What is the right way to choose a range hood for a kitchen? Choosing the best range hood involves looking at size, power (CFM), type (ducted or ductless), and style to match your cooking needs and kitchen design. This guide will help you pick the perfect kitchen ventilation systems for your home.
Why Proper Kitchen Ventilation Matters
A good range hood does more than just look nice. It cleans the air you breathe while cooking. Cooking creates grease, smoke, heat, and odors. Without proper cleanup, these things stick to your cabinets and walls. They can also cause poor indoor air quality. Good kitchen ventilation systems remove these unwanted bits. They keep your kitchen clean and healthy.
Figuring Out the Right Size: A Range Hood Sizing Guide
The size of your range hood must match your cooking surface. A hood that is too small will miss a lot of smoke and steam. A range hood sizing guide starts with your cooktop.
Measuring Your Cooking Surface
Measure the width of your cooktop or range. Range hoods typically come in standard widths: 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches.
For best capture, the hood should always be as wide as the cooktop, or wider.
- Rule of Thumb: If your cooktop is 30 inches wide, choose at least a 30-inch hood.
- Better Capture: Choosing a hood that is 3 inches wider on each side (a 36-inch hood for a 30-inch cooktop) gives you better coverage. This is especially true if you often use back burners.
Determining Proper Hood Height
The distance between the cooking surface and the bottom of the hood matters a lot. This distance affects both safety and performance.
| Cooktop Type | Recommended Mounting Height (Inches from Cooktop to Hood Bottom) |
|---|---|
| Gas Cooktops | 24 to 30 inches |
| Electric Cooktops | 20 to 24 inches |
| Induction Cooktops | 18 to 24 inches |
If you mount the hood too high, it cannot pull up all the smoke. If it is too low, it can be a safety hazard and might even get damaged by extreme heat. Always check the manufacturer’s specific requirements.
Deciphering Power Needs: CFM for Range Hoods
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This number tells you how much air the hood can move out of your kitchen every minute. This is key to determining hood power. More CFM means more powerful cleanup.
How to Calculate Needed CFM
You need enough power to handle the heat and smoke your stove produces. This involves checking your ventilation requirements for cooktops.
1. Consider the Fuel Source:
- Electric/Induction Cooktops: These create less smoke and grease. A lower CFM rating is usually fine.
- Gas Cooktops: These produce more heat and potential combustion byproducts. They need higher CFM.
2. Quick Calculation Method (General Guideline):
A simple starting point is based on the British Thermal Units (BTUs) of your gas burners.
- For every 100 BTUs of gas burner power, you need about 100 CFM.
- If your stove has a total of 60,000 BTUs, you should aim for at least 600 CFM.
3. Professional Recommendation (Based on Cooktop Size):
Many experts use these minimums as a baseline for determining hood power:
- 30-inch Cooktop: Minimum 300 CFM (Electric) to 400 CFM (Gas).
- 36-inch Cooktop: Minimum 400 CFM (Electric) to 600 CFM (Gas).
- 48-inch Cooktop: Minimum 600 CFM to 800+ CFM.
The CFM Limit: Make-Up Air
You cannot just buy the most powerful hood available. Very high CFM hoods (typically over 400 CFM in many areas) require a makeup air system.
What is makeup air? When a powerful hood sucks air out of your home, that air must be replaced. If it is not replaced, the hood struggles to work well. Also, other appliances, like gas furnaces, can backdraft dangerous fumes.
If you choose a hood over 400 CFM, check local building codes. You may need to install a makeup air unit, which brings fresh outside air in to replace the exhausted air. This adds to the total cost and complexity.
Selecting Hood Type: Ducted vs Ductless Hoods
The biggest choice after size and power is how the air is treated and moved. This is the choice between ducted vs ductless hoods.
Ducted Hoods (Vented)
Ducted hoods are the best choice for serious cooking. They take the air from your kitchen and move it completely outside your house through ductwork.
