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Welcome back to the Rustic Kitchen and Bath blog. We are discussing the essential aspects of range hoods to help guide you in choosing the perfect one for your kitchen. In this post, we will delve into the importance of range hoods and CFM ratings, discuss the difference between ducted and ductless options, the various range hood mounts, and provide insights into finding the right height for your range hood. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, this guide has been designed to assist you in making an informed decision about the ideal range hood for your kitchen.
What is a Range Hood?
Simply put, a range hood cleans the air in your kitchen while you cook. They are usually directly above your stove or cooktop to remove all the unwanted particulate matter in the air. Grease, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam are just some of the stuff that can pollute the air while cooking. By using a combination of air evacuation and filtration, hoods remove unwanted particles and odors, leaving behind clean and fresh air.
What Does CFM Mean on a Range Hood?
CFM stands for “Cubic Feet per Minute” and is a crucial specification to consider when selecting a range hood. While it may sound complicated at first, CFM is simply a measurement of the airflow capacity of a hood.
Most range hoods will have a CFM rating between 200 and 1200. The higher the CFM rating, the more air a hood can handle. This means that range hoods with a high CFM rating are suitable for large kitchens and heavy-duty cooking, while vent hoods with a low CFM rating are more appropriate for smaller kitchens and lighter cooking needs.
Determining what type of CFM rating you need is fairly easy by following the steps below.
Calculate CFM for Gas Cooktops: Use Your BTUs
If you have a gas range, calculate how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) the burners produce. The more BTUs, the more ventilation you’ll need. You can usually find information about burner BTU output in the owner’s manual, on the back of the appliance, or underneath the cooktop on a specification label. Remember, the BTU output specified is the maximum output per burner.
If you have a gas range, you need 1 CFM for every 100 BTUs of your cooktop’s total output.
So, if your gas range has a total of 40,000 BTUs, you’ll need a vent hood that can deliver 400 CFM if you plan on using all the burners simultaneously at full power.
Make-up Air
In many places, building codes require a make-up air system if your range hood exceeds 400 CFM. This system brings fresh air into your home to balance out the air that the hood is removing.
Be sure to double-check with your contractor or building inspector about a make-up air requirement in your area, as this can significantly increase the cost and complexity of your range hood installation.
Calculate CFM for Electric/Induction Cooktops: Use the Width of Your Cooktop
If you have an electric or induction cooktop, there’s another basic guideline.
You’ll want about 100 CFM for every linear foot of cooktop width for wall-mounted hoods.
So, a 30-inch wide range with an electric/induction cooktop (2.5 feet) would need at least 250 CFM if you plan on using all the burners simultaneously at full power.
Island hoods often need more CFM since they don’t have a wall to help direct smoke and fumes. We recommend adding an additional 100-200 CFM if you plan on using an island hood.
Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hoods
Another important factor to consider when looking for a range hood is whether you require or would prefer ducting.
Ducted vent hoods use a system of ductwork that connects the hood to an external vent or chimney to completely remove polluted air from the building. Ducted hoods are generally considered more effective at removing pollutants from the kitchen since they directly vent them outside. They are particularly beneficial for kitchens that experience heavy cooking or produce substantial amounts of smoke and odors.
The alternative is ductless range hoods, also known as recirculating hoods. Ductless hoods use specialized mesh or metal filters to capture grease, as well as filters with charcoal or carbon to remove odors and other microscopic contaminants from the air. Once the air is filtered, it is recirculated back into the kitchen.
While they may not be as efficient as ducted vent hoods in terms of removing pollutants, they are more flexible in terms of installation because they don't require ductwork. Ductless hoods are commonly used in kitchens where duct installation is not feasible, necessary, or practical.
Choosing between a ducted and ductless hood depends on the kitchen layout, what type of cooking you’ll be doing, the presence of existing ductwork, and personal preferences. Ducted vent hoods are generally preferred when possible because they directly expel pollutants outside. However, ductless vent hoods still offer effective filtration and recirculation of air, making them a great option in situations where duct installation is challenging.
