Cooking at home is one of the best ways to enjoy healthy meals, but it also comes with side effects—smoke, grease, odors, and moisture. Without proper ventilation, your kitchen air can quickly become unhealthy and your cabinets greasy. That’s where an exhaust hood for kitchen stoves becomes essential. A well-chosen ductless range hood not only improves air quality but also protects your kitchen surfaces and creates a more enjoyable cooking environment.
What is the Difference Between a Range Hood and an Exhaust Hood?
A range hood and an exhaust hood essentially refer to the same kitchen appliance, designed to remove smoke, grease, steam, heat, and odors from the air above a stovetop. Both can operate either by venting air outside through ductwork or by filtering and recirculating it back into the kitchen. In everyday use, the terms “range hood,” “vent hood,” and “exhaust hood” are often interchangeable, with “range hood” being more common in residential kitchens and “exhaust hood” sometimes used more broadly, including in commercial settings or for other ventilation systems in the home.
While some sources suggest slight differences, such as commercial versus residential use or push versus pull operation, these distinctions are not universally accepted, so for most purposes the two terms mean the same thing.
Types of Exhaust Hoods for Kitchen Stoves
1. Ducted Range Hoods
Ducted hoods vent smoke and odors outside the home through ductwork. They are the best option for heavy cooking styles like stir-frying, searing, or grilling. With strong suction power, they provide maximum performance but require proper installation.
2. Ductless (Recirculating) Range Hoods
Perfect for apartments or homes without exterior venting, ductless hoods filter air through activated carbon filters and recirculate it back into the kitchen. While not as powerful as ducted models, they are convenient and flexible.
3. Convertible Range Hoods
For homeowners who want both options, convertible hoods can switch between ducted and ductless setups. They are a great choice if you move homes or plan to renovate in the future.
What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Exhaust Hoods?
What Is a Type 1 Exhaust Hood?
A Type 1 exhaust hood is specifically designed to capture and remove grease, smoke, and flammable vapors produced by high-heat cooking equipment such as fryers, grills, broilers, and ranges. Because these byproducts are highly flammable, Type 1 hoods have strict safety requirements, including:
- Grease filtration: All Type 1 hoods must include grease filters or baffle systems to trap oil particles.
- Fire suppression system: Type 1 hoods are required to have an automatic fire suppression system compliant with UL 300 standards. This system can activate automatically or be triggered manually to extinguish fires caused by grease or oil vapors.
- Non-combustible construction: Typically made from stainless steel, Type 1 hoods must meet NFPA 96 thickness and material requirements. For example, stainless steel panels are generally at least 0.94 mm (0.037 inches, No. 20 MSG) thick.
- Dedicated ducting: Exhaust must be vented outside through a separate duct system to prevent grease buildup in shared ducts.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Filters, ducts, and fans require regular cleaning to maintain safety and performance.
- Key takeaway: Without grease filtration and a fire suppression system, a hood cannot be classified as Type 1, even if it has other safety features like gas leak detection.
grease filters
What Is a Type 2 Exhaust Hood?
A Type 2 exhaust hood is designed for equipment that produces heat, steam, or moisture but does not generate grease or flammable vapors. Common examples include dishwashers, steamers, pasta cookers, and some ovens. Type 2 hoods:
- Do not require grease filters.
- Do not require fire suppression systems.
- Can be made from non-combustible materials but with less stringent thickness requirements than Type 1.
- Focus primarily on removing heat and moisture from the kitchen environment rather than preventing grease fires.
- white exhaust hood for kitchen stove
Type 1 vs. Type 2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Type 1 Exhaust Hood | Type 2 Exhaust Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Remove grease, smoke, and flammable vapors | Remove heat, steam, and moisture (no grease) |
| Typical Equipment | Fryers, grills, ranges, broilers | Dishwashers, steamers, ovens, pasta cookers |
| Grease Filters | Required | Not required |
| Fire Suppression System | Required (UL 300 compliant) | Not required |
| Material | Non-combustible, usually stainless steel, thickness ≥ 0.94 mm | Non-combustible, lower thickness requirements |
| Ducting | Dedicated outdoor vent required | Can share ventilation with other non-grease systems |
| Application | Commercial kitchens, heavy-use residential kitchens | Light cooking or non-grease-producing equipment |
Additional Notes
- Terminology: Type 1 and Type 2 are part of the NFPA 96 standard, which governs ventilation control and fire protection in commercial kitchens.
- Safety first: For Type 1 hoods, the combination of grease filtration, fire suppression, and proper ducting is mandatory for safety compliance.
- Optional features: Gas leak detectors, noise reduction, or smart monitoring can be added but do not affect the Type classification.
Do All Type 1 Hoods Require Fire Suppression?
No. Not all Type 1 hoods require fire suppression. Fire suppression is typically required in commercial kitchens where cooking produces grease-laden vapors, but some residential or light-duty Type 1 hoods may not need it.
Typical Price Range for Type 1 Range Hoods
Type 1 range hoods, designed to handle grease-laden vapors from cooking equipment like fryers and grills, vary in price based on size, features, and brand.
