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October 08, 2023 11 min read
When designing your kitchen, choosing the right range hood size is just as important as having one in the first place. A range hood that is too small won't effectively remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen, while one that is too large can overpower the room and be an eyesore.
In this article, we'll guide you through choosing the right range hood size for your kitchen. We'll explore different types of range hood sizing, including standard dimensions and considerations for wall-mounted, under-cabinet, and island range hoods. We'll also cover range hood sizing for different cooking styles and examine how to choose the right range hood size for different kitchen layouts.
By the end of this guide, you'll clearly understand how to choose the perfect range hood size for your kitchen, ensuring effective ventilation and optimal functionality.
Range hood sizing refers to the dimensions of a ventilation hood installed over a cooktop or cooking range. The appropriate vent hood size is crucial to ensure efficient ventilation in the kitchen. If the hood is too small, it may not effectively eliminate pollutants, but if it's too large, it can be excessively costly and complicated to set up.
There are three main dimensions to consider when sizing a range hood:width, depth, andheight. The width should be slightly larger than the cooking surface to capture all the smoke and fumes, while the depth should be enough to cover the front and back burners. The height should be enough to provide adequate clearance for the cook and accommodate the range hood's filters and ducting.
Standard range hood dimensions in the market typically range from 30 to 60 inches in width, 18 to 24 inches in depth, and 6 to 12 inches in height. However, custom hood sizes are also available for those with range hood inserts and non-standard kitchen configurations.
Range hoods are generally sized based on three factors:
Sizing requirements for range hoods can vary depending on the type of hood. Wall-mounted, under-cabinet and island range hoods have different considerations for sizing. Here are the sizing factors to keep in mind for every kind of range hood:
Wall-mounted range hoods are installed on the wall above the cooktop. The size of the range hood should match the size of the cooktop for proper ventilation. Here are some sizing considerations:
Width
The width of the range hood should match the size of your cooktop or be slightly larger. Most wall-mounted range hoods come in sizes ranging from 30" to 48" wide. Choosing a wall-mounted hood that is too small may result in inadequate ventilation, while one that is too large may look out of place in the kitchen.
Height
The range hood should be mounted at a height that allows efficient ventilation. The bottom of the range hood should be mounted between 24" to 30" above the cooktop to ensure efficient ventilation. Mounting the range hood too high may result in poor ventilation, while mounting it too low may impede movement and be a safety hazard.
Depth
The wall-mounted range hood should be deep enough to cover the entire cooktop. Typically, the depth should be between 18" to 24". Choosing a range hood that is too shallow may result in inadequate ventilation, while a range hood that is too deep may look out of proportion and disrupt the kitchen's aesthetic.
Under-cabinet range hoods are installed beneath a kitchen cabinet, directly above the cooktop. When selecting an under-cabinet range hood, it is essential to consider the following sizing considerations
Width
Under-cabinet range hoods are available in standard widths of 24", 30", and 36". The width of the range hood should match the width of your cooktop or range. The hood should extend at least 3 inches on each cooktop side to provide adequate coverage.
Height
The distance between the cooktop and the cabinet bottom determines the height of the under-cabinet range hood. The hood should be mounted so that it is at least 18" above the cooktop to ensure efficient ventilation. However, this distance can be increased based on the height of the user and the type of cooking utensils used.
Depth
The depth of the under-cabinet range hood should be enough to cover the entire cooktop. Most under-cabinet range hoods have a depth of 18 to 24 inches, but the exact depth may vary depending on the model and the size of your cooktop or range.
Island range hoods are mounted above a cooktop on a kitchen island. These range hoods are typically larger and more powerful than wall-mounted or under-cabinet range hoods due to the larger space they need to ventilate.
When selecting an island range hood, it's important to consider the following sizing factors:
Width
The width of the island range hood should match the width of your cooktop or range. The hood should extend at least 3 inches on each cooktop side to provide adequate coverage.
Height
The height of the island range hood should be determined by the height of your ceiling and the height of the cooktop or range. Ideally, the bottom of the hood should be mounted 30 to 36 inches above the cooktop surface. If your ceiling height exceeds 8 feet, you may need to install an extension kit to lower the hood to the appropriate height.
Depth
The depth of an island range hood should be deep enough to cover the entire cooktop. Typically, the depth should be between 24" to 30".
The size of a range hood also depends on the household's cooking style. The more intense the cooking, the larger and more powerful the range hood must be. Here are some general guidelines for range hood sizing based on different cooking styles:
A range hood with a lower CFM rating is sufficient if you only cook occasionally or prepare simple meals. The range hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop or range and mounted at least 24 inches above.
If you cook regularly and prepare moderately complex meals, you need a range hood with a higher CFM rating. The size of the range hood should be slightly larger than your cooktop or range, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 300-600 is suitable for moderate cooking.
If you cook frequently and prepare elaborate meals that involve a lot of frying, grilling, or searing, you need a range hood with a high CFM rating. The size of the range hood should be significantly larger than your cooktop or range, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 600-900 is appropriate for heavy-duty cooking.