What are the Different Types of Range Hoods?
Range hoods come in multiple styles and can be mounted in a variety of different ways to accommodate virtually any kitchen layout and ventilation need.
Wall Mount
Wall mount range hoods are often seen in traditional kitchens when the cooking surface is positioned against a wall. Wall mount hoods mount directly to the wall and are relatively easy to position and install. Wall mount hoods are frequently available in rustic finishes such as wood and copper.
ZLINE Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel (KB)
$323.99
$359.99
The ZLINE KB is a professional wall mount stainless steel range hood with a modern design and built-to-last quality, making it a great addition to any kitchen. This hood's high-performance, 400 CFM 4-speed motor will provide all the power you… Read More
Island Mount
Island mount range hoods are suspended from the ceiling directly above the cooking surface. Island mount hoods are designed for kitchens with cooking appliances positioned on an island. They can be more challenging to install, but are frequently favored for their bold styling and the aesthetic appeal of the chimney.
Ceiling Mount
Ceiling mount range hoods are similar to island mount hoods in that they are both mounted to the ceiling. However, ceiling mount range hoods lack a chimney and are generally flush against the rest of the ceiling, and require ducting. Ceiling mount vent hoods provide a sleek, low-profile ventilation option.
Range Hood Inserts
Range hood inserts can be inserted into custom cabinets, enclosures, or ceiling cutouts to create a streamlined look in the kitchen. Vent hood inserts are usually rudimentary and industrial in their design, but are popular because their housing can be customized to match any design style.
Undercabinet
Undercabinet range hoods are designed to fit underneath a cabinet or shelf. They are similar to wall mount hoods but don’t have a chimney, which makes them ideal for kitchens with limited space or where clearance is a concern.
Downdraft
Downdraft hoods are uniquely designed to fit into a countertop or behind the cooking surface. They are often much more complicated to mount and have limitations in terms of their efficiency compared to overhead hoods. However, downdraft hoods are a great alternative option when overhead ventilation is not possible or desired, and provide a truly unique aesthetic.
Downdraft hoods are uniquely designed to fit into a countertop or behind the cooking surface. They are often much more complicated to mount and have limitations in terms of their efficiency compared to overhead hoods. However, downdraft hoods are a great alternative option when overhead ventilation is not possible or desired, and provide a truly unique aesthetic.
Each type of hood serves a specific purpose based on the kitchen layout and design preferences. Choosing the appropriate type depends on the location of the cooking surface, available space, ventilation requirements, and aesthetic considerations.
Below, we’ve picked some top-rated models for each style to help you compare.
- Wall mount: ZLINE Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood (KBCRN)
- Island mount: ZLINE Wooden Island Mount Range Hood (KBiTT)
- Ceiling mount: Falmec Nuvola 36 in. 600 CFM Flush Ceiling Mount Range Hood (FDNUV36C6SS-R1)
- Insert: Falmec Massimo Range Hood Insert (FIMA)
- Undercabinet: ZLINE 600 CFM Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood in Black Stainless Steel (BS623)
- Downdraft: Faber Scirocco Plus Downdraft Range Hood
Finding the Right Range Hood Height
At this point, you may be thinking that finding a range hood that meets your needs, style preferences, and is the right height sounds difficult. Luckily, manufacturers make determining the right vent hood height fairly simple by providing detailed guidelines.
For example, ZLINE outlines that their Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood (KB) needs to be a minimum of 30 inches and a maximum of 36 inches above the cooking surface to ensure optimal performance. That leaves a window of 6 inches where comfort, aesthetics, and personal preference can be prioritized.
Range Hoods for Short Ceilings
If your kitchen has a short ceiling, there are certain hood styles and mounts designed specifically for such spaces.
Undercabinet and insert range hoods are excellent options for short ceilings. Both can fit nicely into or below cabinetry or shelving, which offers a streamlined look and a space-saving solution. Many undercabinet hoods can be set up for recirculation if ducting is not an option due to the limited ceiling height.
Do I Need a Short Chimney Kit?
