When designing or upgrading your kitchen, choosing the right range hood is essential not only for aesthetics but also for functionality. However, with so many different styles and features, it can be challenging to decide which type of range hood is best suited for your kitchen needs. In this article, we'll explore the various types of range hoods, helping you make an informed decision.
Key Facts You Need to Know About Kitchen Hoods
While all types of hoods can help clear the air of smoke and odors the ventilation style and configuration can vary between types of range hoods. Learn more about the different ventilation options to choose the best hood for your home.
What is a Kitchen Range Hood?
A kitchen range hood is a device installed above a stove or cooktop to ventilate the kitchen by removing smoke, steam, heat, odors, and airborne grease particles produced during cooking. It helps maintain air quality and reduces the buildup of grease on kitchen surfaces. Range hoods can either vent air outside through ductwork (vented or ducted hoods) or filter and recirculate the air back into the kitchen (ductless hoods).
Key Components of a Kitchen Range Hood:
- Motor: Powers the fan, which pulls air through the hood and either vents it outside or filters it.
- Filters: These can be made of metal mesh, charcoal, or other materials. They trap grease, odors, and particles.
- Fan or Blower: Circulates air through the system.
- Lights: Often built into the range hood to illuminate the cooking surface.
- Controls: Allow you to adjust fan speed, lighting, and other settings.
Do Range Hoods Need to Be Vented Outside?
What Are the Different Types of Range Hood Ventilation?
When choosing a range hood, you can typically select one that offers the ventilation system that best suits your needs. Options include ducted (external venting), ductless (air recirculation), or a convertible model that can do both. Here's a breakdown of each:
Ducted Range Hood
A ducted range hood vents air outside your home through a system of ducts. This type is ideal for effectively removing smoke, grease, and odors from your kitchen. If your home doesn’t already have the necessary ductwork, it's a good idea to consult with a professional to ensure proper installation.
Ductless Range Hood
A ductless range hood recirculates air back into the kitchen, using filters to trap grease, odors, and other particles. While this type doesn't require external venting, it typically requires filter maintenance, like cleaning or replacement, every six months to maintain good air quality.
Related: ducted vs ductless range hood
Convertible Range Hood
Convertible range hoods offer the flexibility to be used in either ducted or ductless mode. Depending on your kitchen’s layout and ductwork availability, you can choose whether to vent air outside or recirculate it inside. This makes a convertible hood a versatile option for various kitchen setups.
Choosing the right ventilation for your range hood depends on your kitchen design, air quality needs, and installation requirements.
5 Types of Range Hoods For Kitchen Ventilation
There are various types of kitchen hoods, such as under-cabinet, wall-mount canopy, island canopy, hood liners, retractable downdraft, and microwave hood combinations. Alternatively, you can choose a custom hood designed to complement your cabinetry. Your selection will depend on factors like your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and design preferences. Explore the latest trends and features to consider when choosing the perfect range hood for your kitchen.
1. Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
Installed directly beneath the kitchen cabinets, these hoods are discreet and space-saving. They are ideal for kitchens with limited space or when you want to maintain a clean, streamlined look. They are much smaller than a canopy hood but still provide powerful venting suitable for creative home cooking. You can hide ductwork in the cabinet above or use that space for storage and place ductwork in the wall.
Key Features:
- Space-efficient
- Often comes with a fan and light
- Suitable for kitchens with upper cabinetry
Shop All Ciarra® Under-Cabinet Hoods
With under-cabinet hoods, you can reduce odor and smoke in your kitchen without disrupting existing design elements. For example, Ciarra® under-cabinet hoods are available in sizes from 20 to 30 inches wide and as little as 3-⅜ inches tall. Under-cabinet hoods are also available in commercial-style models that offer external venting along with high CFM and BTU ratings, like the Ciarra® 450 CFM Motor CAS759131 Commercial-Style Under-Cabinet Hood.
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2. Wall Mount Range Hoods
These hoods are mounted to the wall and often feature a canopy-like design that can add a modern aesthetic to the kitchen. The bell-like shape replaces the cabinets above your range and usually funnels and pushes air out of the house. They are ideal for kitchens where the range or cooktop is located against a wall.