A commercial range hood should have a high CFM rating and effectively remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from a large space. The size of the range hood should be based on the size of your commercial cooktop or range, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 900-1200 or higher is recommended for commercial kitchens.
As different cooking styles require different sizing considerations, kitchen layouts also demand varying sizing and CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. We will explore below the range hood sizes for small, medium-sized, and large cooking and open-plan kitchens.
In a small kitchen, space is premium, and you must choose a range hood that doesn't take up too much space. A compact range hood that is at least as wide as your cooktop or range is ideal for a small kitchen. The height of the range hood should be based on the height of your ceiling, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 150-300 is sufficient for small kitchens.
In a medium-sized kitchen, you have more space to work with, and you can choose a range hood slightly larger than your cooktop or range. A range hood 3-6 inches wider than your cooktop or range is ideal for a medium-sized kitchen. The height of the range hood should be based on the height of your ceiling, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 300-600 is sufficient for medium-sized kitchens.
In a large kitchen, you have ample space, and you can choose a range hood larger than your cooktop or range. A range hood that is 6-12 inches wider than your cooktop or range is ideal for a large kitchen. The height of the range hood should be based on the height of your ceiling, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 600-900 is sufficient for large kitchens.
In an open-plan kitchen, you need a range hood to remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from a larger space. A range hood that is at least as wide as your cooktop or range is ideal for an open-plan kitchen. The height of the range hood should be based on the height of your ceiling, and it should be mounted at least 24 inches above your cooktop or range. A range hood with a CFM rating of 900-1200 is sufficient for open-plan kitchens.
Choosing the right range hood size for your kitchen is critical for various reasons. Here are some of the most important:
The primary function of a range hood is to remove cooking smoke, steam, and odors from the kitchen. If the range hood is too small for the cooking surface, it will be unable to effectively remove these pollutants from the air, leading to unpleasant smells and increased grease buildup on surfaces. Choosing the right size range hood ensures your kitchen is adequately ventilated, creating a more pleasant and healthier cooking environment.
Cooking can generate a significant amount of heat, making the kitchen an uncomfortable place to be. A range hood helps to remove excess heat from the kitchen, making it a more comfortable environment for cooking and dining. However, if the range hood is too small for the cooking surface, it may not adequately remove excess heat, making the kitchen uncomfortable and unsafe.
Selecting the right range hood size is essential for safety reasons. If the range hood is too large for the cooking surface, it may create excessive suction, leading to negative pressure in the kitchen. This can cause exhaust fumes from other appliances, such as gas water heaters or furnaces, to be drawn into the kitchen, posing a safety risk.
Using a range hood that is appropriately sized for your kitchen can also help to save energy. A range hood too large for the cooking surface will draw more power than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. On the other hand, a range hood that is too small may not be able to effectively remove pollutants from the air, leading to increased cooking times and energy usage.
Before choosing the right range hood for your kitchen, you must measure your cooktop. This will ensure that you select a range hood that is the correct size and has the necessary features to meet your ventilation needs.
When measuring your cooktop, you need to consider both the width and depth of the cooking surface. You can measure your cooktop with tape, a ruler, or calipers. You may also need to account for any additional features on the cooktop, such as knobs or grates, which can impact the range hood size requirements.
When measuring your cooktop, it is important to consider additional features that may impact the range hood size requirements. Here are some tips to help you do this:
Here are some FAQs that are often asked about range hood sizing:
While installing a range hood that is larger than your cooktop is possible, it is not recommended. A range hood that is too large may not be able to effectively capture all of the cooking smoke and fumes, which can reduce its effectiveness.
If you have a cooktop with different burner sizes, it is recommended to select a range hood that is sized for the largest burner. This will ensure that the range hood can effectively capture burner smoke and fumes.
You may not need a range hood if you have a cooktop with a built-in downdraft vent. However, if you find the downdraft vent ineffective in capturing smoke and fumes, you may also need to install a range hood.
How do I know if I need a ducted or ductless range hood?
A ducted range hood vents smoke and fumes outside of your home. On the other hand, a ductless range hood uses charcoal filters to trap smoke and fumes and mesh or stainless steel baffle filters to trap large particles before recirculating clean air back into the kitchen. Installing a ducted range hood is generally recommended as it is more effective in removing smoke and fumes from your home.
While it is possible to install a range hood yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure that the range hood is installed correctly and meets all safety requirements. A professional installer can also help ensure the range hood is the correct size for your cooktop and ventilation needs.
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Choosing the right range hood size is essential for effective kitchen ventilation and air quality. A range hood that is too small may not effectively capture all of the smoke and fumes generated during cooking, while a range hood that is too large may be inefficient and wasteful.
Measuring the size of your cooktop and selecting a range hood that matches or slightly exceeds its size is the best way to ensure an effective and efficient ventilation system in your kitchen. You can enjoy clean, healthy air while cooking by selecting the right range hood size.
Our shop has the perfect collection of range hood sizes that would fit nicely with any kitchen plan or outline. So hop on over and get a free consultation to help you get the right hood size for your kitchen.