While undercabinet and insert hoods may be generally better suited for short ceilings, wall mount and island mount range hoods can also be used in kitchens with short ceilings, thanks to chimney short kits.
A chimney short kit is a replacement chimney kit with one or two adjustable pieces to allow vent hoods with chimneys to be used in kitchens with short ceilings.
ZLINE Convertible Island Mount Range Hood in Black Stainless Steel (BSKE2iN)
$773.99
$859.99
The ZLINE 400 CFM Island Mount Range Hood in Black Stainless Steel (BSKE2iN) is complete with built-to-last technology and professional performance. Each piece is hand cut and crafted utilizing premium grade stainless steel which accomplishes its sophisticated “piano black” finish… Read More
The ZLINE Convertible Island Mount Range Hood (BSKE2iN) is a popular choice for short ceilings and smaller kitchens because of its low-profile design. Through the use of the appropriate short kit (SK-BSKE2iN), the BSKE2iN can be mounted in kitchens with ceilings as low as 7 feet while still maintaining the recommended minimum and maximum distances to the cooking surface.
Range Hoods for High Ceilings
For kitchens with high ceilings, there are a variety of range hood options available.
Both undercabinet and insert hoods can be used just as effectively in kitchens with high ceilings because they can easily be vented out through the wall rather than the ceiling.
However, if you’re looking to make the most out of the additional vertical space, island and wall mount range hoods can add an attractive and striking aesthetic to a high-ceiling kitchen. The best hood manufacturers pay just as much attention to the look and functionality of the chimney as they do to the hood itself.
For example, ZLINE incorporates crown molding and even wireless speakers into some of their chimneys. Other companies make cylindrical hoods that have no defined chimney, such as the Faber Cylindra Isola 15" Island Mount Range Hood.
Ceiling mount range hoods are also great options for kitchens with high ceilings. With adequate coverage and CFMs, hoods such as the Faber Stratus Isola can be mounted as high as 72 inches above the cooking surface.
Faber Stratus Isola White Glass Island Mount Range Hood with Size Options
$2,259.00
The Stratus Isola ceiling hood features a sleek, white glass panel that mounts to the ceiling above your cooking area, quietly doing its job. 300, 400, 600, 1200 CFM Internal Blower and Remote Blower options Sold Separately 4-speed electronic control 2… Read More
Do I Need a Range Hood Chimney Extension?
Just as they can be shortened with short kits, vent hood chimneys can be lengthened with chimney extensions.
The ZLINE Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood (KL3) can be used in kitchens with high ceilings up to 12 feet by using the chimney extension 2PCEXT-KB/KL2/KL3-304, which extends the chimney up to 6 feet.
ZLINE 2-36 in. Chimney Extensions for 10 ft. to 12 ft. Ceilings (2PCEXT-KB/KL2/KL3-304)
$359.99
ZLINE's chimney extensions for stainless steel range hoods make it easy to find a range hood that fits your ceiling perfectly.This 2 Piece Chimney Extension will fit all ZLINE range hoods with model number: KB-304 KL2-304 KL3-304 These two (2)… Read More
In Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped guide you through CFM ratings, the differences in ducted and ductless hoods, and the different styles of hoods. By considering these factors, you will have a solid foundation for choosing the right range hood.
Remember, a range hood is primarily there to help improve the air quality in your kitchen, but also adds an element of style and functionality to your cooking space. So go ahead, explore the options available, and select a vent hood that suits your needs, complements your kitchen's design, and enhances your overall cooking experience. Thanks for reading!
If you would like additional help finding the right vent hood, please feel free to call us at 1 (866) 212-9706 or book a consultation with one of our hood experts!
FAQs
What does a range hood do and why is it important?
A range hood improves indoor air quality by removing grease, smoke, heat, steam, and odors generated during cooking. Without proper ventilation, these particles can linger in the kitchen, settle on surfaces, and affect comfort over time. A well-chosen range hood supports a cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable cooking environment.
