Range Hood Dimensions (with Drawings)
Whether remodeling or upgrading, range hoods are a necessary addition to your kitchen. They are the best remedy for cooking grease, moisture, and heat in the kitchen. Use this as a guide to choose the hood that is the best type and size for your space.
The most common size range hoods have a width of 30 inches or 36 inches. For best performance, your range hood should be 20 to 24 inches away from the electric cooktop. If you have a gas cooktop, you should install the range hood 24 to 30 inches away from the cooktop.
What’s the Average Size of a Range Hood?
Average size range hoods have a width of 30 or 36 inches. The range hood should be at least as wide as the range or cooktop. However, the preferable size is 3 inches longer than the range or cooktop on each side.
Range hoods should be installed 20 to 24 inches away from an electric cooktop. For gas cooktops, install the range hood 24 to 30 inches above the cooktop. Always read the owner’s manual to know specific requirements for your range hood.
Types of Range Hoods
There are many different styles of kitchen range hoods. All range hoods have the same purpose of removing smoke or grease from the air. However, some are more effective than others.
Wall Mount Canopy Range Hood
Wall-mounted canopy range hoods install against the wall over the range or cooktop. If you didn’t design your kitchen with a range hood, you might have to rearrange your cabinets. Canopy range hoods should be the same width as the cooking surface below them.
The Viking 30-Inch Wall-Mounted Range Hood is a good option for those wanting to incorporate one in their kitchen. It has an overall width of 30 inches, depth of 24 inches, and height of 12 inches.
Island Canopy Range Hood
Island canopy range hoods installed over the kitchen island. They’re different from wall-mounted hoods because they’re finished on all sides rather than just three sides. This range hood should also be the same width as the cooking surface below it.
Island range hoods mount to the ceiling, so your ductwork should run through the ceiling, as well. Some homes are not built with the proper clearance or design to vent through the ceiling. Before you purchase this hood, double-check that you can accommodate the ductwork from the hood to the outside of your house.
Because island range hoods don’t go against a wall, they require more CFM to maximize their efficiency. Their increase in CFM will filter as much unwanted air from your kitchen as possible. The 36-Inch XO Island Range Hood features 600 CFM. This range has an overall width of 36 inches, depth of 23 ⅝ inches, and height of 28 inches.
A Note About CFM
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures the volume of air moved per minute. A general rule of thumb is that you need at least 1 CFM per square foot of room area. Multiply the length times the width of your kitchen. If your kitchen is 160 square feet, your range should be rated for at least 160 CFM.
Under Cabinet Range Hood
Under-cabinet range hoods are much smaller than a canopy hood, but they still have a powerful venting system. The under cabinet range hoods usually fit snug between the cabinets and come in similar widths to canopy hoods. These hoods extend past the cabinets’ depth to cover all the burners on the range or cooktop.
Whirlpool makes a 30-inch under cabinet range hood with a 265 CFM motor to remove steam, grease, smoke, and odors. It has a depth of 19.69 inches, height of 6.38 inches, and width of 30 inches.
Over-the-Range Microwave Hood Combination
Over-the-range microwave hoods are combination units that mount below cabinets for more storage space. You determine the size by the cabinet space you have.
These range-microwave hoods usually have a width of 30 inches to match the standard width of a range. Most over-the-range microwave hoods are about 17 inches tall and have depths of 15 to 18 inches. The open door depth can range from 42 to 45 inches.
Retractable Downdraft Hood
Retractable downdraft hoods install into countertops instead of above them. They vent air down into ductwork beneath the floor. They fit flush with countertops and rise when it’s time to cook.
Retractable downdraft hoods typically match the width of the cooking surface and are only a few inches deep. However, they do rise 14 to 18 inches behind the range or cooktop.
What Is a Range Hood Insert?
A range hood insert is built into cabinets above the cooktop. These are a good option if you want control of how the ventilation fan looks. Range hood inserts are also nice if you have a cabinet you want to convert into a range hood.
