but weaker warranty coverage.

Vs. Zephyr – Zephyr was acquired by Winflo’s parent company. Same technology but Winflo is the budget-friendly version.

Vs. Viking – Winflo beats Viking in noise levels and price. Viking has more American-made parts while Winflo uses imported components.

Vs. Thermador – Winflo is much more affordable than Thermador but can’t match reputation and longevity of Thermador’s German engineering.

Vs. Jenn-Air – Winflo is considered a step up from Jenn-Air with stronger kitchen CFM ratings and nicer fit and finish.

Vs. Bosch – Bosch makes incredibly quiet hoods but the price is high. Winflo offers similar low noise at bigger discounts.

Vs. IKEA – No comparison. IKEA hoods lack power and sturdiness. Winflo performs vastly better for around the same affordable pricing.

While not matching the prestige of premium brands, Winflo competes solidly with exceptional value. Their island range hoods deliver obligatory ventilation for home chefs at reasonable prices.

Conclusion

Installing a Winflo island range hood brings high-performance ventilation and contemporary style to kitchens of all sizes. Taking the time to understand the available options and features enables finding the ideal hood to match your cooking needs, design tastes, and budget.

This comprehensive buying guide outlines everything vital about Winflo island range hoods to make your purchasing decision seamless. Be sure to measure your existing space, account for necessary CFM airflow, and allow for professional installation.

With the right sizing, specifications, and setup, a Winflo island hood will keep your air fresh and clear of cooking odors and smoke for years of meal making enjoyment.