Now in its fiftieth year of operation, Rangecraft has always stayed true to its founding principles of handcrafting top-of-the-line range hoods using the finest materials. Established and managed by mother and son team Ramona Panus and David Podwyszynski, the company has family values at its core, fostering an environment underpinned by care, respect and passion.
“Our company has been around for fifty years, and I think this just shows how much of a family it is. When I say family, it’s not just about my mother and myself; we really see our employees as a great part of this family. This also comes down to the dealers, architects and builders that have been with us through the years.
“We give thanks to everybody involved; sometimes it doesn’t have to be family by blood. It’s more than that; we’re a group that wants to strive for the best so we can keep our brand alive. We’ve had employees with us that have worked for the company for twenty-plus years. That speaks volumes; it’s something really incredible, and this is due to the atmosphere we provide,” says David.
“We always tell our employees that we are a big company and we are doing everything the right way, but not to forget that without them, David and I would not exist. We need them, and that’s what makes us whole,” adds Ramona.
The same rings true for customers, who David and Ramona work hand in hand with to create their dream hood. The kitchen is the central part of the home and must reflect the style and needs of those using it. Thus, Rangecraft puts no limits on the shapes, sizes or designs of the hoods — having their own metalworking shop means they can well and truly create any hood imaginable. Each hood is unique and crafted from the best quality metals using expertise passed down over generations.
“The metals we use are all at the highest grade you can purchase; we use this all the way down to our filters and the whole underside of our hoods. So even though it’s in areas of the hood that people may not even pay attention to or see, we don’t cut corners. With our copper and brass, the heaviest gauge is what we use; it’s not paper-thin — people will often plate metal, so you’ll get the look of copper or brass. But with us, you’re getting the authentic metal all the way through. It’s all high quality, and that’s why it is a premium product,” says David.
Ramona even recalls a story when a hurricane tore down a house, and everything was levelled except the Rangecraft hood — this says a lot about the unbeatable standard of their products. Moreover, the company doesn’t just focus on durability; each hood is also a visual statement and designed through and through for optimal ease of use. When it comes to the client’s wants and needs, no ask is too big or too small —and everything from sketching to manufacture and installation is done by Rangecraft’s team, so you know you’re getting the best of the best every step of the way.
“We’ve incorporated storage, added crystals, and even sourced unique materials that no other range hood company has. We see many companies that may only design the hoods and outsource somebody to build them. Or they design and build the hood but then draft a standard ventilation unit and put it in. With us, everything is made by hand. What makes us stand out is that we always innovate, we don’t just have production styles of twenty or so hoods, and that’s it. Every year, we try to do something that the industry has never seen before,” says David
Ramona proudly states that this creative vision and stellar quality make Rangecraft distinctive from other companies: “We have shows where famous architects and designers come, and they always say we bring something so unique that is different from the other companies. It makes us very happy to hear that.”
More than just their range hoods, the company’s philanthropic side also brings David and Ramona joy. Using their platform to support charities for cancer research and children in need, plus assisting frontline workers, are causes the Rangecraft team feels passionately about. Always at the top of their game, both personally and professionally, David and Ramona are industry leaders in their field, leaving their mark with good deeds and great hoods.
Above: Proline Curvette style Rangecraft hood in brushed stainless steel with mirror stainless steel accents as featured in a design by Showcase Kitchens
Featured image at top of page: Baroque style Rangecraft hood with a white powder-coated finish and brushed stainless steel accents, part of a collaboration with Argus Development