Why Kitchen Range Hood Planning Comes Early
A range hood removes smoke, grease, moisture and odors from cooking, and it works well when it vents outdoors through a short, straight duct. Kitchen range hood planning should happen before cabinets get ordered, because the duct route affects cabinet sizes, ceiling framing and sometimes the roof. Choosing a hood after the layout is set often leads to compromises.
Start with the cooktop size and the way you cook. Heavy searing and frying call for stronger ventilation than occasional simmering.
Ducted Versus Recirculating Hoods
A ducted hood sends air outside. In contrast, a recirculating hood filters air and returns it to the room, which leaves moisture and some odors behind. When an outside route exists, ducted hoods usually perform better.
Recirculating models still help in condos or interior kitchens where ducts cannot reach outside. Ask the building or association about options first.
Duct Routes and Kitchen Range Hood Planning
Short ducts with few bends move air most efficiently. The Building America Solution Center makes the same point for bathroom exhaust fans, noting that bends and long runs reduce airflow and that exhaust should go outside rather than into an attic. Similar logic applies to kitchen ducts.
- Plan the route through walls, ceiling or roof
- Keep runs short and bends gentle
- Use smooth metal duct sized for the hood
- Terminate outside with a proper cap
Hood Size and Placement
A hood should cover the cooking surface. Many designers choose a hood at least as wide as the cooktop. Mounting height follows the manufacturer’s instructions, since too high a hood captures less smoke.
Islands make capture harder because air moves on all sides. So island hoods often need more capacity than wall hoods.
Makeup Air and Tight Homes
Powerful hoods pull large volumes of air out of a house. That air must come back from somewhere. Some codes call for makeup air above certain hood capacities, so ask the designer or building department how this applies.
Permits and Electrical Work
New ducts through walls or roofs and new circuits usually need permits. In the City of Sacramento, non-structural kitchen remodels and new electrical circuits fall under minor permits. Roof penetrations also need proper flashing.
Noise and Controls
Hoods vary in noise. Look for sound ratings and consider variable speed controls. A quiet hood that people actually use does more good than a loud one that stays off.
Kitchen Range Hood Planning With Induction
Switching to induction removes combustion gases, yet cooking still releases grease and moisture. The article on induction kitchen conversion covers that switch. Also see indoor air quality for whole house ventilation. Good kitchen range hood planning protects cabinets, walls and lungs.