Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.
KOBE Range Hood Review: Brillia CHX81 SQB-1 750-CFM Wall Mount Series
In this KOBE range hood review, we’re taking a close look at the Wall Mount Brillia CHX81 SQB-1 Series and its powerful yet quiet operation.
Founded in 1998 by the Japan-based Tosho & Company, Ltd., KOBE is a relatively young brand in the industry of kitchen range hoods. However, the performance that its products deliver and the quality of its craftsmanship suggest otherwise.
KOBE ventilation systems are most well-known for the impressive and exclusive QuietMode. The feature allows them to operate with a much lower noise level while maintaining adequate suction.
In today’s product review, we’re going to take a look at a KOBE wall-mount kitchen range hood that offers ample strength, solid build, and quiet operation: the Brillia CHX81 SQB-1 Series.
KOBE Range Hood Review: The Defining Features
- Premium stainless steel build
- High CFM yield
- QuietMode (40 dB at 300 CFM)
- Permanent baffle degreasers
- Expensive
Size Options
This KOBE ducted exhaust hood series comes in pretty common sizings, including the 30 inches and 36 inches. Vent hoods should be the same size as or 6 inches bigger than the existing cooktop to ensure optimal performance.
When you’re setting up the ductwork, there’s a chimney attachment that you can use to cover the (6-inch round) pipe. The chimney works for ceilings that are 7.5 to 8.5 feet high. If yours is higher, there are extension kits that can be purchased separately.
Suction
The Brillia CHX81 SQB-1 series are high-performance ventilation systems that can extract up to 750 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) at its maximum capacity. At Low, their suction can still score a solid 440 CFM, which is still considerably strong.
A good rule of thumb to calculate the relative heat ratings, measured in British thermal units (BTU), is to add 1 CFM for every 10 BTU. In other words, these powerful units are perfectly capable of handling a gas range with a total yield of 75,000 BTU.
You can also run the systems in the QuietMode, which is the lowest power setting of the hood. Still, the feature allows the hoods to maintain a good 300 CFM while scoring only 1 sone (about 40 dB) in noise level, as quiet as a library.
Construction
Most of the hoods’ components are made of thick commercial grade stainless steel. Thanks to the material, their whole body is highly rust- and corrosion-resistant; also, the exterior doesn’t hold spots so you can quickly wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
The modern and simple exterior bares minimal details and a sleek satin finish. The combination should have no trouble complementing any kitchen style. Do mind that while satin coating does well with tarnishing, it scratches quite easily.
Related post: Sakura Range Hood Review
Other Features
For degreasing, these KOBE Brillia hoods use permanent baffle filters. Compared to aluminum meshes, baffle filters are more expensive, but they are more efficient when you take into account longevity. These degreasers are stainless steel, dishwasher-safe, and can be reused indefinitely.
Additionally, they’re equipped with LED lights, which are energy-efficient while providing sufficient lighting for the cooking space.
The vent hoods are under a 1-year warranty on labor and a 2-year on parts.
