Range Hoods keep your kitchen and cooking areas grease and smoke free. The power of range hoods makes cooking an enjoyable experience. Selecting your range hood is easier once you know what to look for in choosing the right one. You, first, need to know what sort of application and size that your kitchen needs; for instance, do you need an island range hood or an under cabinet range hood? VentingDirect.com offers a multitude of range hood specifications. Choose between the range hood's power, noise level, fan speed control, lighting options and stylish designs. Other great features include self-cleaning options and upgraded filtering options. VentingDirect.com offers a large selection or range hoods with multiple features; we also provide you with pertinent information about choosing your range hood and installation.
Choosing a Range Hood
Island range hoods hover above the center set cook top. These can make stylish centerpieces for the kitchen and improve your cooking experience. A downdraft vent is installed directly into the island range. This sleek option filters from underneath the island range and tucks away under the cook top. Explore all of our options, such as, our stainless steel ranges to our glass ranges to see what would work best in your kitchen.
Under cabinet range hoods are placed underneath the cabinet and above the cook top. These are the most common applications for a range hood, and the easiest to install. Under cabinet range hoods are an affordable option and are available in the very simple to the very elaborate. Our options on VentingDirect.com will fit your kitchen's style and needs.
Wall mounted range hoods are installed against a kitchen wall and vent all the way to the ceiling. This application is for a range that is positioned against the wall to the ceiling. We offer fabulous ranges in a variety of stylish options. You can make a statement when choosing among a variety of artistically, functioning wall mounted range hoods.
Ductless range hoods use an air filter to easily clean the air in your kitchen. You can choose from different air filters, such as, reusable or replacements. The ductless range hood recirculates the air through a filtering system to remove odors and smoke from the air.
Outdoor range hoods keep your cooking area smoke and grease free. Take your outdoor cooking area to the next level by expanding it to a full kitchen. Our outdoor range hoods can handle the different demand that grills need over those of the indoor kitchen. These range hoods can stand up to the external outdoor elements.
Downdraft range hoods are a great option for smaller kitchens or high ceilings. They attach to most cook tops, which makes for a stylish range hood for your kitchen. Our downdraft range hoods are available in three different blower types, such as, built-in, external and remote.
Designer range hoods take functionality to a whole new level. Our selection or designer range hoods brings art and style to the forefront. Choose from a range of looks, finishes and shapes when you explore our options. Make a statement in your kitchen with a designer range hood.
Professional range hoods are great for restaurants or homes who want restaurant capable kitchens. These come in both high functioning options and stylish options. Choose from our fabulous selection of professional range hoods.
Range Hood Information
VentingDirect.com offers a wide range of information on range hoods. For instance, the size of your range hood should cover the entire span of your cook top.Standard sizes include 30, 36, and 42 inch range hoods. Make a simple measurement to your cook top or space where your new range hood will go to see what size range hood you need. The CFM rating will tell you how much air your range hood can vent. Think of the CMF as the horsepower of the venting fan. The higher the rating means that the more air can be filtered through the range hood. Make sure to also look into the amount of noise created by the fans. Some range hoods specialize in silent operating fans, while others are more powerful. All of these tips and others are available on VentingDirect.com.
We, at VentingDirect.com, offer a range of important range hood inserts and range hood accessories. We believe that it is important to have access to all necessary replacement parts or any other additional parts needed. Check out the wonderful selection of range hoods that we offer on VentingDirect.com.
Below are some common questions about range hoods. Many of these questions have been asked by our customers. The FAQs and the range hood buying guide are great resources for choosing the right range hood for your style, budget, size and application.
Which is better, ducted or ductless range hoods?
Range hoods really should be ducted to the outside of the home. While duct-free filters trap some of the grease and odors from normal cooking, all of that humidity, smoke and heat will eventually re-circulate back into the home. If your duct-free filters are not replaced regularly, eventually the grease and odor-catching effect will no longer protect your home from impurities. That’s why we recommend ducted range hoods. High BTU gas cooking equipment should always be ducted to the outside of the home. If this isn’t possible, high-performance convertible hoods and filters are available.
What do the CFM and sone ratings mean?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute of exhausting air flow. The higher the number, the more air that’s exhausted. A sone is an internationally recognized unit of loudness. One sone is equivalent to a quiet refrigerator in a quiet kitchen. Typically, the sone level is measured at maximum CFM, but some are also being tested at normal CFM (speed) settings to provide consumers with typical sound level information.
How many CFM do you recommend for my range or cooktop?
For high output gas ranges or cook tops, the minimum rate of 1 CFM of ventilation per 100 BTU is recommended, with slightly less for conventional electric and gas ranges or cook tops.
What are the CFM and sone ratings on a non-ducted range hood?
There is no recognized national standard for the measurement of CFM or sones on this type of hood since the air is simply re-circulated.
How are range hoods ducted?
Several ways, depending on the model. Your standard 3 ¼” x 10” duct could vent from the top vertically or horizontally through the back, and the 7” round duct vents through the top. Some hoods are single-use ducted and some are convertible, meaning that the hood should be installed using more than one duct method or direction.
What's the safest way to clean my range hood surface?
