Kitchen Ventilation Buying Guide
A proper kitchen ventilation system is essential for maintaining clean air, controlling odors, and removing heat, smoke, and grease from your cooking area. Whether you’re replacing an old range hood or upgrading your entire kitchen, choosing the right ventilation system ensures both functionality and a stylish focal point.
This guide will walk you through the main types of kitchen ventilation systems, their key features, pros and cons, and what to consider before buying.
1. Ventilation Types
Wall Mount Hoods
Mounted to: The wall above a cooktop or range
Best For: Standard kitchen layouts with the cooktop against a wall
Pros
- Bold, stylish focal point in the kitchen
- Excellent ventilation performance and power options
- Available in many styles, from modern to traditional
Cons
- Requires ductwork through the wall or ceiling
- Takes up more visual space than other options
- May require removing cabinets to install
Island Hoods
Mounted to: The ceiling above a cooktop installed on an island
Best For: Open-concept kitchens with cooking islands
Pros
- Designed for open spaces - ventilates from all sides
Wide variety of designer finishes and shapes
Modern, high-end visual appeal
Cons
- Requires ceiling-mounted ductwork (more complex installation)
Can obstruct sightlines in open kitchens
Typically more expensive than wall-mount models
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
Mounted to: The underside of cabinetry above your cooktop
Best For: Traditional Kitchen layouts with cabinetry over the range
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design
Simple installation, especially in existing cabinetry
Often the most affordable hood type
Cons
- Compact, space-saving design
Simple installation, especially in existing cabinetry
Often the most affordable hood type
Hood Liners (Insert Hoods)
Mounted to: Inside a custom-built hood enclosure or cabinetry
Best For: Custom kitchen designs where aesthetics are a priority
Pros
- Blends seamlessly into custom cabinetry or mantels
Hidden design offers a clean, built-in look
Flexible size and power options for personalized setups
Cons
- Requires a custom enclosure (increased cost/design work)
Maintenance can be trickier if space is tight
Installation can be more involved
Downdraft Ventilation
Mounted to: Behind or next to the cooktop (retractable or built-in)
Best For: Minimalist kitchens or islands where the overhead hoods compatible
Pros
- Retractable design is nearly invisible when not in use
Doesn’t obstruct sightlines or lighting
Great solution for island cooktops with no overhead clearance
Cons
- Less effective at removing smoke/grease compared to overhead systems
Installation can be complex and may reduce cabinet space
Limited airflow power (not ideal for high-heat cooking)
2. Sizing and Installation Requirements
Before making your decision, make sure it fits in your kitchen setup.
Standard Ventilation System Sizes
Mounting Height Requirements (recommended mounting height above cooktop)
Under-Cabinet Hood: 20" - 24"
Wall Mount Hood: 24" - 30"
Island Hood: 30" - 36"
Downdraft Vent: Flush with cooktop surface or behind unit
Measure your space
Always measure width, height, and depth of your available space and surrounding area.
Connections and Requirements
3. Key Features to Consider
When comparing range hoods, pay attention to the following features:
Airflow Power (CFM)
Measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) - indicates how much air the hood can move
Typical Recommendations:
- 250 - 400 CFM for light cooking
- 400 - 700 CFM for daily cooking or small gas ranges
- 700+ CFM for high-output gas ranges or heavy frying
Noise Level
Lighting
Filter Type