Imagine throwing a party and getting embarrassed in front of all of them just because your range hood was producing nerve-racking sound like never before. We bet you can already sense the awfulness of the situation.
But we’re not so sure if we can save you from a situation like that, especially when you've got no idea about how loud is a sone. So, clearly, this is where the need of knowing sone pops up and be sure that you’re going to know a lot about this term as it’s related to your range hood.
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What Is Sones Rating?
When it comes to picking up a range hood, what are the first things that you look into?
Performance, quality, size, and appearance, right? Well, most of us forget to put the noise level of the appliance on that list in the first place.
Usually, the sound range hoods make can vary big times, and it's the sones rating that is used to measure that level of noise.
Basically, a sone is known as a measuring unit for loudness or sound that is made by bathroom fans, kitchen fans, and fans in range hoods. One single sone is equivalent to almost 28 decibels.
But that doesn’t mean 2 sones are going to make that number of decibels double. Sones don’t work that way. Rather than increasing linearly, the decibels here start going flat following a curve.
If you’re still confused about how the relationship between decibels and sones work, the following sones rating chart might be able to give you some hint on that.
Sones | Decibels |
|---|---|
1 | 28 |
2 | 37.99 |
3 | 43.84 |
4 | 47.99 |
5 | 51.21 |
6 | 53.83 |
7 | 56.06 |
8 | 57.98 |
9 | 59.68 |
10 | 61.20 |
11 | 62.57 |
12 | 63.83 |
13 | 64.98 |
14 | 66.05 |
Different Sone Levels Explained
If you're asking us, then we'd say that the best possible and flexible solution for you would be getting a range hood with variable speed. After all, it's the blower speed that controls sone levels.
This way, you’ll have the scope of lowering the speed setting; try adding an exhaust fan with higher CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) as it helps to clean the air more efficiently.
As powerful hoods come with efficient motors, they can run at lower speeds. The best part of that is when the speed is lower, you get less sound too; probably not more than one or two sones.
Now the question is, how will you understand sones sound comparison and pick the right one for you? Well, here’s the answer!
One Sone
Have you ever heard the sound of a running refrigerator? That’s the kind of sound level one sones brings in. You can also compare it with nights in quiet suburbs as well if you like.
Two Sones
We don’t know if you’ve tried spending a day in any calm office or not. But if you really want to know how loud is 2 sones, then you better spend some time in one.
Three Sones
If you’re thinking how loud is 3 sones, then all we can say is you can compare the noise level to a running television at a normal or comfortable level of volume or radio at the same volume level.
Four Sones
Probably we all come to this level of noise when we talk. Yes, this is how loud is 4 sones.
Five Sones
Well, this one is the rating of conversations, too, but this time some added noise.
Six Sones
Restaurants can be anything but being quiet is not one of them. However, when it comes to six sones, you’re in a ‘quiet’ restaurant.
Seven Sones
How loud is 7 sones? Ever got stuck in light traffic before? Well, the kind of noise you hear in that situation matches to seven sones.
Eight Sones
Do you know what the similarity is between regular traffic and eight sones? They both generate the same level of noise.
Nine Sones
This is what the heavier traffic sounds like. Yes, it can reach up to nine sones, and we bet it's nothing that you're going to love.
When Can You Call a Range Hood Quiet?
The quietness of a range hood depends on its size, power, and design. On the basis of these, they can be anywhere within 5-13 sones. But there are hoods that can go to a level between 1 to 4 sones, though that part too is dependent on the way you’re setting up the fan.
Usually, the manufacturers provide the sones, not without decibel measurements, of course, so that picking up the best quiet range hood can become easier for you in the first place.
How Many Sones Is Good for a Range Hood?
Which sone level is going to be perfect for you is dependent on two things – one, your preferences and two, your planning of using the kitchen’s exhaust fan.
For instance, do you want nothing but a comfortable level of noise while getting all your recipes done? Then, it's better to go with a range hood that's got a rating of 600 CFM, and its sone level has to be about 4.
Depending on your recipe and your cooking frequency, you might have to make some adjustments to the exhaust hood's noise level too.
There’s no way to deny that fried, greasy, and high-heat foods are going to need a ton of power, which ultimately will lead to a higher level of noise. On the other hand, if you’re asking about low-heat cooking, going for quieter settings will be okay.
Final Words
We guess this article has already given you the idea of how loud is a sone. And we believe now you also know what level of sone you need to go with for your next range hood. So, for that, all the best and happy shopping!
And in case your current one is making too much noise, maybe it’s high time to call a mechanic and get it fixed.
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