- Small Units (4' to 6'): Approximately $1,849 to $2,439
- Medium Units (7' to 10'): Around $2,519 to $3,649
- Large Units (11' to 20'): Between $4,159 and $7,779
These prices generally cover the hood structure itself. Additional costs for fire suppression systems, makeup air units, and installation can add $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity and local regulations.
Do I Need a Type 1 Hood?
Yes, if you’re cooking with gas, high-heat appliances, or frying frequently, a Type 1 hood is needed to handle grease, smoke, and heat safely. For most home kitchens, it’s recommended to use residential or light-duty Type 1 hoods, which offer strong grease and smoke handling while being more compact and budget-friendly.
CIARRA Professional Series Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood- Residential or Light-duty Type 1 Hoods
While traditional Type 1 range hoods are essential for handling grease-laden vapors and come with mandatory fire suppression systems, they can be expensive, often ranging from $1,800 to over $7,000 depending on size and features. For homeowners or smaller commercial kitchens seeking high performance at a more accessible price, CIARRA Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood offer a compelling alternative.
Constructed from thick 304 stainless steel with a panel thickness of ≥1.5 mm, these hoods are highly corrosion- and fire-resistant, exceeding typical Type 1 durability standards. Each hood comes with three dishwasher-safe baffle filters, making maintenance effortless while still efficiently capturing grease and smoke.
Despite lacking an automatic fire suppression system—which is the defining requirement of Type 1 hoods—CIARRA’s models provide superior 950 CFM suction, smart touch and app controls, gas leak detection, dual ventilation options, and modern design, all at a price point around $1,000. Available in 30-inch and 34-inch sizes, and in wall-mount or built-in cabinet styles, these hoods combine professional-grade performance, smart technology, and excellent value, making them a standout choice for serious home cooks and cost-conscious commercial kitchens alike.
1. CIARRA 30-inch Professional Series Wall-mounted Range Hood
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This compact wall-mounted hood is ideal for medium-sized kitchens. Its 950 CFM powerful suction effectively captures smoke and grease, while the three dishwasher-safe baffle filters ensure easy maintenance. Made from thick 304 stainless steel, it resists corrosion and high heat, giving it professional durability. The hood supports smart touch and WiFi control, including integration with Smart Life App for adjusting fan speeds and lighting. Additional features like gas leak detection and dual ventilation options make it both safe and versatile. Priced around $999, it offers professional performance at a reasonable home-kitchen price.
2. CIARRA 34-inch Professional Series Range Hood
Price: $1,399 | Airflow: 950 CFM | Material: 304 Stainless Steel | Size: 34 inches
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Designed for larger kitchens, this model offers the same 950 CFM suction but with a wider coverage area. Its stainless steel construction with ≥1.5 mm thickness ensures durability against heavy-duty cooking. The hood comes with three removable baffle filters, simplifying grease cleanup. It also features smart touch and app controls, allowing seamless operation from your smartphone or voice assistant. The dual ventilation system and gas leak detection further enhance safety and flexibility. At roughly $1,099, this hood combines professional-grade performance with modern smart features suitable for more expansive cooking spaces.
Key Features to Look for in Exhaust Hoods
Suction Power (CFM):
For U.S. kitchens, stove sizes range from 30" to 48". Heavy cooking requires a hood with 600–900 CFM for optimal smoke and odor removal.
Noise Levels:
Aim for models under 65 dB to maintain a pleasant cooking environment.
Filters:
Aluminum mesh: Lightweight and dishwasher-safe.
Stainless steel baffles: Durable, commonly used in professional-style hoods.
Charcoal filters: Required for ductless setups.
Smart Features:
Modern hoods like the CIARRA Smart 30-Inch Wall Mount Hood offer WiFi and app control, allowing fan speed and lighting adjustments via your phone, Alexa, or Google Home.
Energy Efficiency:
Look for hoods with energy-saving motors and LED lighting to reduce long-term costs.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Stove
- 30-inch stove → 30-inch hood
- 36-inch stove → 36-inch hood
- 48-inch stove → 48-inch hood
Installation Height:
- Electric stove: 24–30 inches above the cooktop
- Gas stove: 28–36 inches above the cooktop
Exhaust Hood Maintenance Tips
- Clean filters regularly: Wash aluminum or stainless steel filters every 2–4 weeks, depending on usage.
- Replace charcoal filters: Swap ductless filters every 3–6 months.
- Wipe down the hood: Use mild cleaner or stainless steel polish.
- Check the motor: Inspect yearly to ensure efficient operation.
Conclusion
An exhaust hood for kitchen stoves is more than just an accessory—it’s a necessity for maintaining clean air, a safe cooking environment, and a comfortable kitchen. Whether you cook daily family meals or just occasionally, choosing the right hood makes a big difference. Consider your cooking habits, kitchen layout, and budget when selecting the best option. With reliable brands like CIARRA, you can find a hood that balances performance, design, and value, giving you a fresher and healthier kitchen every day.