What Is A Range Hood And What Does It Do?
A range hood, also known as a vent hood or extractor hood, serves an essential function in your kitchen. It is installed above the stove or cooktop and helps remove smoke, odors, heat, and airborne grease particles generated while cooking.
Range hoods not only keep your kitchen smelling fresh but also extend the longevity of your appliances and improve indoor air quality throughout your home.
What Are Under Cabinet Range Hoods?
Under cabinet range hoods are installed directly under the cabinets above your stove. These are some of the most commonly used types of range hoods and come in various styles and sizes. Like all kitchen appliances, some advantages and disadvantages come with each product.
Here are some for under-cabinet range hoods.
Under Cabinet Advantages
- Space-Efficient: One of the most significant advantages of an under cabinet range hood is that it saves space. Since it fits under the cabinet, it doesn't require additional wall space.
- Cost-Effective: Under cabinet options are generally less expensive than wall-mounted hoods. They are easier to install, which also cuts down on installation costs.
- Ease of Installation: Given their compact design, under cabinet range hoods are often easier and quicker to install.
Under Cabinet Disadvantages
- Limited Coverage: Under cabinet hoods usually have less coverage area over the cooktop, which can result in slightly less effective ventilation.
- Design Constraints: Since they are designed to fit under a cabinet, you have less freedom with design customization.
What Are Wall-Mounted Range Hoods?
Wall-mounted range hoods are attached directly to the wall and often come with a chimney that helps vent the exhaust outside your home. These are typically seen in modern or contemporary kitchens.
Wall-Mounted Advantages
- Greater Coverage: Wall-mounted range hoods tend to cover more over the stove, leading to more effective ventilation.
- Design Flexibility: These range hoods offer more design options, allowing you to choose one that best compliments your kitchen's decor.
- Powerful Performance: Wall-mounted range hoods often come with more powerful fans, making them efficient in removing smoke and odors.
Wall-Mounted Disadvantages
- Space Requirements: Wall-mounted range hoods usually require more wall space and are thus less suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Installation Complexity: Installing a wall-mounted range hood typically requires professional help, adding to the overall cost.
Differences Between Under-Cabinet And Wall-Mounted Range Hoods
When comparing an under-cabinet range hood to wall-mounted options, some critical distinctions can influence your buying decision. Let’s examine these differences across multiple factors, such as size, ventilation capabilities, aesthetic appearance, noise level, and price range.
Range Hood Size
- Under Cabinet: Generally smaller in size, these hoods fit neatly under your existing kitchen cabinets, making them a good choice for smaller kitchens where space is a premium.
- Wall Mounted: These are usually larger and can sometimes extend over the entire cooking area. You'll need a bigger wall area for installation, so they're more suitable for spacious kitchens.
Ventilation Capabilities
- Under Cabinet: While effective for small to medium-sized stoves, they may not offer as much suction and airflow as wall-mounted hoods due to their limited coverage area.
- Wall Mounted: Known for their robust ventilation capabilities, these range hoods cover a larger area and are equipped with powerful fans that better remove smoke, heat, and odors.
Aesthetic Appearance
- Under Cabinet: These hoods are more subtle and blend in with the existing kitchen design. However, they don't serve as a design focal point.
- Wall Mounted: Often designed as statement pieces, wall-mounted hoods can act as the centerpiece of your kitchen, offering more styles and finishes.
Noise Level
- Under Cabinet: Generally quieter due to smaller fans, these are ideal if you're looking for a more peaceful cooking environment.
- Wall Mounted: Larger fans mean they can be a bit noisier, but they also offer better ventilation.
Price Range
- Under Cabinet: Typically more budget-friendly, both in terms of the unit cost and installation charges.
- Wall Mounted: These tend to be more expensive due to the unit's cost, additional wall modifications, and professional installation requirements.
How Our Range Hoods Stand Out
When it comes to the battle between an under-cabinet range hood vs. a wall-mounted range hood, FOTILE offers stellar options for both. Our collection of range hoods offers effective ventilation and elevated kitchen designs.
Let's take a closer look at two of our standout products: the 30" Under-Cabinet Range Hood 800CFM and the 36'' Wall-Mount Range Hood 1000CFM.
