2.) Due to friction loss in the filters & ductwork, effective CFM is going to be less than the rated CFM, on ANY range hood, regardless of brand & type. Tl dr version: 1.) There is a need for make-up air systems, but MUA requirements depend on local building codes - consult your local HVAC professional. fresh veggies tossed into a pre-heated wok = 1 minute of heavy smoke, then it settles down), does not unbalance the air pressure nearly enough to warrant freaking out & kicking the MUA pump into high gear. The *occasional* increase to 3rd or 4th speed, for a minute or two while something is smoking up (i.e. Besides that, for the majority of cooking conditions, the user will not activate the highest speed - according to customer feedback, most people use the 2nd speed while cooking, sometimes the 3rd speed, which is far below the maximum rating of 940 CFM, and, combined with the power loss from the ductwork, ends up being below the MUA requirements in most places. Once the blower is installed in the hood, and the filters & ductwork are added, the *final* CFM is going to be a lot less than the "laboratory conditions" rating.
3.) Regarding the actual CFM: range hood blowers are rated under zero static pressure conditions - there is no hood body, no filters, no ductwork, no dampers, no duct cap, etc. In addition, having a separate "connector" between 2 mechanical items allows for easier troubleshooting & service. This way, neither the wiring of the range hood nor the wiring of the MUA is affected, so the warranty is not voided, and the possibility of damaging either component is minimized. When the hood is operational, the airflow sensor / current sensor detects the moving air / voltage in the wires, trips the relay, and activates the make-up air system. 2.) A make-up air system (or, for that matter, any other electric HVAC machinery) can be connected to a range hood by the means of an airflow sensor (installed in the duct), or a current-sensing switch attached to one of the wires between the blower and the electronic control module. Again, if the topic does come up in the conversation, any of our sales representatives will recommend the customer to consult with their local HVAC professional.
However, the final decision to use an MUA or not rests with the design/build professionals *at the location* - there is NO possible way for us to know every code requirement in the 50 US states + 1 protectorate, 10 Canadian provinces + 3 territories, and the 31 states + 1 federal district of Mexico. We're aware of code requirements, which are stricter in some places (Minnessota, Vancouver, and Miami come to mind), and we do mention the possible need for make-up air systems during sales consultations when one of the "known restricted" areas is involved. However, just as Lamborghini sells cars but will not get involved with decorating your garage, we don't get involved with make-up air systems - leave HVAC matters to HVAC professionals. If a local building code requires a make-up air system, one can be installed in conjunction with the range hood. I tried to look at a GE Cafe matte white fridge (I think they're stunning), but I'm living in a small town in Northern Ontario, and such a thing cannot be seen in any Fred S: 1.) We manufacture range hoods, we're not HVAC / ventilation contractors. I do plan on putting a counter depth fridge/freezer in the pantry in any event.
I'm either going to go with a full size 36' wide fridge (and recess it into the closet on the other side of that wall so it's flush with the kitchen cabinets), or I might contemplate stand alone freezer and fridge columns in one of the higher end brands, either panel ready or SS (depending on cabinet fronts I choose), and split them up to balance out the kitchen. The higher end brands like Thermador, Dacor, etc., are much taller and similar to each other in size.
And if you did install them separately and didn't care about the matching, you couldn't just stick any column fridge or freezer from another brand into the hole, because the sizes don't fit. He also told me that it has happened to customers in the past who bought similar product pairs (not the high end ones), and had one of the units break and, because the company was no longer making the exact same unit, both sides had to be replaced or they would not have matched. The fridge only comes with the handle on the left and the freezer's door handle is only on the right. In case you are curious, the appliance dealer told me that the Frigidaire duo's door swings cannot be switched.