Rise | We've Done the Research
Do I Need a Range Hood?
The short answer is yes. Even though building codes may not require it (the rules are complicated, so check with local officials), over-the-stove ventilation is critical to eliminating airborne contaminants generated during cooking. These include moisture and grease particles and nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, two potentially dangerous gases generated from gas stoves.
What Types of Range Hoods Are There?
Stylistically, range hoods cover a broad, well, range. In a French country kitchen, you might opt for a liner insert set in a custom-made, decorative chimney. A sleek glass-and-stainless steel model might be a good choice in a contemporary environment. If you're on a budget, a simple wall-mount may do. But keep in mind that style can affect performance. Here are a few range-hood styles, and below, we will discuss the pros and cons of each:
- Undercabinet
- Wall-mount Chimney Hoods
- Range Hood Inserts
- Island Hoods
- Downdraft Vents
- Microwave Range Hoods
What Are Undercabinet Range Hoods?
Undercabinet hoods mount beneath cabinets above the cooktop and typically vent through the back of the cabinet. Their modest cost and easy installation make them popular, but be sure the unit you choose extends far enough to cover most of the cooktop.
What Are Range Hood Inserts
Range hood inserts are sometimes called power packs and are installed inside a cabinet or a custom-designed chimney. They are very customizable and allow lots of design flexibility.
What Are Island Hoods?
Island hoods are mounted and vented through the ceiling. They should be at least as wide as the cooking area below, and they should not be mounted so high as to be ineffective.
What Are Downdraft Vents?
Downdraft vents are often used on islands, where a standard hood would be impractical or obtrusive. They can be integrated into the cooktop or separate, and some telescope up to better capture cooking air. Still, they are generally not as effective as suspended hoods in capturing steam. They can also interfere with the flame of gas stoves.
What Are Microwave Range Hoods?
Microwaves that double as ventilation may seem convenient but rarely deliver the power of dedicated range hoods. Their flat bottoms do not extend over the entire cooking surface, and their blower must do double duty and work not only to remove contaminants but to cool the appliance above.
What is CFM?
A range hood's ability to move air is measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute. You can determine how many CFM you need by considering your cooktop's size and adjusting that calculation based on the hood's positioning and your cooking style.
How Many CFM Do I Need for My Range Hood?
The Home Ventilating Institute's rule of thumb is 100 CFM for each linear foot of cooking surface. A typical 30-inch stove, then, would require a hood with at least 250 CFM. The rule is a bit different for professional-style stoves above 60,000 BTU. For those, the benchmark is 1 CFM for every 100 BTUs. If you buy a 60,000-BTU cooktop, you need a hood that can move at least 600 CFM.
From those benchmarks, consider the needs of your kitchen, stove, and lifestyle. If you grill or sear food often or have a powerful pro-style range, you'll need a hood with higher CFM. A gas stove that produces harmful combustion gasses requires more CFM than an electric one. Suppose you want to mount your hood higher than the manufacturer recommends. In that case, you'll want to add 100 CFM for every three inches above the recommended height.
What Are the Drawbacks of Range Hoods?
All those CFMs come with a price, though – and not just in the money you lay out for that supersized 1,200-CFM hood. The more dirty air your hood removes from your kitchen, the more fresh air is needed to replace it. This replacement (also called "makeup") air can come from anywhere — including dusty attics and moldy basements. It can cause dangerous backdraft of gases from combustion appliances such as furnaces and water heaters. This risk is especially high in tight homes where the ventilation system cannot handle the sudden depressurization caused by an oversized range hood running full blast. In these cases, homeowners often choose between a recirculating range hood and installing an air makeup system with preheating connected to the range hood.
The International Residential Code now requires a dedicated makeup air system for range hoods over 400 CFM. These often consist of motorized vents installed behind the stove or cabinet where the incoming unconditioned air won't cause discomfort. More complex solutions involve units that heat the incoming air or tie into an existing ventilation system. If you're planning on a powerful hood, it's worth researching these options or consulting a home ventilation expert.
Do Smart Range Hoods Exist?
If your definition of "smart" means a range hood that you can control with a tap on your smartphone or a voice command directed at your home's smart speaker, the answer is yes. Several hoods from GE Appliances, for example, respond to commands via their SmartHQ app and through integration with Google Assistant and Alexa. The company also recently introduced the GE Profile Kitchen HubMicrowave, a 27-inch combination microwave and vent hood whose smart-touch screen and dual cameras let you cook side-by-side with other chefs miles away. (It also serves up recipes based on what's in your pantry and updates your grocery list for good measure.) Zephyr is another hood maker that offers smart control through mobile and voice-activated devices via its own app. Some Zephyr models are equipped with Bluetooth speakers so you can stream while you steam.
Are All Range Hoods Noisy?
Using improved filter design, more efficient motors, and better insulation, manufacturers have developed range hoods that are considerably quieter while still drawing significant CFM. In-line blowers, installed remotely in chimney-style hoods, can also cut down the noise. Range hood noise is rated in sones, with most producing 3-7 sones, a level equal to 40 to 60 decibels, about the same as a normal conversation. ENERGY STAR limits noise to 2 sones or less.
How Much Does a Range Hood Cost?
The cost of a range hood varies widely, anywhere from $100 to $2,000. Design, power, style, features, and materials—as well as brand identity—all figure into that cost. You are also likely to need to have a new range hood installed. Installation costs also vary widely – from about $200 to $1,000 or more – based on the size and type of hood, how it's mounted, and whether new ductwork is required.
How Long Do Range Hoods Last?
The average life expectancy of a range hood is 14 years, with a wide variation based on the unit's use and quality. Warranties on new units range from one to five years. Proper ducting and routine maintenance, such as cleaning filters, can prolong the life of your hood.