30" Under-Cabinet Range Hood 800CFM
If you’re searching for an under-cabinet range hood that eliminates odor at a 99% rate and separates grease at a 94% rate, all while being the perfect, ultra-slim size to fit under your kitchen cabinets, then the FOTILE Pixie Air UQS3001 is the model you’re looking for.
This sleek under-cabinet recirculating range hood features an intelligent air management system that automatically detects and removes harmful gasses and is controlled by push button controls.
Plus, FOTILE’s WhisPower Technology allows the range hood to deliver a more powerful CFM performance due to our Capture-Shield Technology that creates a Venturi effect. This model also features an optional Recirculation Kit so ducted range hoods can be converted to a ductless range hoods for more flexibility.
36'' Wall-Mount Range Hood 1000CFM
While some kitchens may only fit an under cabinet range hood, others have more space for wall mount range hoods that cover 7.2ft ² of cooking area (5-6 stove burners).
FOTILE’s Model EMS9026 wall-mounted range hood comes in black tempered glass and stainless steel options, has a touchscreen operating system, and owns a 92.5% grease separation rate and a 97% odor elimination rate.
There are 3-speed settings with the EMS9026, including Auto Turbo Mode, and the range hood uses FOTILE’s WhisPower Technology to capture a higher CFM. Additionally, the Manually-Adjustable Captur-Shield Technology can lower this range hood's plate to capture cooking fumes, so there’s no chance smoke can escape into your kitchen.
Range Hood FAQs
There are many complexities about range hoods, so here are a handful of frequently asked questions to help you decide which range hood suits your kitchen best.
Measuring for a range hood involves determining the size and placement of the hood based on the size and location of your cooktop. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Measure the width of your cooktop: This will determine the width of the hood you will need. A range hood should extend at least 3 inches on either side of your cooktop.
- Measure the distance from the cooktop to the ceiling: This will determine the height of the hood you will need, especially if you are using a vented hood that reaches the ceiling.
- Check the height of the hood with your kitchen's cabinet design: The hood should be at least 18 inches above the cooktop, but not higher than 30 inches above. If you have cabinets above your cooktop, you’ll need a specific type of range hood.
- Take note of the location of the nearest vent or duct: If you're planning to vent the range hood to the outside, the hood should be located close to a vent or duct for easy installation.
You should always double-check your measurements and consult the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing a range hood. Hire a professional to install your range hood, especially if you're venting it to the outside, to ensure proper installation and compliance with local building codes.
Installing a range hood is often a complex task that involves electrical wiring, venting, and air ductwork. If you are not familiar with these types of projects, it is recommended that you hire a professional to install your range hood. A professional can ensure that your range hood is installed correctly and safely and that it complies with local building codes.
If you do choose to install a vented range hood yourself, you must read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You need to have a basic knowledge of electrical wiring, venting, air ductwork, and the necessary tools and equipment.
Installing a non-vented range hood is much easier, and can often be done by someone handy. However, it is still important to follow the instructions so the unit is properly installed and ventilated.
It's generally recommended to clean a range hood every three to six months to help it operate more effectively. How often a range hood needs cleaning depends on how frequently you use your stove. If you use your stove often, you may need to clean your hood monthly.
Here are some tips for cleaning a range hood:
- Clean the filter: Some ducted range hoods use a steel mesh filter that can be wiped clean. Ductless or recirculating range hoods, on the other hand, use charcoal filters to capture grease and other debris. Charcoal filters need to be replaced regularly to ensure the hood runs efficiently.
- Wipe down the exterior: To remove built-up grease from a range hood, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior.
- Clean the fan: Turn off the range hood and unplug it before cleaning the fan, then use a brush or vacuum to clear away dust or grime buildup.
- Clean the ductwork: If your range hood is vented to the outside, clean the ductwork periodically to remove any debris.
Choosing the right size range hood for your kitchen depends on the size and layout of your cooktop, as well as the size of your kitchen. Here are some general guidelines for determining the appropriate size for your range hood:
- Width: The hood should be 6 inches wider than your cooktop, extending out at least 3 inches on either side. This will ensure the hood effectively captures smoke and steam from the cooktop surface.
