What is the best way to choose a kitchen hood? Choosing the right kitchen hood involves looking at several key factors like airflow power (CFM), ducting options, size, and style to match your cooking needs and kitchen layout.
Selecting the right kitchen ventilation system is key for a clean, comfortable kitchen. A good hood removes smoke, grease, heat, and odors. This kitchen ventilation buying guide will help you make the best choice. We will explore the different parts of buying a hood. This ensures your kitchen stays fresh, no matter what you cook.
Figuring Out Airflow Needs: The CFM Rating
The power of your range hood is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This number tells you how much air the hood can move in one minute. Getting this right is vital. Too low, and smoke stays in your kitchen. Too high, and you might pull too much conditioned air out of your home.
How to Determine the Best Range Hood CFM Rating
The best range hood CFM rating depends on two main things: the size of your cooking surface and the type of cooking you do.
CFM Needs Based on Cooking Surface
Most experts suggest a starting point based on the width of your cooking surface. Use this table for a quick check:
| Cooktop Width (Inches) | Suggested Minimum CFM |
|---|---|
| 20 to 24 inches | 100 – 200 CFM |
| 30 inches | 300 – 400 CFM |
| 36 inches | 400 – 600 CFM |
| 48 inches | 600 – 900 CFM |
| 60 inches | 900+ CFM |
CFM Boost for Intense Cooking
If you often sear meat, deep fry, or use high-heat stir-frying, you need more power. This is where you need to boost your base CFM number.
- For heavy cooking, add 100 CFM for every 100,000 BTUs of gas burners.
- Electric cooktops usually need less boost but still benefit from higher CFM for heavy frying.
Using a range hood sizing calculator online can help you plug in these numbers precisely. Always aim slightly higher if you are unsure, especially for open-concept spaces.
Ducting Choices: Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hood Comparison
Where does the air go after the hood captures it? This is the ducting decision. You have two main paths: venting outside or recirculating the air inside. This ducted vs ductless range hood comparison shows the pros and cons of each setup.
Ducted Systems (Vented)
Ducted systems push all the captured air, heat, and grease outside your home through a duct system.
Pros of Ducted:
- Best performance for smoke and grease removal.
- Removes heat and humidity completely.
- Filters last longer since they mainly catch large grease particles.
Cons of Ducted:
- Requires cutting into walls or roofs for duct installation.
- Can be costly and complex to install, especially in existing homes.
- Loses conditioned air (heated or cooled), which may require makeup air systems in very powerful setups.
Ductless Systems (Recirculating)
Ductless hoods draw air through filters and send the cleaned air back into the kitchen.
Pros of Ductless:
- Easy to install, as no exterior venting is needed.
- Great for apartments or kitchens where ducting is impossible.
- Keeps conditioned air inside the home.
Cons of Ductless:
- Less effective at removing heat and humidity.
- Requires regular replacement or cleaning of charcoal filters.
- Does not remove cooking odors as well as vented systems.
Grasping Filter Types for Recirculating Hoods
If you select a ductless hood, the filters are crucial. They clean the air before sending it back. Different filters handle different tasks.
Recirculating hood filter types generally include these components:
- Grease Filters (Baffle or Mesh): These catch large grease particles first. They are usually metal and washable.
- Charcoal/Carbon Filters: These are the workhorses for odors. They trap volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause smells. These must be replaced often, usually every 3 to 6 months, depending on use.
Key Tip: Always check the replacement cost and frequency for the charcoal filters before buying a ductless model. High-end models might use better filtering media, reducing replacement needs slightly.
Exploring the Different Types of Kitchen Hoods
The look and function of your hood depend on its style. There are many types of kitchen hoods available today, designed for different kitchen layouts.
Under Cabinet Range Hoods
These are the most common and basic type. They fit directly beneath your existing upper cabinets.
- Use Case: Standard kitchens with existing cabinetry above the range.
- Installation: They are usually simple to install, often requiring only basic electrical work and duct connection if venting out. This is common for under cabinet range hood installation.
Wall-Mount Chimney Hoods
These hoods mount directly to the wall, featuring a visible chimney that rises to the ceiling or soffit. They make a strong visual statement.
- Use Case: Modern or professional-style kitchens where the range is against a wall.
- Selection: When choosing a wall-mount chimney hood selection, ensure the chimney section is wide enough to cover your ductwork. Measure ceiling height carefully.
Island Range Hoods
Island hoods are designed for ranges placed in a kitchen island, away from any walls.
- Use Case: Open-concept kitchens where the range is the center point.
- Mounting: Since they hang from the ceiling, island range hood mounting options need strong structural support. They often require running the duct straight up through the ceiling and roof structure.
Insert/Built-In Hoods
These are designed to be hidden within custom cabinetry or a custom hood enclosure. They offer a seamless, built-in look.
- Use Case: Kitchens prioritizing clean lines and hidden appliances.
- Note: You must buy the insert/blower unit separately from the custom enclosure materials.
Range Hood Drawers (or Liner Hoods)
These slide out from under a cabinet when needed and retract when not in use. They are less powerful than dedicated units but offer a very discreet look.
Sizing Your Hood Correctly: Beyond Just Width
Proper sizing ensures the hood captures all the smoke rising from your cooktop. It’s not just about the CFM; the physical dimensions matter too.
Determining Correct Hood Placement and Capture Area
The hood should always be wider than the cooking surface it serves. This helps capture fumes that drift outwards.
- Width Rule: The hood should overhang the cooktop by at least 3 inches on each side. For a 30-inch cooktop, aim for a 36-inch hood.
