Easy ways to control your high-mounted hood range — including smart voice options

If you’ve ever struggled to reach the controls on a kitchen hood range mounted too high, you’re not alone. I recently came across a situation where the hood range was installed about six feet up — just out of comfortable reach. So, how do you make those hood range controls accessible without climbing on a chair every time you want to switch it on or off? Let’s explore how to add a wall switch that lets you control your hood range easily, and even how to take it a step further with smart home voice commands.

Why Add Hood Range Controls to a Wall Switch?

Having your hood controls up high can be annoying. You don’t want to stretch or find a stepping stool every time you cook. A wall switch placed lower down can solve this problem quickly. Plus, it’s safer because you avoid reaching near heat or hot surfaces.

The Simplest Way to Add a Wall Switch for Hood Range Controls

First things first: is it possible? Yes! The simplest method is to tap into the existing wiring of the hood range controls and extend it to a switch mounted at a reachable spot on your kitchen wall.

Here’s a quick overview:
– Locate the wiring: Identify the wires connected to the hood range controls. Usually, these are low-voltage and part of the control circuit.
– Choose the right switch: A simple ON/OFF switch rated for the hood’s control voltage will work. Avoid high-voltage switches unless you’re sure about the wiring.
– Run the wiring: Extend wires from the hood control to the new switch location. This may require fishing cable through walls or conduits.
– Connect and test: Wire the new switch in parallel or series as appropriate and test to ensure the hood responds correctly.

If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consulting a licensed electrician is the safest bet. Improper wiring can cause damage or be a safety hazard.

Making It Smart: Voice Control Options for Your Hood Range Controls

Now, for those of us who love tech, adding a voice command feature is an exciting option. Imagine saying, “Hey Siri, turn on the hood range,” while your hands are busy cooking.

How to do this?
– Smart switches: Replace the manual wall switch with a smart switch compatible with your voice assistant like Siri, Alexa, or Google Home. Brands like Lutron Caséta or TP-Link Kasa offer switches that work with voice control.
– Smart plugs: If your hood range plugs into an outlet, a smart plug could work if the hood powers on/off simply by plugging/unplugging. This isn’t common, but worth checking.
– Home automation hubs: Integrate the control into a smart home system that can send commands to the hood range.

Remember, not all hood ranges will function correctly when controlled remotely without specialized adapters. The manufacturer’s documentation is useful here; some brands may offer smart control modules or apps.

Final Thoughts

Adding hood range controls to a more accessible wall switch is often simpler than you’d think and can make a big difference in daily kitchen convenience. And if you enjoy smart home gadgets, turning that setup into a voice-controlled system can be the cherry on top.

For more detailed electrical instructions, checking resources like This Old House Electrical Guide is helpful. Also, manufacturers’ websites often have wiring diagrams and smart accessory info. For smart home ideas, CNET’s Smart Home section is a good spot.

I hope this gave you some clear ideas on how to make your hood range controls easier to reach and even smarter. Cooking just got a little more comfortable!