In the hood

You can probably understand my extreme agitation shopping for a kitchen extractor hood.

First, it's not that complicated.  It's a fan in a box, so why does it cost the same as a used car?

Second, there's no reason for the fan to be in the box.  In fact, it's much better if the fan is outside the box -- it is much easier to pull air than to push it, so you get better airflow and less noise.  (Your neighbors may not appreciate your kitchen fan outside their living room window, but that's their problem.)  However, the simple act of moving the fan from the hood to the wall somehow increases the price by US $300!!

Third, the ignorance of kitchen salespeople is staggering.  If you ask them anything at all, they basically hand you a catalogue and walk away.

After much searching, I was finally able to find an Elica hood with a remote motor that was half the price of similar options.  Of course, Jess would likely point out we can get one without a remote fan for half the price again.  That's why I'm not telling her.