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When shopping for a kitchen range hood, what are the key factors to consider?
When shopping for a kitchen range hood, here are some key factors to consider: Size and Coverage The hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, ideally 3-6 inches wider on each side for optimal smoke and grease capture. CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) This measures the hood's suction power. We cover this in a separate article: How many CFM do I need? Installation Type Under-cabinet: Most common, mounts beneath existing cabinets Wall-mounted: Attaches directly to the wall above an island or peninsula Island: Suspended from the ceiling over kitchen islands Insert/built-in: Fits into custom cabinetry Ventilation Method Ducted (vented): Exhausts air outside through ductwork - more effective Ductless (recirculating): Filters air and returns it to kitchen - easier installation but less efficient Noise Level Measured in sones - look for 3 sones or less for comfortable conversation while cooking. More powerful motors tend to be louder. Filters Baffle filters (stainless steel) are most effective and dishwasher-safe Mesh filters are budget-friendly but less efficient Charcoal filters needed for ductless models Controls and Features Consider variable speed settings, timer functions, automatic sensors, and LED lighting. Touch controls vs. push buttons is largely preference. Height and Clearance Mount 24-30 inches above electric cooktops, 30-36 inches above gas ranges, following manufacturer specifications and local codes. The most important factors are proper sizing for your cooking surface and adequate CFM rating for your cooking style and kitchen size. ✅ Pro Tip: Always balance performance (CFM, coverage) with aesthetics and noise level. A powerful but extremely loud hood may not be enjoyable to use daily. For more information: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/21015628/how-to-find-the-perfect-range-hood
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How many CFM do I need in my Kitchen Range Hood?
Great question — airflow capacity is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), and it is one of the most important specifications when choosing a range hood. The right number depends on your stove type, kitchen size, and cooking style. Here’s how to figure it out: 🔹 General Guidelines Standard Electric or Gas Cooktops Rule of thumb: 100 CFM for every 10 inches of stove width. Example: 30" range → ~300 CFM 36" range → ~360 CFM High-BTU Gas Ranges / Professional-Style Stoves Rule of thumb: 1 CFM for every 100 BTUs of burner output. Example: A 60,000 BTU range → 600 CFM minimum. Heavy-duty ranges (with grills, griddles, wok burners) often require 900–1,200 CFM. Island Cooktops Require more power since they don’t have a wall to help capture smoke. Add 100–200 extra CFM compared to wall-mounted hoods. Kitchen Size Factor Another method: total kitchen volume ÷ 4 = recommended CFM. Example: 15 ft × 12 ft × 8 ft ceiling = 1,440 cubic ft. ÷ 4 = 360 CFM. Ductwork Long duct runs, multiple bends, or restrictions reduce efficiency. Add 25-40% more CFM for complex ductwork systems. 🔹 Important Notes More isn't always better - excessive CFM can create drafts and waste energy Check local building codes, as some areas have maximum CFM limits Higher CFM usually means more noise, so balance power with comfort Consider makeup air requirements for systems over 400 CFM in tightly sealed homes 🔹 Practical Cooking Habits Light cooking (boiling pasta, steaming veggies): 250–350 CFM Regular cooking (sautéing, simmering, some frying): 350–500 CFM Heavy cooking (frying, wok, grilling, searing meats): 600–900+ CFM 🔹 Things to Watch Out For Local codes: In some areas, hoods over 400–600 CFM require a make-up air system (to bring in fresh air when venting out large amounts). Noise: Higher CFM often means louder operation, unless the hood has multiple speed settings. ✅ Quick takeaway: Standard home kitchen: 300–500 CFM works for most people. High-BTU or frequent heavy cooking: 600–1,200 CFM. Island or pro-style setup: Err on the higher side. For more information: https://broan-nutone.com/en-ca/home/learn/blog/what-is-the-required-cfm-to-meet-your-needs
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