An essential partner to your range, kitchen hood vents are workhorses that help keep your air clean. Here’s how to choose the right one.

If you’ve ever forgotten to turn on the fan while trying to get a nice crust on a pan full of fish fillets, you’re familiar with the importance of good ventilation. In addition to whisking away unwanted odors, vent hoods remove moisture and grease, as well as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants that cooking can release into the air.

While these by-products may simply sound like nuisances, studies have shown that cooking without proper ventilation is one cause of poor indoor air quality that can negatively affect your health. That’s why the International Residential Code and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strongly advise homeowners to install a vent hood to capture, filter, and then expel the fumes outside through a vent in an exterior wall or on the roof.

As homes have become better insulated and high-BTU commercial-style ranges gain popularity, ensuring proper ventilation has become increasingly critical. Choosing the right hood entails considering the power of your range and your cooking habits, as well as making a significant style decision for your kitchen.

The bright side is that while range hoods are a practical necessity, the range of available designs has never been more diverse. Whether you prefer the utilitarian charm of stainless steel front and center, an insert seamlessly integrated behind cabinetry, an artisan-crafted copper chimney, or a sleek modernist glass unit, there’s a style to suit every taste.

Vent Hood Vitals: Important Questions to Ask

How much does it cost?

Prices vary based on size, functionality, and design. A basic 30-inch hood can be purchased for under $100, while a custom copper 60-inch ceiling-mount chimney-style hood may cost over $20,000. Most mid-priced, stylish hoods are available for around $1,000.

DIY or hire a pro?

Replacing a similar unit is a straightforward task that involves basic electrical work to connect the wiring. However, installing a new vent requires cutting holes in walls, ceilings, or roofs and running ductwork. This could be tackled by an experienced DIYer or may be best handled by a professional contractor.

Where to buy?

Hoods can be ordered online or found at appliance retailers, showrooms, restaurant suppliers, and home centers.

What about maintenance?

Experts advise cleaning the filters after every 30 hours of use—typically every month or two—to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the hood.

Vent Hood Parts

  • Sump: This inverted area along the rim collects fumes until the fan can exhaust them and should have a minimum depth of 1 inch.
  • Filter: The filter traps grease before it reaches the blower and ductwork, with metal mesh filters being the most common type.
  • Blower: Also known as a fan, it moves air into the duct. While most blowers are located within the hood, they can also be positioned “in-line” in the duct itself or externally (inset) where the duct terminates.
  • Ductwork: This metal channel directs the air out to the exhaust vent.
  • Damper: This component prevents outside air from entering when the fan is turned off.

Note: Vent hoods exceeding 400 CFM require the introduction of makeup air from the outside when the unit is operating. This air can be supplied by a supply fan, a motorized damper, or another source.

Under The Hood

Ducted or not? Opting to vent polluted air out of your house is always preferable to recirculating it. Recirculating fans utilize charcoal filters to purify the air and release it back into the house when ducting to the outside is not feasible, such as in many apartment buildings. While a recirculating hood is better than no ventilation at all when it’s the only option, this type should never be used with pro-style appliances.

Consider power. The volume of air the blower moves, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), is one of the major factors to consider when selecting a hood. The larger and more powerful your burners are, the higher CFM you will need.

Get the measurements right. A hood should be at least as wide as your cooking surface, with an additional 3 inches on each side potentially enhancing efficiency. The depth should cover the back burners and at least half of the front burners, although full coverage is ideal. The height at which the hood hangs above your cooktop will also impact its effectiveness.

For wall- or island-mount hoods, aim for about 30 inches above the cooktop, while undercabinet-mount hoods, typically less powerful with smaller ducts, should be positioned 24 inches above the range. If you intend to place the hood higher than recommended, you’ll require a wider unit extending 3 inches beyond both sides of the range and more CFM to compensate. (See “Calculator” section below.)

Consider the noise factor. To minimize noise from the fan, check the sones (1 sone equals approximately 40 decibels). A fan set on low usually registers under 1 sone, while high speeds can reach 10 or more. For a quieter unit, seek out one that measures 6 or fewer sones at 600 CFM.

Calculator: How Many CFM Do You Need?

Range Hood Height, Surface Area Considerations & More

As a general guideline, calculate 100 CFM for every linear foot of cooking surface. For pro-style ranges, the formula shifts to 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs your appliance generates. Additionally, other factors should be considered. For every 3 inches a hood surpasses the suggested height above the cooktop, add 100 CFM to the calculation.

Island hoods necessitate extra CFM to compensate for cross drafts. Therefore, calculate 150 CFM per linear foot for conventional cooktops and add an additional 100 CFM to the estimate for pro-range appliances. It’s also essential to consider your cooking habits. If high-heat grilling or stir-frying is infrequent, you may be able to opt for a lower CFM than recommended.