Key Features:
- Stylish, sleek design
- Can be a focal point in kitchen decor
- Powerful suction
Shop All Ciarra® wall-mount canopy range hoods
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| Ciarra®36 inch 450CFM with cleaning function wall mount range hood | Ciarra®30 inch 450CFM wall mount range hood | Ciarra®Black 24 inch 450CFM wall mount range hood |
3. Portable Range Hoods
These are movable hoods that can be used temporarily, especially in situations where a permanent range hood installation isn't feasible. They are lightweight and can be easily relocated.
More information about Hood to Go
Key Features:
- Versatile and easy to move
- Suitable for smaller kitchens or temporary use
- Typically less powerful than fixed models
Shop All Ciarra®HOOD TO Go portable range hoods Cooktop with Rangehood
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| Ciarra®Hood to Go Portable Range hood | Ciarra® HOOD TO GO cooktop with ranghood |
4. Smart Range Hoods
These are high-tech hoods that offer modern features such as WiFi connectivity, voice control, touch screen buttons, and Bluetooth remote control. These hoods often integrate with home automation systems and provide more convenience and customization for users.
Key Features:
- Smart home integration (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Voice control, app control, or remote control
- Advanced filtration systems and enhanced lighting options
Shop All Ciarra®Smart Range Hoods
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| Ciarra®30 inch Smart Range Hoods with Alex and Google Home Voice Control | Ciarra®36 inch Smart Range Hoods |
5. Range Exhaust Insert
A range exhaust insert is a type of built-in range hood that is designed to be installed inside a custom cabinetry setup. This option is typically used when you want a sleek, integrated look that hides the hood within the structure of your kitchen. The exhaust insert is a functional ventilation system, and it often doesn't have the same visible design as traditional range hoods.
- Concealed Design: The insert is hidden within cabinetry, with only the venting and control elements visible, providing a seamless, modern look.
- Customization: These inserts can be integrated into custom cabinetry, allowing for a more tailored appearance and more flexibility with kitchen design.
- Powerful Ventilation: Despite its discreet design, a range exhaust insert typically offers powerful ventilation, designed to handle grease, smoke, and odors effectively.
- Flexible Installation: Inserts can be paired with a variety of venting options, including ducted (external venting) or ductless (recirculation), depending on the home’s setup.
Shop All Ciarra®Range Exhaust Inserts
Do Kitchen Exhaust Fans Really Work?
Yes, kitchen exhaust fans can work very effectively, but their performance is influenced by their size, the power they provide, the cooking habits, and the layout of your kitchen. Ensuring that the range hood is appropriately sized and suited to your needs is key to getting the best results.
What Options Should I Look For When Buying a Range Hood?
When buying a range hood, here are the main options to consider:
1. Size and Fit:
The range hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface or cooktop to effectively capture steam, smoke, and odors. Typically, a range hood width of 20 inches is common for standard kitchen ranges, but if your cooking area is larger, you might need a bigger unit.
Consider the layout of your kitchen. For instance:
- Undercabinet hoods: Ideal for kitchens with cabinets above the range. These are mounted under the cabinetry and don’t require any structural changes.
- Microwave-Range Hood Combination: For small kitchens where counter space is limited, this type combines a microwave and a range hood into one unit, saving space.
- Wall-mounted hoods: These hang from the wall, ideal for kitchen layouts without upper cabinets above the range.
- Island hoods: If your range is in the center of the kitchen on an island, you’ll need a ceiling-mounted island hood.
2. Venting Strength (CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute)
The CFM measures the power of the range hood to remove smoke, steam, grease, and odors. Higher CFM ratings are typically required for larger kitchens or more powerful stoves.
- Standard Residential Kitchens: A typical range hood CFM is around 300-600 CFM.
- High-Performance Kitchens: For heavy cooking like frying or grilling, you may want a higher CFM, ranging from 600-1200 CFM.
- A good rule of thumb: For each linear foot of cooktop width, you want 100 CFM. So, for a 30-inch range, you’d need a 300 CFM range hood.
3. Type of Range Hood Features
Lighting
Adequate lighting is crucial for cooking and enhancing the ambiance of your kitchen. Most range hoods come with built-in lights (LED, halogen, or incandescent).
- LED lights: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide good illumination without adding heat.
- Halogen lights: Brighter than standard incandescent but use more energy.
- Incandescent lights: Traditional, but less efficient.
