Kitchens get hot. Grease happens. Proper ventilation doesn’t just protect your health, it protects your cabinets, your paint, your lights and your sanity. They are required for both gas and electric/induction cooktops and ranges. Here’s a rundown of what you should consider in deciding what vent hood to go with.
How your kitchen is set up will determine what is possible. There are options for wall-mounted vent hoods, as well as under-cabinet inserts and even floating hoods for ranges or cooktops set in islands. There are also downdraft exhaust fans for situations where none of those will work.
High heat cooking means you’ll need better ventilation, so you should consider a higher CFM exhaust fan. If you use a wok for stir-fries regularly or broil fatty meats on high, you’ll want more power for less mess.
We typically source all our appliances at Ferguson, so we make sure to pull out the filters in the showroom to see how much of a fuss they are to remove and clean. Many modern pro-style hoods have dishwasher-safe filters, which is a lifesaver.
The specs for your range or cooktop will determine how high your vent hood needs to be. Your vent hood must be mounted at a height within the range in the specs of your range or cooktop to meet code.
Your cooktop or range will have a recommended CFM range for a vent hood. If you need a hood over 400 CFM, you’ll likely need something called a makeup air. This prevents your home from become a vacuum, by allowing fresh air in. Without a makeup air, the negative pressure can create backdrafting gas appliances, which can be a carbon monoxide risk, not to mention funky air quality and slamming doors. Makeup airs are connected to your vent hood, so they kick on when your exhaust fan kicks on.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It needs to be as functional as it is beautiful. Through careful space planning, our team can help you design a kitchen that works for entertaining and for everyday life.
Contact us today for a consultation and project estimate.
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