Choosing the right size range hood is essential for maintaining a clean, healthy, and efficient kitchen environment. A properly sized hood doesn’t just complement your cooktop—it plays a critical role in removing smoke, grease, heat, and odors from your cooking space.
Mordern kitchen range hoods come in various materials, styles, and dimensions, and selecting the correct size can be confusing if you're not sure where to start. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or upgrading your ventilation system, understanding how wide, deep, and high your range hood should be is the first step to a better cooking experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about range hood sizing, so you can make an informed decision that fits both your kitchen and your lifestyle. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What size range hood do I need?”—you’re in the right place.
Explore our full range of hoods to discover the perfect fit for your kitchen.
What Are the Standard Range Hood Sizes?
Range hoods come in a variety of standard sizes to fit different cooktop and kitchen configurations. The most common widths are:
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24 inches – Suitable for compact kitchens or 24-inch cooktops.
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30 inches– The most common size, fitting most standard ranges.
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36 inches– Designed for larger cooktops and ranges.
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42 inches and above– For oversized cooking surfaces or professional-style ranges.
Depth typically ranges from 18 to 24 inches, depending on the design and model.
What Size Range Hood Do I Need?
The right range hood size depends on more than just aesthetics—it’s about matching your cooking habits, kitchen layout, and appliance dimensions. A proper ventilation ensures efficient smoke and odor removal, better air circulation, and improved kitchen safety. Below, we break down the essential measurements to consider before making your decision.
Width Recommendations
To ensure maximum efficiency, your range hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop. Ideally, it should be 3 inches wider on each side, giving you a hood that is 6 inches wider than the cooking surface. For example:
- For a 30-inch range, a 36-inch hood is ideal.
- For a 36-inch cooktop, opt for a 42-inch hood.
Depth Recommendations
The depth of your hood should cover the entire depth of your cooktop, generally between 20 and 24 inches. Wall-mounted and under-cabinet hoods should capture rising smoke, grease, and odors efficiently, which means a deeper hood is usually better.
Height Above the Stove
The optimal installation height depends on the type of hood:
- Wall-mounted and under-cabinet hoods: 24 to 30 inches above the cooktop.
- Island hoods: 30 to 36 inches above the cooktop.
Installing your hood too high may reduce its effectiveness, while placing it too low may pose safety risks or block your view.
How Far Can You Vent a Range Hood?
The distance you can vent a range hood depends on the duct size, power of the blower, and the number of bends in the ductwork. General recommendations include:
- Use the shortest, straightest duct route possible.
- Limit duct runs to 30 feet or less for best performance.
- Subtract 5 feet for each 90-degree turn and 2.5 feet for each 45-degree turn.
Also, ensure you’re using the correct duct diameter, typically:
- 6 inches for hoods under 400 CFM.
- 8 inches for hoods between 400–900 CFM.
- 10 inches or more for hoods over 900 CFM.
What Is the Best Distance for a Range Hood?
The ideal mounting height of the range hood, i.e. the vertical distance between the cooktop and the bottom of the hood, is critical for both performance and safety. If installed too low, the hood may interfere with your cooking or become a fire hazard. If placed too high, it may lose effectiveness in capturing smoke, grease, and odors.
As a general guideline:
- For electric cooktops, the recommended distance is 24 to 30 inches.
- For gas cooktops, which produce more heat and flames, a distance of 28 to 36 inches is typically advised.
These ranges help ensure optimal airflow while minimizing safety concerns. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific range hood model, as some high-powered or specialized units may have different requirements. Proper placement is key to maximizing your hood’s efficiency and keeping your kitchen clean and comfortable.
What Are the Different Sizes of Kitchen Hoods?
Range hoods come in a variety of sizes to suit different kitchen layouts and cooking needs. The most common widths are 30 inches and 36 inches, which match standard cooktop sizes, but there is a wide range of sizes depending on the type of range hood and how it is installed.
- Under-cabinet hoods are compact and space-saving, making them ideal for smaller kitchens. They are typically available in 24, 30, and 36 inches.
- Wall-mounted chimney hoods are a popular choice for open wall spaces and often come in 30, 36, or 42 inches. These hoods make a visual statement while offering strong ventilation.
- Island hoods, designed for cooktops installed in kitchen islands, are usually larger to accommodate more airflow in open spaces. Sizes generally range from 36 to 48 inches.
- Insert or liner hoods are built into custom cabinetry or mantels and can be tailored to fit unique design requirements, with widths ranging from 28 inches to 60 inches or more.
