Fume hoods 4 min read
The price of a fume hood depends on its type (general purpose or high performance), its width, the material of its body and inner surfaces, the exhaust fan and ductwork it needs, its fittings and electrics, the cabinet beneath it, and installation and testing. Two fume hoods of the same width can therefore differ noticeably in price. The right price comes from a quotation prepared with the chemicals to be used and the laboratory's exhaust options in mind.
Most people who search for "fume hood prices" are looking for a budget range. Buying a ready-made unit from a price list, however, often means a fume hood delivered with missing equipment and extra costs on site. Below are the factors that set the price and the information to prepare when you ask for a quotation.
9 Factors That Affect the Price of a Fume Hood
| Factor | Options | Effect on price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Type | General purpose, high performance, walk-in, low bench, accessible, wall-mounted | High-performance and walk-in types need more material and work |
| 2. Width | 90, 120, 150, 180, 200, 250, 300 cm | A wider hood needs a larger body, more glass and a higher exhaust flow |
| 3. Body material | Epoxy-coated steel, stainless steel, polypropylene | Stainless steel and polypropylene bodies resist chemicals and cost more |
| 4. Inner surfaces and worktop | Ceramic, stainless steel, polypropylene, compact laminate | HF and perchloric acid need special surfaces |
| 5. Explosion-proof equipment | Standard or ex-proof electrics and fan | An ex-proof motor, lighting and sockets raise the price markedly |
| 6. Exhaust fan and ductwork | Fan flow, duct length, polypropylene / PVC / stainless steel duct | A long duct to the roof and a chemical-resistant fan affect the total cost |
| 7. Airflow control | Constant air volume (CAV) or variable air volume (VAV) | VAV costs more at first and saves energy in use |
| 8. Fittings and electrics | Water, gas and vacuum taps, number of sockets, airflow monitor | Each service point adds piping and fitting costs |
| 9. Base cabinet, installation and testing | Ventilated cabinet under the hood, delivery, installation, on-site EN 14175 test | A turnkey quotation includes these items |
Hidden Costs of a Cheap Fume Hood
- Weak extraction: a fume hood bought without sizing the fan and duct ends up needing a stronger fan and a new duct on site.
- The wrong inner surface: a worktop and lining that do not resist the acids in use soon deteriorate and must be replaced.
- Untested airflow: a fume hood not tested to EN 14175 may not protect its user, and it causes problems in inspections and tender acceptance.
- Missing equipment: an airflow monitor, sash stop and warning labels have to be added afterwards.
- A poor fit on site: when the door width, ceiling height and duct route are not measured beforehand, installation day brings surprises.
Buying from a Company That Makes Its Own Fume Hoods
KRCLAB makes its own fume hoods: 11 series in widths from 90 to 300 cm, built for the chemicals to be used and the room they go into. Size, material and equipment are chosen to fit the need, so you do not pay for features you do not use. Every fume hood is airflow-tested to EN 14175; a 50 cm sash stop, a sash safety catch and warning labels are standard. Fans are chosen from the Turbo series exhaust fans. We compare the types in our guide to choosing a fume hood.
What to Prepare for an Accurate Quotation
- The list of chemicals to be used (especially HF, perchloric acid, hot concentrated acids and flammable solvents)
- The width and number of hoods; the sizes of the equipment that will go inside
- A laboratory plan or sketch: where the hood goes, the door size, the ceiling height
- Whether there is an existing exhaust duct and fan; whether the duct can exit through the roof or the facade
- The services needed: water, gas (which gas), vacuum, number of sockets
- Whether there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere (need for ex-proof equipment)
- Whether a cabinet is wanted underneath (ventilated chemical cabinet)
- For public institutions, the technical specification or tender documents
With this information, KRCLAB's technical team chooses the right series and the fan and duct needed, visits the site if necessary and prepares an itemised quotation.
Fume Hood Types at a Glance
| Need | Recommended type | Cost level |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching and routine analysis | General purpose or benchtop | Entry level |
| Heavy use of aggressive acids | High performance | Mid to upper |
| Acid fumes that corrode metal | Polypropylene | Mid to upper |
| Flammable solvents, explosive atmosphere | Ex-proof | Upper |
| Large set-ups, pilot production | Walk-in | Upper |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do fume hood prices vary so much?
- The type, width, material, fan, duct, services and installation set the price together. When the price of the cabinet alone is compared with a turnkey price that includes the fan, duct and testing, the gap looks large.
- Are the fan and duct included in the price?
- It depends on the quotation. When comparing quotations, always check whether the fan, duct, installation and on-site EN 14175 test are included.
- Does buying a second-hand fume hood make sense?
- Only if it passes an on-site EN 14175 test. The body, sash mechanism and inner surfaces should be checked, and the fan and duct recalculated for the new room.
- How long does a quotation take?
- If the chemical list, sizes and exhaust details are complete, a quotation is prepared quickly; if a site visit is needed, its date is agreed together.
