Shopping for a kitchen hood can be pretty challenging, particularly if you want a perfect range hood to install over the cooking range. For instance, it must have the right features and should match the aesthetics of the kitchen. In addition, you need to be extremely particular about the size because it can directly influence the ventilation. So, are you ready to check out more details?
Range Hood Is Smaller Than Cooktop – What Does It Mean?
When it comes down to purchasing a range hood, many people wonder if a smaller range hood is a big deal. Honestly, it is a big deal because if the range hood is smaller as compared to the cooktop, it won’t work properly. For instance, it will operate too much, which means it will wear down quickly. In addition to this, it will negatively influence the functionality as the ventilation won’t be on point. Having said that, it will result in a higher energy bill and wasted resources.
According to the experts, the hood range should be sized according to the cooktop. In fact, the hood can be three inches longer on both sides to make sure there are no compromises on functionality. Usually, the range hood is 30 inches or 36 inches wide. To achieve the best performance, you must use a range hood that’s over 24 inches away from the electric cooktop stove. On the other hand, if you are using a gas cooktop stove, the range hood must be 30 inches away.
Selecting The Range Hood That Fits
At this point, it’s clear that the range hood should be wider than the cooktop stove. However, you need to be particular about the type of range hood as well. Some types of range hoods include chimney hoods, downdraft hoods, wall-mounted hoods, under-cabinet hoods, island hoods, pro hoods, and range hood inserts. Keep in mind that the size of hoods depends on the type of range hood, which is why you must analyze the available options.
Selecting The Right Size
When you purchase the range hood, it’s important to select the one that has enough ventilation to clear out the kitchen. It is suggested to choose the range hood that’s as wide as the cooktop range, particularly three inches wide on both sides. For the most part, the residential kitchens are 30-inch to 36-inch wide and don’t forget to leave a few inches of space between the range hood and cooktop range to make sure there is enough ventilation.
Selecting The Power
Now that you are clear on the size and installation of the range hood, you need to consider the power as well. This is because the power of the hood can directly impact how much ground it will cover in addition to its width. The power of the range hood is measured in CFM, which is respective to the BTUs of the stovetop. It is better that you talk to the range hood manufacturers to determine the correct power according to the stovetop’s size and heating capacity.