How To Choose a Vent Hood

Posted June 23, 2023

When it comes to upgrading or remodeling your kitchen, vent hoods may not be the first appliance that comes to mind, but they shouldn't be overlooked. A vent hood not only makes cooking more comfortable, but it also plays a crucial role in improving the quality of your indoor air. If you're wondering whether you need a vent hood and how to choose the right one, keep reading to find out.

What is a vent hood?

A vent hood, also known as a range hood, is an enclosed fan mounted above your stove or cooktop. Its primary purpose is to circulate air in your kitchen, effectively removing smoke, grease, steam, and even carbon monoxide.

In addition to preventing the buildup of heat, a vent hood can also eliminate cooking odors, making your kitchen a more pleasant space. In modern homes with excellent insulation, proper ventilation is more important than ever for removing pollutants, grease, humidity, and odors.

Using a vent hood to circulate hot air can significantly improve the comfort of your kitchen while potentially helping you save on energy bills. By getting rid of steam, a vent hood can also prevent humidity issues that could damage paint, appliances, and furniture in your kitchen. If you have a gas stove, a vent hood’s ventilation system is especially crucial due to the heat and potential release of pollutants into your indoor air.

How To Choose a Vent Hood

When selecting a vent hood, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of vent hood, fan capacity, and features. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Types of Vent Hoods

•Ducted Vent Hood: Ducted vent hood use a fan to push air to the exterior of your home.

•Ductless or Non-Vented Vent Hood: Operating as a closed system, ductless models use a filter to clean the air, which is then recirculated in your kitchen.

•Under-Cabinet Range Hood: Under-cabinet range hoods are convenient appliances that can be attached underneath an existing kitchen cabinet.

•Wall-Mounted Vent Hood: Secured directly to the wall above your range, wall-mounted hoods offer a sleek and functional design.

•Ceiling-Mounted Vent Hood: Ceiling-mounted vent hoods are mounted on the ceiling as the name implies. They are Ideal for kitchen islands with freestanding ranges.

Vent Hood Fan Capacity

The built-in fan of your vent hood should be powerful enough to clear your kitchen of heat, odors, and smoke. The fan's capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), indicating how much air it can move per minute.

For electric stoves, a general guideline is to choose a fan with 100 CFM per 2.5 inches of stove width. For example, a 30-inch stove would require a 250 CFM fan.

For gas stoves, calculate the total BTU of each burner and divide that number by 100 to determine the minimum CFM capacity needed. For instance, if you have a gas stove with four burners, each with a rating of 7,000 BTU, you would need a 280 CFM vent hood fan.

Vent Hood Features

Modern vent hoods come with various innovative features to enhance your kitchen experience. Some notable ones include:

•LED Lighting: Many vent hoods now include built-in LED lighting, providing bright and energy-efficient illumination for your cooking area.

•Smart Controls and Sensors: Certain models offer smart controls and sensors that can detect increases in temperature, automatically adjusting the fan speed for optimal ventilation.

•Combination Appliances: If space is a concern, you can find under-cabinet hoods that combine a microwave with a built-in vent hood, saving valuable countertop space.

•Unique Designs: Unique Designs: Explore advanced designs like the lift downdraft vent hood from Zephyr. This innovative appliance fits behind your cooking surface and retracts into the space behind your stove when not in use, offering a sleek and space-saving solution.

Vent Hoods: What You Should Know

Why do I need a range hood in my kitchen?

A vent hood plays a crucial role in removing smoke, grease, steam, and pollutants from your kitchen, improving air quality and comfort while preventing odors and potential damage to your kitchen surfaces and appliances.

Are there different types of vent hoods available?

Yes, there are various types of vent hoods to choose from, including ducted vent hoods, ductless or non-vented models, under-cabinet range hoods, wall-mounted vent hoods, and ceiling-mounted vent hoods.

How do I determine the right vent hood fan capacity for my stove?

For electric stoves, select a fan with 100 CFM per 2.5 inches of stove width. For gas stoves, calculate the total BTU of each burner and divide by 100 to get the minimum CFM capacity required.

Where can I buy a range hood?

Queen City Audio Video & Appliances offers a range of vent hoods, including innovative models like the lift downdraft vent hood from Zephyr, as well as traditional under-cabinet options. Visit our store or website to explore our selection.

Is a range hood the same as a vent hood?

Yes, a range hood and a vent hood are interchangeable terms used to refer to the same appliance. They both serve the purpose of circulating air and removing cooking byproducts from your kitchen.

Do you need a vent hood for an electric stove?

Yes, it is recommended to have a vent hood for an electric stove. While electric stoves do not produce combustion byproducts like gas stoves do, they still generate heat, steam, and cooking odors that can linger in the kitchen.

Do range hoods need to vent outside?

Range hoods can be vented either outside or recirculated indoors, depending on the type of hood and your specific needs. Ducted or vented range hoods are designed to vent the air and cooking byproducts outside of your home, while ductless or non-vented hoods filter the air and recirculate it back into the kitchen

What is the best metal for range hoods?

Kitchen hoods come in a variety of materials such as stainless steel, copper, and zinc. However, stainless steel is the most common and popular option.

What is the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods?

Ducted range hoods are connected to a duct system and vent air outside, while ductless range hoods operate as a closed system, recirculating filtered air back into the kitchen. The main difference lies in how they handle airflow: ducted hoods vent outside, while ductless hoods don't.

Find The Perfect Vent Hood For Your Kitchen

Choosing the right vent hood for your kitchen can make a significant difference in kitchen ventilation, air quality, and overall cooking experience. At Queen City Audio Video & Appliances, we have been assisting customers like you in selecting the perfect home appliances since 1952. With our wide range of options and expert guidance, finding the ideal vent hood for your needs is easier than ever.

Conveniently located in Charlotte, Salisbury, Morganton, Greensboro, Monroe, Pineville, and Winston-Salem, our North Carolina stores are staffed with certified industry experts ready to help you make the best choice. Are you located outside of our store locations? No worries! We serve and deliver to additional areas as well.

We understand that each kitchen is unique, which is why we offer a diverse selection of top-notch brands and products to ensure you find exactly what you're looking for. With our flexible financing options and price match guarantee, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you'll get the best deals. Whether you're in need of a ducted range hood or a ductless model, we have you covered!