Range hoods are often designed to fit over a cooktop or range, but some people have concerns about the size of the range hood. Is it wide enough to cover all the cooking surfaces? Should a range hood be wider than the cooktop?
This article will teach you what a range hood is, how it works, and the benefits of a wider range hood than a cooktop so you can keep your kitchen safe and clean.
Ensure your range hood is at least three inches wider than your cooktop on each side.
What size of rangehood do you need?
To properly trap smoke and aromas from the food cooking below, the optimal range hood for your space should be the same width or wider than your cooking surface. Most ranges and vent hoods come in widths of 30″, 36″, 42″, and 48″.
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood
How wide should your range hood be?
Your range hood should be somewhat larger than your cooktop. Remember the 3-inch rule regarding hood dimensions: your range hood should be three inches wider on each side. For example, if your electric cooking surfaces are 30 inches wide, your range hood should be 36 inches wide.
How do you measure the width of your cooktop?
To determine the width, lay a measuring tape around the outside edges of your current cooktop, starting at the right side and ending at the left. To get the depth take a measurement from the front to the rear of the cooktop, including the control panel. Most range hoods are measured in inches, so measure your cooktop using inches, not centimeters.
Can a range hood be smaller than a cooktop?
No. If the range hood is too small, it will not function properly. It will run too long and complete half the work of a larger range hood, clearing out your kitchen half the time. This wastes materials and costs you more money in energy to run appliances that don’t work well in your kitchen.
How high should you mount your hood?
Installing your range hood at the right height above the top of the stove lets the vent move air and get rid of grease and smells as quickly as possible. The best way to choose the right height for your range hood is to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. However, some basic clearance criteria exist.
Electric ranges or cooktops typically require 24″ between the cooktop surface and the range hood, while gas ranges or cooktops require 27″. No matter your range, the distance between the cooktop’s surface and the start of the range hood should be no more than 36″.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Sizing & Calculating CFM for Kitchen Range Hoods over Gas Cooktop” from The Engineering Tutorial YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about range hoods.
What is a range hood?
A range hood is a kitchen item that aids in the reduction of smoke, dust, and filth released by cooking appliances. Range hoods are available in several shapes and sizes and can be mounted above or below the stove.
How does a range hood work
They function by sucking air through a filter, trapping particles, and directing them into an exhaust pipe.
How wide should a cooker vent hood be?
Your range hood should be somewhat larger than your cooktop. Remember the 3-inch rule regarding hood dimensions: your range hood should be three inches wider on each side. For example, if your electric cooking surfaces are 30 inches wide, your range hood should be 36 inches wide.
How much space is required between the hood and the cooktop?
Range hoods for gas and electric stoves should be installed between 28 and 36 inches above the cooktop. The bare minimum height is 28 inches.
What is CFM?
Choosing the best range hood for your kitchen also entails considering CFM and BTU numbers. CFMs, or cubic feet per minute, measure your range hood’s venting strength and tell you how much air your vent can suck in in one minute. The more powerful the vent, the greater the CFM value.
Conclusion
If you want to install a new range hood that makes it easier to keep your kitchen clean, just ensure the front is wider than your cooktop. In addition, choose one with easy-to-adjust adjustable vents and lights.
This article covered a range hood, how it works, and the benefits of a wider range hood than a cooktop. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- A range hood is a kitchen item that aids in the reduction of smoke, dust, and filth released by cooking appliances.
- A range hood reduces the quantity of smoke and steam produced by kitchen appliances while they are in operation.
- A larger range hood than a cooktop can give numerous advantages, including better safety, improved air quality, and reduced kitchen workload.
- Chimney hood is a popular range hood.
- Ducted exhaust hoods are ductless.
- Vented range hoods supply fresh air via an indoor or outdoor duct system.
So, do you prefer having a wider range hood than a cooktop? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on the range hood. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.
