Most kitchen stoves or cooktops benefit from range hoods. Whether for controlling catastrophic frying pan smoke or for taming pasta pot steam, range hoods are a cook’s best friend.
Whatever your type of kitchen, there is a range hood to match: popular and inexpensive canopy style, architectural-grade chimney style, downdrafts, recirculating fans in microwaves and even custom range hood inserts. Your choice of a range hood depends on your kitchen size, layout, cooking preferences and desired price point.
What Is a Range Hood?
A range hood, also known as a vent hood or stove hood, is designed to remove smoke, grease, odors, and heat from your kitchen. It works by using an electric fan to pull the air through a filter and then vent it outside or recirculate it back into the room, depending on the type of hood. The fan and filter work together to trap grease particles and reduce the amount of airborne contaminants. While highly recommended for maintaining kitchen air quality, range hoods are not always required by building codes, which can vary by location. Be sure to check with your local authorities for specific requirements to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Types of Range Hoods
Range hoods come in several types, each suited to different kitchen designs and cooking styles. Selecting the right type involves considering factors like installation complexity, aesthetics, and functionality.
Canopy or Under Cabinet Range Hoods
Canopy range hoods are installed under kitchen cabinets. They are easy to install and
cost-effective, venting smoke and fumes through the wall or ceiling. These hoods are often preferred for their straightforward installation process and affordability. Some models are recirculating, making them simpler and cheaper to install as they don’t require external venting. This versatility makes them a popular choice for many homeowners looking for a practical and efficient solution.
Chimney or Island Range Hoods
Chimney range hoods feature a hood over the stove with a vertical flue (chimney) that extends through the kitchen ceiling to the roof. These hoods can be placed anywhere in the kitchen, including over an island, and add a stylish element to the space. They are often chosen for their dramatic appearance and ability to serve as a focal point in kitchen design. However, their installation can be more complex and costly due to the need for external venting through the roof.
Microwave Over-the-Range Hoods (Microhoods)
A microhood combines a microwave and a range hood in one unit, mounted above the stove.
They either vent air outside or filter and recirculate it back into the kitchen. Microhoods require
at least 16 inches of clearance between the bottom of the microwave and the stove. These units are ideal for kitchens with limited space, as they combine two functions into one appliance, saving valuable countertop and cabinet space.
Downdrafts
Unlike traditional hoods, downdrafts pull smoke and fumes downward. Integrated into the cooktop or installed separately, some models rise up when needed. Though they may pull less air than traditional hoods, many homeowners prefer them for their unobtrusive design. Downdrafts are particularly useful in kitchens where an overhead hood might obstruct sight lines or interfere with the overall aesthetic. They offer a sleek, modern alternative but may require more powerful fans to be as effective as traditional hoods.
Range Hood Inserts
For a custom look, range hood inserts contain all the functional parts of a range hood but allow for a custom-built exterior. This can be made from various materials, including wood, to match your kitchen’s design. However, they can be more expensive due to the custom labor and materials required. Range hood inserts offer the ultimate in design flexibility, allowing homeowners to create a seamless and integrated look that matches their kitchen perfectly. They are often chosen for high-end kitchen remodels where aesthetics are a top priority.
Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hoods
Choosing between a ducted and ductless range hood affects installation, cost, and functionality. Understanding the differences can help you select the best option for your kitchen setup.
Ducted Range Hoods
Pros:
- Completely removes contaminants from the home, providing superior air quality.
- Higher capacity for air volume, making them more effective at clearing smoke and odors.
- More efficient with woven metal filters that can be cleaned and reused, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Cons:
- More noticeable appearance, which may not suit all kitchen designs.
- Requires a hole in the wall, ceiling, or roof for venting, which can be costly and complex to install.
- More challenging to install, often requiring professional assistance and possibly modifications to existing structures.
Ductless Range Hoods
Pros:
- Can be installed anywhere, offering great flexibility for various kitchen layouts.
- Easier to install, as they do not require external venting, making them suitable for DIY projects.
- No need for exterior venting means no need to open up walls or roofs, reducing installation costs and complexity.
Cons:
- Less efficient, as they recirculate air back into the kitchen rather than expelling it outside.
- Does not remove hot air, which can make the kitchen warmer.
- Requires frequent replacement of dense carbon filters, adding to long-term maintenance costs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Range Hood
When choosing a range hood, consider factors like ventilation capacity, location, installation complexity, and cost. These factors will help you find a hood that fits your needs and kitchen layout.