Filters
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Charcoal Filters: Used for ductless or recirculating hoods, they trap odors and grease but need to be replaced periodically.
- Baffle Filters: Made of metal, more durable, and easy to clean. They are typically found in professional-grade hoods.
- Mesh Filters: More common in residential units, often found in under-cabinet hoods. They are made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Noise Level
Look for a hood with a quieter motor (measured in sones). A higher CFM motor can sometimes mean more noise, but modern models often have noise-reducing technology.
4. Design and Material
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Stainless Steel: Durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust, making it the most popular material for range hoods.
- Glass: A sleek, modern design, often found in more contemporary or stylish kitchens.
- Custom Options: Some homeowners opt for custom-built range hoods to match their kitchen’s aesthetic.
5. Additional Features
- Auto-On/Off: Some hoods can automatically turn on or off based on heat or smoke detection.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Some high-end models allow you to control the hood remotely through an app.
- Touch Controls: For a modern, easy-to-clean interface.
- Heat Sensing: Some advanced models feature sensors that automatically adjust the fan speed based on the temperature.
Conclusion:
While kitchen exhaust fans are generally effective in improving air quality, their performance is directly influenced by the type of fan, the installation, and maintenance. For best results, consider a ducted range hood with a high CFM rating that matches the size of your kitchen and cooking habits, and remember to clean or replace filters regularly.
FAQs
How to Size an Exhaust Fan for a Kitchen?
Sizing an exhaust fan for a kitchen requires calculating the amount of air the fan needs to move in order to properly ventilate the space. This ensures the fan can remove smoke, steam, odors, and heat efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you size an exhaust fan:
1. Determine the Kitchen’s Volume
You need the volume of the kitchen to determine the fan size. Calculate the kitchen volume using the following formula:
- Length: The length of the kitchen.
- Width: The width of the kitchen.
- Height: The ceiling height of the kitchen.
2. Consider the CFM Requirement
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the unit used to measure how much air a fan can move. The general recommendation for kitchen exhaust fans is to provide 15-20 air changes per hour (ACH), depending on the type and size of the kitchen.
To calculate the required CFM for your kitchen:
For example, if your kitchen has a volume of 1,000 cubic feet and you want 15 air changes per hour:
3. Account for Stove or Range Size
If the exhaust fan is specifically for the range or stove, it’s also important to consider the size and type of stove. Larger stoves and ranges (such as commercial models) require higher CFM. As a rule of thumb:
- Standard 30-inch range: 300-400 CFM.
- 36-inch range: 400-600 CFM.
- Professional/commercial stove: 600+ CFM.
4. Fan Placement
The fan should be placed above the stove or range, as close as possible to capture all the cooking emissions. The fan should cover the cooking area adequately without being too far from the source of the heat, smoke, or steam.
5. Ductwork Considerations
The length and complexity of the ductwork can impact the efficiency of the fan. Longer ducts or more elbows reduce the fan’s performance, so it may require a higher CFM rating to compensate for the resistance caused by the ducting.
Duct Size Guide:
- For a 6-inch duct: Typically good for up to 400-600 CFM.
- For an 8-inch duct: Suitable for 600-900 CFM.
- For a 10-inch duct: For larger CFM ratings, such as those over 900 CFM.
Make sure the exhaust fan you choose is compatible with the duct size for optimal performance.
6. Check Local Building Codes
Different areas may have specific regulations regarding kitchen ventilation, including minimum CFM ratings. Be sure to verify with your local building codes or regulations.
Example Calculation:
For a kitchen of 12 feet by 15 feet with 8-foot ceilings:
- Volume = 12 × 15 × 8 = 1,440 cubic feet.
- Desired ACH = 15 air changes per hour.
- Required CFM = (1,440 × 15) ÷ 60 = 360 CFM.
How Many CFM for Kitchen Exhaust Fan?
The required CFM varies based on the size of the kitchen and the type of cooking. A basic rule is to provide 100 CFM per 12 inches of stove width. For more intense cooking, like frying or grilling, you may need 150-250 CFM per 12 inches.
How to Clean Kitchen Exhaust Fan Grease?
Turn off the fan and unplug it.
Remove the fan filter and soak it in warm, soapy water to loosen grease.
Use a degreaser or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to scrub the fan blades.
Wipe down the exhaust hood with a damp cloth and dry everything thoroughly before reassembling.