- Depth Rule: The hood should extend at least 3 inches beyond the front edge of the cooktop to catch steam and grease as it first rises.
Height Matters for Efficiency
The distance between the cooking surface and the bottom of the hood affects capture efficiency and safety.
Minimum and Maximum Height Guidelines:
| Cooktop Type | Minimum Height (Inches above cooking surface) | Maximum Height (Inches above cooking surface) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Cooktop | 24 inches | 30 inches |
| Gas Cooktop | 24 inches | 30 inches |
Important Consideration: Gas cooktops produce more heat and require careful attention to this height rule. If the hood is too high, the suction power drops greatly. If it is too low, it can become a fire hazard or simply get in the way of tall pots. Always check the manufacturer’s specific recommendation for your model.
This process of measuring and calculating is often called determining correct hood placement.
Ducting Installation Details: Making the Connection Work
If you opt for a ducted system, the ductwork itself plays a huge role in hood performance. Poor ducting can make a powerful hood seem weak.
Duct Size Matters
The size of the duct opening on the hood must match the size of the duct pipe leading outside.
- Common Sizes: 6-inch round ducts are common for lower CFM hoods (under 400 CFM).
- Higher CFM Needs: Hoods over 400 CFM usually require 8-inch or even 10-inch round ducts for best performance.
Avoid Reductions: Never connect a large-diameter hood outlet to a smaller duct size (e.g., connecting an 8-inch hood to a 6-inch pipe). This creates back pressure, significantly lowering the effective CFM rating and increasing noise.
Minimizing Turns and Length
Think of the air path like a garden hose. The straighter and shorter it is, the better the water flows.
- Turns: Every 90-degree elbow adds resistance equal to several feet of straight duct. Limit elbows to two or three maximum.
- Length: Keep the total length of the duct run as short as possible. Long ducts slow airflow.
If you have to use many elbows or a very long run, you might need to buy a hood with a higher base CFM rating to compensate for the air resistance.
Noise Levels: Decibels (dB) in the Kitchen
Range hoods generate noise, measured in decibels (dB). A quiet kitchen is pleasant; a loud kitchen is annoying.
Interpreting Decibel Ratings
Noise levels are relative. Here is what different dB ranges generally mean for a range hood:
| Decibel Level (dB) | Description | Feeling Level |
|---|---|---|
| 30 – 40 dB | Very Quiet | A whisper or library sounds. |
| 45 – 55 dB | Normal Conversation | Similar to background office noise. |
| 60 – 70 dB | Standard Hood Operation (Medium Speed) | Noticeable, but tolerable for cooking. |
| 75+ dB | Loud Operation (High Speed) | Like a vacuum cleaner running nearby. |
What Affects Hood Noise?
- CFM Rating: Higher CFM almost always means higher noise, as the motor spins faster.
- Ductwork Quality: Smooth, straight ductwork makes less noise than corrugated, kinked, or undersized ducts.
- Blower Type: External blowers (mounted outside the house) are much quieter inside the kitchen than internal blowers, even if they move the same amount of air.
When reviewing specifications, look for the dB rating listed at the hood’s lowest and highest settings.
Powering Your Hood: Electrical Requirements
Most modern range hoods plug into a standard outlet. However, very powerful, professional-style hoods may require dedicated electrical circuits.
- Standard Units: Usually run on 120V standard household power.
- High-Power Units: Check the specifications. Some require 20-amp dedicated circuits, especially those over 1000 CFM, due to the powerful motors used.
- Lighting: Most hoods include LED lighting. This uses very little power but provides excellent task lighting over your cooktop.
Style and Finish: Matching Your Kitchen Design
The hood is often a focal point, especially chimney and island styles. Choose a finish that complements your appliances and cabinetry.
- Stainless Steel: The most popular choice. It is durable and matches most modern appliances.
- Black or White: Often used on modern, minimalist, or traditional hoods.
- Copper or Brass: Used for rustic, farmhouse, or high-end custom designs.
- Glass: Used often in modern island hoods, providing a lighter visual profile.
Consider the style: Are you aiming for a sleek, modern look (favoring slim, built-in units) or a bold, professional statement (favoring large chimney hoods)?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a makeup air system with my new hood?
A: You usually need a makeup air (MUA) system if your ducted hood has a CFM rating of 400 or higher, especially in modern, tightly sealed homes. An MUA system brings fresh outside air into the house to replace the air the powerful hood pulls out. Without it, the hood can create negative pressure, causing problems like back-drafting from furnaces or fireplaces.
Q2: Can I install a ducted hood through an exterior wall instead of the roof?
A: Yes, you can. Venting out a wall is often easier than going through the roof, especially in single-story homes. However, you must ensure the duct run remains as short and straight as possible, minimizing bends, even when going out the wall.
Q3: How often should I clean my range hood filters?
A: Grease filters (mesh or baffle) should be cleaned monthly if you cook daily, or at least every three months. For ductless hoods, the charcoal odor filters need replacement every 3 to 6 months, based on how much odor-producing food you cook.
Q4: What is the difference between a baffle filter and a mesh filter?
A: Mesh filters are often made of aluminum and are common in budget-friendly residential hoods. Baffle filters, usually stainless steel, use angled plates to separate grease through centrifugal force. Baffle filters are generally more effective, handle higher heat better, and are easier to clean than fine mesh filters.
Q5: Is it okay if my range hood is smaller than my cooktop?
A: It is strongly advised against. While you can install a smaller hood, you will lose capture efficiency. Fumes and grease will escape around the sides, landing on your cabinets and walls. Always choose a hood that is at least the same width as your cooktop, preferably 3 inches wider on each side.