The Range Hood Store

A range hood, also known as an exhaust hood or kitchen hood, is a device containing a mechanical fan that hangs above the stove or cooktop in the kitchen. Its primary purpose is to ventilate airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, odors, heat, and steam from the air by evacuating and filtering it. When it comes to installation and functionality, the range hood height is more than just a number. It’s about ensuring effective ventilation and maintaining safety. In this blog, we will give you a guideline for the best practices to install your range hood for the best cooking experience.

A modern kitchen with dark cabinetry and a ZLINE black stainless steel wall range hood. The space features a sleek black and white marble countertop, white subway tile backsplash, and large windows providing natural light and a scenic view. The countertop includes a knife block, decorative vase with flowers, and a woven basket.

Recommended Installation Heights

While you may think the bigger the range hood, the better the performance. However, proper installation is in fact the biggest determinant factor of your range hood's functionality. The first thing to consider in terms of installation is the range hood height distance that will be needed from your cooktop to ensure the best performance.

Indoor Range Hoods:

The standard recommendation is to position the hood 24 to 30 inches above the cooktop for electric stoves and 24 to 36 inches for gas stoves. These measurements ensure optimal capture of cooking fumes while maintaining a safe distance to prevent heat damage to the hood.

Outdoor Range Hoods:

Often larger and more powerful, outdoor hoods should be installed slightly higher, typically around 36 inches above the grill, to accommodate the increased amount of smoke and heat generated by barbecue cooking. Additionally, your range hood should be larger than your grill or outdoor cootop. For example, if the cooing surface is 30" the hood should be 36".

To account for differences in ceiling height, range hood dimensions, cooking surface height, and other factors, many manufacturers offer various chimney lengths to ensure their range hoods can be installed correctly. To find the right chimney length, you’ll need to first calculate the height of the ceiling. Then subtract the height of the hood, the height of the cooking surface, and the distance between the cooking surface and the hood from the height of the ceiling. Whatever distance is left will be the length of the chimney you need. The formula looks like this:

Floor to Ceiling height - Height of cooking surface - Clearance between cooking surface and bottom of hood - The Height of the hood's base = The Chimney height A diagram illustrating the recommended clearances for a range hood installation. The image shows the chimney height and hood height with labels indicating a maximum clearance of 36 inches and a minimum clearance of 30 inches from the stove surface to the bottom of the hood.

Cooking Surfaces and What to Consider

The height from your cooktop to the range hood is important to maintain your cooking surface. Mounting your range hood too close to the cooktop can pose several risks.

Safety Concerns:

Excessive heat can damage the internal components of your hood, reducing its lifespan and efficiency. Something to consider is heat damage due to improper installation may not be covered by some warranties.

Aesthetic Damage:

Grease and smoke can more easily stain the surface of the hood if it's too low, making it difficult to clean and maintain its appearance.

A modern kitchen featuring a ZLINE stainless steel wall-mounted range hood above a stainless steel stove with multiple burners. The stove has copper cookware, including a pot and pans, and wooden kitchen utensils on the countertop. A vase with wheat stalks and salt and pepper mills add a touch of rustic decor to the sleek setting.

ZLINE, a leader in kitchen appliances, suggests an upper limit of 30-36 inches for most residential installations to ensure safety and functionality without compromising design aesthetics. Following these guidelines will help avoid these risks. We highly recommend choosing a ZLINE range hood for both power and beauty. Their range hoods also feature a 3 Year Parts and a Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty, putting your mind at ease when purchasing an essential appliance.

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Types of Range Hoods and Their Installation Process

The installation process varies based on the type of range hood you choose. We highly recommend consulting with a professional to install your range hood, however, here's a basic outline of how to handle each mount type:

Wall-Mounted Range Hoods:

Step 1: Measure and mark the center on the wall following the cooktop to range hood height recommendations

Step 2: Install the mounting brackets or screws at the predetermined height. Preferably into the wall studs if they align

Step 3: Mount range hood and secure it to the brackets.

Step 4: Install the transition piece

Step 5: Plug in the range hood to make sure all the functions work

Step 6: Attach ducting to the transition piece

Step 7: Make electrical connections

Step 8: Mount the chimney bracket

Step 9: Connect ducting to the exhaust ducting in the ceiling

If you have a recirculating range hood you will not need to install ducting

Step 10: Install chimney over ducting and power cords

Measure and trim the chimney if it is a one-piece

Step 11: Install crown molding if included with your range hood

For the reminder range hood mount styles, the process will be similar, here are the few steps that will need to be altered or added.

Under-Cabinet Hoods:

Step 1: Remove the existing cabinet or prepare the space under the cabinet.

Step 2: If not available, provide a path for the power cord to go through the bottom of the cabinet.

Step 3: Install wooden spacers between the cabinet bottom and top of the range hood if there is a recess.

Step 4: Align the hood with the cabinets' bottom and secure with screws.

Island Range Hoods:

Step 1: Ensure the hood is centered directly above the island cooktop.

Step 2: Once the location on the ceiling is determined, reinforcements or gussets will need to be installed between the ceiling joists to support the weight of the island range hood

Step 3: A power outlet may need to be installed near the ceiling opening.

Step 4: Adjust the range hood height based on your ceiling and cooktop type, typically higher due to the open nature of island setups.

Ductless Range Hoods:

Step 1: These are easier as they don’t require venting outside.

Step 2: Mount at the recommended height, similar to ducted models, to ensure effective air filtration.

Step 3: Install the charcoal filters before operating the range hood.

Front Alignment vs. Extension

Whether the range hood should be flush with the front of the stove or extend beyond it depends largely on the style and functional design of the hood. Typically, extending slightly beyond the stove can capture more effluents from the front burners.

Conclusion

We encourage exploring our large offerings of range hoods to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Always prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to seek professional installation to ensure your range hood is set up for optimal performance and safety.

Ready to breathe easier in your kitchen? Consider these guidelines as you install your range hood, and never underestimate the power of proper ventilation! We encourage exploring our large offerings of range hoods to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Always prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to seek professional installation to ensure your range hood is set up for optimal performance and safety.

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If you have any more questions or need further assistance, you can contact one of our range hood experts using the link below. Happy cooking!

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