What does CFM mean on a range hood?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and measures how much air a range hood can move. Higher CFM ratings indicate stronger ventilation. Most residential range hoods fall between 200 and 1200 CFM, with larger kitchens and high-output cooktops requiring higher airflow.
How do I calculate the right CFM for a gas range?
For gas cooktops, the general rule is 1 CFM for every 100 BTUs of total burner output. For example, a cooktop with 40,000 total BTUs should be paired with a range hood rated at approximately 400 CFM if all burners may be used at full power.
How do I calculate CFM for electric or induction cooktops?
For electric or induction cooktops, a common guideline is 100 CFM per linear foot of cooktop width for wall-mounted hoods. A 30-inch cooktop typically needs at least 250 CFM. Island hoods often require an additional 100–200 CFM due to open airflow on all sides.
What is make-up air and when is it required?
Make-up air systems replace the air removed by high-powered range hoods. Many local building codes require make-up air for hoods rated above 400 CFM. Because requirements vary by region, it is important to consult local codes or a licensed contractor before installation.
What is the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods?
Ducted range hoods vent air outside the home and are generally the most effective option for removing heat, smoke, and odors. Ductless hoods filter air through grease and charcoal filters before recirculating it back into the kitchen. Ductless models are useful when exterior ducting is not possible.
Are ductless range hoods effective?
Ductless range hoods are effective for light to moderate cooking and offer greater installation flexibility. While they do not remove heat and moisture as efficiently as ducted systems, they still significantly improve air quality when properly filtered and maintained.
What are the main types of range hood mounts?
Common range hood types include wall mount, island mount, ceiling mount, undercabinet, insert, and downdraft hoods. Each style is designed for specific kitchen layouts and ceiling conditions, allowing homeowners to balance ventilation performance with design preferences.
How do I choose the right range hood height?
Manufacturers provide recommended mounting heights to ensure optimal performance. Many wall mount hoods are designed to be installed 30 to 36 inches above the cooking surface. Staying within this range helps maximize airflow efficiency while maintaining comfortable sightlines.
What range hood options work best for short ceilings?
Undercabinet and insert range hoods are well-suited for kitchens with limited ceiling height. Wall mount and island hoods can also be used with chimney short kits, allowing proper installation even in kitchens with ceilings as low as seven feet.
What range hood options work best for high ceilings?
High ceilings offer more flexibility. Wall mount and island hoods can become visual focal points when paired with chimney extensions. Ceiling mount hoods are also popular in tall spaces and can be installed much higher above the cooking surface when designed for long-range airflow.
Do I need a chimney extension or short kit?
Chimney extensions are used when ceilings are taller than standard, while short kits are used for lower ceilings. Many manufacturers, including ZLINE Kitchen and Bath, offer both options to ensure proper fit across a wide range of ceiling heights.
Are inserts and undercabinet hoods good for custom kitchens?
Yes. Inserts are commonly used in custom cabinetry or wood and metal enclosures to create a seamless look. Undercabinet hoods are ideal when space is limited and offer strong performance without a visible chimney.
Are downdraft hoods a good alternative to overhead ventilation?
Downdraft hoods are useful when overhead ventilation is not possible, such as in kitchens with large windows or unique layouts. However, they are generally less effective than overhead hoods and are best suited for light to moderate cooking.
How do I balance style and performance when choosing a range hood?
Start by determining your ventilation needs based on cooking style, cooktop type, and kitchen size. Once airflow requirements are met, you can focus on aesthetics, finishes, and hood style. Many brands, including ZLINE and Faber, offer designs that combine high performance with distinctive visual appeal.
What is the biggest mistake people make when choosing a range hood?
The most common mistake is underestimating ventilation needs. Selecting a hood based solely on appearance without accounting for CFM, mounting height, and ducting can lead to poor performance and long-term dissatisfaction.
What is the key takeaway when choosing a range hood?
A range hood should first meet your ventilation requirements and then complement your kitchen design. By considering CFM, ducting, mounting style, ceiling height, and layout, you can confidently choose a range hood that improves air quality, enhances functionality, and elevates the overall kitchen experience.