Pros:
- Most effective at removing smoke, grease, heat, and odors.
- Maintains better indoor air quality.
- No need to constantly replace filters that trap smells.
Cons:
- Requires existing ductwork leading outside, or the cost of installing it.
- Installation is more complex and costly.
- Removes conditioned air (heated or cooled air) from your home, which can slightly increase energy bills unless you have makeup air.
Ductless Hoods (Recirculating)
Ductless hoods take the air, pass it through a filter (usually charcoal or grease filters), and then blow the cleaned air back into the kitchen.
Pros:
- Easy to install. Great for condos or older homes where ductwork is impossible.
- Cheaper upfront cost.
Cons:
- Does not remove heat or moisture from the kitchen.
- Charcoal filters wear out and must be replaced every 6–12 months, adding maintenance costs.
- Less effective at removing heavy smoke and strong odors compared to ducted systems.
Summary Comparison of Ducted vs Ductless
| Feature | Ducted Hood | Ductless Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Air Removal | Removes all air outside | Recirculates air back inside |
| Effectiveness | High (Best for heavy cooking) | Medium (Good for light cooking) |
| Installation | Complex, requires exterior venting | Simple, no exterior venting needed |
| Maintenance | Clean grease filters only | Clean grease filters AND replace charcoal filters |
Selecting Range Hood Style
Your choice of style impacts both looks and function. Selecting range hood style often comes down to your kitchen design goals.
Wall-Mounted Chimney Hoods
These hoods hang on the wall above the range. They have a visible chimney that covers the ductwork running up to the ceiling or upper cabinets. They make a strong visual statement and offer high power options.
Under Cabinet Range Hood Options
These are mounted directly beneath your upper cabinets, fitting neatly under them. They save space and are often less expensive. They are a popular choice for kitchens needing simple under cabinet range hood options. They are often ducted through the cabinet space above or ductless.
Island Range Hoods
These hang from the ceiling above a kitchen island cooktop. They need specific ceiling support and often require longer, more complex duct runs, as they are not next to a wall. They are a focal point in the kitchen.
Insert/Liner Hoods
These hoods are built directly into custom cabinetry or a custom hood enclosure. They offer a sleek, hidden look because only the mesh filters are visible. They are ideal if you want the power of a ducted system without a visible hood dominating the space.
Canopy Hoods (European Style)
Similar to wall-mounted, but sometimes feature a more angled or sleeker metal design, often used in modern kitchens.
Critical Factors for Installation and Wiring
Whether you choose powerful kitchen ventilation systems or simpler ones, proper installation is vital for safety and performance. Know the basics before calling a professional for installing a range hood.
Electrical Needs
Most standard hoods run on a normal 120V outlet. High-powered hoods or those requiring makeup air units might need dedicated circuits. Always follow the electrical specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Ductwork Considerations (For Ducted Systems)
The path the air takes outside affects performance.
- Duct Size: The duct size must match the hood’s exhaust port size (usually 6, 8, or 10 inches). Using a smaller duct than required chokes the airflow, even if you have a high CFM fan.
- Duct Length and Turns: The shorter and straighter the duct run, the better the hood performs. Every 90-degree elbow adds resistance, effectively reducing the hood’s usable CFM. Try to limit the total length to 25 feet, and minimize the number of turns.
Fire Safety and Clearance
As noted in the sizing section, maintaining the correct distance between the flame/heating element and the hood base is crucial for fire safety and efficiency. Always follow the ventilation requirements for cooktops laid out in the manual.
Reviewing the Best Range Hood Brands
When investing in kitchen ventilation systems, choosing a reliable manufacturer matters. Quality construction affects noise level, durability, and actual CFM output. Some of the best range hood brands often cited for quality and performance include:
- Broan-NuTone: Known for reliable and widely available options, covering everything from basic under-cabinet models to powerful chimney hoods.
