Choose the Best Range Hood Size for Your Kitchen with Our Handy Chart
Installing a range hood is one of the most important upgrades you can make to improve the air quality and functionality of your kitchen. However, choosing the right size range hood for your kitchen can be confusing. Should you get the minimum recommended size or opt for a larger model? Is a hood that's too big or too small a problem? Our comprehensive range hood sizing guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when using a range hood size chart to select the perfect hood for your stove, kitchen layout, and needs.
With this handy guide and size chart, you'll understand the recommended sizing based on your stove width, ceiling height, and kitchen size. We'll also cover how the type of hood and included features impact size selection. Follow our tips and you'll be able to confidently choose a hood that maximizes ventilation power while fitting beautifully into your existing kitchen design.
Factor 1: Stove Size
The width of your kitchen stove is the starting point for determining the best range hood size. Standard hoods should extend 3-6 inches past the edges of the stove burners or cooktop on each side. This overlap helps capture all smoke, grease, and odors emanating from the stove surface. As a general rule of thumb, opt for a hood that is at least as wide as your stove.
Many range hood size charts recommend minimum widths based on common standard stove sizes:
- 30-inch stove: 30-36 inch hood
- 36-inch stove: 36-42 inch hood
- 48-inch stove: 48-54 inch hood
- 60-inch stove: 60-66 inch hood
Keep in mind that a wider hood may be needed if you have a high BTU commercial-style stove. Check the manufacturer recommendations as well.
Factor 2: Ceiling Height
In addition to stove size, the height of your kitchen ceiling impacts where you should mount the range hood and the optimal size. Hoods should be installed 18-24 inches above the cooktop or stove grates. This height gives the hood sufficient clearance to capture rising steam, smoke, and odors.
If you have especially high or vaulted ceilings, you may need a larger, deeper hood to extend close enough to the cooking surface. The required mounting height also increases. Here are some minimums to follow based on ceiling height:
- 8 foot ceiling: Mount hood 20-24 inches above cooktop
- 9 foot ceiling: Mount hood 24-28 inches above cooktop
- 10+ foot ceiling: Mount hood 28-32 inches above cooktop
Factor 3: Kitchen Size
Larger kitchens require more airflow circulation to keep the space well-ventilated. Therefore, if you have a spacious kitchen, you may benefit from a range hood with a higher CFM rating and capacity. The CFM indicates the cubic feet per minute of air exchanged.
As a general CFM guideline based on kitchen size:
- Small kitchen (150 sq ft or less): Look for ~250 CFM
- Medium kitchen (150-350 sq ft): Look for ~400 CFM
- Large kitchen (400+ sq ft): Look for 500+ CFM
To accommodate the higher CFM, opt for a range hood that is on the larger side of the recommended size range for your stove and ceiling height.
Factor 4: Hood Type
Kitchen range hoods come in a variety of styles, each with their own size considerations:
- Chimney hoods: Require around 24-30 inches of height to accommodate the chimney. Size the width based on stove size.
- Island hoods: Often larger due to increased ventilation needs. Size for ceiling height and CFM.
- Undercabinet hoods: Compact depth but match width to stove size. Work for lower ceilings.
- Downdraft: Integrated in countertop and flush with cabinets. Width matches cooktop.
Consider the available space and your personal preferences to decide which design fits best before using the size chart.
Factor 5: Features and Design
Today's range hoods boast a variety of special features that enhance functionality and visual appeal. As you evaluate size, factor in the features that are important to your kitchen:
- Higher-end touch controls
- Multiple or variable fan speeds
- LED lighting
- Stainless, copper, or bronze finishes
- Glass, metal, or wood construction
Also, consider the existing decor and color scheme of your kitchen. Aesthetically, you want the new hood to match or complement your overall design.
Using the Kitchen Hood Size Chart
Once you've taken into account the key factors of stove size, ceiling height, kitchen size, hood type, and features, you're ready to use the range hood size chart to find the recommended dimensions:
- Measure the width and depth of your existing stove or cooktop.
- Note the height between the cooking surface and kitchen ceiling.
- Determine the cubic volume of your kitchen.
- Consider the style and features you prefer.
- Use the chart to find the recommended hood size range based on your measurements and needs.
- Select the specific hood size toward the upper end of the recommended range.
Getting a hood on the larger side of standard for your kitchen's specs ensures optimal fume capture and ventilation. Now match that size recommendation to the perfect style and design!
FAQs
What if my stove is against a wall, not an island?
Wall-mounted stove hoods should be 3-6 inches wider than the stove itself. This provides sufficient overlap. For a standard 30-inch stove against a wall, look for a 33-39 inch range hood.
What if I have a really high, vaulted ceiling?
With an extra tall ceiling, look for a hood that can mount low enough to meet the 24 inch minimum above the cooktop but is tall and deep enough to reach the elevated ceiling height.
Should I get a hood insert for my existing cabinets?
Hood inserts for existing cabinetry have limited size flexibility. Be sure to measure carefully to find an insert that matches your current cabinetry dimensions for a seamless fit.
Choosing the ideal range hood size may seem complicated, but our handy sizing chart simplifies the process. Now that you understand the key factors like stove size, ceiling height, and hood type, you can determine the perfect size hood for your cooking needs and kitchen layout. With these simple tips, you'll find a hood that fits great, improves ventilation, and looks beautiful!