Types of Range Hoods

Range hoods, or exhaust hoods, are an important part of the kitchen. Not only can they visually enhance the room and complement the overall design, but they are essential, regardless of the shape, style, or size of your space.

So what kind of hood is the right one for your cooking range? How do you choose a range hood?

Choosing a Range Hood

There are a number of hood variations, and the type you need mainly depends on where your range is located and other design features—such as cabinet placement.

Types of Range Hoods

Popular types include:

Under-cabinet hood: Under-cabinet hoods mount to the bottom of the wall cabinet above the cooktop. They are one of the most popular types of range hoods.

Island hood: Island hoods hang from the ceiling over a kitchen island (or peninsula). They are the types of range hoods for ventilating when you have a cooking range on the island. Because island hoods don’t have cabinets alongside them to help funnel fumes, consider one that is at least six inches wider than the cooktop.

Chimney hood: Chimney hoods attach to the wall or ceiling above your hood. They have a flue that goes up the wall to the ceiling. They are ideal if there is no cabinetry.

Downdraft hood: Downdraft hoods are hidden but pop up when in use. These are also popular for island applications and good if you don’t want to have a hood hanging from the ceiling. Downdraft hoods aren’t installed behind ovens because they’re for use with cooktops.

Pro style hood: Pro style hoods are like under-cabinet hoods but are a bit bigger and more powerful. They are good options for people who do a lot of cooking (ideal for a chef’s kitchen design). They may be shaped a little different depending on the exhaust choice.

Expert Tip

When it comes to choosing a range hood, don’t size down. Bigger often is better for hoods. Any hood you consider should be at least as wide as the cooking surface it will be installed above. Also, it’s recommended to leave 18 – 30 inches of room between the hood and the stove burners.

Custom Kitchen Design

Do you need help with a custom kitichen design for your home in the Washington, DC metropolitan area? Jack Rosen can help. We design kitchens for homes throughout Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Stop by our showroom or contact us online to learn more!