Rated 1 out of 5 by gkmn User Interface very poorly designed, buttons failing after 2.5 years
Our previous Broan hood lasted for many years and probably would have lasted many more. During a kitchen upgrade we decided to replace it with a model that would work better in the new design, and maybe is a bit quieter and easier to clean.
The QP330BL seemed to fit the bill. It is not too loud, has good airflow and great lighting (though the halogen bulbs run fairly hot).
Unfortunately the user interface is a total failure:
- The small and hard to see buttons need to be pushed just the right amount of time or the unit will not do what it should.
- The clock is useless, it is off by minutes within a week.
- The timer is useless, because the acoustic signal is barely audible with the hood running.
- The unit does not remember it's settings, so after each (fairly common) brownout or power loss (even just a few seconds) it has to be reprogrammed.
- The plastic covering the buttons is not very durable, after 2.5 years it broke leaving a button exposed. Chances are this will not last much longer, and I am not sure if that can be easily replaced if at all.
With easier to use controls, removing all the unnecessary functions like yet another clock (that doesn't even keep time right) this unit would be a great value. As is I can not recommend it.
May 1, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by TerriB Great addition to my new kitchen
I love this range hood. From the lights to the exhaust fans. And if you are cooking lots of high volume dishes the fan come on automatically, a feature that I truly love.
I highly recommend the range hood.
February 27, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by ChickenFeet Well planned design-great looking !
We've owned this unit since October 2011. It was part of a kitchen "refresh", new appliances, counter tops etc. We cook a lot and this unit has been used almost daily since installation.
The primary function of a range hood is to move air (vapors and odor) up and out of the kitchen. I couldn't be more satisfied with the performance of this unit. Let me add that it's quiet considering the job it's performing and it never sounds like it's struggling to do it's work. The filters are of good quality, they fit snugly and evenly, they are easily removed and re-seated and simple to clean; pop 'em in the dishwasher. I like it a lot.
There are several other features that put this unit "over-the-top". Sorry, couldn't resist but a least in the previous paragraph I didn't say "it really sucks"...heh, heh...ok, moving on...
I won't list all the features but I'll list the ones I use most often and find to be really useful. The lighting built into this unit is excellent, especially for my aging eyes. It's halogen, clean, white and it makes a big difference in the cooking environment. The lighting has selectable multi-levels of intensity and can be dialed from "a little light" up to a serious task light level. It's difficult to get ceiling mounted lights to throw illumination under a cook top and the lighting in this unit solves a problem I didn't realize I had. There's also a setting (user selectable) that turns the lighting on automatically at night for an ambient light. Very nice.
I like the built-in timer. In our busy kitchen it's nice to have a timer dedicated to the cook top. We use it for almost everything else too. because it's located in the range hood, it's at eye level making it really handy. The timer has a 10 minute delay off function. Push the delay button and the fan turns itself off ten minutes later. Perfect for those times when you want to continue to remove steam from the pasta pot or odor from the crab pot but you want to sit down and not be bothered walking back to the galley.
I opted for the remote control for this unit just in case I forget to push the delay button. I'm pretty "hands-on" in the kitchen with lots of start-up prep and standard shut down activities but every once in a while I sit down and go; "Oh no! I forgot to turn off the fan!" Problem solved with a back up solution to boot.
I'd give this unit five stars for it's air handling performance alone but it's sleek good looks and smart, usable functions really seal the deal.
February 26, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cindy65 Great lighting.
The lighting is great, and the fan is very quiet. It does a great job of venting the kitchen.
February 22, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by tombed Great product
Installed easily in an hour, lots of features, looks great
February 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by mauka This product is excellent. quiet and better than I would expect.
I like this product because it is quiet and easy to install.
February 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Haley Does what I want it to.
Fans are great. Light levels are great. I keep messing up the clock...but that could be me as I use the timer. Very happy with this product.
February 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Craig71 This under cabinet range hood is first class in all respects
I installed this as a do it yourself project replacing an older range hood of similar dimensions. The installation was straight forward and was facilitated by the accompanying manual which I found to be well written and easily understood. The lights provide the best viability we've ever enjoyed over our cook top, usually at their lowest setting. The exhaust fan set on low is most often all that we need to capture any cooking smoke or steam at which setting it's nearly silent. I use the higher fan speeds when I create lots of smoke and it's evacuated completely. The screens are easy to remove for cleaning. My wife and I are extremely pleased with this appliance and we would recommend it to anyone needing a new range hood.
February 20, 2013