Choose the Right Range Hood for Your Kitchen

Motor Power 

In order to choose the best range hood for your kitchen, it is best to carefully evaluate the size of the environment in which it will be installed. Range hoods are equipped with electric motors chosen according to the air movement it produces. This capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). 

This measurement only applies to exterior venting systems. When you calculate capacity, you should take kitchen volume and duct length into consideration: 

• Kitchen volume. To calculate the required capacity, multiply the height (H) of the kitchen by its surface area (W x D), which will give you the volume of the room. Multiply this number by 10 and the result is expressed in m³/h. For instance, in a room measuring 15 m² and 3 m high, a hood with 450m³/h motor power should be installed. The hood should be capable of achieving 10-12 air changes per hour to adequately extract odours and fumes.
• Duct length. A long duct with several 90⁰ elbows requires extra ventilation capacity. The following table will allow you to evaluate minimum capacity requirements according to duct length: 

 Important: If you have an open-concept kitchen, you will need to calculate the total volume. 

Sizing 

The width of most range hoods varies between 24"-36". The most popular are 30" models, since their width is appropriate for most electric and gas stoves. Generally, the range hood should overlap the cooking surface by 3” on both sides. This is particularly important for gas ranges. 

Depth can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another and from one model to another. Hood depth should generally be calculated to overhang at least a half of the front elements.

Lighting 

Most range hoods are equipped with one or more lights which provide an extra source of lighting in the kitchen. Depending on the model chosen, you may have up to 3 incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen bulbs. Many models include LED lighting, which is specially designed to sustain heat. 

Fans 

Fans are made of plastic or metal and are generally located in the body of the range hood, making them easier to access for cleaning and maintenance, but also noisier. 

If you want to eliminate as much noise as possible, you should consider range hoods with fans placed outside the house. For this type of installation, intended solely for external venting hoods, the fan/motor casing is located either in the attic or on the roof. Although a little more complex, this type of installation is much quieter. Motors are equipped with one of 2 types of fans, either: 

• a propeller fan, with blades that move the air somewhat like the propeller of a plane; or
• a centrifugal or blower fan, which resembles a hamster wheel, powered by a rotating cylinder with straight blades. This type of fan is more efficient and quieter than the propeller fan. 

When noise is a prime consideration, check out models equipped with in-line fans or fans placed outside the home. 

Filters 

The primary role of filters is to capture grease particles before they enter the ducting. Grease represents a potential fire hazard and can also present long-term cleaning problems. Rectangular or circular, filters come in various sizes depending on the hood model. Some models use 2 filters. 

• Aluminum filters: Metal mesh filters(or fine mesh filters) are the most widely used. They can be removed easily, washed in the dishwasher, and are therefore reusable. Where they are available, fine-mesh aluminum filters are recommended.
• Baffle filters: These commercial-style filters are made of stainless steel and placed inside the casing. More durable than aluminum filters, they cover the entire surface under the hood and can be washed in the dishwasher.
• Charcoal filters: Charcoal filters and charcoal filter modules are used for ductless hoods. They eliminate cooking odours and capture grease. They are mainly modules that are inserted in the hood; they are rarely interchangeable between hood models, except perhaps between models from the same manufacturer. They cannot be washed and must be replaced regularly. 

Hood Body 

The hood body houses the various elements included in the hood, such as the filters, fan, and motor.

Before purchasing, run your hand lightly on the underside of the hood to make sure there are no rough or sharp edges that could cause injuries when you’re cleaning. Grease and soot accumulate in the filters, on the underside of the hood, and on ducts. If you let filters become obstructed, their effectiveness will be compromised. 

Maintenance should be carried out as follows: 

• Soak aluminum mesh filters in soapy water or put them in the dishwasher to break down accumulated grease.
• Clean all surfaces with a mild dish soap at least once a month.
• Replace charcoal filters 2-4 times per year depending on how often the hood is used.
• Clean the fan blades. In many centrifugal fan models, these easy-to-remove blades can be put in the dishwasher. 

For more information on proper ventilation, see our guide 10 Tips for Ventilation and Air Conditioning.