Range hood inserts come in a variety of styles and materials. These can be copper, tile, marble, or hand-carved wood.
Types of Range Hood Ducts
Range hood ducts have three options for exhaust.
Vented or Ducted
Range hoods can be vented or ducted to the outside, which is recommended to altogether remove any irritants. Range hoods mounted to an exterior wall will have exhaust ducts that are shorter and more efficient. If your range hood mounts to an interior wall or island, a more powerful unit may be necessary.
Non-Vented, Duct-Free, or Recirculated
Non-vented, duct-free, or recirculated range hoods are all interchange terms. This means that air is pulled through a charcoal filter to trap any impurities and then flows back into the kitchen. No ducting is required.
If you have this type of range hood duct, it’s essential to change your filters every few months. This will ensure that the hood functions appropriately.
Convertible
Convertible range hood ducts are hoods that are ducted or non-ducted. For best ventilation, they should be ducted outside. You should install a backdraft damper to prevent air from leaking back into the home through ductwork.
How to Measure for a Range Hood
Before choosing your new range hood, you should take several measurements.
Follow the steps below to determine the optimal size range hood that you need.
Step 1: Measure the Width of the Cooking Service
Most residential ranges and cooktops are usually 30 to 36 inches wide. Some smaller kitchens use a 24-inch cooking surface. If you measure for a downdraft hood, the hood should match the range width exactly and then install behind it.
Step 2: Measure the Width of the Area Between the Cabinets
Measure the width of the area over the range or cooktop. Range hoods usually come in 24-inch, 30-inch, or 36-inch widths. The hood should be as wide as the cooking surface.
Under-cabinet hoods and over-the-range microwave hoods should fit snugly between cabinets. Canopy hoods can go between cabinets or with a couple of inches of space on either side of the hood.
Step 3: Measure the Height of the Space Above the Cooking Surface
Make sure you have enough space between the cooking surface and the bottom of the hood. There are some typical clearances to keep in mind.
First, there is a 24 inch minimum for electric range or cooktop. Next, there is a 27-inch minimum for a gas range or cooktop. Finally, there should be no more than 36-inches of space for both gas and electric cooking surfaces.
If the range hood is under a cabinet, it’s okay not to be flush if there is proper clearance. For retractable downdraft hoods, there should be enough space so that the vent fully extends.
Range Hood Chimney Dimensions
The chimney size you will need for your range hood will depend on the height of your ceiling. Wall and island range hoods come with two 15-inch and two 19-inch chimney pieces. They can usually be adjusted to fit most 8 to 9-foot ceilings.
If you have taller ceilings, you may need a chimney extension.
Range Hood Chimney Extension Dimensions
Ceilings over 9 feet tall may require range hood chimney extensions. These are additions that you add to your current chimney so that ductwork is covered entirely in your cooking space. You may also need a chimney extension if you want a chimney with your under cabinet range hood.
12-foot ceilings typically require two 36-inch extensions. If your ceiling is larger than 12 feet, you’ll need a custom chimney extension for your kitchen.
Related Questions
How far should a range hood stick out?
The range hood should cover as much area above your stovetop as possible. It’s best if it sticks out on each side by three inches, but the hood shouldn’t protrude out over the stove. If you have a 30-inch stove from back to front, the range hood should be 21 to 24 inches. Ensure that you keep the height of the range hood in mind so that you don’t hit your head.Â
Can your range hood vent be too powerful?
If you have a small kitchen, you should be aware of the size of the range hood. The smaller the kitchen, the less air it contains. If your range hood pulls air out of the kitchen faster than it comes back in, you may have air pressure issues. If you do have a high-CFM hood, there are some things to do to solve the problem. You can run the hood on lower settings and open windows and doors to improve ventilation in the kitchen. Purchasing a makeup air kit device is another option that will replace displaced air from your range hood.A makeup air kit provides extra air to replace the air removed from the kitchen by the range hood. A makeup air kit usually runs about $150 to $200, though some can be more expensive depending on your kitchen size.
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Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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