Here's a brief run-down of our rating system:

Five chef hats mean your kitchen should not be without this product. We believe that this product is either an excellent value or it is simply the very best of it's type that you can get. Our highest recommendation.

Four chef hats mean that if you have a need for this type of product, you'll never regret this model. There may be a more expensive model with a few more features, but we know you will be happy with this unit. Recommended.

Three chef hats mean that it's an acceptable choice. In other words, some other brand may be a little heavier duty, more powerful, have a few more features and is probably more expensive, but we still recommend this unit for most everyday use. (For example: this could be a hood that is just fine mounted over a traditional home stove, but not over a high powered commercial style stove). An average recommendation.

Two chef hats means that this product should be avoided. We don't carry any of these.

One chef hat means that this product is dangerous, likely to fall apart minutes after purchase, or painted avocado green. We haven't got any of these, either.