- Height: The hood should be at least 18 inches above the cooktop, but not higher than 30 inches above. If your hood is too high, it won’t effectively remove particles from the air. If it is too low, you can damage the hood from high-heat cooking. If you have cabinets above your cooktop, you’ll need a specific type of range hood.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): CFM measures the amount of air a range hood can move in one minute. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood. A general rule of thumb is to choose a hood with a CFM rating at least twice the size of your cooktop's total BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating.
- Kitchen size: The size of your kitchen will play a role in determining the appropriate size for your range hood. A larger vented hood may be needed in larger kitchens to remove smoke and steam effectively. In smaller kitchens, a small ductless hood may be sufficient.
Choosing the right size range hood for your kitchen depends on the size and layout of your cooktop, as well as the size of your kitchen. Here are some general guidelines for determining the appropriate size for your range hood:
- Width: The hood should be 6 inches wider than your cooktop, extending out at least 3 inches on either side. This will ensure the hood effectively captures smoke and steam from the cooktop surface.
- Height: The hood should be at least 18 inches above the cooktop, but not higher than 30 inches above. If your hood is too high, it won’t effectively remove particles from the air. If it is too low, you can damage the hood from high-heat cooking. If you have cabinets above your cooktop, you’ll need a specific type of range hood.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): CFM measures the amount of air a range hood can move in one minute. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood. A general rule of thumb is to choose a hood with a CFM rating at least twice the size of your cooktop's total BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating.
- Kitchen size: The size of your kitchen will play a role in determining the appropriate size for your range hood. A larger vented hood may be needed in larger kitchens to remove smoke and steam effectively. In smaller kitchens, a small ductless hood may be sufficient.
Choosing the right size range hood for your kitchen depends on the size and layout of your cooktop, as well as the size of your kitchen. Here are some general guidelines for determining the appropriate size for your range hood:
- Width: The hood should be 6 inches wider than your cooktop, extending out at least 3 inches on either side. This will ensure the hood effectively captures smoke and steam from the cooktop surface.
- Height: The hood should be at least 18 inches above the cooktop, but not higher than 30 inches above. If your hood is too high, it won’t effectively remove particles from the air. If it is too low, you can damage the hood from high-heat cooking. If you have cabinets above your cooktop, you’ll need a specific type of range hood.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): CFM measures the amount of air a range hood can move in one minute. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood. A general rule of thumb is to choose a hood with a CFM rating at least twice the size of your cooktop's total BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating.
- Kitchen size: The size of your kitchen will play a role in determining the appropriate size for your range hood. A larger vented hood may be needed in larger kitchens to remove smoke and steam effectively. In smaller kitchens, a small ductless hood may be sufficient.
Yes, in fact, this is the most common usage for range hoods. Gas stoves can release more grease, moisture, and smoke into the air than electric stoves. A range hood can help keep kitchen air clean and prevent damage to walls and ceilings.
If you choose a ducted or vented range hood, make sure the hood is properly vented to the outside. Otherwise, the hood may not adequately filter dangerous gasses like carbon monoxide from a gas stove.
When buying a range hood, make sure it is the right size and has an adequate CFM rating to filter out the byproducts of your gas stove.
It's always important to check with your local building codes before installing a range hood to ensure that it is installed safely and correctly. Some common regulations include:
- Venting requirements: If you are installing a vented range hood, it must be properly vented to the outside of the building. The vent should be made of metal and should not be obstructed. It also should not terminate under a door or window, as this can cause a backdraft and make it difficult for the hood to remove smoke and steam effectively.
- Electrical requirements: Range hoods typically require electrical power to operate. It's important to ensure that the hood is properly wired and that it meets the electrical code requirements for your area.
- Fire safety: Some building codes may require that a range hood be equipped with a fire suppression system. This is especially important in commercial kitchens, as there is a higher risk of a grease fire.
- Noise level: Some building codes, especially apartments, may have regulations on the noise level of range hoods. It's important to check the hood's noise level (measured in sones) and ensure it meets the requirements. For more information, here's a guide to sone ratings and noise levels for range hoods.
- Clearance: Some building codes may have regulations on the minimum clearance that must be maintained around a range hood, so you must check the dimensions of your hood before installation.