Extra Features That May (or May Not) be Worth Your Money

  • Multiple fan speeds: Typically, high and low settings are all you need. When all burners are in use, higher ventilation is necessary. However, for cooking with just one or two pans over medium heat, a low speed is usually sufficient.
  • Heat sensors: Some units can detect temperature changes, automatically activating the fan or adjusting to the appropriate speed accordingly.
  • Remote control: Particularly useful for hard-to-reach island hoods or for times when you’re briefly away from the stove.
  • Exhaust timers: This feature automatically shuts off the blower after a certain period, usually around 10 minutes. It’s convenient for leaving the fan running to eliminate lingering odors.
  • Built-in storage: If you’re short on cabinet and counter space, consider a hood with rails around the front and sides for hanging small pans and utensils. Certain designs also provide a shallow shelf at the edge of the hood.

Range Hood Venting Options

Undercabinet

This style offers a space-saving design but may limit storage if ductwork runs through upper cabinets. Some models are flush with cabinetry, sliding out when needed. Vented combination microwave hoods provide another space-saving option, although they tend to be less powerful.

Wall-Mount

Featuring exposed ductwork and often crafted from stainless steel, these hoods complement a commercial-kitchen aesthetic. However, they are available in various shapes and materials to suit different styles.

Ceiling-Mount Chimney

Typically suspended above an island, these hoods are finished on all sides, adding to their cost. Keep in mind that some models with internal blowers can produce significant noise due to their higher power.

Downdraft

With a slim design that retracts behind the cooktop into the cabinet below, these vents are less effective as they draw smoke downwards. However, some models extend up to 14 inches to improve capture, although they’re not recommended for high-BTU cooktops.

Perimetric

Mounted on the wall, this type draws in smoke through vents around its edges rather than the center, offering more headroom. However, it may lack the power needed to handle ranges with 90,000-plus BTUs.

Vent Hood Insert

These contain the essential components of a hood—a power pack and liner—hidden inside cabinetry or a custom-built hood.

Vent Hood Ducts

When dealing with ductwork, precision matters.

  • Opt for ducting that matches or slightly exceeds the size of the vent opening. The duct size correlates with the hood’s power; a 400 CFM unit typically requires a 6-inch duct, while a 1,200 CFM model necessitates a 10- to 12-inch duct.
  • Prioritize smooth galvanized metal ducting over flexible or corrugated options for optimal airflow. Seal joints using duct-joint mastic tape.
  • Maintain straight and short duct runs whenever possible. Favor gradual 45-degree turns over sharp 90-degree angles. Minimizing turns enhances the system’s efficiency.

Noise Reduction Solutions

Concerned about the potential noise of a powerful vent hood drowning out kitchen conversations? While most blowers reside within the hood, they can be strategically located elsewhere to minimize noise levels. Just specify your preferred placement when ordering the hood.

In-line blowers are positioned within the ductwork, either in the wall or between ceiling joists. While this setup may reduce fan noise, vibrations from the duct could still be audible.

A more effective solution involves remote or external blowers, situated on the roof or exterior wall alongside the exhaust vent. Placing the blower externally not only minimizes noise but also frees up valuable cabinet space.

Vent Hood Filter

Below is an explanation of the three most common grease-trapping methods:

Metal Mesh

The hood’s blower draws smoke and vapors through multiple layers of aluminum or stainless steel mesh, capturing the grease. These filters, which can typically be cleaned in the dishwasher, should be regularly maintained to prevent airflow obstructions.

Baffles

Found more commonly in high-cfm, commercial-style units, these slat-style metal filters redirect the smoke multiple times, causing grease droplets to separate from the air and collect in a removable tray for cleaning.

Centrifugal Traps

Instead of using filters, centrifugal force within the blower liquefies grease, which is then collected in a removable tray or cup for cleaning. With no filters to impede airflow, these hoods require fewer cfm to achieve the same level of effectiveness, often operating with reduced noise.

Traditional Mantel

Crafting a bespoke wooden mantel provides the opportunity to discreetly incorporate a hood insert above the stove, rendering it nearly imperceptible. Whether opting for a simple or intricate design, the mantel can seamlessly blend with cabinetry or serve as a captivating focal point. In this example, a white-painted version with vertical planks elegantly frames a striking cherry-red stove while offering a display shelf.

Luxe Metalwork

A swath of copper complements stainless steel appliances, infusing warmth into the kitchen space. Teamed with distressed painted cabinets, this sculptural, bell-shaped hood enhances the kitchen’s old-world charm.

Warm Modern Look

For a seamless aesthetic, consider having a cabinetmaker fashion a coordinating custom hood and integrate it with an insert. Pairing the wood grain with a band of stone mosaic tile trim—positioned horizontally for a distinct visual contrast—imbues this kitchen with sleek, earthy allure.

Cottage Character

Matching the vintage stove, a coordinating hood completes the nostalgic ambiance. With its white finish and chrome straps and accents, it harmonizes effortlessly with the circa 1930s Magic Chef range.