Match the hood size to your cooktop width

A range hood must be at least as wide as your cooktop, and ideally 3 to 6 inches wider on each side. If your cooktop is 30 inches wide, your hood should be 36 to 42 inches. This overlap matters because cooking smoke and steam spread outward as they rise—a hood that is too narrow will miss the edges and leave grease and odor in your kitchen.

Measure your cooktop width first, then look at hood dimensions in the product listing or on the manufacturer's website. Most hoods come in standard widths: 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches. If your cooktop is an unusual size, you may need to order a custom hood or choose the next size up and accept that it will overhang slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your hood should be 3 to 6 inches wider than your cooktop on each side to capture smoke and steam effectively.
  • CFM (cubic feet per minute) should be roughly 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU of cooktop power, or at least 150 CFM for electric ranges.
  • Ducted hoods vent outside and remove odor completely; ductless hoods filter and recirculate air, which is easier to install but less effective.
  • Noise levels above 65 decibels can be intrusive during normal cooking, so compare sound ratings before buying.
  • Mounting style—under-cabinet, wall-mounted, or island—depends on your kitchen layout and must be decided before installation.

Calculate CFM based on your cooktop power

CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how much air the hood pulls through per minute. A hood with too little CFM will not clear smoke and odor; one with too much will create unnecessary noise and waste energy. The right CFM depends on what you cook and how powerful your cooktop is.

For gas cooktops, use this rule: 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU of cooktop output. If your cooktop is 40,000 BTU total, aim for 400 CFM. For electric cooktops, which produce less heat and smoke, 150 to 200 CFM is usually enough. If you cook with high heat frequently or have a large kitchen with high ceilings, add 50 to 100 CFM to account for air dispersal. Check your cooktop's BTU rating in the manual or on the manufacturer's website.

The CFM rating is listed on the hood's product page. Do not confuse it with "sone" (a noise measurement) or "watts" (power consumption). Some manufacturers list CFM at different settings—look for the maximum CFM, which is what the hood can deliver at full speed.

Decide between ducted and ductless hoods

A ducted hood vents air outside through a duct that runs through your wall, ceiling, or cabinet. It removes smoke, steam, and odor completely from your kitchen. A ductless hood (also called recirculating) filters the air through a charcoal filter and blows it back into the kitchen. Ductless hoods are easier to install because they do not require ductwork, but they are less effective at removing odor and moisture.

Ducted hoods are the better choice if you cook frequently, use high heat, or want to eliminate cooking smells entirely. They also remove moisture, which helps prevent mold and condensation on cabinets. Ductless hoods work best in apartments or rental kitchens where you cannot modify walls, or in kitchens where ductwork is impractical. Keep in mind that ductless hoods require charcoal filter replacements every 3 to 6 months, which adds to the cost over time.

If you choose a ducted hood, you will also need to decide on duct diameter (usually 6 or 8 inches) and route. An 8-inch duct is more efficient and quieter than a 6-inch duct, but it takes up more space. Talk to a contractor or HVAC technician if you are unsure whether your kitchen can accommodate ductwork.

Compare noise levels in decibels

Range hoods produce noise, and the difference between models is significant. Noise is measured in decibels (dB). A hood rated at 60 dB is noticeably quieter than one at 70 dB—in fact, a 10 dB increase sounds roughly twice as loud to your ear. Most people find hoods above 65 dB annoying during normal conversation or cooking.

Check the noise rating on the product page, usually listed as "dB at full speed" or "maximum noise level." Quieter hoods (55 to 60 dB) cost more but are worth it if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Factors that affect noise include motor quality, duct diameter, and whether the hood has vibration dampening. Larger CFM hoods tend to be louder, so if you are choosing between two models with similar CFM, pick the one with the lower dB rating.

Choose a mounting style that fits your kitchen layout

Range hoods mount in three main ways: under-cabinet, wall-mounted, and island. An under-cabinet hood fits inside the cabinet space above your cooktop and is the most common choice for kitchens with cabinets. It is compact and does not take up visual space, but it limits how tall your hood can be. An island hood (also called a ceiling-mounted hood) hangs from the ceiling above a cooktop in the middle of the kitchen. It requires ductwork to run through the ceiling and is more expensive to install, but it looks modern and works well in open kitchens. A wall-mounted hood sits on the wall above a cooktop that is against a wall and can be larger and more powerful than under-cabinet models.

Your kitchen layout determines which style is possible. If your cooktop is under cabinets, you must use an under-cabinet hood. If your cooktop is on an island, you need an island hood. If your cooktop is against a wall with no cabinets above, a wall-mounted hood is your option. Before you buy, measure the space where the hood will go and confirm that the model you want will fit.

Check filter type and replacement costs

All hoods have filters that trap grease and odor. Baffle filters are curved metal pieces that separate grease from air; they are washable and last the life of the hood. Mesh filters are flat metal screens that also trap grease; they are washable but wear out faster than baffle filters. Charcoal filters are used in ductless hoods and absorb odor; they cannot be washed and must be replaced every 3 to 6 months.

If you choose a ducted hood with baffle or mesh filters, you will only need to wash them occasionally (usually every 1 to 3 months, depending on how much you cook). If you choose a ductless hood, budget for charcoal filter replacements. A replacement charcoal filter costs between $20 and $60, depending on the brand. Over five years, that adds up. Check the product page to see what filters come with the hood and what replacements cost before you buy.

Look at control options and lighting

Range hoods come with different control types: push-button, slide control, or touch controls. Push-button controls are straightforward and reliable. Slide controls let you adjust speed smoothly. Touch controls are modern but can be harder to clean if they are flush with the hood surface. All three work well—choose based on what feels easiest to use in your kitchen.

Most hoods include built-in lighting above the cooktop. Look for LED lights, which last longer and use less energy than halogen bulbs. Check how many lights the hood has (usually one or two) and whether they are bright enough for your cooktop. Some hoods have dimmable lights, which is useful if you want to adjust brightness. Lighting is a small detail, but poor lighting makes cooking harder, so do not overlook it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my kitchen does not have space for ductwork?

A ductless hood is your option. It will filter and recirculate air instead of venting outside. You will need to replace the charcoal filter every few months, and it will not remove moisture as effectively as a ducted hood, but it will reduce cooking odors and smoke. Make sure the CFM is high enough for your cooktop.

Can I install a range hood myself?

Under-cabinet hoods can often be installed by a homeowner if you are comfortable with basic tools and electrical work. Wall-mounted and island hoods usually require professional installation because they involve ductwork and may require electrical wiring. Check the manual for installation difficulty before you buy, and hire a contractor if you are unsure.

How often do I need to clean the filters?

Washable filters (baffle and mesh) should be cleaned every 1 to 3 months if you cook frequently, or every 3 to 6 months if you cook occasionally. Charcoal filters in ductless hoods cannot be cleaned and must be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Check the manual for your specific hood.

Does a bigger CFM always mean better performance?

Not necessarily. A hood with CFM matched to your cooktop power will perform well and be quieter than an oversized hood. An oversized hood will be louder and waste energy. Match CFM to your cooktop's BTU output rather than buying the highest CFM available.

What is the difference between a range hood and a microwave with a built-in hood?

A microwave hood is a compact unit that combines a microwave and a hood in one. It is useful in small kitchens but usually has lower CFM and less powerful ventilation than a standalone hood. If you cook with high heat or frequently, a standalone hood is more effective.