Should Your Range Hood Be Wider Than Your Cooktop?: A Guide

What Range Hood Width Is Recommended for Your Cooktop?

For the best performance, your range hood should be at least 6 inches wider than your cooktop: 3 inches of overhang on each side. This extra coverage captures rising smoke, grease, and steam before it can escape into your kitchen.

While a same-width hood may work in light-use kitchens, a wider hood is the safer choice for effective ventilation. Here’s how to size your range hood according to your cooktop width:

Why A Wider Range Hood Is Better for Your Kitchen

A wider hood doesn’t just look more substantial; it works harder to keep your kitchen air clean, especially if you cook frequently or use high-heat techniques.

Efficient Smoke and Steam Capture

With more surface area to work with, a wider hood catches rising smoke and steam before it can drift to the sides. This leads to cleaner air and less buildup on your cabinets and walls.

Improved Grease Filtration

A broader hood captures more airborne grease before it can settle. This not only keeps surrounding surfaces cleaner but also helps your filters last longer and function more efficiently.

Higher Air Quality

By reducing the fumes and particles released during cooking, a wider hood contributes to better indoor air quality, especially important in open-concept kitchens with limited natural ventilation.

Supports More Powerful Fans (Higher CFM)

Wider hoods can accommodate more powerful blowers with higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) without causing airflow issues. You’ll still enjoy strong suction power while operating your hood at lower, quieter speeds.

How Wide Should Your Range Hood Be? What You Should Consider

The right hood width depends on more than just cooktop dimensions. Here are some important factors to help you decide how wide your range hood should be:

Type of Installation

• Wall-mounted and island hoods generally allow for wider models, offering more flexibility.
• Under-cabinet hoods may be constrained by existing cabinetry, so you’ll need to weigh size against available space.

Cooktop Size and Output

Larger or high-BTU cooktops generate more heat, smoke, and grease. If you're using a gas range or a multi-burner configuration, a wider hood will ensure better coverage and ventilation.

Cooking Style: High-Heat or Slow Simmer?

Do you regularly sear steaks, stir-fry, or deep-fry? If so, a wider hood is a must. For light cooking—simmering, boiling, or reheating—you may not need extra width, but a few inches can improve air capture.

Mounting Height

The higher your hood is mounted above the cooktop, the wider it should be. Increased distance means more room for smoke and steam to escape, so added width maintains effective capture.

How Range Hood Width Can Affect Your Kitchen Design

Your range hood isn’t just a functional appliance; it’s a visual focal point. The width you choose can either enhance your kitchen’s layout or throw off its balance.

Proportional Aesthetics

Your range hood isn’t just a functional appliance; it’s a visual focal point. The width you choose can either enhance your kitchen’s layout or throw off its balance.

Cabinetry and Layout Integration

Wider hoods may require adjusting upper cabinet spacing or shelving, especially in compact kitchens. When planned well, they can seamlessly blend into your layout without looking cramped or out of place.

Custom and Designer Hoods

If you’re investing in a custom or statement hood, extra width adds drama and presence. It draws the eye upward and gives your kitchen a high-end, designer finish that feels curated.

When A Same-Width Range Hood Could Work in Your Space

While a wider range hood is often ideal, there are situations where a hood that matches your cooktop width can still perform well, especially with the right placement and features:

A same-width hood may work for you if:

• Your wall or cabinet layout doesn’t allow for extra width
• You cook infrequently or at low heat
• Your hood features high CFM suction and a strong airflow design
• The unit is mounted closer to the cooktop (shorter distance = stronger capture)
• Your kitchen emphasizes symmetry or follows pre-existing design constraints
• You’re using a ductless or recirculating hood with advanced filtration technology

Sleek Design, Powerful Ventilation: Shop FOTILE Range Hoods

With powerful suction, low-noise operation, and sleek design, FOTILE range hoods keep your air cleaner without compromising your kitchen’s style. Whether you need a wider hood for heavy-duty cooking or a compact model that blends seamlessly into your space, FOTILE has you covered.

Explore our full collection to find a range hood that matches your style and keeps your kitchen air fresh.