Ultimately, the size you choose should align with your cooktop dimensions and how often and intensively you cook. A kitchen hood that’s too small may fail to capture all the smoke and grease, while one that’s too large may be inefficient or overpowering for the space.
How to Measure for a New Range Hood
To ensure your new range hood functions efficiently and fits seamlessly into your kitchen layout, accurate measurements are key. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you measure correctly:
1. Measure the Width of Your Cooktop
Start by measuring your cooktop from left to right. Your range hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop. For improved performance, especially if you cook frequently or use high-heat settings, choose a hood that extends 3 inches beyond each side—totaling 6 inches wider than your cooktop.
2. Check Cabinet or Wall Space
If you're installing a wall-mounted or under-cabinet range hood, measure the available width between adjacent cabinets or walls. Ensure there’s enough room for the hood to sit comfortably, with proper clearance from cabinetry.
3. Measure the Installation Height
Measure the distance from the cooktop to the bottom of your range hood. Most hoods are installed 24 to 30 inches above electric cooktops and 28 to 36 inches above gas cooktops. Installing the hood too high can reduce its effectiveness, while too low may obstruct your view or pose a safety risk.
4. Measure Cooktop Depth
Measure the depth of your cooktop from front to back. Your hood should match or slightly exceed this depth to effectively capture smoke, steam, and grease from all burners.
Taking these steps ensures you select a hood that fits properly and performs reliably—no guesswork required.
Other Considerations for Range Hoods Besides Dimension
Choosing the right range hood goes beyond just dimensions. Several performance and design factors can dramatically affect your cooking experience. Here's what else you should consider:
Airspeed vs. Suction Power: Why Bigger CFM Isn’t Always Better
Many people mistakenly believe that a higher airflow (measured in CFM – cubic feet per minute) automatically means stronger suction. In reality, large CFM values simply mean more air is being moved—not necessarily that smoke or grease is being effectively captured. A high CFM unit without a proper capture design or fast airspeed may still allow cooking pollutants to escape into your kitchen.
Instead of focusing solely on CFM, prioritize airspeed—the velocity at which air moves. High airspeed is critical for locking in smoke, grease, and harmful particles right at the source, preventing them from spreading. That’s why CleaDeep uses innovative IQV (Inclined Quad-Vortex) technology, which combines high-velocity airflow with precision capture and low noise. This ensures oil smoke is intercepted instantly, even before it escape.
Ventilation Type: Ducted vs. Ductless
There are two main types of range hoods:
Ducted (Vented): These channel air outside and are more effective at removing smoke, heat, and odors.
Ductless (Recirculating): These filter the air and return it to the kitchen. While easier to install, they’re typically less powerful.
Tip: If your kitchen allows, opt for a ducted hood. If not, choose a ductless model with high-quality multi-layer filters, especially activated carbon filters for better odor removal.
Noise Level: Quiet Matters More Than You Think
Noise is often overlooked—but nobody wants a loud hood that disrupts conversation or mealtime.
High-CFM models can be noisy, especially on maximum settings.
Look for hoods with variable speed controls and a quiet mode.
Noise levels are measured in sones—a rating of 1–3 sones on low settings is considered quiet.
CleaDeep’s IQV technology balances high performance with whisper-quiet operation, so you enjoy power without the noise.
Style and Design: Aesthetics That Match Your Kitchen
Modern range hoods do more than ventilate—they help define your kitchen’s personality.
Choose a finish that complements your space, whether it's stainless steel for a sleek touch, matte black for contrast, or a custom panel for a seamless built-in look.
From bold wall-mounted chimney hoods to space-saving under-cabinet or fully concealed insert hoods, there’s a design to suit every kitchen layout.
Consider how the hood’s shape, material, and placement align with your kitchen’s style—whether minimalist, industrial, farmhouse, or classic.
The right hood enhances air quality, adds visual balance, and becomes an integral part of your kitchen’s overall design.
Find the Right Size Range Hood for Your Kitchen with CleaDeep
Choosing the right range hood isn’t just about size—it’s about matching performance to your cooking habits and kitchen layout. At CleaDeep, we focus on what really matters: efficient smoke capture, quiet operation, and sleek integration. Our range hoods feature advanced IQV technology for powerful, low-noise performance that fits seamlessly into any kitchen.
Not sure what size or style to choose? Start by considering your cooktop width, cooking frequency, and ventilation type. Then explore our range—designed to simplify installation while maximizing performance and aesthetic appeal.