Your hood is installed directly above hot cooking equipment, and many chemicals found in cleaning agents react with heat to loosen paint. So, stainless steel hoods should be washed regularly with warm water and mild soap or dish detergent. Clean in the direction of the polish lines, rinse well with clean water and wipe dry immediately. To bring out its bright finish, consider using light oil designed for furniture polishing. Be cautious about using “New and Improved” cleaning agents.
How often should I clean my filters?
Depending on how often you use your range hood, its aluminum mesh grease filters should be washed in your dishwasher once a month, more often if your cooking style includes frying foods or wok cooking. The non-duct carbon filters cannot be cleaned, but replaced. Baffle filters used in professional style range hoods, are designed to operate longer in high-grease environment without a drop in performance. Generally, these need to be cleaned with soap and water whenever you can see the grease and grime.
How often should the non-ducted range hood filters be replaced?
It depends on the frequency and type of cooking that is performed. Normally, every 3 to 6 months is recommended for replacing the charcoal filters. Some are actually designed with a color indicator that will signal it’s time to replace the filter.
Can I replace an Over The Range Microwave with a Range Hood?
Yes. A number of manufacturers offer under-cabinet range hoods, such as Kobe, Zephyr, Windster, and Broan.
What type of duct is best for venting range hoods?
Range hoods must be vented using metal duct. If there’s a choice between flexible metal and smooth metal, we recommend the smooth, since the many ridges in flexible metal duct can create turbulence and diminish airflow. Of course, NEVER use 4” dryer duct or any plastic duct on a range hood installation. Additionally, the minimum size duct allowed on most range hoods is 3 ¼” x 10”, equivalent to a 6” circumference. More powerful hoods require even larger duct sizes, up to a 10” circumference. When remodeling and changing hood and cooking equipment types, do not reduce the ductwork size to less than the size specified for the range hood, since doing so restricts the performance of the range hood ventilator.
What are the CFM and sone ratings on a non-ducted range hood?
There is no recognized national standard for the measurement of CFM or sones on this type of hood since the air is simply re-circulated.
How are range hoods ducted?
Several ways, depending on the model. Your standard 3 ¼” x 10” duct could vent from the top vertically or horizontally through the back, and the 7” round duct vents through the top. Some hoods are single-use ducted and some are convertible, meaning that the hood should be installed using more than one duct method or direction.
What is a “convertible” hood?
The term “convertible” means a hood can be installed in different ducting modes. Typically a convertible hood can accommodate 7” round ducted, 3 ¼” x 10” vertical or horizontal ducted, and non-ducted applications available at installation. Additionally, when talking about convertible hoods, some manufacturers refer to their multiple ducting options. It’s also common to hear convertible in reference to a hood being convertible between wall-mounted or under cabinet. These hoods, of course, come like an under cabinet hood, and if you add a duct cover, it’s been converted to a wall-mounted hood.
Instead of exhausting my hood out of the roof or wall, can I exhaust it into my attic?
You should NEVER exhaust air into spaces within walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces or garages. Humidity and grease will collect in the space, and that’s just not safe.
Can I install an external vent fan or in-line fan to boost the performance of my kitchen hood ventilation?
In a word, no. Installing in-line or external fans to boost a hood’s own power unit will not be effective. Most cooking ventilation products are designed with fan switches matched to the original motor amp ratings and not to support any increased amp draw from additional motor installations. Besides, this type of tampering voids any original manufacturer’s warranty.
How high should I mount my range hood above my stove?
Reference each hood’s installation specifications for exact measurements, since each manufacturer will vary.
Can I install an external vent fan or in-line fan to boost the performance of my hood ventilation equipment?
In a word, no. Installing in-line or external fans to boost a hood’s own power unit will not be effective. Most cooking ventilation products are designed with fan switches matched to the original motor amp ratings and not to support any increased amp draw from additional motor installations. Besides, this type of tampering voids any original manufacturer’s warranty.
How high should I mount my hood above my stove?
Reference each hood’s installation specifications for exact measurements, since each manufacturer will vary.
Is a cabinet above the hood required to mount an under-cabinet range?
Hoods that mount to the wall typically need something to attach to. Whether it’s a cabinet or a type of “cubby,” you’ll need to secure the range hood to something.
Are hood extensions available for hoods mounted to higher ceilings over an island stove?
Yes. We offer a number of extension kits from manufacturers like Zephyr, Broan, Cavaliere-Euro, Windster, and Kobe. Just search for “hood extension.” If this doesn’t work for you, most metal fabricators should be able to custom make one for you, usually at a pretty reasonable price.
Is a cabinet above the hood required to mount an under-cabinet range?
Hoods that mount to the wall typically need something to attach to. Whether it’s a cabinet or a type of “cubby,” you’ll need to secure the range hood to something.
May I remove the range hood controls and mount them remote from the range hood?
Not recommended, since altering the product voids manufacturer’s warranty. We do offer several hoods with remote controls.
Do you carry any protective liners for a vent hood insert?
Fujioh and Zephyr both offer custom hood liners. Alternatively, you can find a metal fabricator in your area to design a liner for your range hood, especially if local building codes require one.
Is the hood width the actual advertised measurement?
The width is the actual outside measurement of the hood, and nominal width is the space you have available for the hood. For example, if you have a 30” space, you’d look for a range hood with a 30” nominal width.
Products you will find in this category are: range hoods, kitchen hoods, Vent Hoods
