You’re shopping for a range hood when you find the perfect one for your kitchen. It has the right features, it matches your décor, and it’s everything you’ve been looking for. There’s just one small (literally) problem: it’s too small for your cooktop. Is that a big deal?
Actually, yes, it is. If the range hood is too small, it will not function the way you need it to. It will run too hard for too long and will only do half the work of a larger range hood that could clear out your kitchen in half the time. This leads to wasted resources and a higher energy bill to run equipment that ultimately is not a great match for your kitchen.
With decades of experience in HVAC installations and maintenance, our team at Ambient Edge has the wisdom necessary to advise you on which range hood is the right hood for your kitchen. We can also install it for you at an affordable price. Give us a call today to learn more and to schedule your free consultation.
Types of Range Hoods
If you’re disappointed to find that the range hood you had your eyes on is too small for your cooktop, fear not! There is a wide variety of different range hoods out there, and you just may find another one you like that better fits your cooktop.
A brief summary of the possible options available to you include:
- Under-Cabinet Hoods
- Chimney Hoods
- Wall Mounts
- Downdraft Hoods
- Pro Hoods
- Island Hoods
- Range Hood Inserts
We can discuss these options with you to help you find one that fits.
Failing that, we can also help you design a custom range hood. With a custom range hood, you can tell us all the features you fell in love with in that too-small hood and we can create a hood that has all those features and fits your cooktop! Give us a call today, and let’s talk about it.
Size and Space
When you buy a range hood, you want to be sure you select one that has the ventilation capabilities necessary to properly clear out your kitchen. Ideally, you want to select a range hood that is at least as wide as your cooktop, though you should also have at least three extra inches on each side.
Most residential kitchens do well with range hoods that fall in the 30- to 36-inch range. The type of cooktop you have is also important with respect to where you should install the range hood. After all, a range hood’s location also has a significant impact on its performance.
You’ll want to leave 20 to 24 inches of space between your cooktop and your range hood if your cooktop is electric. If you have a gas cooktop, then you’ll want to leave 24 to 30 inches of space between your range hood and your cooktop.
Range Hood Power
The power of the range hood also affects how much ground it can cover. We measure a range hood’s power in CFM, otherwise known as cubic feet per minute. We make sure your range hood is right for your cooktop by calculating how many total BTUs your ranges put out. Then, we use the total number of BTUs to help you find the right CFM for your kitchen.
To Vent or Not to Vent
When you’re shopping for a range hood, something else you may want to consider is whether you want a vented or non-vented option. Generally, if you want to install a ducted range hood, you need to have the duct to attach it. If you don’t, you’ll have to consider adding on the installation of the ductwork as well to the overall cost and setup.
Ducted range hoods are more effective than ductless range hoods, but if you don’t have the cooking needs that call for one, then it’s a waste – especially if you have to re-do your entire kitchen to make it fit. On the contrary, though, you can always choose to re-do your kitchen anyway, and then the size of the range hood doesn’t matter if you ultimately choose to replace your cooktop.
Having Trouble Finding the Right Range Hood for Your Cooktop? Talk to the Experts at Ambient Edge!
It is important that you install a kitchen hood that adequately ventilates your kitchen and removes the smoke, grease, and heat that can lead to a fire hazard. It’s also great for removing stubborn odors from spicy or fishy dishes. But it can’t do a great job unless it’s the right size for your cooktop.
At Ambient Edge, we can help you find the right range hood for your budget and, failing that, we can help you build a customized range hood that fulfills your kitchen’s needs. Give us a call today, and let’s work together to make your kitchen one of your favorite rooms in the house!