First of all, have to acknowledge Z Line's OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! Truly, something that is lost in todays business world, they excel in customer service.
Upon opening and inspecting the product, one of the baffle filters was missing the release knob. I called to inform them, Z Line was willing to send entirely new filters, which I declined, just needed the knob...it was sent out and received within 3 days!
After just installing the hood last week, after sitting for several weeks as I've been too busy to install, I also just realized a grease cup/trap was not included.
The build quality of the product is certainly up to par, and everything seems well built, including the design of the motor and chimney. Some people have commented on the lack of quality of the stainless steel, not sure what the problem is there, it is thin stainless and somewhat flimsy, but you don't need heavy gauge steel for such a product, it would be too heavy. I do feel there should be more support in the corners of the chimney and some better support for rigidity, maybe this is where heavier stainless would be beneficial.
Here's the issue with the hood, it is LOUD!!! Level 1/2 sound more like med/high, and 3/4 are just down right borderline noise pollution. And level 4 literally sounds like a semi truck in our upstairs master bedroom. It's quite strange, there is no rattling of any metal or serious vibration, but more of a rolling thunder at this highest setting. And forget about having a conversation close to the hood.
All this said, it does the job...it sucks up the humidity and smoke, does not totally alleviate all aromas, but immensely better than the replaced 20 year old cabinet mount hood we had.
Bottom line, you get what you pay for in my experience in life. This was a great deal for $$$, it's a beautiful exterior design, and it does the job. I would not be happy at all if it were twice the price, and I'm certainly curious if their more expensive and higher CFM units have the same issue with noise. Oh yes, and the button functions are not super user friendly. You have to hit a power button, then the desired speed you want, should just be able to hit the speed and thats it, I don't understand this design at all.
I'm quite torn on this company, been looking at their ranges and want to purchase one by this summer, beautiful and simple commercial design, but now I'm concerned about the quality that they would perform. I'm a former 4 star fine dining sous chef, I know good products, so I'm maybe a bit more critical than the average home cook.
If you are looking for quiet exhaust, this is likely not the hood for you. I'm really disappointed to be so brutally honest, wish I had a better review for their product, because with such amazing customer service, they have put some time in to building this brand the right way.
So Z Line, if you are listening...love what you guys are doing and the price point, but make it even better, even if you have to increase the price.
