How to Choose a Ventilation Hood | Complete Kitchen Remodel

Hood vents might not be the first thing that comes to mind when upgrading a kitchen. Most homeowners only think about them when frying bacon or when the kitchen gets a little smoky. But the truth is, your hood vent is more than just an afterthought—it’s a crucial part of your kitchen. Not only does it play a significant role in your kitchen’s design, but it’s also essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. 

If you're considering a complete kitchen remodel, don't overlook this important detail. Make sure you contact experienced experts and ensure every aspect of your space is just right.

How do I choose the right vent hood?

The kitchen’s venting system helps remove excess moisture and harmful fumes, like smoke, from your home, ensuring you’re not breathing them in and preventing moisture buildup that could lead to issues like mold and mildew. 

To make sure you get exactly what you need, keep this in mind:

Make your choice based on design

Let's be honest: looks matter! So, let’s dive into your design options

• Height: Ideally, the distance between your stovetop burners and the hood vent filters should be between 30 and 36 inches. There are exceptions for under-cabinet models and microwave hoods, which might be a bit shorter. Keep in mind, the farther the vent is from the stovetop, the less effective it will be at capturing moisture, gasses, and aromas, which can then spread into the rest of your living space.

If you are tall - take this 36-inches into consideration since the vent will be more likely to be in your line of sight when cooking. Consider raising the countertops a bit - which can partially remedy the vent obstruction, not to mention improve the ergonomics of your design.

• Capture area: The capture area, or the footprint of the hood, usually matches the dimensions of your stovetop, covering the entire width and at least the back burners and part of the front ones. This is where your kitchen designer will help you choose a style that complements your overall design—whether you’re going for traditional, transitional, or contemporary. Your capture area can be substantial with decorative details for a traditional look, or it can be sleek and nearly invisible for a minimalist, modern vibe.

Selecting the Right Vent by Function

Remember, your kitchen venting system plays a key role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality, so its function should be a top priority.

A vent’s performance is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFMs). The CFMs should be suited to the size of your stovetop—larger burners and more frequent cooking will require higher CFMs. Electric stovetops usually need lower CFMs than gas ones since there are no gas fumes to manage.

The blower is crucial because it’s what pulls the moisture, fumes, and odors out of your home. Blowers can be installed in one of three ways:

• In the hood body: This is the loudest option but also usually the most affordable.
• Inline blower: Installed in the ducts above the hood, typically in the attic or between ceiling joists, this option is quieter. If you have a long or complex duct system, consider adding an inline blower for extra power.
• External blower: These are the quietest and cleanest but also the most expensive and require more complex installation. They’re vented through your roof or an exterior wall, away from main pathways or outdoor living spaces.

Depending on your HVAC system and/or local building code requirements, you may also be required to install a make-up air system to replace vented air with fresh, exterior air. Take a little extra time to research these "afterthoughts that shouldn't be" to make sure you select the kitchen hood vent that makes the most sense for your kitchen's design and function.

Thinking about a complete kitchen remodel? Kitchen Magic can help!

Choosing the right hood vent is crucial for both the look and functionality of your kitchen. Whether it’s finding the perfect design or deciding on the best blower type, there are many details to consider. That’s where we come in. As kitchen remodeling experts, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your space. If you’re ready to get started, schedule a free consultation with us, and let’s bring your kitchen vision to life!