When it comes to the installation process, the mounting height of the range hood is one aspect you just have to get right. If the vent hood height over cooktop is short, the hood will become stained and damaged quickly.
Conversely, a height too far will not remove the odor, smoke, and grease efficiently enough. But what is the accurate range hood mounting height?
Shrug off your worries because we already did the homework for you, and here, we will provide you with the details you need. So let's get started right away!
Table of Contents
Things to Consider While Determining the Mounting Height
The functionality and longevity of your hood largely depend on the distance between range and hood. Hence, before you fix the mounting height, you need to consider some factors to make the installation perfect. Here are the things you need to keep in mind while determining measurement.
Type and Height of Your Stovetop
As we mentioned, the type of your stovetop will be one deciding factor of the mounting height. If you have a gas stovetop, it will require a higher height than an electric stovetop.
You must go through the installation manual beforehand as the required mounting type and height are different for gas stoves and electric stoves. To ensure that no one gets hurt by the edge of your hood, the distance between the floor and top of the stove should also be considered.
Location and Mount Type of Your Range Hood
The location of your hood will decide how high the range hood above the stove should be placed. Typically, if you're placing it outdoor, the distance should be greater in comparison to the indoor hoods to prevent damage by high flames.
As the indoor stovetops need high-intensity heat, the hood should be placed closer to the stove for efficient cooking.
In the same manner, Island hoods have to cover a larger cooking area and, therefore require a higher distance than the wall mount hoods. So don't forget to check your mounting type and location while evaluating the optimum height.
The Power of Your Range Hood
Cubic feet per minute or CFMis the measurement unit of the power and air activity of a range hood. CFM rating plays a crucial role in the performance of your range hood and primarily depends on the location and height of your vent hood.
If your hood has a low CFM rating, consider placing it closer to the stovetop to get rid of the smoke quickly. Range hoods with greater CFM ratings should better be placed distantly as these hoods have promising suction power and efficiency.
Kitchen Size and Usage
Smaller kitchens have less space for the placement of a range hood. So, the hood should be placed in a close and convenient location so that you can get the best out of it. In contrast,, larger kitchens are best to be paired with distantly placed hoods.
If you're used to deep frying and cooking exotic dishes frequently, your hood will need more power and more intensity. Hence, the range hood height above the stove should be short to ensure maximum heat. For minimal cooking routines, the hood can be placed more distantly.
How High Should a Range Hood Be from the Stove?
The simple answer is a minimum of 24 inches or 61 centimeters of clear space must be present between the stovetop and range hood. As for the maximum space, 36 inches or 91.4 centimeters of distance will be ideal for most range hoods.
Keep in mind that, the minimum distance is evaluated by many professional safety tests so you must maintain it for ensured safety.
Now, bear with me if you want more accurate numbers for your range hood type.
Gas Stovetop
The range hood height above gas stove should be a minimum of 25 inches and a maximum of 30 inches.
Electric Stovetop
A range hood height above electric stove should be a minimum of 20 inches and a maximum of 25 inches.
Indoor Installation
A minimum of 28 inches and a maximum of 32 inches is the standard range hood height for indoors.
Outdoor Installation
A minimum of 30 inches and a maximum of 36 inches is the standard range hood height for outdoors.
Under Cabinet and Wall Mount
The optimum distance between the hood and stovetop should be from 27 inches to 30 inches for this type of mounting.
Island Mount
The optimum distance be between the hood and stovetop should be from 30 inches to 36 inches for island mounting.
What Happens If the Mounting Height Is Too Short?
Well, there are some legit reasons behind determining the perfect mounting height of your range hood above the cooktop.
Let's take a look at what problems may happen if you don’t follow the rules carefully.
Damage
Range hoods, in general, produce a high amount of heat. This heat mingles with the heat of your cooktop and causes drastic damage to the stainless steel body and internal particles of the hood. The heat can also damage your skin if you somehow touch it accidentally.
Stain
As the range hood suck in the oil and grease of your kitchen, it requires a monthly cleaning. But, if the range hood is too close to your stovetop, it will get greasy and oily, causing permanent stains, and you might have to clean the hood more frequently.
Lesser Space
If the hood is placed too low, it will cause discomfort while working. The stainless steel edges can cut your skin, and you can bump into the hood canopy anytime. Sufficient space is crucial for an improved cooking experience, and you should not discount it at any cost.
What Happens If the Mounting Height Is Too Long?
Here are the issues you may have to face if the mounting height is too long:
Less Efficiency
A range hood placed too far from your stovetop will not clean your kitchen air efficiently, no matter how powerful the motor is. The suction power from a long distance will be incredibly low, and most of the airborne pollutants and fumes will stay inside your kitchen for a long time.
Motor Damage
When you don't get the optimum performance at a normal speed, it's normal to opt for a higher speed to clean the cooking space quickly.
But, you have to maintain the high speed all the time for a distantly placed good which eventually reduces the longevity of your motor. Plus, high speed requires more power, so your electricity bill will be sky-high.
Grease
As the range hood decreases efficiency, more and more grease will remain inside your kitchen. All the grease and oil will take place in your kitchen wall, causing dirty stains all over it.
Final Thoughts
So there you have everything you need to know on range hood mounting height. We provided you with every little detail so that you don't have to bang your head against the wall after a wrong installation. With our guide, you will do it right like a pro.
Read Relevant Blog:
- Installing Under Cabinet Ductless Range Hood
- Wiring A Range Hood To A Plug
- Venting a Range Hood Through A Roof