A range hood isn’t just a kitchen luxury; it’s essential for controlling smoke, grease, odors, and moisture. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new kitchen, choosing the right hood impacts air quality, ventilation performance, and kitchen design. This guide walks you through how to pick the right one.
Without proper ventilation, cooking steam and grease can accumulate over time, leading to odors, discoloration, mold, and even damage to drywall and cabinetry. A properly sized and installed hood ensures clean air, reduces moisture damage, and maintains a healthy kitchen environment.
Different kitchen layouts and cooktop styles call for different hood types.
✅ Rule of thumb: The hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop/range, ideally 3″ wider on both sides.
Here are the main options:
| Hood Type | Where It Works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under‑Cabinet / Wall-Mount | Standard kitchen with upper cabinetry | Most common — easy to install, ducted or ductless | Limited to if there are cabinets above range |
| Chimney (Wall-Mount with Flue) | Kitchens with high ceilings or wall space | Powerful ventilation, dramatic design | Requires space, may need cabinet modifications |
| Island Hood (Ceiling Mounted) | Cooktops or ranges on islands | Ventilates an island setup, central hood coverage | Requires ceiling venting and more installation work |
| Downdraft Hood | Kitchens where ceiling/ wall venting isn’t possible (e.g. peninsula or island without overhead ductwork) | Sleek look, no visible hood overhead | Less powerful venting, may struggle with heavy smoke/steam |
| Insert / Custom Built-In Hood | Custom cabinetry kitchens or flush‑mount designs | Clean, integrated look | Requires custom build and precise installation |
| Over‑the‑Range Microwave (as hood) | Small kitchens, where hood + microwave combo saves space | Space‑efficient, dual purpose | Weaker venting — best for light cooking, not heavy grease or smoke |
Ducted vs. Ductless vs. Convertible, which is right for you? A comparison:
| Exhaust Type | Description | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted (Vented Outside) | Air is expelled outside the home via ductwork | Heavy cooking (gas, frying), high-moisture kitchens | Most effective — requires proper duct installation |
| Ductless / Recirculating | Air is pulled through charcoal/mesh filters and returned to kitchen | Apartments, condos, rent homes, where ducting isn’t possible | Filters must be changed regularly; less effective for grease/fumes |
| Convertible | Can operate as ducted or ductless | Flexibility — useful for future kitchen changes | Offers flexibility but involves more complexity and cost |
🔎 If you cook often or use a gas range, ducted hoods are strongly recommended. Convertible hoods offer flexibility if you might remodel later.
Hood should be as wide or wider than the range/cooktop.
Common widths: 30", 36", 48".
Mount 20–24″ above electric cooktops; 24–30″ above gas cooktops.
For light cooking: ~300–350 CFM may suffice.
For heavy cooking: Aim for 400–600+ CFM.
More ventilation power usually means more noise.
Look for low “sones” or decibel ratings if quiet operation matters.
Metal mesh or baffle filters; dishwasher‑safe for easy cleaning.
Choose LED or halogen for visibility and efficiency.
Automatically adjust fan speeds based on temperature or smoke levels.
Remind you when filters need cleaning or replacement.
Remote operation, automation, or smart home integration.
Adjust airflow based on cooking needs.
Switch between ducted and recirculating modes based on kitchen setup.
Look for a powerful ducted hood: 400–600+ CFM.
Island or ceiling‑mounted chimney hoods provide centralized ventilation.
Under‑cabinet ductless or convertible hoods work, but may need upgrades for frequent cooking.
Custom-built-in or insert hoods blend seamlessly with cabinetry.
Here at The Trade Table, we carry a curated selection of range hoods from top brands known for quality and performance.
ZLINE — Stylish and powerful under‑cabinet, island, and wall‑mount hoods.
Thor Kitchen — Pro‑style, high‑CFM hoods great for gas ranges and heavy cooking.
ILVE — Premium European design, often paired with our ILVE ranges for cohesive look.
Futuro Futuro — For high‑end, statement‑making kitchens.
Vent‑A‑Hood / Hauslane / Victory — Solid reputation for reliability and broad hood options.
✅ Hood type fits your kitchen layout (wall, island, under‑cabinet, etc.)
✅ Hood width ≥ range/cooktop width
✅ Proper venting option (ducted preferred for heavy cooking)
✅ Adequate CFM / ventilation power for your cooking habits
✅ Noise level acceptable for your tolerance (sones/decibels)
✅ Easy maintenance: washable filters, accessible filter access
✅ Lighting and fan control options meet your needs
✅ Brand and finish match your kitchen design/appliance suite
Choosing a range hood is about balancing power and performance, design and layout, and long-term maintenance and ventilation needs. Pairing your range with the right hood ensures your kitchen stays clean, odor-free, and comfortable, while keeping air flowing properly.
When you’re ready to shop, check out our selection of range hoods designed to match both modern and traditional kitchens.
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