- ZLINE: Popular for offering high CFM performance with attractive, often stainless steel, chimney designs at competitive prices.
- Vent-A-Hood: Famous for their unique, quiet “Magic Lung” filtration system, which requires very little maintenance.
- Wolf/Viking: These are premium, professional-grade brands offering extremely high CFM capacities suitable for serious home chefs.
When comparing best range hood brands, look at their warranty, noise ratings (measured in Sones), and user reviews regarding long-term performance.
Noise Levels: Sones vs. Decibels
Noise is a huge factor in kitchen enjoyment. Range hood noise is measured in Sones, though sometimes manufacturers use Decibels (dB).
- Sones: A measure of perceived loudness. 1 Sone is like a normal conversation.
- Low Noise Hoods: Aim for models rated 1.5 Sones or lower at low speed.
- High Power Noise: High CFM hoods (600 CFM+) will naturally be louder, often peaking around 4 to 6 Sones on their highest setting.
If quiet operation is a major goal, prioritize models with high CFM ratings that use quieter motors or are designed with sound-dampening materials.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To ensure your chosen hood continues to meet your ventilation requirements for cooktops for years, regular care is necessary.
Cleaning Grease Filters
- Metal Mesh Filters: These are usually dishwasher safe or can be soaked in hot, soapy water. Do this at least once a month, especially if you cook fatty foods often.
- Baffle Filters (Common in Professional Styles): These are also washable, usually by soaking in a degreasing solution and scrubbing lightly.
Replacing Charcoal Filters (Ductless Only)
If you have a ducted vs ductless hoods recirculation setup, the charcoal filters are essential for odor control. Mark your calendar to replace them every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you cook. If you skip this, the hood stops removing smells effectively.
Cleaning the Exterior
Wipe down the stainless steel or painted exterior regularly with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner designed for the material. Avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch the finish.
Final Steps in Choosing Your Range Hood
To summarize the path to picking the best appliance, follow this checklist:
- Measure: Confirm your cooktop width.
- Decide on Type: Do you need ducted (best performance) or ductless (easiest install)?
- Calculate Power: Determine the required CFM based on your stove type and size, keeping makeup air in mind if going over 400 CFM.
- Select Style: Choose the style (wall-mount, island, or under cabinet range hood options) that fits your kitchen layout and design aesthetic.
- Check Noise: Review Sone ratings if low noise is important.
- Plan Installation: Verify duct size compatibility or confirm the ability to install necessary exterior venting for installing a range hood.
By carefully following this range hood sizing guide and paying attention to CFM and ducting, you ensure your new appliance provides excellent kitchen ventilation systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a ducted hood if I currently have a ductless hood?
Yes, you usually can, but it requires significant work. You will need to run new ductwork from the hood location through cabinets, walls, or the ceiling to an exterior vent cap. This is often the most expensive part of upgrading kitchen ventilation systems.
What is the difference between Sones and Decibels when rating hood noise?
Sones are easier for consumers to compare. One sone is a standard background noise level. Decibels (dB) measure sound pressure directly. A 3 dB increase usually sounds like the noise has doubled, making the sone scale more intuitive for rating perceived loudness across different hood power levels.
Do range hoods increase my energy bill significantly?
Ducted hoods, especially powerful ones over 400 CFM without makeup air, remove heated or cooled air from your home. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, slightly raising energy costs. Ductless hoods do not affect this loss but rely on replacing charcoal filters regularly.
How often should I clean the filters on my range hood?
For standard metal mesh filters, aim to clean them monthly, or more often if you fry or heavily sear food. For ductless hoods, check the charcoal filters monthly, but remember they need full replacement every 6 to 12 months regardless of appearance.
What are the ventilation requirements for cooktops in apartments?
Apartment rules vary greatly. Many older buildings mandate ductless systems due to the difficulty of running new external vents. Newer buildings often require high-CFM, ducted systems. Always check your lease or condo association rules before installing a range hood.