Ventilation Capacity
Your cooking habits and stove’s BTU output determine the ventilation capacity needed. A general rule is to divide your stove’s BTU rating by 100 to find the needed CFM (cubic feet per minute). For example, a 20,000 BTU stove would need a range hood with a 200 CFM rating.
This ensures that the hood can effectively clear the air, even during intense cooking sessions. Higher BTU stoves will require more powerful hoods to handle the increased output.
Location
The placement of your stove influences the type and size of the range hood. For instance, a kitchen island stove would benefit from a chimney-style island range hood or a downdraft system. The location also affects the installation process and the overall kitchen layout. Consider whether the hood will need to vent through an exterior wall, ceiling, or roof, and plan accordingly to minimize installation challenges and costs.
Installation
For those installing a range hood themselves, canopy and microwave hoods are the easiest. Ductless models are also simpler to install than ducted units. However, professional installation may be required for more complex setups, such as chimney hoods or custom inserts. Proper installation is crucial for the hood’s effectiveness and longevity, so consider the installation requirements and whether you need professional assistance.
Cost
Range hoods vary widely in price. Basic canopy hoods can cost as little as $50, while high-end custom models can exceed $6,000. It’s important to find a range hood that fits your kitchen remodel budget. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also installation costs and long-term maintenance. Investing in a high-quality hood can improve kitchen air quality and add value to your home.
Range Hood Capacities and Costs
Duct Diameter and CFM Requirements:
- 6 – 8 inches: 400 – 600 CFM
- 7 – 10 inches: 700 – 900 CFM
- 8 – 12 inches: 900 – 1,200 CFM
- 10 inches+: 1,200+ CFM
The diameter of your ducting affects the range hood’s CFM requirements. Larger ducts allow for higher air volume, which can improve the hood’s efficiency. Ensure that your ducting matches the CFM rating of your range hood for optimal performance.
Additional CFM Considerations:
- Each foot of ductwork adds 1 CFM.
- Each turn in the ductwork adds 25 CFM.
- Each roof cap adds 40 CFM.
These additional factors can increase the CFM needed to ensure proper ventilation. Plan your ductwork to minimize length and turns, reducing the overall CFM demand and improving the efficiency of your range hood.
Cost by Type:
- Canopy or under-cabinet range hoods: $50 – $350
- Chimney-style range hoods: $330 – $2,000
- Microwave over-the-range hoods: $200 – $1,400
- Downdraft range hoods: $1,000 – $1,600
- Range hood inserts: $325 – $1,600+
Range hood costs vary based on type, size, and features. Budget-friendly options like canopy hoods are suitable for most kitchens, while high-end options like custom inserts offer superior aesthetics and performance but at a higher cost.
Labor Costs:
- Basic installation: $200 – $1,000
- Adding venting to the outside: Additional $500 – $1,500
Labor costs depend on the complexity of the installation. Simple installations for ductless hoods are less expensive, while ducted hoods requiring external venting and structural modifications can significantly increase costs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Range Hood
- Ducted vs. Ductless: Opt for ducted if possible for better efficiency. If ducting is not feasible, choose a ductless model. Ducted hoods provide superior air quality by venting contaminants outside, while ductless models are easier to install and more flexible.
- Filtration: Metal filters (baffle or mesh) are easier to clean and allow more airflow. Charcoal filters in ductless models require more frequent replacement. Choose filters that balance maintenance needs with air quality.
- Ductwork: Install ducts with minimal length and bends to reduce CFM requirements and expand your range hood options. Efficient ductwork improves the hood’s performance and reduces the need for a high CFM rating.
- Size: The range hood should match the width of your stove, plus an extra 3 inches on each side for optimal coverage. This ensures that the hood effectively captures smoke and fumes from all burners.
- Extra Features: Consider which additional features, like multiple fan speeds, heat sensors, or Wi-Fi, are worth the extra cost. While these features can enhance convenience and performance, they can also increase the price. Evaluate which features align with your cooking habits and kitchen needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right range hood is essential for a clean, odor-free, and safe kitchen. Whether you prefer a canopy, chimney, downdraft, microhood, or custom insert, each type caters to different kitchen designs and cooking styles. Deciding between ducted and ductless systems, understanding ventilation capacity, and considering location, installation, and budget are key factors. Proper selection and maintenance of a range hood enhance air quality, kitchen cleanliness, and overall cooking experience, adding both value and functionality to your home. Investing in a quality range hood ensures a better cooking environment and complements your kitchen’s design.
